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Why Are We Obsessed With Aliens? (With Becky Ferreira)

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Dec 15, 2025

Guest

Becky Ferreira

Becky Ferreira, a science reporter and author of *First Contact: The Story of Our Obsession with Aliens*, shares insights into humanity's enduring fascination with extraterrestrial life. She examines how narratives of aliens have evolved from ancient myths to modern media, and how events like UAP hearings shape public perception. Additionally, Becky discusses significant moments in astrobiology, the Fermi paradox, and the importance of responsible reporting on sensational claims. She also highlights promising astrobiological missions and reflects on our fascination with the unknown.

01:05:35

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Two Longstanding Camps: Hope vs Paradox

Two enduring camps arose after the scientific revolution: optimists and pessimists.
Optimists point to abundance; pessimists ask why we haven't seen evidence, foreshadowing the Fermi paradox.

insights

INSIGHT

Why The Silence Might Be Strategic Or Rare

The 'Dark Forest' idea argues civilizations hide to avoid hostile contact.
Becky finds the Rare Earth hypothesis personally most compelling among Fermi solutions.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

The 1830s Moon Hoax

Becky recounts the 1830s 'Great Hoax' where a penny press fabricated lunar inhabitants to sell papers.
John Herschel was falsely cited and spent years refuting the sensational story.

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Book angle: anthropology of alien obsession

01:00 • 1min

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Becky's personal interest and Kepler era

02:08 • 4min

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Generational waves of alien stories

05:52 • 4min

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Ancient myths versus modern alien ideas

10:21 • 5min

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Earliest alien tales and close human relatives

Religion, Copernicus, and theology of aliens

21:37 • 6min

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Giordano Bruno as a cosmic martyr

27:53 • 2min

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Optimists versus pessimists in science

29:53 • 3min

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Fermi paradox and Dark Forest idea

32:54 • 2min

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Media shapes alien panic and hoaxes

35:00 • 4min

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The Great Hoax and sensational penny press

39:00 • 1min

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Reporting responsibly on alien claims

40:17 • 3min

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UAP revelations as institutional story

43:24 • 7min

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Most promising missions: Mars sample return

50:35 • 3min

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Europa, Enceladus, and solar system prospects

53:11 • 2min

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Post-detection plans and Declaration of Principles

55:22 • 3min

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Lightning round: personal views on contact

58:37 • 4min

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Favorite alien fiction and closing thoughts

• Mentioned in 18 episodes

A Guide to the Perplexed

Dalalat al-Ha'irin

Maimonides

Maimonides' "Guide for the Perplexed" is a seminal work of medieval philosophy that attempts to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Jewish theology. The book addresses the challenges faced by those struggling to reconcile faith and reason, offering a framework for understanding religious texts allegorically rather than literally. It explores themes of prophecy, divine attributes, and the nature of reality, providing a sophisticated intellectual defense of religious belief. Its influence extended far beyond Jewish thought, shaping the intellectual landscape of the Middle Ages and beyond. The work remains relevant today for its exploration of the complex relationship between faith and reason.

#19138

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

True history

Lucian of Samosata

#14787

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Flying Saucers

This book provides a description

Carl Jung

This book provides a description

#134

• Mentioned in 146 episodes

The Three-Body Problem

Cixin Liu

Cixin Liu's 'The Three-Body Problem' is a critically acclaimed science fiction novel that blends hard science with compelling storytelling. The story follows a group of scientists who make contact with an alien civilization, leading to unforeseen consequences for humanity. Liu's intricate world-building and exploration of complex scientific and philosophical themes have earned him widespread recognition. The novel is known for its ambitious scope and its exploration of the potential challenges and dangers of encountering extraterrestrial life. It's a thought-provoking work that has captivated readers worldwide.

#2637

• Mentioned in 17 episodes

Story of Your Life

Ted Chiang

In 'Story of Your Life,' Ted Chiang tells the story of Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist recruited by the U.S. military to decipher the language of aliens who have landed on Earth. The narrative alternates between Louise's past interactions with the aliens, known as heptapods, and her future memories of her daughter. As Louise learns the heptapods' written language, Heptapod B, she begins to perceive time non-linearly, seeing all moments of her life simultaneously. This raises profound questions about free will, determinism, and the human experience of time. The story is a deep exploration of language, cognition, and the emotional impact of knowing one's future.

#18088

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

A Memory Called Empire

Arkady Martine

A Memory Called Empire, by Arkady Martine, is a captivating science fiction novel that blends political intrigue with cultural exploration. The story follows Mahit Dzmare, a diplomat sent to the Teixcalaanli Empire, a vast and complex civilization with a unique language and culture. Martine's world-building is intricate and immersive, creating a richly detailed setting that feels both alien and strangely familiar. The novel explores themes of identity, colonialism, and the power of language, all while maintaining a fast-paced and engaging plot. A Memory Called Empire is a thought-provoking and rewarding read for fans of science fiction.

#11357

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

First Contact

Michael Hardcastle

#1206

• Mentioned in 33 episodes

Cosmos

A Personal Voyage

Carl Sagan

In 'Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,' Carl Sagan takes readers on a journey through space and time, exploring the origins of the universe, the nature of stars and galaxies, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The book is a companion to the popular PBS television series of the same name and combines science, philosophy, and history to provide a broad perspective on the cosmos and humanity's place within it.

Humanity has talked about aliens throughout recorded history, and obsession that has changed science, faith, and media.

The past few years have been very exciting for those who want to believe. The U.S. government has released tantalizing videos and held several gripping hearings showing and discussing UFOs. People who always thought the government was hiding evidence of alien life from the general population saw it as proof that what they’ve said was happening all along. Skeptics have made compelling arguments for why all these revelations could be anything but aliens.

But this debate and humanity’s obsession with aliens goes as far back as recorded history. In her book, First Contact: The Story of Our Obsession with Aliens, 404 Media’s science reporter and author of The Abstract newsletter Becky Ferreira delves deep into this history, what it teaches us about humans, and what the near and far future of the search for alien life looks like.

I had a great time reading Becky’s book and an even better time discussing it with her on the podcast. It’s a great conversation that unpacks why these stories get so much attention, and a perspective on aliens in the news and pop culture that’s rooted in history and science.

YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/QToByEeq2vU

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