David Barron
Author of 'The Martians, the true story of an alien craze that captured turn-of America'. Expert on the history of Martian obsession.
Best podcasts with David Barron
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100 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 33min
A Man, a Plan, a Canal—Mars!
David Barron, science journalist and author of The Martians, gives a brisk tour of the late-19th/early-20th-century Martian craze and Percival Lowell’s role. He traces the origin of the famous canals, telescope limits and optical illusions. The story covers public spectacle, media hype, recantations by scientists, and parallels to modern misinformation.
97 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 26min
Going to Mars
Join space reporter Lauren Grush, known for her book on America’s first women astronauts, and author David Barron, who explores our fascination with Mars, as they delve into our cosmic neighbor's allure. They discuss the passionate political and public support for Mars missions, weighing humanity's aspirations against earthly challenges. The episode also uncovers the historical obsession with the red planet, from 19th-century maps to contemporary myths, and reflects on how visions of Martian civilizations shape our imagination and cultural narrative.
