If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what’s out there, or why it matters, this episode is for you.

I sat down with Dr. Dan Coe, an astronomer at Johns Hopkins’ Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) to talk about the origins of the universe, the search for extraterrestrial life, dark matter, and the role of AI in space science. We also explore something even bigger: how to find meaning in a universe where we often feel small.

At STScI—the operational home of both the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes—Dan helps unlock some of the deepest cosmic mysteries. He splits his time between studying distant galaxies with his team, Cosmic Spring, and supporting fellow astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRSpec instrument.

Our conversation began at STScI’s mission control and ended over beers at a local pub. Throughout, Dan brought not just insight, but kindness—a trait that turns out to be a theme in both his science and his worldview. Learn more about his work here.

Today, more than ever, we find ourselves in front of a camera—whether it’s a Zoom meeting at work, a video podcast, or content for social media. We live in a visual age, and if you don’t stand out on camera, your message may not reach your audience.

This episode explores how to show up effectively on camera and why it matters. I talk with my friend Anthony Thomas—actor, model, video podcast host, and YouTuber—who shares valuable tips to help anyone improve their on-camera presence. This conversation isn’t just for actors or public figures. In today’s world, the ability to engage on camera is essential for making an impact.

If you want to learn more about Anthony Thomas and his work, check out his Instagram profile, his YouTube page, Dynamic Daddy, or visit his website to learn more.

In 2022, I joined The Anthony Thomas Podcast to discuss my sci-fi thriller, The Empathy Academy. The novel follows a teenager, Montgomery Hughes, who infiltrates a controversial academy designed to genetically “correct” unethical behavior—only to discover a dark side to the ethics-intervention school.

What started as a guest appearance took an unexpected turn when, halfway through the episode, I flipped the script and began interviewing the host. At the time, I hadn’t seriously considered launching my own podcast, but that conversation planted the seed.

In this episode, you’ll get a glimpse into my creative process, including what inspired The Empathy Academy, how I develop fictional characters, and how curiosity fuels both my writing and podcasting.

If you want to read The Empathy Academy, you can grab a copy here. Want to learn more about Anthony and his work? Check out his Instagram profile, his YouTube page, Dynamic Daddy, or visit his website to learn more.