Best SplashDown Podcasts (2025)

1
195 - "Splashdown" - The Roots of Ruin 1:16:51

12d ago1:16:51

1:16:51

The unrelenting force of death shows the heroes the true meaning of inevitability. *** Support us on Patreon! Patrons get access to weekly premium episodes, including behind-the-scenes insights into our game, spoiler-free specials featuring games-related chat, and tons more. Tabletop Gold is Lars Casteen, David Chernicoff, Zoe Chernicoff, R. Matt H…

1
SpaceX Makes Pacific Splashdown History, Space Station Module Reaches Arizona, and 65-Year-Old Satellite Keeps Watching 17:25

28d ago17:25

17:25

As private space ventures push new boundaries with polar orbits and Pacific Ocean landings, the future of space exploration balances precariously between commercial innovation and historical preservation. Today's achievements, from SpaceX's groundbreaking mission to Gateway's lunar aspirations, echo the pioneering spirit of Vanguard 1, which contin…

1
John McClane in Die Hard with Patrick O'Donnell 1:24:11

3d ago1:24:11

1:24:11

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 367) — Is John McClane a realistic cop or just an action hero with a badge? Yippee-ki-yay, history lovers, let's see if McClane would survive a real Internal Affairs review. Where to watch "Die Hard" now Helping us conduct a review of McClane from the entire Die Hard franchise is retired U.S. police sergeant Patrick…

1
196 - "Face & Eggs" - The Roots of Ruin 1:17:20

5d ago1:17:20

1:17:20

The heroes lick their wounds and wind up discovering a vital treasure in the loch. *** Support us on Patreon! Patrons get access to weekly premium episodes, including behind-the-scenes insights into our game, spoiler-free specials featuring games-related chat, and tons more. Tabletop Gold is Lars Casteen, David Chernicoff, Zoe Chernicoff, R. Matt H…

1
Signs of Life on Distant Planet, All-Female Space Mission Takes Shape, and Universe Might Be Spinning After All 17:19

16d ago17:19

17:19

As humanity pushes deeper into space exploration, today's discoveries challenge our understanding of both life and physics themselves. From potential biosignatures on a distant exoplanet to groundbreaking initiatives for gender equality in space exploration, we're expanding not just what we know, but who gets to discover it - all while grappling wi…

1
Troy with Neil Laird 1:04:37

17d ago1:04:37

1:04:37

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 366) — Homer’s "The Iliad" tells the story of the Trojan War, a tale brought to the big screen in the 2004 film "Troy." But with an ancient epic as its foundation—and Hollywood’s creative liberties—how much of the story is real? Where to watch "Troy" now In this episode, Neil Laird peels back the layers of myth and …

1
Women Make Space History, Private Rockets Disrupt Air Travel, and SpaceX Breaks Reuse Record 17:12

18d ago17:12

17:12

As the space industry reaches new milestones with the first all-female commercial spaceflight and record-breaking rocket reuse, these achievements bring both celebration and challenges. The surge in private space ventures is forcing a reimagining of how we manage our skies, while raising questions about accessibility, environmental impact, and the …

1
194 - "Not Dead Yet" - The Roots of Ruin 1:18:18

19d ago1:18:18

1:18:18

An ancient treasure vault reveals its horrifying defenses. *** Support us on Patreon! Patrons get access to weekly premium episodes, including behind-the-scenes insights into our game, spoiler-free specials featuring games-related chat, and tons more. Tabletop Gold is Lars Casteen, David Chernicoff, Zoe Chernicoff, R. Matt Humphreys, and Robin Lang…

1
NASA Faces Deep Budget Cuts, Star Devours Planet, and Katy Perry Heads to Space 18:15

21d ago18:15

18:15

As NASA grapples with unprecedented funding challenges threatening future discoveries, astronomers witness a cosmic reminder of mortality: a star consuming its own planet. Meanwhile, the growing commercialization of space takes an unexpected turn as pop star Katy Perry prepares to join an all-female space flight, highlighting how access to the cosm…

1
Light Sails Promise Interstellar Travel, Planet 9 Hunt Intensifies, and Pop Stars Eye Space Tourism 18:15

23d ago18:15

18:15

As scientists develop revolutionary light sail technology that could send spacecraft to distant stars, astronomers prepare to solve one of our solar system's greatest mysteries with the hunt for Planet 9. Meanwhile, the democratization of space takes an unexpected turn as musicians like Katy Perry join the growing ranks of civilian space travelers,…

1
Rare star system promises cosmic fireworks, China's satellite surge raises space junk fears, and Space Force shakes up launch providers 18:35

25d ago18:35

18:35

Today's discoveries and decisions are reshaping our relationship with space, from a nearby stellar time bomb that could help unlock universal mysteries to mounting concerns about orbital congestion. As government agencies and private companies jockey for position in the increasingly crowded space sector, their choices today could determine humanity…

1
SpaceX Dominates Military Space Race, Solar Power Takes to the Stars, and Ancient Nova Promises Celestial Show 17:08

26d ago17:08

17:08

As private companies reshape space exploration and defense, the lines between commercial enterprise and national security continue to blur in Earth's orbit. While SpaceX extends its reach with military contracts and satellite launches, new players like Aetherflux dream of harvesting the sun's power from space, all while nature prepares its own spec…

1
193 - "Certainly Not the Prime Directive" - The Roots of Ruin 1:15:05

26d ago1:15:05

1:15:05

The heroes run afoul of a bird with a mind-melting song. *** Support us on Patreon! Patrons get access to weekly premium episodes, including behind-the-scenes insights into our game, spoiler-free specials featuring games-related chat, and tons more. Tabletop Gold is Lars Casteen, David Chernicoff, Zoe Chernicoff, R. Matt Humphreys, and Robin Lange.…

1
SpaceX Dominates Military Space Contracts, Private Citizens Return from Polar Orbit, and SpinLaunch's Silent Struggle 16:56

27d ago16:56

16:56

As traditional aerospace giants face growing competition in the military launch sector, the space industry witnesses a dramatic power shift with SpaceX securing nearly $6 billion in defense contracts while simultaneously revolutionizing civilian space travel. The contrast between SpaceX's rising dominance and SpinLaunch's mysterious silence highlig…

1
Moon Dust Powers Future Space Cities, China's Space Race Heats Up, and NASA Fights Lunar Grime 18:02

29d ago18:02

18:02

As humanity reaches for the stars, the race to establish sustainable lunar settlements intensifies with groundbreaking innovations in moon-based solar power facing new geopolitical challenges. While scientists unlock the potential of lunar resources to power future space colonies, rising tensions between space powers highlight the delicate balance …

1
Space Force Plans Orbital Gas Stations, Giant Black Hole Warps Space, and Mars Hints at Ancient Life 17:32

30d ago17:32

17:32

As humanity extends its reach into space, today's stories showcase our growing ambitions and discoveries that challenge our cosmic understanding. From the Space Force developing orbital refueling capabilities to astronomers finding a monster black hole 30 billion times larger than our Sun, we're pushing technological and scientific boundaries, whil…

1
Black Hawk Down with Joshua Donohue 2:03:52

1M ago2:03:52

2:03:52

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 365) — Discover the behind-the-scenes story of Black Hawk Down, as historian Josh Donohue shares insights on the chaotic 1993 mission in Mogadishu. Learn what truly happened versus what Hollywood depicted. Subscribe to Josh's YouTube channel Josh has been on the podcast before to cover the historical accuracy of Thi…

1
SpaceX Launches New Satellites, Starliner's Near Miss Raises Safety Questions, and Polar Space Tourism Makes History 14:20

1M ago14:20

14:20

As private space companies push the boundaries of orbital missions, today's stories reveal both the promise and perils of our expanding cosmic frontier. From SpaceX's routine satellite deployments to a troubling incident aboard Boeing's Starliner, we explore how commercial spaceflight is transforming access to space while grappling with critical sa…

1
Space Force builds orbital aircraft carrier, SpaceX launches historic polar mission, and satellite Bluetooth aims to connect remote world 15:30

1M ago15:30

15:30

As space becomes the next military frontier, the U.S. Space Force is developing an orbital carrier that could reshape space defense, while commercial ventures push new boundaries in exploration and connectivity. From pole-to-pole missions to satellite-powered Bluetooth networks, today's innovations highlight how space technology is becoming increas…

1
European Space Dreams Crash, Private Firms Join Space Race, and Scientists Question Dark Energy 16:58

1M ago16:58

16:58

As Europe's bid for space independence faces a setback with a failed rocket launch, the landscape of space exploration is rapidly shifting with new players and partnerships emerging in both commercial and military sectors. Meanwhile, groundbreaking discoveries about dark energy's variable nature challenge our fundamental understanding of the univer…

1
192 - "Barbarian Doula" - The Roots of Ruin 1:25:53

1M ago1:25:53

1:25:53

A pair of bloodthirsty fish have the heroes on the line, and they are reeling them them in! *** Support us on Patreon! Patrons get access to weekly premium episodes, including behind-the-scenes insights into our game, spoiler-free specials featuring games-related chat, and tons more. Tabletop Gold is Lars Casteen, David Chernicoff, Zoe Chernicoff, …

1
Dark Energy Discovery Shakes Physics, Space Force Diversifies Launch Partners, and International Crew Heads to ISS 16:45

1M ago16:45

16:45

As scientists grapple with groundbreaking findings that challenge our understanding of the universe's expansion, the space industry sees major shifts in both military and civilian operations. The convergence of theoretical physics breakthroughs, evolving space defense strategies, and continued international cooperation in space exploration highligh…

1
NASA Names Diverse Space Crew, Private Companies Race to the Moon, and Crypto Giant Pays for Past Mistakes 16:11

1M ago16:11

16:11

As space exploration enters a new era of public-private collaboration, NASA's announcement of its most diverse crew yet coincides with unprecedented commercial activity on the lunar surface. The convergence of government space programs, private innovation, and financial settlements highlights how traditional boundaries - whether between nations in …

1
Mysterious Mars Rock Puzzles Scientists, Black Hole Leaves Trail of Baby Stars, and Neptune's Light Show Revealed 18:32

1M ago18:32

18:32

From the red plains of Mars to the depths of intergalactic space, scientists are uncovering new mysteries that challenge our understanding of the cosmos. As NASA's Perseverance rover examines an enigmatic pockmarked rock formation, astronomers track a runaway black hole creating stars in its wake, while Webb telescope's groundbreaking observation o…

1
Space Force Budget Cuts Spark Concern, AI Reshapes Space Exploration, and Scientists Race to Save Critical Lab 14:35

1M ago14:35

14:35

As geopolitical tensions rise in space, the U.S. grapples with competing priorities between military readiness and scientific advancement. Today's stories explore how budget decisions and technological innovations are reshaping America's space capabilities, while scientists fight to preserve crucial research infrastructure that underpins everything…

1
Einstein's Theory Faces New Challenge, Ancient Black Hole Speaks, and NASA's Moon Mission Takes Shape 17:14

1M ago17:14

17:14

From the depths of space to our cosmic backyard, scientists are rewriting our understanding of the universe today. As astronomers detect signals from a black hole that existed when the universe was in its infancy and question Einstein's foundational theories, NASA engineers are preparing for humanity's return to the Moon - each discovery and missio…

1
Europe launches new rocket amid space race, China sets spacewalk record, and Mars reveals its longest organic molecules 17:35

1M ago17:35

17:35

As nations vie for space dominance, Europe's push for autonomous launch capabilities and China's growing space presence highlight the intensifying global competition beyond Earth's atmosphere. Meanwhile, the discovery of complex organic molecules on Mars adds a cosmic perspective to humanity's quest to understand its place in the universe, suggesti…

1
Saturn's Rings Vanish from View, NASA Astronauts Return Home, and Northern Lights Put on Weekend Show 17:57

1M ago17:57

17:57

As Saturn's iconic rings temporarily disappear from Earth's view in a rare cosmic dance, humanity's own space endeavors mark pivotal moments with astronauts completing a marathon mission and solar activity promising spectacular auroras. These celestial events, both natural and human-made, remind us of our evolving relationship with space, while hig…

1
191 - "We're Gonna Need a Bigger Gnome" - The Roots of Ruin 1:09:27

1M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

A mission to discover secrets sends the heroes to the shores of a murky lake, but perhaps the deadliest secrets are lurking just below its surface! *** Support us on Patreon! Patrons get access to weekly premium episodes, including behind-the-scenes insights into our game, spoiler-free specials featuring games-related chat, and tons more. Tabletop …

1
Saturn's Rings Vanish from View, Northern Lights Dance South, and Solar Power Beams Through Space 16:13

1M ago16:13

16:13

This weekend's cosmic spectacle reminds us how Earth's perspective shapes our view of the universe, from Saturn's disappearing rings to enhanced auroras lighting up unexpected skies. Meanwhile, as nature puts on its celestial show, human innovation pushes boundaries with breakthrough solar power beaming technology that could reshape how we harness …

1
Space Power Revolution Beams Forward, NASA Navigates Starliner's Future, and Webb Telescope Unlocks Gas Giant Secrets 17:48

1M ago17:48

17:48

As humanity pushes the boundaries of space technology, from beaming solar power across distances to managing commercial spacecraft safety, our understanding of the cosmos deepens in unexpected ways. Today's developments showcase how innovations in space infrastructure, from energy transmission to vehicle reliability, are evolving alongside our abil…

1
Space Race Heats Up, Europe Challenges SpaceX's Dominance, and Ancient Galaxy Holds Oxygen Secret 17:51

1M ago17:51

17:51

As SpaceX prepares for another milestone launch and European companies race to establish their own space presence, astronomers peer deeper into the cosmos revealing surprising discoveries about our universe's origins. From cutting-edge rocket technology to ancient oxygen signatures in distant galaxies, today's stories showcase humanity's expanding …

1
NASA Crew Returns to Earth, Dark Energy Challenges Einstein, and AI Powers Space Force Future 17:55

1M ago17:55

17:55

As humans push deeper into space exploration, our understanding of the cosmos continues to evolve in unexpected ways. From astronauts splashing down with groundbreaking research to findings that could reshape Einstein's fundamental theories, today's discoveries are transforming how we operate in space - including the military's embrace of artificia…

1
The Bridge on the River Kwai with Jon Parshall 1:17:59

2M ago1:17:59

1:17:59

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 364) — Acclaimed historian Jon Parshall separates fact from fiction in the classic film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and the brutal realities of the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II, also known as the Death Railway. We'll contrast the film's fictional Colonel Nicholson with his real-life counterpart Lieutena…

1
World's Largest Radio Telescope Peers into Deep Space, Private Companies Land on Moon, Space Debris Hits Record High 17:43

2M ago17:43

17:43

As humanity pushes deeper into space exploration with groundbreaking technology and private sector achievements, we're facing new challenges in managing our cosmic footprint. From Australia's massive radio telescope searching for the universe's origins to successful private lunar landings, these advances come as Earth's orbit grows increasingly cro…

1
NASA's Crew Handoff at Space Station, SpaceX Launches Military Eyes in Sky, and World's Largest Camera Ready to Map Universe 16:40

2M ago16:40

16:40

As one crew of space pioneers prepares to pass the torch aboard humanity's outpost in orbit, dozens of new satellites take flight to watch over Earth below. Meanwhile, in Chile, scientists install a revolutionary camera that promises to unveil the deepest mysteries of our cosmos, marking a pivotal moment in our quest to understand both our planet a…

1
190 - "Busted-Ass Garbage Muffins" - The Roots of Ruin 1:17:14

2M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

When the heroes look to the stars, they learn some disquieting truths about the distant past. *** Support us on Patreon! Patrons get access to weekly premium episodes, including behind-the-scenes insights into our game, spoiler-free specials featuring games-related chat, and tons more. Tabletop Gold is Lars Casteen, David Chernicoff, Zoe Chernicoff…

1
SpaceX Launches Military Satellites, NASA Moves Massive Moon Rocket, and Giant Space Camera Ready to Hunt Universe's Secrets 15:55

2M ago15:55

15:55

As private and government space programs accelerate their missions, today's developments showcase humanity's expanding reach beyond Earth. From SpaceX deploying defense satellites and ferrying astronauts to the ISS, to NASA preparing its next Moon mission and the installation of history's most powerful observatory camera, these milestones highlight…

1
Lunar Landing Stumbles, Mars Mission Eyes Vision Crisis, and Ancient Martian Life Hints Emerge 17:44

2M ago17:44

17:44

As humanity's latest lunar ambitions face technical setbacks with Athena's challenging landing, deeper space exploration confronts a persistent obstacle in astronaut vision problems that could derail Mars missions. Meanwhile, tantalizing evidence of ancient microbial life on Mars reminds us why we push through these challenges, offering glimpses of…

1
NASA Budget Crisis Looms, Mars Life Signs Intrigue Scientists, and India Flexes Space Muscle 17:20

2M ago17:20

17:20

As NASA faces potentially devastating budget cuts that could reshape America's role in space exploration, tantalizing new evidence of ancient life on Mars reminds us what's at stake in our quest to understand our cosmic neighborhood. Meanwhile, India's successful satellite operations and new commercial space developments signal a shifting balance o…

1
Space Race Heats Up with AI Missile Tracking, NASA's Double Mission Launch, and Ohio's Bold Bid for Space HQ 16:55

2M ago16:55

16:55

As nations vie for dominance in Earth's orbit with advanced AI and satellite technology, NASA pushes forward with ambitious missions to unlock the universe's deepest mysteries. While geopolitical tensions rise over China's expanding space presence, a surprising terrestrial battle unfolds as Ohio challenges Washington's grip on space administration,…

1
Satellite Giants Join Forces in Space Race, Space Force Seeks Commercial Partners, Saturn's Moon Count Skyrockets 17:19

2M ago17:19

17:19

As major satellite companies navigate unexpected alliances and military partnerships reshape space surveillance, astronomers reveal Saturn's growing lunar family is rewriting our understanding of the solar system. Today's developments highlight how the commercialization of space is colliding with scientific discovery, while raising questions about …

1
Space Industry Braces for Deal Wave, Quantum Theory Bridges Physics Gap, and NASA Embraces Private Partners 18:10

2M ago18:10

18:10

As the space sector prepares for a transformative surge in mergers and acquisitions, scientists may have finally cracked one of physics' greatest mysteries with a new quantum gravity theory that could reshape our understanding of the universe. Meanwhile, NASA's evolving relationship with private companies like SpaceX signals a new era in space expl…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

SplashDown Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen