Hello, and welcome to the Origins podcast. I'm your host Lawrence Krause.

When I think of an individual who successfully merges science and culture, I'm hard-pressed to find a better candidate than Brian May.

He's, of course, the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Queen and one of the greatest

guitarists in the world, but he also holds a PhD in astrophysics and was on the science team for

the New Horizons mission to Pluto. Having had the opportunity to have a conversation with New

Horizon's team leader, Alan Stern, I asked Brian to take time out for a brief conversation as well.

I wanted to talk about his thoughts about the mission, but I also wanted to go back in time

and talk to Brian about what caused him to choose between fields and how he's navigated that choice.

I knew that Brian famously built his guitar with his father, and I wanted to talk about

how his tinkering as a young man with the electronics of guitars

may have spurred his interest in science, or vice versa.

I also knew of his other interest in science fiction and the science behind stereoscopes,

about which he's written several books.

The conversation was especially warm and enlightening,

and I hope it will be of interest not just for Brian May and Queen fans, but more generally

will provide new and exciting insights for all fans of science and culture. Patreon subscribers can

find the full video of this program and all our programs immediately upon the release at

patreon.com slash origins podcast.

I hope you enjoyed the show.

Brian, it's really nice to see you.

And thank you so much for having us as your guest

to allow us to come in here and have a chat.

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