FROM THE ARCHIVE: Problem Solving in Space (with Andy Weir)

About this episode

Dean chats with science fiction novelist Andy Weir about problem solving in space and updates on film adaptations of his works.

With the recent release of the "Project Hail Mary" film adaptation, we are revisiting a favorite episode of "Looking Up." Dean chats with science fiction novelist Andy Weir about what it takes to solve problems in the cosmos or as a stay-at-home dad. The acclaimed author of "The Martian" (which itself became an acclaimed film) also updates listeners on the eagerly anticipated film adaptation of another of Andy's books: "Project Hail Mary."

People in this episode

Host: Dean Regas

Guest: Andy Weir

Topics covered

• problem solving
• space
• science fiction
• film adaptation
• cosmos

Keywords

• space
• problem solving
• Andy Weir
• Project Hail Mary
• The Martian
• science fiction
• film adaptation

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Project Hail Mary, The Martian

More episodes of Looking Up

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• 3000 Astronomers, One Thrilling Event · May 22, 2026 · 15 min
• FROM THE ARCHIVE: Can Elon Musk Even Go to Mars? (with Oliver Morton) · May 8, 2026 · 17 min
• Ancient Martian microbes left behind a chemical "fingerprint" (with Dr. Katie Stack Morgan) · April 10, 2026 · 19 min
• Searching for Life in Mars' Watery Past (with Dr. Andy Czaja) · March 27, 2026 · 18 min
• Somewhere Over the Moonbow (with Jeff Pfaller) · March 13, 2026 · 17 min