Sketchfest Review: StarTalk Live with Bill Nye the Science Guy, Dr. Yvonne Pendleton, Scott Hubbard, Eugene Mirman, and H. Jon Benjamin

StarTalk Live: Eugene Mirman, H. Jon Benjamin, Bill Nye, Dr. Yvonne Pendleton, and Prof. Scott Hubbard (Photo by Jakub Mosur)
StarTalk Live: Eugene Mirman, H. Jon Benjamin, Bill Nye, Dr. Yvonne Pendleton, and Prof. Scott Hubbard (Photo by Jakub Mosur)

Bill Nye, still affectionately titled “The Science Guy” as per his original sketch comedy persona, is one of the most striking examples of a forward-thinking force in modern media. Through a combination of his legacy television influence, his continuing meld of icebreaking comedy and scientific education, and a remarkably popular social media presence, he continues to make knowledge and the desire to learn a positive, enjoyable, and overall uplifting experience. As a piece of glue that can hold the worlds of science and humor together, he’s perfected his craft, and it’s a true treat to watch him work, as well as to pose inquiries to him that get his mind in gear and firing back with equally insightful and thought-provoking questions as a response. Taking a leaf out of the book of colleague scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Bill has returned to Sketchfest for the second year with a live ensemble for StarTalk Radio — along with StarTalk cohost Eugene Mirman — and, to balance out the vast knowledge base of aeronautics/astronautics professor Scott Hubbard and renowned NASA Ames astrophysicist Dr. Yvonne Pendleton, the pair enlisted H. Jon Benjamin for a side-splitting fusillade of comedic jabs and snarky remarks. The full ensemble made for a delightfully entertaining night at the Nourse Theater, and left the crowd sore from laughing and glowing with renewed faith in the world of science.

Continue reading “Sketchfest Review: StarTalk Live with Bill Nye the Science Guy, Dr. Yvonne Pendleton, Scott Hubbard, Eugene Mirman, and H. Jon Benjamin”