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Discussion Thread: Syndesiology (CONNECTIONS) with *the* James Burke (Patreon)

Published:
2023-12-06 04:30:35
Edited:
2023-12-06 04:32:07
Imported:
2026-06

Content

A scicomm legend. A science historian. And yes, the guy who points to a rocket launch with impeccable timing in the greatest shot in television history. James Burke was the BBC correspondent for the Apollo Program, and is the writer and host of the long-running show "Connections."

I worked some *connections* and got a chance to ask him about his science communication history and strategies, behind the scenes stories, how historical events are all connected, why humans need each other and of course that day with the rocket.

He also just came out with a new season of "Connections with James Burke" via Curiosity Stream and (surprise!) I have a spinoff on it called "Quick Connections with Alie Ward," which I've been waiting a year to tell you about.

Syndesiology (CONNECTIONS) episode: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/syndesiology

Connections with James Burk: https://curiosity.tv/n4qwhqp

Quick Connections with Alie Ward: https://curiosity.tv/bh68pfc

And don't worry -- nobody's paying me for this episode! I'm just so excited to talk to James and proud of the series. So enjoy this sci-comm inspiration and trip through history.

Any existing James Burke fans? Or new ones? Let me know what you thought, friends. 

Curiously yours,

Your Dad o' the Net and Collector of Ologies

Files

Syndesiology (CONNECTIONS) with James Burke - alie ward

He's the guy pointing to a NASA launch behind him, in the most legendary shot in television history. He's a science historian and Apollo Program correspondent. He's the creator, host, and writer of the long-running program "Connections." He is a science communication hero to millions and a global tr

Comments

V.E. Griffith

Dear God, I didn't know he's still alive! Connections 1 was a huge part of my childhood. I can't tell you how many times I watched it!

Alie Ward

He's 86 and as funny and brilliant as ever!

OpticalJedi

I literally yelped to my wife when I saw this drop. James Burke is the reason I entered a career attached to the sciences. He made me obsessed with the concept of integrated history. I’m absolutely giddy!

Alie Ward

YESSSSS! He's a treasure. I was so nervous to talk to him.

Todd

Watched every show as a kid. He was/is an astounding thinker and his 30,000 foot view of human progress(?) always thrilled and surprised me. You are so lucky Alie; wow.

Kasey Foley

James Burke, unbelievable! I LOVED LOVED LOVED Connections. Now, if you could only get Carl Sagan as a guest (but I guess that would have to be a different dimension)…

Alie Ward

I know! I was so jittery to talk to him

Alie Ward

Maybe his hologram one day. And I hope you like his new season on Curiosity Stream. Shooting the spin off was a such an honor and delight.

choirqueer

Anyone else on Apple Podcasts not seeing the new ep? I'll listen to it somewhere else if it's not there in the morning but just wondering if this is an everyone issue or a just-me issue?

Noel Dietz

I read "The Pinball Effect" 20+ years ago and it changed the way I look at the world. I am beyond excited about this episode. I'll just be over here fangirling.

John Ratterree

I can’t believe my two absolute favorites are talking to each other! I’ve already devoured your Quick Connections (fantastic! More please) and I’m savoring each new longer Connections and going back to watch the originals.

Spencer Parks

Listening now! Not that I've ever seen his show or studied these things at all, but I'm fascinated by how the world is connected and how/why we're in the place we're at now. Huge congrats on the new show Alie!

Colby Evans

Alie warned us that due to a new software update, you'd have to go re-subscribe any podcasts you hadn't recently (2 weeks?) listened to. Go re-up it

Colby Evans

Congrats on Quick Connections (must be so hard to sit on news like that)! They look great

Gordon Haas

CONNECTIONS happen all the time. I'm a boomer. back in the 1970s, I had lunch with KHAN. (Yes, please stamp my nerd card.) I was working as a reporter for The Garden Island newspaper on Kauai, & was sent to interview Ricardo Montalban, who was there filming scenes for "Fantasy Island". During the interview, I mentioned that I was a member of the Screen Extras Guild. Montalban said to one of the show's staff, let's get this guy in the show. Later, I worked on Raiders Of The Lost Ark and on the OG Magnum, P.I. So I, too, got a job by interviewing someone.

Catherine French

Can’t wait to listen. Every ologist you have on, broadens my horizons!

Alie Ward

Ooooh, I hope you like it. His new season is great, too.

Alie Ward

Awww, thank you so so much! He is such a gem; what an inspiration.

Alie Ward

Ooooh, you will love his stuff.

Alie Ward

Thank you, Colby! It is hard to sit on good news but I am so honored they chose me for this.

Alie Ward

Niiiiiice! Those are iconic films to work on!

Alie Ward

I hope you fall in love with his work; it's great

Spencer Parks

Now when will I have time to watch it?! You have all the answers, right? ;)

choirqueer

Thanks Nope, seems to be a different issue. I am still subscribed. I listen every week. The most recent episode showing up for me is last week's (already played). I'll listen somewhere else, no problem :) but just FYI, this is a thing (and seems to be a different thing from the other known issue?)

James Jakes

Just realized I'm the same age he was when Connections premiered 👴💔

Margaret Downs

I hadn't watched the original Connections, but I was charmed off my feet by James and will definitely be watching the new series and your spin-off!

Alie Ward

Yay! I hope you like them. Had you seen his rocket video going around the "net" as he calls it?

Margaret Downs

I hadn't! Will have to check that out too.

Gordon Haas

Just found out my local library has the original (1978) Connections series to stream via the Kanopy app, as well as Connections 2 (1994) on DVD. Check your local library.

Design 83

I am quite nearly speechless! I enthusiastically applaud your conversation with the interminable Mr Burke. You - an excellent host and empathetic conversationalist - speaking with one of the most renowned and influential science communicators of the last few decades - I can’t say thank you enough. I personally believe you are the perfect choice for the Quick Connections. I trust your communication, enthusiasm and curious wit as much as I respected Mr. Burke. Thank you! Thank you for a wonderful podcast and a personally uplifting episode. It definitely made my day - made my week!

Colby Evans

so cute when he used that term!

Alie Ward

Oh thank you so so much. It was such an honor to make them, really.

Alie Ward

Aw, thank you so much! And yes, James in an international treasure.

Between Dumplings

This is how my brain works. I spent so many hours following trails in Encyclopedias a word’s origin would lead me to a country I didn’t know which would lead me to something they discovered etc etc. I’m also struggling to remember (olds, help me out) there was in the US a show maybe even called Connections where they did this sort of historical sleuthing, the host if I’m remembering correctly was guy (they were all guys back then) with a *slight* Southern accent, I may be conflating two shows …anyone?

Will Clark

What a treasure!!! I love and admire his intention. He knows what he is doing.

Bender

Connections was one of the most inspirational tv programs of my high school years (granted, they were re-runs in the 1990s). His show made me start to see connections among and between the different subjects I was studying. It made me super excited whenever it happened and helped me understand that all the subjects we study aren't really separate - just categorized differently for ease of teaching. Artists and scientists actually do a lot of the same work: observation and analysis - it's just the expression of their findings that differ.

Isabelle Newman

Does the new connections on Netflix have anything to do with him?? It’s a super interesting show and made me think of him…I have never seen the original one but I would love to watch now that I have heard him speak!

Nathalie Jones

James Burke really gives no f*cks. What a legend.

Jeanette-o-saur

I knew relatively nothing about James Burke or Connections. I think he maybe my new favorite person. I clearly have a show or two to watch

Jeanette-o-saur

Also, as someone who is constantly using cross disciplinary metaphors to make sense of things, the entire concept of connections makes my life

Andrew Perkins

One of my favorite shows when I was watching TV. Fascinating interview, so glad Dadward was able to interview him.

Lyette LeBlanc

I just listened to this one and it might be my favourite yet! He gives no effs but sounds so classy about it! I love it!