We're a community that is working, studying, building, training, and aspiring to become Martians someday. But what does it actually mean to become Martian?

Not metaphorically. Biologically.

In this surprise Everyday Mars episode, I sit down with evolutionary biologist Dr. Scott Solomon to talk about his brand-new book Becoming Martian and what life on Mars could do to our bodies, our children, and the future of our species.

We talk radiation. Low gravity. Reproduction. Gene editing. Immune systems. Speciation. And the uncomfortable question: should we go at all?

If being an aspiring Martian means doing the work — physically, emotionally, psychologically — then this episode is required listening.

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A huge thank you to Scott for joining me today and sharing his time and perspective, to Nick Thorburn for the stellar theme music, to Ceci Giglio for the incredible graphics, to Jero Squartini for the amazing animations, to RDan, Leila, Inka, and Carl for adminning the Facebook group, and to my family for supporting this project—even when I start comparing interplanetary travel to reptile endurance.