What if the origins of life on Earth didn’t start here? Astrophysicist Sarah Rugheimer joins Shane Hewitt & the Nightshift to revisit a story from 2024 that raises one of humanity’s oldest questions: are we the aliens?

The conversation explores theories of panspermia — the idea that life arrived on Earth via comets, asteroids, or interstellar dust. Together, Shane and Sarah unpack how science approaches such bold questions, what evidence might support it, and why rethinking our beginnings changes how we see our place in the universe.

It’s a blend of science, imagination, and curiosity that leaves space for wonder about the ultimate origin story.

GUEST: Sarah Rugheimer

Originally aired on 2025-09-12