Supervolcanoes pose a greater statistical threat to humanity than asteroids or comets - yet while NASA actively tracks space threats and has plans to deflect them, we have no defense against volcanic catastrophes that could end civilization as we know it.In this episode, we explore the science of volcano monitoring and the controversial question of whether we could ever prevent an eruption. Joined by Dr. Mike Poland, Scientist-in-Charge at Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, we dive into how scientists monitor these sleeping giants using satellites, seismometers, and cutting-edge detection technologies.We discuss what the signs of an impending eruption would be, what a Yellowstone eruption would actually look like, the global catastrophe of volcanic winter, and why a NASA proposal to cool supervolcanoes through drilling has serious flaws. The conversation covers everything from Bayesian forecasting models to emergency evacuation scenarios, and whether future technology might give us tools to prevent these potentially civilization-ending events.From the latest monitoring technologies and how they've changed over time, to the harsh reality that evacuation might be our only option, this episode examines one of the underestimated existential risks facing humanity - and what we can actually do about it.