Adam Savage Interviews 'The Martian' Author Andy Weir - The Talking Room 

Fantastic! Sounds like Andy was playing the pen and paper version of Kerbal Space Program. Although, I'll point out that Ion engines were already around before Zubrin's mars direct plan, but I imagine the engines on Hermes are a vastly improved design.

"lives aren't depending on my work so I can be super inaccurate." Basically how I play Kerbal Space Program.

I like how Adam figured Andy must've been some sort of polymath with multiple connections to NASA and JPL, when in reality he's just an everyday software engineer with an absurd attention to detail.

In this interview Adam expresses the thought frequently that he is so surprised about how accurate Andy's work in "The Martian" was considering that he has zero background in astrodynamics and knows nobody in the aerospace industry. What Andy has is an insatiable desire to acquire knowledge about all things involving manned space flight and he knows how to use a computer for research. But this is not entirely unique. Tom Clancy of "The Hunt for Red October" fame invented the "techno-thriller" genre, but he was an insurance salesman by vocation. But he had a LOT of books, did a ton of research and made some very good educated guesses. So good, in fact, that after "The Hunt for Red October" was published, he was visited by certain employees of the US intelligence and military services who wanted to know how he had obtained information. Tom had just made GOOD guesses. What makes books like these so good is the amount of detailed research their respective authors do to make the books seem like they have depth and a consistency.

Two passionate guys geeked out about each other and taking about my favorite subject and the amazing book Martian!! Gash! I never wanted this interview to end. I love it. Best interview ever

OK so six years later ... we need another conversation on the Hail Mary Project ... 'jazz hands'

Interview was too short. I could listen to them talk for another 4 hours easily.

I just finished reading the book and really enjoyed it. I LOVE this interview, Adam's delight and enjoyment of the book and the author really made for a heart warming listen . I especially appreciated that the author, Andy, is such a nice down to earth person, I hope fame doesn't change him. It is not often that an author is so open about everything, he seems like a great person.

Great interview, awesome guy and Adam so superb by staying quiet and letting him talk his mind out. I thought Adam was promoting this movie just for the money but I kind of get now why he supports this guy's work so much. Thanks Adam for pulling this out! ^_^

I'm very particular about my SciFi books and films. I admit to seeing the movie first and was blown away. It became my instant fav and I never had one with such title before lol. Read the book later and again, blown away. After listening to the audiobook and reading his other work, I'm blown away all over again. Can't believe I never saw this interview. I just love AW's brain and listening to literally humble beginnings is so refreshing ❤️❤️

I've noticed that many authors of truly awesome books are terrible to interview... but holy cow, Andy Weir is just an absolute PLEASURE to listen to & watch! His communication style is extremely relateable. This is the kind of guy you'd be lucky to have as a professor.

Really cool interview, this is how you interview a nerd, you get another nerd that knows and loves the subject in hand, not interchangeable pretty faces and/or loud mouths that use the same questions and jokes that are going to be used on 20 other youtube channels and t.v. and radio talk shows. *please note i'm not saying that Adam is not a pretty face, the gentleman is sharp looking.

This video is nigh near priceless to a certain type of viewer; a scientifically-grounded dreamer who follows, or at least admires, the creative process. I'm having trouble nailing down who I appreciate more, Adam or Andy. Both are passionately, PASSIONATELY enthusiastic about this subject matter and hearing them banter back and forth is such a joy.

I rate this video 10 pirate ninjas Adam is such a fan boy : > and Weir totally geeks out.

I would like this video twice if I could. Awesome!

Easily one of my favorite reads! So stoked to see the film, and very pleased to watch this interview. Thanks guys!

Ah! Was waiting for a comment on Interstellar but in the credits the card says this was taped in november 2014. Still an amazing book and such a fun interview. Watch it twice! Wondering why it took 7 months to upload it...

I want more books like the martian

In 1969 I thought we'd have men walking on Mars by 1986, and I wanted to be one of them. Maybe in my next life.

It's possible, but by no means certain, that I would get bored of this conversation after an 8th consecutive hour. However, 1 hour was nowhere near enough. Fascinating stuff, best episode so far. Wow, what a brilliant guy.

I have ended the book few days ago and I was amazed by the history, its scientific accuracy (although some of them are not but are minimum in the whole story) and the high possibility that something like this could happen in the near future. After reading the book the first question that i made myself was: Are we prepare to understand that the exploration of space will demand human sacrifice? And the immediate answer was no, we aren't and that has to change. We need to understand that in some point people will die and we, from the Earth, could do nothing about that. I strongly believe that the exploration of space is the key for the survival of our species. I'm convinced that in some point we must to accept that the risk of dead or the dead itself will be necessary in order to acknowledge a more precise information about the immense space that surround us.

That was one heck of an interview, er conversation, rocket science geek fest, but enjoyable none the less for not so science geek people. The enthusiasm was infectious. I am actually looking forward to the movie coming out soon.

My granddad was one of the engineers they called in to help with the Apollo 13 "Mail Box." He got a medal for it.

Read it a year ago and loved it. Knowing there is a film coming and this great interview, I have to read it again. (Half way through amped)

Watching this for the second time - such a great interview - wish there was another hour of it!!

I like this author, a really humble and smart guy

So frequently I find the movies made from books I have enjoyed ultimately just don't measure up. Watching Andy's interview with Adam makes me feel, fairly confidently, that this will not be the case with Ridley's adaptation of the book. (Finger's still crossed...!)

4:25 - Delta V is change in velocity.

In case you're wondering, the high school teacher blog is POLYMATH exocientist.

Would be cool to see an updated version of this video but discussing the film now that it has been released.

One thing I’ve always loved about Andy weir from day 1 is he acknowledges that he is a dork/nerd which makes him even more epic

I loved the book and this interview is nearly as enjoyable as the book. Thank you for the nice time.

I'm so glad I listened to this podcast and to the many others that you mentioned this book. I admit, it's been possibly 8-9 years sense I last read a book for fun. My wife and I have been reading this to each other and we can't wait to see the movie. Thanks for the awesome suggestion!

46:00 is also my favorite scene!!! It is what I referenced when telling people they HAD to read this book - if they liked that scene, they would love The Martian! Great interview!

I've watched every second of this 55 minutes and 17 seconds of this interview. ..........And, it's AWESOME! Andy Weir is such a fascinating guy and Adam Savager is a great interviewer. Bravo, Andy Weir. You put the Science back into Science Friction. Thank you! Thanks Tested.

best talking room episode!

I've watched this interview a few times now and it continues to be entertaining and interesting. This is two nerds chatting more than a formal interview and Andy Weir is amazingly captivating when he talks about something he is passionate about. On the back of this video, I bought his book and read it virtually in one sitting, unable to tear myself away from it.

Just nipping out to the shop to buy this book! It sounds awesome!

Absolutely loved the interview! Massively grateful.

Ok this is me thanking you later I listened to this audiobook and it was so good my TV didn't come on for 3 days its amazing and i can't thank you for the recommendation enough

The referenced Gemini mission was Gemini 8, the other astronaut was Dave Scott en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemini_8 - stuck RCS thruster caused the capsule to spin. Armstrong's cool-thinking saved their lives before they passed out due to G-stresses.

This interview made me buy the book. Thanks for no spoilers!

Such a great interview! Been wanting to hear this man's writing process since I read the book last year. Thanks, Adam!

Delta V is what you need when playing #KSP

symbol "Delta" represents "Change in," thus Delta v is change in (v)elocity, Delta t represents change in (t)ime. etc.

The martian was a damn good book. Very funny too.

The sound team on 2001 likely mic'd the helmet without having to be told to do so. I worked location sound and myself and the other recordists I know would all have done that themselves, after checking with the art dept that it was okay. Kubrick was infamous in the industry for his epic level of micromanagement, so it's very possible he told them to mic the helmets, but I'm just saying that even if he hadn't, they probably would have done it anyway.

I read The Martian early in its release and thought about it again today, hence the search for Andy Weir and this video. What a great interview! Thanks to both of the participants.

Shame about Mythbusters, a Martian special would be nice.

I hope you release the tour wiuth adam and Andy around the nerd cave too

The Martian is why I subscribed to Audible. I was leant the book and had to have the audio book. I listen to it over and over again, I love it. Been a fan of Andy Weir since Casey and Andy, and he continues to entertain. Everyone read this book, it's great.

thank you both for writing this book and for introducing it to me. and for this conversation too. looks like I'm going to re-read it once again.

Isavored every second of this interview like it was the last breath in my space suit. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Thanks!!! I've read it and enjoyed it! And I've bought a paper copy just to lent it to my friends. I have already 2 friends who have read and loved it. Spread the love!!!

I wonder if he played Kerbal Space Program as part of his "research".

just finished the book. played Adagio in D minor from Sunshine on my phone while reading the last few pages

It's been a very very long time that a book has held me down from start to finish the way this book has. Such an impressive work. So happy for Andy that the movie is being done. Geek overload!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And just like that... A long and prosperous friendship was established.

Adam should quit Mythbusters and just be a talk show host. He's so good at drawing people out.

I HAD NO IDEA WEIR WROTE "THE EGG". That's one of my FAVORITE short stories.

Because I watch Scott Manley, I understand some of this!

Great book but what it is missing is a Glossary at the back to help with terms like JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

Amazing backstory about The Martian. Thumbs up for Adam Savage interviewing him and Andy Weir taking the time talking to Adam.

After playing Kerbal Space Program I know what he is talking about! Also 2mm/s^2 is pritty strong, considering how big his fictunal ship actually was! If I am not wrong, a Hohman transfer at 1,7km/s dV would require them a 9,8 day engine burn. Thats not that bad!

Nice interview. When you see someone so in love with his work and so passionate about it, you feel happiness for his success... and today it's not so common anymore. Good job Andy! Cheers

It's great how playing hours of kerbal space program lets me immediately understand words like delta v. If you want to learn about orbital mechanics and have fun at the same time, get ksp :)

Andy made a minor mistake. He said the eccentricity is the ratio of the long axis to the short axis. This isn't correct. It is the ratio of the linear eccentricity (the distance between the foci of the ellipse) to the long axis. In a circle, the foci are both the same point at the center so the linear eccentricity is 0, making the eccentricity 0. With an ellipse, the foci are inside it, so the linear eccentricity is always smaller than the long axis, so eccentricity is between 0 and 1. Eccentricity for parabolic and hyperbolic orbits are measured differently, and are 1 and greater than 1 respectively.

what a great conversation between 2 great guys! Thanks, guys..

The way the spaceship crews are described is just how US Navy Submarine crews work. Every person knows every job and every valve and switch aboard.

Hadn't heard of it until now and I'm buying a copy for me and my roommate. This sounds awesome especially after spending 3 days picking apart Interstellar's scientific accuracy (still a great movie). Thanks for the interview guys!

I am not given to hyperbole, but I feel like Adam is absolutely struck by Andy's ability to easily expound on a subject.... (and... I always thought Adam was amazing at this...) Andy doesn't break when he can't recall a detail to get through the to the point. He just does it(Love that!!!) Best talking room since John Landis. I understand why this book is as great as it is just by listening to him talk. Andy has such an interesting personality. I would LOVE to see/hear him sit in on the podcast or a spoilercast. MAKE THAT HAPPEN!!!

This is one of the best books I've ever read in my life. I was really sad to learn there weren't more books to buy from him after I was done. I honestly can't wait to read his next book.

GEM FOUND! I love this story! A normal man with a real and honest mind. See the sincerity and the fun in both, this is just a great conversation, no interview but better.

I'd love to see more Adam and Andy touring the man cave!

Mark Watney-space pirate and colonizer of Mars. So awesome!

It's not a long way to Budapest by boat with an ion thruster.

Fantastic interview Adam and Andy! Loved it. I listened to the audio book over the last couple of days and now I'm so psyched about the movie! Thanks Andy

To help you out Andy the crew of Gemini VIII was David Scott and Neil Armstrong. Their mission was to hook up with an unmanned Agena target vehicle in order to test the capability of accomplishing rendezvous and docking in orbit. What happened was that after the docking was complete the two joined vehicles began to roll and no amount of correction on Armstrong's part could stop it. when ordered to abort and disconnect their spacecraft continued to roll at an accelerated rate. The problem had not been with the Agena but a stuck thruster number 8 in the Gemini spacecraft which couldn't be turned off.

∆v is the change in velocity that you have/need. you need to be able to add 5 km/s to your velocity to get to mars. Short: you need 5 km/s ∆v.

I'm reading the book and even brought it to work, where my reading keeps getting interrupted. Otherwise I can hardly put it down. It sure is technical but presented so clearly and logically and because often embellished by Watley's snide humor, makes it entertaining to follow.

Thank you both for an engaging hour of conversation.

Just finished Hail Mary. Even though I don’t get all the math, it’s still fascinating to listen to Andy’s books.

Great interivew! Wished it was longer. Would love to have someone sitdown with A. Wear and discuss each part of the book.

This is the Talking Room Episode I revisit the most from Tested. I will revisit this and listen to it the most frequently. It is so good.

What a great interview, thanks guys. We're all of us nerds.

I finish the book just 5 minutes ago and came straight to the interview

I just took my kids to the movies last week and seen the trailer for this movie and it is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND ITS IN 3D WHICH SURPRISINGLY WORKS FANTASTIC WITH THIS FILM FROM WHAT I SAW!!! I seriously think this is the best movie coming out in the last 5 yrs!!!

Best online interview I've seen. Love the book, and appreciate this so much!

46:33. It WAS Gemini 8. Armstrong was mission commander. David R Scott was pilot. Cant wait for the movie, Andy. Great interview, Adam!

I love this book and movie, and watching this interview makes me love it even more. Very interesting and inspiring.

I've been listening to the audiobook on repeat consistently since I first read it, this is great

I can see Adam & Andy being BFF forever.

While I really like the movie, it is always hard to convert a book to a digital visual format. However, I have listened to the audio book on no less the 5 occasions, and it is so fantastic, I often find myself in a state of bewilderment at the mental images that it forms in my mind. It is so good, thinking about it now makes me want to watch the movie and relisten to the audio book.

When Andy was mentioning about the emotional connection to Watney, I remember that scene in the book where he establishes connection back to Earth and I remember actually cheering and fistbumping the sky because of his achievement. No book or content has really ever made me do that and I was just super excited and super engrossed by everything that was going on! Fantastic book.

I just finished it today. Excellent book!

One of the most fascinating interviews I've seen. I am definitely reading The Martian now.

Top notch interviewing skills. Adam should do more.

just an hour ago, my favourite youtube channel "kurzgesagt" released a narrative video about "the egg". i was awe struck.. it was so beautiful. I didn't even know it's from the same guy that wrote "the martian".

Adam's Maltese falcon is in the background, ya'll. Pretty cool.

Fantastic and amazing interview. The book is fantastic. If I have any complaint about the book it's the ending. I wanted to know more about "what happens next", etc. But damn near the perfect novel. BTW there isn't a novel written that is perfect so that's the ruler by which this book is measured in my opinion.