Ep. 1: The Message

The quantum computer disperses into the cloud before it is destroyed, releasing unprecedented information into the world's computers. This leads to a virtual reality simulator that allows people to see through time and space.The below guests are featured in this episode: Hakeem OluseyiCarin BondarDario NardiAlex LightmanDavid BrinAlan D FosterDavid GerroldJamais CascioDaniel LidarCatherine AsaroSeth LloydAdam H MarblestoneJesse SchellViktor DeakFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When direct assaults on the quantum computer fail, the US military tries to destroy the hybrid network by targeting the Brids. Meanwhile, the computer retrieves a mysterious box from the alien space trash orbiting Earth.The below guests are featured in this episode: Hakeem OluseyiCarin BondarDario NardiAlex LightmanJohn SmartDavid BrinAlan D FosterDavid GerroldJoan SlonczewskiDaniel GregoryJamais CascioDaniel LidarCatherine AsaroSeth LloydDavid GrahamCarlos F BarbasMetin SittiFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humans unlock the ability to genetically design their own Brid babies and join the Brids' hive mind, causing a panic that humans will soon become obsolete. The self-aware quantum computer makes its own survival top priority.The below guests are featured in this episode: Hakeem OluseyiDario NardiAlex LightmanJohn SmartSeth ShostakDavid BrinAlan D FosterDavid GerroldJoan SlonczewskiJuan EnriquezJamais CascioCatherine AsaroYaneer Bar YamGeorge ChurchRogier WindhorstFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As more Brids connect to the quantum computer, they grow more powerful and the computer becomes self-aware. The combined brainpower is able to calculate the future, but some will use that information toward evil ends.The below guests are featured in this episode: Hakeem OluseyiDario NardiAlex LightmanJohn SmartSeth ShostakDavid BrinAlan D FosterDavid GerroldJoan SlonczewskiJamais CascioDaniel LidarCatherine AsaroYaneer Bar YamGeorge ChurchJordan PollackFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A powerful quantum supercomputer is built based on found alien blueprints, but the alien's motives are questioned when the human children with Alien DNA, called Brids, can connect to it using only their thoughts.The below guests are featured in this episode: Dario NardiAlex LightmanSeth ShostakDavid BrinDavid GerroldJuan EnriquezDaniel GregoryJamais CascioDaniel LidarCatherine AsaroSeth LloydYaneer Bar YamRobert JacobFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite causing immense damage, the mysterious "Trashteroids" allow for exciting advancements in technology. Panic spreads as the children with DNA affected by the alien flu, nicknamed "Brids," show signs of superhuman abilities.The below guests are featured in this episode: Hakeem OluseyiCarin BondarDario NardiAlex LightmanJohn SmartDavid BrinAlan D FosterDavid GerroldJoan SlonczewskiPaolo Sassone-CorsiJuan EnriquezDaniel GregoryJamais CascioSeth C GoldsteinFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A mothership the size of Texas has been hovering over Earth for days and we are tired of waiting for answers. We send a rover in to explore, and what we find makes us question the definition of life as we know it. On Earth, the pods multiply and get smaller, making contact with them unavoidable. What will happen to us?The below guests are featured in this episode: Seth ShostakKevin GrazierDavid BrinHakeem OluseyiJoan SlonczewskiPaul DaviesAlan D FosterAriel AnbarMalcolm MacIverDavid GerroldFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would happen if aliens invaded? In this hypothetical scenario, a swarm of small spacecraft depart their huge mothership, and hover in our atmosphere. The ships open their hatches, and deposit thousands of mysterious pods on the earth's surface. Are they are message, a gift or a weapon?The below guests are featured in this episode: Seth ShostakSean M CarrollDavid BrinHakeem OluseyiPaul DaviesAlan D FosterMalcolm MacIverWei-Min ShenFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the hypothetical scenario of alien spacecraft entering Earth's atmosphere and a possible invasion. Scientists and other experts unravel and contemplate the potential impact of such an extraordinary event.The below guests are featured in this episode: Seth ShostakNeil TysonNick SaganJill TarterDavid BrinJohn ScalziDouglas VakochFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would really happen if we got a message from space? How would we react? Scientists and sci-fi writers unravel the impact of this world changing event, forming an intriguing hypothetical scenario.The below guests are featured in this episode: Seth Shostak Neil TysonNick SaganFrank DrakeJill TarterDouglas VakochDan WerthimerFor even more Alien Encounters, head to discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/alienencounters. Terms apply.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.