Sasha Sagan launches podcast to celebrate, challenges human rituals from a cosmic perspective

The daughter of astronomer Carl Sagan credits her parents for inspiring her on many levels

Critically acclaimed writer Sasha Sagan, the daughter of astronomer Carl Sagan, has launched a podcast that celebrates and challenges human rituals, traditions and norms from a cosmic perspective. Lighthearted banter is coupled with expert insights as Sasha unpacks our beliefs and practices in discussions with high-profile actors, authors, scholars, and scientists, stated a press release. She joins more than 100 creative professionals who write and produce original content exclusively for OnlySky.

Speaking about the podcast, Sasha weighs in, “Many of our traditions are rooted in our relationship with our planet, our astronomy, or our biology, for example coming-of-age rituals and holidays centered on the solstices and equinoxes. Other traditions are seemingly random, byproducts of all but forgotten histories. I love exploring both kinds, trying to see the things we’ve done all our lives with fresh eyes.

The guests for season one include actor and fashion designer Nicole Richie, science communicator Bill Nye, actors Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro, actor Troian Bellisario, writer, actor, and activist Brandon Kyle Goodman and novelist Kiley Reid, among many others.

Sasha credits her parents for inspiring her on many levels. “My parents, the astronomer Carl Sagan and writer-producer Ann Druyan, encouraged me, and countless others, to see the Earth as one small planet in a vast universe. We don’t know if there’s life elsewhere, but from early childhood the idea of how we might appear to extraterrestrials was fodder for both profoundly stimulating discussion and intense laughter in our home.”

Each episode begins with a description of a familiar custom from the point of view of an extraterrestrial. Sasha then investigates the custom through the personal and the universal with a well-known thinker or artist who shares their unique, often complicated relationship with the tradition. In the third segment, Sasha interviews a scholar to better understand the roots of such strange customs. “Sasha and her guests do an amazing job exploring how a natural perspective changes everything, from our place in the universe to the meaning of a single life,” says Shawn Hardin, Founder and CEO of OnlySky Media.