The Martian - Show Notes

Things get extra-terrestrial on this week's episode of The Lettuce Podcast where the topic is Andy Weir's break-out novel The Martian. Laura and Charlotte welcome Tori back to the Lettuce Pod to help them deconstruct this science fiction phenomenon. The character study segment spotlights Mark Watney, but also champions his ARES 3 crew mates and the higher-ups at NASA. The girls also chat about Weir's unique writing style, what makes the science digestible for all readers, their favorite scenes from the book, and examine the movie adaptation. Charlotte admits that she finds Watney to be an almost perfect character - except for his potty-mouth. Laura compares the characterization of nerd culture in Watney and NASA scientist Rich Purnell. Tori explains why she sympathized with Teddy Sanders' moral code, but didn't necessarily like his decisions. All three praised the romantic story line between ARES 3 crew members Johannsen and Beck for its subtly, but expressed a desire for more context for the relationship. How believable is the science in The Martian? Is Mark Watney really a nerd with no game or unable to see his charm? Is Commander Lewis' affinity for 70's pop culture a balance to her stone cold leadership? All these questions and more are up for discussion on this week's episode of The Lettuce Podcast. 

The ratings segment delivers one of the highest average scores for The Lettuce Podcast: 4.54 Chards! The Fun & Games segment has Laura, Charlotte, and Tori discovering their fate on Mars with the quiz Would You Survive On Mars?. Tori's return to the show means a TLP favorite: Madlibs! Using the back-of-the-book summary as a template, the Lettuce Heads use random words and phrases to create a hilarious description of The Martian. 

This week's podtail was a collaborative effort by Laura and Tori: a homemade concoction deemed Mark Watney's Martian Martini. To make your own combine 2 oz potato vodka, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and cranberry juice. Stir and enjoy!

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Don't forget to join us next week for The Lettuce Beets!

The next topic episode of The Lettuce Podcast will be able Season 1 of Mad Men and will feature Kurtis from the 3 Angry Nerds podcast. We're excited to welcome a new guest to the show and to begin this Emmy Award winning series! Until then...

Arugalater!