The “Mission: Impossible” franchise is known for its big stunts, and the newest film is no exception. Producer Kathleen Davis talks to the film’s stunt coordinator, Wade Eastwood, about the science behind one big underwater scene. Plus, psychologist Kenneth Carter joins Host Flora Lichtman to talk about what makes high-adrenaline adventurers tick.
Take this questionnaire to learn where you fall on the “sensation scale” Carter mentioned in this episode.
Further Reading
- Sign up for our “Science Goes To The Movies” newsletter for monthly updates on the science behind the latest blockbusters.
- Discover the science behind the athletic abilities of stunt people with our educational activity, “Do Cells, Tissues, And Organs Give Super Athletes An Edge?”
- The Museum of the Moving Image in New York’s new exhibit MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—Story and Spectacle, features more behind the scenes action from across the franchise.
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Segment Guests
Wade Eastwood
Wade Eastwood is a stunt coordinator, stunt performer, and director in the film and television industry. He was the second unit director and stunt coordinator on “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”
Kenneth Carter
Dr. Kenneth Carter is a Professor of Psychology at Oxford College of Emory University, and the author of Buzz!: Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies.
Segment Transcript
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Meet the Producers and Host
About Kathleen Davis
Kathleen Davis is a producer and fill-in host at Science Friday, which means she spends her weeks researching, writing, editing, and sometimes talking into a microphone. She’s always eager to talk about freshwater lakes and Coney Island diners.
About Dee Peterschmidt
Dee Peterschmidt is a producer, host of the podcast Universe of Art, and composes music for Science Friday’s podcasts. Their D&D character is a clumsy bard named Chip Chap Chopman.
About Emma Lee Gometz
Emma Lee Gometz is Science Friday’s Digital Producer of Engagement. She writes SciFri’s “Science Goes To The Movies” series and is a journalist and illustrator based in Queens, NY.
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.