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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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! ^_^

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

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

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.

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

Absolutely loved the interview! Massively grateful.

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'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!

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

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

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.

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.

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

Thank you both for an engaging hour of conversation.

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

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

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

Thank you Tested and thank you Andy Weir. I heard so much about the book from from you and other sources I picked it up at a local book store and tore through it in 3 days. I haven't had so much fun reading a book since I was 15 and read The Hitchhikers Guide for the first time.

This is EXCELLENT!! Adam really shows his technical savvy and calm personality in this professional interview. We love Mythbusters, but this version of Mr.Savage shows his sincere love of science and technology. Mr.Weir: well done sir!

Great interview, thanks to Mark and Adam for making this happen.

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!!!

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

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

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

This interview was amazing so informative in various ways. I also love looking around to see what books I can read.

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)

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.

Thank you so much for doing this!

Thanks Adam for this great interview, I enjoyed it all the way, live long and prosper 🖖

that was an awesome interview ..thank you Adam :)

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.

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.

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.

This just might be my favorite Tested video! Great interview

Adam is an excellent interviewer. I hope this continues to grow. Enthralling!!

I am going to watch interview at least another three times. The enthusiasm from both Andy and Adam geeking out over Orbital Dynamics and Science is just infectious! Love it! I'm buying the book right away! :-)

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

Two of my heroes, such a nice and honest interview

This is awesome. Adam Savage, I love you!!! You got me RE-started on my love of science and engineering. Love it!

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

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

Amazing interview ^_^ Thanks!

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

Thank you for this video

I took advice from this video and read the book. Loved it! I never thought of myself as a fan of survival stories, but this book absolutely got me mesmerized. Can't wait for the movie!

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

One of the best talking rooms ever! Nice Work.

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.

This interview is highly inspirational. Love it.

I want more books like the martian

Mars is going into my library just because of this intervier! Loved the movie & can't wait to get the book! Thank you!

What a wonderful interview.

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

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

Wow I'm just reading the book and this interview just got you a new subscriber keep up the good work just became one of my favorite channels

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.

Top notch interviewing skills. Adam should do more.

Very fun interview!

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

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

Amazing interview and Andy is a fascinating person. A real statement on never being too late to follow your dreams as a writer.

Really enjoyed the interview.

Fantastic interview!

Fantastic interview, looks like I know what I'm reading next!

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great interview. Nice to hear it was a web serial, I didn't know that. If only my own web serial were anywhere near this level. It brought back memories of me writing a spreadsheet that calculated the time dilation for an accelerating ship, that was tough enough, to do the orbital mechanics of something accelerating... Wow.

Loved this interview!!...

I love this interview!

Awesome interview

best talking room episode!

Great interview!

This was a great interview

An interview where people make sense? Crazy! Loved it thanks :-)

Great interview

Even though I don't understand most of this, I enjoyed the interview and the book a great deal! It's cool to see Adam geek out over stuff!

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

Well, that was fukng enjoyable. Amazing interview, thanks for posting.

Great interview, inspiring.

Teller?! WHEN? And this was a very fun interview to watch. Good luck on your next book, Mr. Weir.

This is amazing! I have been waiting for a good Robin Crusoe on Mars retake since the original and man am I under a rock where did this show come from Adam your the man! If I had to wait one more year I was going to shoot it my self with my Go pro's and the 3d softawe, Thanks guys. Forbin Project next please!

This was a very entertaining great interview.

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.

Great interview, just great.

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

Read the book in one sitting. Loved it. Looking for the audiobook now.

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

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.

This is absolutely wonderful :)