What an unbelievable, uplifting, fascinating podcast. So glad I stumbled upon it, and I’ll be a loyal listener moving forward! Thank you for producing such a positive human story during a time that often feels so dark, divided, and tragic.

Seasons 1 & 2 (“13 Minutes to the Moon”) were magnificent. Season 3 (“13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle”) was decent, but was marred by an obsession with race & sex; astronauts weren’t to be judged on their character or performance, only on their extrinsic qualities. “13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II” is even worse, actively refuting the crew’s calls for unity by still focusing on race & sex, adding in fawning praise for China, while ignoring that government’s racism & sexism. Hypocrisy!

Loving the fascinating interviews, perspectives and expertise! Thanks!

The previous historical stories were great. But Artemis II, just a bunch of people talking. Some of them do not seem that well informed about space. Disclaimer: I’ve only listened to one full episode. They’re pumping out content so fast that it’s a full-time job to listen to their podcast. it would be better to produce less content with more value.

You need to keep your dumb, liberal, political views to yourself. We’re not all infected with the liberal mind virus nor do we have a case of TDS. You are ruining what is a pretty good podcast. We endured the Biden years with a ghost president so maybe you endure these years with one who cares about America and is actually running the country.

Seasons 1 and 2 of this podcast are brilliant. Season 2 in particular is one of the greatest seasons of a show ever made. Unfortunately, the show will never be the same without Kevin Fong, and it makes no sense to do a new season about Artemis. Leave a great thing alone.

YESSSSSS NEW SEASON BLESS UP

Seasons 1 & 2 were excellent, the story was told very well and the narrator got out of the way and let the story be told. Season 3 however… If you ever wanted to listen to a podcast narrated by a female version of the priest from Princess Bride, here’s your chance! The horrible over the top delivery combined with a think accent and speech pattern makes me constantly focus on the narrator and not the story. Please do us a favor and not let Maggie do another season!

Season one, and to some extent season two, were groundbreaking in the sense that instead of telling the same old tired NASA stories, they spent time on engineering challenges, how NASA actually worked, etc. Unfortunately, for season three, they abandoned that and just rehashed the same stories we’ve already heard. And, as other reviewers have noted, the narrator is terrible to listen to.

Exhibit A on “how to ruin an interesting and informative podcast with ludicrously over-dramatic music and narration.” Just play it straight.

This series is absolutely fantastic, the insight, the facts and the storylines. But season 3 is unfortunately made unbearable with the narrators delivery. Looking forward to season 4.

Born in 1962, the space program was a part of my earliest memories. As the moon race accelerated, it was a welcome relief in the news cycle from news from Vietnam, racial unrest, and war protests. The first launch of the space shuttle happened while I was in college, and it was only one of two times I saw the TV room in the student Union building completely packed to watch the launch (the other event was of great social, if not scientific importance, the wedding of Luke and Laura on the soap opera General Hospital) The BBC’s telling of the stories of space flight has been a great time of reminiscence, and even though I have read extensively on the space program, I hear something new from each episode. Great work, and keep the episodes coming!

Each season has been great and well produced. Episodes keep you engaged from start to stop. No political interference. Just focused on the topic of the season.

The first 2 seasons were amazing. Season 3 ruined by annoying narrator, overly dramatic voice

Riveting

A little background here- from 1993 to 2000, I was doctoral student at the CUNY Graduate School working on a PhD in history and my topic of research was the history of the US Space Program. While I never finished (sort of just barely begun) my dissertation, I learned a lot- including having lunch with one of the original Mercury astronauts- Scott Carpenter. I’ve always been interested in the program. The earliest memory I have of a national event was the launch of Apollo 8- I was six years old. So I come to these podcasts not just a passing interest, but a pretty deep historical knowledge of the program’s past. To say these podcasts are brilliant is an understatement. I wish they would never end. The original source material is just incredible. I cannot recommend this series enough. I just finished the episode that looks into what happened to Challenger. I remember that day so clearly. I was in my first year as a high school history teacher. It was testing day at my school so I had an extended lunch hour- and was at a local locksmith when his phone rang and his son told him what happened. He told me, and I was like maybe that kid mistook what he saw. I got in my car, turned on the radio and heard the awful news. Back at my school I searched for a television that could get an actual signal. The few we had were just hooked to VCRs. Finally, in our supply room, there was a tiny black and white portable television. It had I think a 5” screen. I watched and finally a replay was broadcast, and I immediately saw the flame shooting out from the solid rocket motor’s side. I said, “That’s it. There’s the cause.” A couple of other people asked how I knew. I said, “Trust me, I can’t get into the explanation now, but that flame should not be there.” It is hard to believe that 40 years has passed. It was a catastrophe that never should have happened.

The first season was great: very technical, lots of tension - original interviews, everything felt very quiet and personal. The seconds season was okay, but a bit too much trying to go for effects. The third season is mostly the narrator talking over an (intense) music track. I really dislike it.

Absolutely brilliant! This is everything I want in a podcast!

Love the first two seasons but the third, definitely not as much. The narrator is not to my liking at all. Kevin should have done it again. Also, asking people to subscribe to the paid BBC podcasts for the last 3 episodes was pretty maddening to me. I stopped at episode 7 because of that and I just couldn’t stand the narration anymore. Way too overly dramatic. Also, I’m very familiar with the causes of the Challenger disaster and didn’t think I’d learn anything new from episode 8 or the last few episodes anyway.

From the first episode to last, this show exemplifies the great stories of human resilience. Throughout, the presenters and speakers share their justifiable pride, inevitable humility, a shared sense of teamwork, and a glorious wonder about the program. In addition, the music draws the listener in, and immerses them in the emotions and achievements. I grew up in this experience, and the program renewed by faith in humankind. Thanks to all! TED D

The volume and audio quality for this season is terrible — I don’t remember having this problem with the first 2 seasons, but this is hard to listen to even in a quiet room; using as a soundtrack for any activity out doors is impossible.

But like seemingly many other return listeners to what had been a wonderful pairing of subject matter and host, I’m completely baffled by the choice of narrator this time around

Each series greatly enhances my understanding and appreciation of what was happening in the final descent to the first moon landing, Apollo 13 recovery, and now space shuttle development. Highly recommended!

Seasons 1 and 2 were outstanding, but this new narrator for season 3 is making it unlistenable. What were they thinking

The subject matter is great…the narrator in season 3 ruins it. Listened to less than 10 minutes and had to stop it. She takes you out of the story with her awful delivery.

I had insomnia a few days back and stumbled on this podcast which i unintentionally listened to ALL of the Apollo 13 episodes (i skipped the bonus bc it was outside the chronology of events) but it was so full of drama, i had no problem listening for HOURS. I never saw the movie or read the book, so i was hanging onto every little twist and turn of this narrative. This podcast awoke a latent interest in space technology and flight that fits nicely with my fascination with astrophysics!

I LOVED the first two seasons of this show. Anytime someone asks what my favorite podcasts are, this was it. I’ve recommended it to so many people. The research, the integrity, the MUSIC by Hans Zimmer, and Kevin Fong as narrator. That was a magical combination. BUT. The third season is failing to deliver. This was a terrible choice for narrator. Her delivery is difficult to listen to, her emphases do not make sense. I’m not sure I have the desire to continue listening and I am so disappointed.

New narrator is not as good as first two seasons with Kevin. I do not mean to be negative however it is not as enjoyable to listen to as the first two seasons.

Seasons 1 and 2 (Apollo) were among the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to - on any subject. Not only were the ‘details’, pacing, and overall presentation extremely well done, but the narrator was excellent as well. Season 3 (Shuttle) has a new narrator and ‘style.’ I tried, I really did, but I just can’t listen to it. Made it about fifteen minutes before I threw in the towel.

Oh No. I re-read my review from season 1 and 2 and had to remind myself why I loved them. Kevin Fong as the narrator, Hans Zimmer with the music. It was riveting. But sadly the season 3 narrator is no good. Might just be a personal preference. But the voice, the pace, the over exaggerated emphasis, it all mad for a very disappointing and depressing return to what was hopefully going to be a very exciting story. I’ll try one more episode but sadly I might have to give this entire season a miss. Unless, you bring back Kevin Fong to retell it!!!

Update: for season 3: this is unlistenable! vocal fry is one thing, but this is like a someone trying to blend a brick. Just delete it and re-record. —- Once you subtract the lead-ins, lead-outs, ~2 hours of “error 1202” coverage (tl;dr: there was a computer overload error; everyone figured it out within 30 seconds and moved on), and repeated discussion of how everyone at mission control was you g (we get it already!) the whole podcast is maybe 2-3 hours of actual content. Could use some serious editing.

I can’t say enough good things about 13 Minutes. Even though you know how the story ends, learning the details from the people who lived it and made it happen is captivating. This may be the only podcast (both seasons) that I’ll want to listen to again.

I have been a space geek since Allen Shepherd had his first suborbital mission. Every account I’ve heard on this podcast seems 100% accurate and very well researched. Good job BBC and Kevin Fong! Keep up the good work!

Just relistened to Season 2. Same outcome and same awesome story telling.

A perfect presentation of a seldom mentioned aspect of the Apollo 11 mission.

We all know the what happened but in this podcast series we can learn so much about our human bravery, ingenuity, curiosity and hope for the future. Amazingly put together.

This is incredible!

Seriously, the best thing I have ever heard on headphones ever.

This podcast is truly amazing, a one-of-a-kind podcast. It is descriptive, informative and an out-of-this-world podcast (lol) Hope there’s more coming. (When humans get to Mars are you going to do a podcast about that?) Lol. Keep up the great work.

If you are fascinated by all things space like me this is an unbeatable podcast! You will be amazed and awed by all the behind the scenes activities at NASA and the incredible interviews with people that were there! I cried more than once at the sheer scope of the bravery, ingenuity and the audacity to do what they do!

One of the best pods out there, especially for space nerds

One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to. Even though I knew the outcome of both seasons, I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout the listen. As someone who didn’t live through the Apollo missions, I learned so much, but think that those who did would enjoy just as much. I’m so happy that I stumbled on this, and have already recommended it to many others after my week of binging both seasons!

Gripping and entertaining from start to finish even the second time around!

Had to rate this less than 5 stars because of the strange feeling I had listening to the teaser for Season 3. Dr. Kevin Fong, who was the host of the first two seasons, has been fundraising his next podcast “16 Sunsets” independent of the BBC about the US Space Shuttle program. The timing and content-matter of this Season 3 trailer … a serial podcast about the shuttle program … seems like a weird attempt to steal his thunder under the branding that he built. My loyalty and trust lies with Dr. Fong much more than the brand of “13 Minutes” - it feels to me the BBC is playing games with this by resurrecting this new season out of nowhere under the branding of “13 Minutes”. And the shuttle has nothing to do with the Apollo program so lumping it into this show is just confusing. BBC should provide an explanation.

As a kid growing up in Houston, NASA was a big deal. Now that I'm older, I have come to appreciate what the space program meant to my city, and me as I grew up. This podcast is so well done with Kevin Fong and especially the interviews of the players behind the consoles in Mission Control. Season 1's breakdown of the 13 minutes provided great insight and detail that one wouldn't get by watching on TV. Season 2 was an unexpected surprise for me; just loved it. Thank you to the team who put this podcast together and to those guests who contributed to it. I'm going to go and listen again and pick up on stuff I missed the first time around. Decent chance there will be a third time around, too. Haha. Well done, everyone.

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I don’t usually write reviews, but after listening to the two seasons of this, it left me wishing there was more. It was well produced and was definitely a good listen! If you are a fan of the space program, then you should give this a listen!

Really well done

If your any fan of Space this is a fantastic podcast !!! There’s so much to enjoy here , you feel like it is happening in real time , especially love the communications going on between ground and capsule , great great listen !!!

Such great stories told from a people point of view. Space programs offer so much excitement, development and joy and they do a wonderful job communicating that.