The transcript discusses The Flame Challenge, a contest initiated by Alan Alda to improve science communication for 11-year-olds. This year's question is 'What is sleep?' Alda shares his passion for science, his role in founding the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, and his acting career, including his play about Marie Curie. He also comments on the intersection of politics and entertainment, particularly in light of the Sony hacking scandal. The transcript concludes with Alda's personal preferences in movies, books, and vacation spots.

What is the primary goal of The Flame Challenge?

• To make science engaging for adults

• To test scientists' knowledge

• To create complex scientific theories

• To improve scientists' communication skills

What is the topic of this year's Flame Challenge?

• What is a flame?

• Why do animals dream?

• How do plants grow?

• What is sleep?

Who are the judges for The Flame Challenge?

• 11-year-old children

• Professional scientists

• Science journalists

• University professors

What inspired Alan Alda's interest in science?

• His work with famous scientists

• His university education

• His childhood curiosity and experiments

• His role in a science fiction movie

What is the focus of Alan Alda's play 'Radiance'?

• The life of Albert Einstein

• The discovery of DNA

• The achievements of Marie Curie

• The invention of the telescope

How does Alan Alda view the portrayal of politics in 'West Wing'?

• As a fictional and unrealistic depiction

• As a complex interplay of message management

• As a simple representation of real politics

• As a humorous take on political events

Which book does Alan Alda mention as one of his favorites?

• The Double Helix by James Watson

• A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

• The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

• The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin