Book excerpt: This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Mark Maslin, Professor of Geography at University College London. The conversation explores Prof. Maslin’s research on the Anthropocene which according to his definition began when human impacts on the planet irrevocably started to change the course of the Earth’s biological and geographical trajectory, leading to climate change, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and more. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, On Being A Superpower, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Becoming A Geographer - A serendipitous journey II. The Anthropocene - Exploring three starting dates III. What We Know - Ice ages, snowballs and hockey sticks IV. Unchecked Opinion - Examining beliefs V. Planetary Perspectives - Which type of Anthropocene do we want? VI. Becoming Social - Investigating a watershed moment About Ideas Roadshow Conversations: This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.