You mention a clue about how you got a 3D model of the earth and highlights of it in a podcast. You have a clue but I just couldn't work out how you did? Could you tell me how you did (If not give another clue)
that's pretty simple actually. just find an equirectangular map of the world (that means it's in the shape of a 2 by 1 rectangle) and then map it onto a sphere. Many programs actually have equirectangular as the default mapping scheme for mapping an image onto a sphere. tutorials out there are plentiful for how to do this in whatever your program of choice may be. in fact, many of those tutorials probably use a globe for the example. Actually, i think many programs actually have a globe all set and ready to go for you, although i didn't find that at the time. i actually ended up swapping out the map mid way through production, for one with a bit more clear CC rights