Another podcast in the same site is
Sara Seager's, expert on the atmosphere of exoplanets.Another extremely interesting illustration of cutting edge present research, the methods used to spot exoplanets, future developments and more
One consideration: with the present technology, the presence of so many exoplanets is going to change nothing in practice. Even if some promising one (with earth-like conditions) is found relatively close, it will still take so many years to send some explorative expeditions, even if only consisting in nanobots.
However, this might boost research toward more sensitive instrumentation, able to intercept signals which may have been sent by other civilizations. Such contact may make a difference soon.
They may send signals to help humanity evolve, or they may send signals to see if humanbeings would make up tasty food!!!!