Particles of Thought

GBH
  • 4.9 (165)
  • Science
  • Updated Biweekly

Ready to break your brain? Particles of Thought, the hit video podcast from the producers of NOVA is back with new mind-expanding conversations with scientists on the edge. Host Hakeem Oluseyi dives into how to hack your own anxiety, the surprising connection between dark matter and black holes, the secrets of animal communication, the hidden geometry shaping our world, and even what it means to be human. Along the way, he tackles big questions, uncovers surprising answers, and opens up entirely new ways to think. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

  1. How Many Leaves Are on a Tree? | Kirk Johnson

    Apr 29 ·  Bonus

    How Many Leaves Are on a Tree? | Kirk Johnson

    Need to know how many leaves are on that tree? Paleobotanist Dr. Kirk Johnson shares the surprisingly nerdy method—because you never know when leaf math will come in handy. For more, check out the extended interview with Kirk Johnson. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    2 min
  2. The Air You Breathe Is Bacteria Poop | Peter Girguis

    Apr 22 ·  Bonus

    The Air You Breathe Is Bacteria Poop | Peter Girguis

    Long before trees and grass, microbes were shaping our atmosphere. Evolutionary biologist Peter Girguis explains how ancient bacteria learned to split water for energy, and why their waste product changed Earth forever. For more, check out the extended interview with Peter Girguis. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    1 min
  3. The Fish That Could Walk | Sean B. Carrol

    Apr 15 ·  Bonus

    The Fish That Could Walk | Sean B. Carrol

    How did animals first make the giant step from water to land? Evolutionary biologist Sean B. Carroll explains how the discovery of Tiktaalik—a fossil with both fish and limb-like features—revealed a key moment in evolution. For more, check out the extended interview with Sean B. Carroll. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    2 min
  4. How Close Can You Safely Get to a Black Hole? | Janna Levin

    Apr 8 ·  Bonus

    How Close Can You Safely Get to a Black Hole? | Janna Levin

    Black holes aren’t the cosmic monsters Hollywood makes them out to be. Astrophysicist Janna Levin explains why they’re so hard to detect, why they’re not as destructive as you might assume, and how you could safely orbit much closer than you think. For more, check out the extended interview with Janna Levin. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    2 min
  5. A New Law of Nature? | Robert Hazen & Michael Wong

    Apr 1 ·  Bonus

    A New Law of Nature? | Robert Hazen & Michael Wong

    Could the universe be governed by a law we haven’t discovered yet? Mineralogist Robert Hazen and astrobiologist Michael Wong propose a new rule—the law of increasing functional information—to explain why complex systems evolve and why complexity keeps emerging over time. For more, check out the extended interview with Robert Hazen and Michael Wong. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    3 min
  6. AI Is Coming for Blue Collar Jobs | Hany Farid

    Mar 25 ·  Bonus

    AI Is Coming for Blue Collar Jobs | Hany Farid

    AI isn’t just coming for office jobs—it’s coming for some hands-on blue collar professions, too. AI expert Hany Farid explains which jobs are safe, and which are at risk.  For more, check out the extended interview with Hany Farid.  Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    2 min
  7. What Species Can We De-Extinct? | Beth Shapiro

    Mar 18 ·  Bonus

    What Species Can We De-Extinct? | Beth Shapiro

    Scientists claimed in 2024 that they "de-extincted" the dire wolf… so what’s next, and what determines whether a species can be brought back? Evolutionary biologist Beth Shapiro explains some of the factors that go into deciding what to try and bring back.  For more, check out the extended interview with Beth Shapiro.  Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    2 min
  8. Were Dinosaurs Able to Sing? | Erich Jarvis

    Mar 11 ·  Bonus

    Were Dinosaurs Able to Sing? | Erich Jarvis

    Dinosaurs might not have been the roaring beasts many imagine. Neuroscientist Erich Jarvis explains why modern birds—living dinosaurs—offer clues about vocal learning and why dinosaurs could have been singers. For more, check out the extended interview with Erich Jarvis.  Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    1 min
See All (45)

Trailer

Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
165 Ratings

About

Ready to break your brain? Particles of Thought, the hit video podcast from the producers of NOVA is back with new mind-expanding conversations with scientists on the edge. Host Hakeem Oluseyi dives into how to hack your own anxiety, the surprising connection between dark matter and black holes, the secrets of animal communication, the hidden geometry shaping our world, and even what it means to be human. Along the way, he tackles big questions, uncovers surprising answers, and opens up entirely new ways to think. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Information

  • Creator
    GBH
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2020 WGBH Educational Foundation
  • Show Website
    Particles of Thought

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