Brian Cox

Émissions

Épisodes

  1. #2217 - Brian Cox

    24/10/2024

    #2217 - Brian Cox

    Professor Brian Cox is an English physicist and Professor of Particle Physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester in the UK, author of many books, and broadcast personality. Catch him live in 2025 on his "Horizons—A 21st Century Space Odyssey" tour. Briancoxlive.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2 h 58 min
  2. The North Pole Unwrapped - Russell Kane, Felicity Aston and Lloyd Peck

    24/12/2025

    The North Pole Unwrapped - Russell Kane, Felicity Aston and Lloyd Peck

    In this Christmas episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage, Brian Cox and Robin Ince head to the North Pole to explore the dazzling science behind the northern lights, the extreme adaptations that help animals - and even Santa Claus - survive the Arctic cold, and how the Earth’s magnetic field might just guide him home. Joining the monkeys are comedian Russell Kane, Arctic explorer Felicity Aston and Polar biologist Lloyd Peck, as they brave the chill to uncover the wonders of one of Earth’s most remote and magical frontiers. Series Producer: Mel Brown Researcher: Alex Rodway Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

    42 min
  3. Fusion – Ria Lina, Yasmin Andrew and Howard Wilson

    03/12/2025

    Fusion – Ria Lina, Yasmin Andrew and Howard Wilson

    Robin Ince and Brian Cox get all fired up, overcome their natural repulsion and come together for this stellar episode on nuclear fusion. They’re joined by plasma physicist Yasmin Andrew, fusion scientist Howard Wilson and comedian Ria Lina to uncover the secrets of star-making here on our planet. Together the panel discovers how the sun fuses atoms to release energy and why misbehaving, jiggling plasma makes this tricky to recreate on Earth. They explore the competing technological approaches — from giant magnets to the world’s biggest lasers — and find out that the hottest place in the solar system is, in fact, in Oxfordshire. Finally, they ask whether fusion could really provide an unlimited source of clean energy, or whether the technology will forever be “just 20 years away”. Producer: Melanie Brown Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

    42 min
  4. Head in the Clouds - Owain Wyn Evans, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Amanda Maycock

    10/12/2025

    Head in the Clouds - Owain Wyn Evans, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Amanda Maycock

    Robin Ince and Brian Cox look up to the heavens as they try to ‘de-mistify’ the foggy science of clouds. They’re joined by Cloud Appreciation Society founder Gavin Pretor-Pinney, climate scientist Amanda Maycock, and former weather presenter and drummer Owain Wyn Evans, for a whirlwind tour of our too often-overlooked aerial realm. The panel explores how clouds form, why they take such extraordinary shapes, and how satellites and weather balloons help us keep track of them. They discover why low clouds cool the planet but high clouds warm it and why a cloud that weighs as much as a jumbo jet manages to stay up in the sky. From the physics of a crisp packet balancing on a cumulonimbus to the shimmering beauty of noctilucent clouds, tune in for this cirrus-ly fascinating episode. Series Producer: Mel Brown Researcher: Alex Rodway Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

    42 min
  5. Monkey Business - Robin Dunbar, Dave Gorman and Jo Setchell

    17/12/2025

    Monkey Business - Robin Dunbar, Dave Gorman and Jo Setchell

    In perhaps the monkiest Infinite Monkey Cage episode there’s ever been, Brian Cox and Robin Ince attempt to uncover the secrets of love, lust and friendship in primates. Swinging by to offer a hand (or tail) are evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar, anthropologist Jo Setchell, and comedian Dave Gorman. Together the panel explores Dunbar’s number in monkeys – the idea that the number of friendships an individual can maintain correlates with brain size – with the very creator of the theory! They ask whether monkeys feel love the way we do, why some species remain strictly monogamous but others don’t, and what we could learn about ourselves through studying them. Robin goes bananas for bonobo fashion, while Dave couldn’t give a monkey’s about finding an aftershave to complement his natural smell. Series Producer: Mel Brown Researcher: Alex Rodway Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

    43 min
  6. What’s the deal with eels? – Lucy Porter, David Righton and Caroline Durif

    26/11/2025

    What’s the deal with eels? – Lucy Porter, David Righton and Caroline Durif

    Fishing rods at the ready, Brian Cox and Robin Ince attempt to reel in a creature that has baffled scientists since Aristotle: the eel. Wriggling in to help them uncover the mysteries of one of nature’s slimiest subjects are marine scientists David Righton and Caroline Durif, and comedian Lucy Porter. How do eels navigate such vast distances so deep under water? Why has no one ever seen them reproduce? And WHY would anyone eat them jellied with pie and mash?! The panel discovers that Spanish eels are always late and that eels from all different countries are thought to meet up somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean for a huge annual orgy. Producer: Melanie Brown Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

    42 min
  7. What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy

    19/11/2025

    What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy

    Robin Ince and Brian Cox wind up at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich – arguably the centre of time – to uncoil the mysteries of what time is and how on Earth (…and on moon) we keep track of it. Taking the time to join them are comedian Marcus Brigstocke, curator of the Royal Observatory Louise Devoy, and Head of the National Timing Centre Leon Lobo. From ancient Egyptian knuckle counting to sun dials, quartz oscillators and atomic clocks, the panel turns back time to discover how we measured and kept it throughout history. Together, they dial into why Greenwich has become such an important place for time and how time is synchronised and sold across the globe. They explore the flaws and future of accurate astronomical and atomic timekeeping, and Marcus blames the ‘leap second’ for his fry-up failures. Producer: Olivia Jani Series Producer: Melanie Brown Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

    42 min
  8. Illuminating Light - Jess Wade, Russell Foster and Bridget Christie

    20/08/2025

    Illuminating Light - Jess Wade, Russell Foster and Bridget Christie

    What is light? How has it shaped our understanding of the universe, our biology, and even our culture? In this illuminating episode Brian Cox and Robin Ince shine a spotlight on the fascinating science and history of light. From sun and circadian rhythms to the dazzling complexity of quantum, they explore how humans have understood and been influenced by light across time. Joining them to shed light on the subject are physicist Dr Jess Wade, Neuroscientist Professor Russell Foster and comedian Bridget Christie. Together, they trace the story of light from early scientific theories to the cutting-edge research of today. Expect tales of light emitting eyes, the mystery of wave-particle duality and why Bridget thinks that if we had understood light better, we’d never have believed in ghosts! Series Producer: Melanie Brown Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem BBC Studios Audio Production

    42 min
  9. Mind-reading Computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke Bashford

    12/11/2025

    Mind-reading Computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke Bashford

    For once, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are on the same wavelength – with thinking caps firmly on, they plug into the science of brain-computer interfaces. Helping them decode the tech are neuroscientist Luke Bashford, biomedical engineer Anne Vanhoestenberghe, and comedian Phil Wang. Together the panel switches on to the possibilities of using implanted and wearable devices to restore movement, speech, sight… or even to decode thoughts themselves. From the ethics of cognitive enhancement to the future of mind-reading and immersive gaming, strap in for this electrifyingly thought-provoking episode. Producer: Melanie Brown Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

    43 min
  10. Our World of Particles with Brian Cox

    28/01/2025

    Our World of Particles with Brian Cox

    How much more physics is out there to be discovered? Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with physicist, professor, and rockstar Brian Cox, to discuss everything from the Higgs boson, life beyond our planet, and the fundamental forces that guide our universe. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:  https://startalkmedia.com/show/our-world-of-particles-with-brian-cox/ Thanks to our Patrons Anthony Sclafani, Alejandro Arriola-Flores, Brian Christensen, Allen Baker, Atlanta Gamer, Nigel Gandy, Gene, Lisa Mettler, Daniel Johansson, Sunny Malhotra, Omar Marcelino, yoyodave, Mo TheRain, William Wilson, ChrissyK, David, Prabakar Venkataraman, PiaThanos22, BlackPiano, Radak Bence, Obaid Mohammadi, the1eagleman1, Scott Openlander, Brandon Micucci, Anastasios Kotoros, Thomas Ha, Phillip Thompson, Bojemo, Kenan Brooks, jmamblat@duck.com, TartarXO, Trinnie Schley, Davidson Zetrenne, and William Kramer for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h 13 min
  11. Professor Brian Cox

    30/05/2022

    Professor Brian Cox

    Professor and physicist Brian Cox has no idea how to feel about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.   Professor Brian Cox sits down with Conan to discuss feeling insignificant at the size of the universe, doing sketch comedy with Stephen Hawking, starting out as a rock musician, and his new show Horizons: A 21st Century Space Odyssey. Later, Conan and his team desperately try to get themselves in sync.   Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (323) 451-2821.   For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com. Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/conan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    56 min
  12. Should We Settle in Space? - Tim Peake, Kelly Weinersmith and Alan Davies

    16/07/2025

    Should We Settle in Space? - Tim Peake, Kelly Weinersmith and Alan Davies

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince blast off into a cosmic controversy as they ask, should humanity become an interplanetary species? At Harwell Campus, a space science innovation hub, they’re joined by astronaut Tim Peake, biologist and Royal Society prize winning author Kelly Weinersmith, and comedian Alan Davies to explore the science, ethics, and challenges of settling on Mars or on the Moon. Are we bold pioneers venturing into the unknown, or just reckless tenants abandoning Earth in search of a new abode? Our panel discuss whether space settlement is inevitable in humanity’s near future and how pushing the boundaries of space exploration could make extra-terrestrial travel more accessible to the masses. From sourcing materials, to surviving radiation, and even growing potatoes from poo, they tackle what it really would take to live a life beyond Earth! Series Producer: Melanie Brown Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem BBC Studios Audio Production

    43 min
  13. Saturn v Jupiter - Katherine Parkinson, Paul Abel and Michele Dougherty

    12/03/2025

    Saturn v Jupiter - Katherine Parkinson, Paul Abel and Michele Dougherty

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince referee as Saturn and Jupiter square up to each other in a planetary face-off. Representing Team Saturn is space physicist Professor Michele Dougherty, and in the opposite corner is Dr Paul Abel on Team Jupiter. Katherine Parkinson judges this cosmic contest, casting the final vote to decide who will be awarded the coveted Kuiper Belt. It is not all about looks of course, but it is a significant factor in a first impression. Both Saturn and Jupiter score highly in this department, boasting magnificent icy rings and colourful stripes respectively. But what lies beneath their aesthetically pleasing exteriors? How do the planets compare on the inside? The gas giants have been subjects of investigation for many years, with historic missions like Galileo and Cassini uncovering their secrets. But they aren’t alone, each planet is surrounded by its own mini solar system of moons, which get space scientists just as excited as their parent planets do. Both Jupiter and Saturn have moons which are hot contenders in the search for extraterrestrial life and our panel discuss the future plans to explore them. Producer: Melanie Brown Exec Producer: Sasha Feachem Researcher: Olivia Jani

    42 min
  14. Nature's Shapes - Dave Gorman, Sarah Hart and Thomas Woolley

    26/03/2025

    Nature's Shapes - Dave Gorman, Sarah Hart and Thomas Woolley

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince unpick the hidden codes behind the shapes we see in nature with mathematicians Sarah Hart & Thomas Woolley and comedian Dave Gorman. The panel marvel at how evolution so often beats mathematicians to finding the most elegant solutions, after all, it’s had millennia to experiment. How do trees achieve the optimal distribution of leaves and why are tortoise shells so geometrically exciting? Plus we learn why the cheetah got its spots, thanks to the work of Thomas Woolley’s mathematical hero, Alan Turing, how numbers can be more or less irrational, and why Dave Gorman has a vendetta against oblongs. Producer: Melanie Brown Exec Producer: Alexandra Feachem Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani

    42 min
  15. The Sound of Music - Brian Eno, Sam Bennett and Trevor Cox

    19/03/2025

    The Sound of Music - Brian Eno, Sam Bennett and Trevor Cox

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore the history of music recording, joined by acoustics professor Trevor Cox, music professor Sam Bennett and musician and producer Brian Eno. Together they guide us through the evolution of sound recording, a space in which technology hasn’t stood still since its advent in the mid-1800s. We hear the very first recognisable recording of a voice made with a brush making marks in soot and put a spotlight on the Fairlight CMI, a revolutionary digital synthesizer of the '70s, used in Brian’s records (Cox & Eno’s!) Plus, we run an audio experiment with our live audience who turn themselves into our in-house digital orchestra, with the help of their mobile phones. Now that lots of people have several devices that can play sound, new technology is harnessing this to create a more immersive experience – which (kind of) worked in our experiment! Producer: Melanie Brown Exec Producer: Alexandra Feachem Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani

    43 min
  16. The Mighty Spud - Sandy Knapp, Glenn Bryan and Susan Calman

    30/07/2025

    The Mighty Spud - Sandy Knapp, Glenn Bryan and Susan Calman

    Robin Ince and Brian Cox get out the ketchup and peel back the layers of one of the most versatile and beloved foods - potatoes. From the science of starch to the surprising role potatoes have played in history, we’re digging deep to uncover the truth behind the mighty spud. Chipping into the conversation are botanist Sandy Knapp, geneticist Glenn Bryan and potato passionate comedian Susan Calman. Susan is astonished to learn that the potatoes lining our supermarket shelves all belong to a single species and once she discovered the rich diversity of wild potato species in South America, she’s already planning her next holiday to visit them! Plus we end the episode on a tuber-powered musical note as Helen Anahita-Wilson plays the monkey cage theme song on none other than a potato keyboard! Producer: Melanie Brown Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem BBC Studios Audio Production

    43 min
  17. Moths v Butterflies - Katy Brand, Jane Hill and Chris Jiggins

    13/08/2025

    Moths v Butterflies - Katy Brand, Jane Hill and Chris Jiggins

    What really separates a moth from a butterfly? Is it just a matter of day and night, or is there more to this fluttering feud than meets the eye? Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince flap into the fabulous world of Lepidoptera with Professor Jane Hill, Professor Chris Jiggins, and comedian Katy Brand. Together, they chase colourful wings through science and storytelling, uncovering epic insect migrations, the secrets behind dazzling wing patterns, and most importantly, why Katy has a butterfly tattoo on her arm! Producer: Olivia Jani Series Producer: Melanie Brown Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem BBC Studios Audio Production

    42 min
  18. How to Build the Perfect Athlete - Helen Glover, Hugh Dennis, Steve Haake and Emma Ross

    23/07/2025

    How to Build the Perfect Athlete - Helen Glover, Hugh Dennis, Steve Haake and Emma Ross

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are limbering up for a high-performance episode all about what it takes to build the perfect athlete. Joining them on the track are physiologist Dr Emma Ross, sports engineer Professor Steve Haake, Olympic rowing legend Helen Glover, and comedian Hugh Dennis - who’s getting into gear and reliving his cycling adventures in the Pyrenees. From muscle power and mental grit to high-tech training tools, the team dives into the science of champions. Can we engineer the ultimate competitor? And how do you get back to peak performance after becoming a parent? Helen Glover shares her inspiring story, while Hugh Dennis wonders if he’s still got what it takes to get to the top. Producer: Olivia Jani Series Producer: Melanie Brown Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem BBC Studios Audio Production

    42 min
  19. Technofossils - Sarah Gabbott, Mark Miodownik and Aurie Styla

    06/08/2025

    Technofossils - Sarah Gabbott, Mark Miodownik and Aurie Styla

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince dig deep into the strata of an imagined human history to unearth the curious concept of technofossils. Joined by paleobiologist Sarah Gabbott, material scientist Mark Miodownik and comedian and tech enthusiast Aurie Styla the panel unearth how the everyday objects that we throw away today compare to fossils of the past. Together, the panel investigates how these modern artifacts could degrade over time to become the fossils of the future. From old smartphones buried in bedside drawers to sprawling landfill sites, they imagine how these remnants of the Anthropocene might puzzle future archaeologists—and speculate on what these researchers might infer about our technology, customs, and way of life. Series Producer: Melanie Brown Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem BBC Studios Audio Production

    42 min
  20. How selfish are we really? - Jo Brand, Matti Wilks and Steve Jones

    26/02/2025

    How selfish are we really? - Jo Brand, Matti Wilks and Steve Jones

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince kindly open the door for each other as they step into understanding altruism, asking why humans have evolved to help each other. Joining them to explore the human tendency to be kind is evolutionary biologist Steve Jones, psychologist Matti Wilks and comedian Jo Brand. Starting with the animal kingdom, we probe the biological underpinnings of why organisms might act to help others at an energetic cost to themselves and where this fits alongside the theory of evolution. We explore how the development of human societies has necessitated altruistic behaviours and how these manifest in our modern lives. Matti introduces the idea of moral circles as we ask why are we more generous to some people than others. We explore how children feel about being kind to those close and far away with some surprising recent findings and finally consider what can encourage more altruistic behaviour. Producer: Melanie Brown Exec Producer: Alexandra Feachem Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani

    42 min
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