91 episodes

The biggest ideas in physics, broken down. Join theoretical physicist Dan Hooper and co-host Shalma Wegsman as they answer your questions about dark matter, black holes, quantum mechanics, and more. Part of The University of Chicago Podcast Network.

Why This Universe‪?‬ Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman

    • Science
    • 4.7 • 290 Ratings

The biggest ideas in physics, broken down. Join theoretical physicist Dan Hooper and co-host Shalma Wegsman as they answer your questions about dark matter, black holes, quantum mechanics, and more. Part of The University of Chicago Podcast Network.

    79 - NanoGRAV's Big Gravitational Wave Discovery (Ft. Chiara Mingarelli)

    79 - NanoGRAV's Big Gravitational Wave Discovery (Ft. Chiara Mingarelli)

    Last year, an experiment called NanoGRAV made a surprising discovery of gravitational waves using pulsars around the universe. Special guest Chiara Mingarelli explains.

    For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
    Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

    • 40 min
    78 - The Life of a Science Journalist (Ft. Katrina Miller)

    78 - The Life of a Science Journalist (Ft. Katrina Miller)

    What's it like bringing science to the most general public audiences? How do you distill complex results into short news-worthy articles without getting lost in clickbait? Today we hear the perspective of New York Times science journalist Katrina Miller.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseOur merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universeSupport the show

    • 38 min
    77 - All About Quantum Computing (Ft. Henry Lamm)

    77 - All About Quantum Computing (Ft. Henry Lamm)

    Quantum computing makes big promises, but how does it work? What is the real state of quantum computing today? Special guest Henry Lamm answers our questions.Our new merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universeFor ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show

    • 40 min
    76 - Do We Live in a Simulation?

    76 - Do We Live in a Simulation?

    Is the world around us real, or are we living in someone's computer program?Our new merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universeFor ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show

    • 37 min
    75 - Physics in Extreme Locations (Ft. Daniel Baxter & Alexandra Rahlin)

    75 - Physics in Extreme Locations (Ft. Daniel Baxter & Alexandra Rahlin)

    We hear two physicists describe their lives collecting data in remote locations, from deep underground in an active mine and from the South Pole.Our new merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universeFor ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show

    • 42 min
    8 - Is Space Flat or Curved?

    8 - Is Space Flat or Curved?

    Learn how the geometry of space defies our intuition, and why it gave Einstein so much anxiety.Our new merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universeFor ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show

    • 24 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
290 Ratings

290 Ratings

the og farmer girl ,

Love it!

I love this podcast! Easy to understand, keeps me interested. Keep it up!

Tlidartth ,

Big ideas explained clearly

Big ideas explained clearly. Love the clear vocals and good audio - obviously important for a podcast. This is unabashedly one of my new favorite cosmology podcasts. The 2 presenters speak clearly and simply about deep and complex topics proving relevant background. A must listen!

John VerValen ,

Way to talk above the average person.

So I listened to the episode on quantum computing and was just lost. This would be fine if I was a post grad or doctoral student, but I am not. So maybe not waste our time and just put that out front that you only want listeners who have a PhD. No wonder most people can’t stand eggheads…

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