95 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 • 301 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.

    83 - Witnessing a Revolution in Particle Physics (Ft. Chris Quigg)

    83 - Witnessing a Revolution in Particle Physics (Ft. Chris Quigg)

    Today we hear from someone who bore witness to the so-called “November Revolution” of particle physics in 1974.

    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

    • 31 min
    82 - Science Vs. Pseudoscience

    82 - Science Vs. Pseudoscience

    Pseudoscience can sometimes be hard to distinguish from the real thing. Today we discuss how philosophers of science have thought about this problem.

    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

    • 35 min
    81 - Ancient Greek Astronomy

    81 - Ancient Greek Astronomy

    The first episode in a new mini-series on philosophical problems in cosmology - Today we start with the origins of Western science and learn what the ancient Greeks thought about the cosmos.

    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

    • 43 min
    80 - (April Fools 2024) A Surprising Discovery Shaking Up Modern Cosmology

    80 - (April Fools 2024) A Surprising Discovery Shaking Up Modern Cosmology

    Hear how a recent discovery of the motions of galaxies is changing how cosmologists are thinking about our universe.

    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

    • 16 min
    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

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
301 Ratings

301 Ratings

Bangs Boy ,

4-1-24 episode

love it a lot. i had to skip to the end of the aprils folds video because i was like “this has to be fake this has to be fake this has to be fake” you gave me a big scare 😂♥️

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!

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