The Infinite Monkey Cage
BBC Radio 4
Witty panel discussions on science topics with comedians and experts like Robin Dunbar and Dave Gorman.
Why we picked this
We pick The Infinite Monkey Cage because it treats serious science with unpretentious humor. The hosts assemble panels where researchers and comedians clash over cosmology, biology, and physics. The show avoids dry academic lectures by leaning into absurdity. Guests debate complex theorems while cracking jokes about the history of thought. We favor podcasts that make hard knowledge accessible without talking down to their audience. This feed offers a reliable antidote to dry academic posturing.
Recent episodes
The North Pole Unwrapped - Russell Kane, Felicity Aston and Lloyd Peck
Dec 24, 202542 min
Monkey Business - Robin Dunbar, Dave Gorman and Jo Setchell
Dec 17, 202542 min
Head in the Clouds - Owain Wyn Evans, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Amanda Maycock
Dec 10, 202542 min
Fusion – Ria Lina, Yasmin Andrew and Howard Wilson
Dec 3, 202542 min
What’s the deal with eels? – Lucy Porter, David Righton and Caroline Durif
Nov 26, 202542 min
What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy
Nov 19, 202542 min
Mind-reading Computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke Bashford
Nov 12, 202542 min
Illuminating Light - Jess Wade, Russell Foster and Bridget Christie
Aug 20, 202542 min
Moths v Butterflies - Katy Brand, Jane Hill and Chris Jiggins
Aug 13, 202542 min
Technofossils - Sarah Gabbott, Mark Miodownik and Aurie Styla
Aug 6, 202542 min
The Mighty Spud - Sandy Knapp, Glenn Bryan and Susan Calman
Jul 30, 202542 min
How to Build the Perfect Athlete - Helen Glover, Hugh Dennis, Steve Haake and Emma Ross
Jul 23, 202542 min
Related shows
The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast with Sam Kean
Sam Kean recounts strange science stories behind famous misconceptions.
You Are Not So Smart
Social psychologist David McRaney's interviews with experts on cognitive biases and heuristics.
Smith and Marx Walk into a Bar: A History of Economics Podcast
Three historians of economic thought trace how methodological shifts in the discipline shape current affairs.
Science Friday
NPR's weekly radio hour tracking bug pee mechanics, primate obstetrics, and vaccine psychology with working researchers.