Randall Munroe

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Jo Brand, mathematicians Prof Hannah Fry and Dr Eugenia Cheng, and xkcd webcomic creator Randall Munroe to discover how thinking like a mathematician could solve some tricky everyday conundrums. From the optimal strategy to finding your true love, to how to fix a wonky table in the pub, thinking like a mathematician can help you in some very unlikely situations. They discover how mathematical thinking can help answer some truly out of this world questions as well: how much soup would it take to fill the solar system? What would happen if you shrank Jupiter to the size of a house? Not problems we'd encounter in everyday life maybe, but all questions sent to Randall Munroe for his "What If?" series of books. At first glance the questions may seem impossible, but, as it turns out, maths and physics can provide an answer to these headscratchers, as the panel discover.Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Randall Munroe, creator of the xkcd webcomic and author of the What If? books, dives into the world of absurd hypothetical questions with humor and scientific insight. He discusses the fastest way to get a human around a racetrack, the challenge of absorbing government laws, and the intriguing nature of colossal skyscrapers. Munroe also explores how to simplify complex physics while communicating effectively, making science engaging for all. His unique blend of curiosity and creativity showcases the joy of questioning the universe.

Since 2005, Randall Munroe has used his webcomic XKCD to comment on the world around him and express his love for pop culture, math, and science. Now, with the release of his new book “What If 2?: More Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions”, the cartoonist is yet again using his physics expertise to answer the most interesting hypothetical questions with a dash of humor. He sits down with Recode’s Peter Kafka to reflect on his career so far, and what he has planned ahead.Featuring: Randall Munroe (@xkcd), creator of XKCD and AuthorHost: Peter Kafka (@pkafka), Senior Editor at RecodeMore to explore: Subscribe for free to Recode Media, Peter Kafka, one of the media industry's most acclaimed reporters, talks to business titans, journalists, comedians, and more to get their take on today's media landscape.About Recode by Vox: Recode by Vox helps you understand how tech is changing the world — and changing us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Randall Munroe, the brilliant mind behind the xkcd comic, combines humor with science in his latest discussion. He introduces us to bizarre yet insightful experiments, including how nuclear tests have influenced beverage safety. Munroe also reminisces about peculiar practices like 'chicken pox parties' and explains the fascinating science of tracing birth years through radioactive teeth. His unique perspective encourages us to embrace curiosity, showing that the world is often stranger than fiction.

Randall Munroe, creator of the beloved webcomic xkcd and author of 'How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems,' brings a whimsical approach to science. He dives into thought experiments like the logistics of filling a pool with bottled water, merging humor with scientific inquiry. Randall shares quirky anecdotes about nostalgic trends, including 'chicken pox parties,' and discusses how mid-20th century nuclear testing has left a mark on our biology. His insights meld laughter and learning in fascinating ways.