The Infinite Monkey Cage
BBC Radio 4
Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Joined by a panel of scientists, experts and celebrity science enthusiasts they investigate life, the universe and everything in between on The Infinite Monkey Cage from the BBC. From the smallest building blocks of life to the furthest stars, the curious monkeys pull apart the latest science to reveal fascinating and often bizarre insights into the world around us and what lies beyond. Can trees talk to each other? Can science help you commit the perfect murder? What might aliens look like and the burning question of our time, are strawberries alive or dead? Join them as each episode they put a different scientific topic under the microscope, from aliens, black holes and hedgehogs, to bacteria, poison and the Big Bang.
With past guests including actors Dame Judi Dench and Sir Patrick Stewart, comedians Steve Martin and Conan O’Brien, astronaut Tim Peake, primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Hannah Fry, The Infinite Monkey Cage promises to make you laugh, enrich your knowledge and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the universe that we call home.
Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or someone who nodded off in physics class, listen in to learn all about funny, fascinating and sometimes ridiculous topics – with the occasional monkey business.
With past guests including actors Dame Judi Dench and Sir Patrick Stewart, comedians Steve Martin and Conan O’Brien, astronaut Tim Peake, primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Hannah Fry, The Infinite Monkey Cage promises to make you laugh, enrich your knowledge and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the universe that we call home.
Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or someone who nodded off in physics class, listen in to learn all about funny, fascinating and sometimes ridiculous topics – with the occasional monkey business.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 6, 2025 • 42min
Technofossils - Sarah Gabbott, Mark Miodownik and Aurie Styla
Mark Miodownik, a Professor of Materials and Society, discusses how everyday items could become future fossils. Sarah Gabbott, a Paleontologist, shares intriguing insights on ancient fossils and the secrets they hold. Comedian Aurie Styla adds humor to the discussion about techno-fossils, speculating how archaeologists might misinterpret discarded technologies like smartphones. They explore the durability of plastics and how future generations might view our current life, questioning what legacies we’ll leave behind.
26 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 43min
The Mighty Spud - Sandy Knapp, Glenn Bryan and Susan Calman
Join botanist Sandy Knapp and geneticist Glenn Bryan as they unravel the fascinating world of potatoes. Discover how all supermarket potatoes belong to a single species and the exciting diversity of wild varieties in South America, which has Susan Calman planning her next adventure! They also dive into potato genetics, the quirky history of these tubers, and even spin a musical number using a potato keyboard. Prepare for a playful journey that mixes science with humor, celebrating the mighty spud in all its glory!
55 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 42min
How to Build the Perfect Athlete - Helen Glover, Hugh Dennis, Steve Haake and Emma Ross
In this discussion, Olympic rower Helen Glover shares her inspiring journey of returning to sports after motherhood, emphasizing the unique challenges female athletes face. Professor Steve Haake explores how cutting-edge technology impacts sports performance, while exercise physiologist Emma Ross dives into the physiological differences that affect athletes. Comedian Hugh Dennis adds humor with tales of his cycling adventures, all while the group contemplates what truly makes the 'perfect athlete' amidst laughter and personal anecdotes.
75 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 43min
Should We Settle in Space? - Tim Peake, Kelly Weinersmith and Alan Davies
Join British astronaut Tim Peake, biologist Kelly Weinersmith, and comedian Alan Davies as they explore whether humanity should settle in space. Peake shares insights from his time at the ISS and advocates for space exploration. Weinersmith discusses the hurdles of colonizing Mars and the Moon, while Davies injects humor into the conversation about life beyond Earth. They tackle the scientific and ethical implications, from growing food on Mars to the absurdities of space travel, making for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.
34 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 43min
201st Birthday Bonanza - Mel Giedroyc, Deborah Meaden and Nish Kumar
Mel Giedroyc, renowned for her role in The Great British Bake Off, explores the engineering wonders behind London's subterranean transport systems. Deborah Meaden, a savvy entrepreneur, delves into the emotional complexities of animal grief, examining whether our pets really experience sadness. Comedian Nish Kumar queries climate scientist Ed Hawkins about the looming climate crisis, seeking hope amid doom. Together, the trio navigates the delightful intersections of science and everyday life, sparking curiosity and laughter.
101 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 42min
Nature's Shapes - Dave Gorman, Sarah Hart and Thomas Woolley
Mathematician Sarah Hart, a fellow at Birkbeck University, joins comedian Dave Gorman and Thomas Woolley to explore nature's geometry. They discuss how evolution crafts elegant forms, like tortoise shells and the leaf distribution of trees. The conversation touches on Alan Turing’s influence on animal patterns, the mystery of the golden ratio, and even Gorman's quirky disdain for oblongs. With humor and insight, they reveal the mathematical wonders embedded in the natural world.
64 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 43min
The Sound of Music - Brian Eno, Sam Bennett and Trevor Cox
Join Trevor Cox, an Acoustic Engineering Professor, Sam Bennett, a Music Professor specializing in technology, and the iconic musician Brian Eno as they delve into the evolution of sound. They discuss the fascinating history of music recording from early phonographs to the revolutionary Fairlight CMI synthesizer. Hear about the challenges of capturing sound, the transition from analog to digital music, and a live audience experiment that turns phones into a digital orchestra. It's a captivating intersection of technology and creativity!
18 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 42min
Saturn v Jupiter - Katherine Parkinson, Paul Abel and Michele Dougherty
Join theoretical physicist Paul Abel and planetary scientist Michele Dougherty as they engage in a cosmic face-off between Saturn and Jupiter. Discover the allure of their breathtaking appearances and the secrets lurking beneath their mesmerizing surfaces. The duo dives into the wonders of their moons, discussing ongoing missions that might uncover extraterrestrial life. With some humorous wrestling analogies thrown in, this lively debate reveals the intriguing dynamics of these gas giants and their captivating roles in our solar system.
Mar 5, 2025 • 43min
Adventures on Ice - Darren Harriott, Liz Morris, Christoph Salzmann and Felicity Aston
Robin Ince and Brian Cox venture into the captivating and surprisingly mysterious realm of ice. Joining them on this cool adventure are former ice dancer Darren Harriott, glaciologist Liz Morris, polar explorer Felicity Aston and ice chemist Christoph Salzmann. From beautifully formed snowflakes to ice shelves in Antarctica, our guests discuss the fascinating science suspended in solid water and how much is still to be discovered. With the help of a gin and tonic they explore the properties of ice - like why it floats and how there are 20 phases of ice, three of which were accidentally discovered by our guest Christoph. Darren shares his respect and fear for ice having learnt to dance and ice-skate on it. Liz discusses how analysing deep ice can provide a window into our past climate whilst also helping us understand our present one and why penguins can be problematic. Polar explorer Felicity explains how being able to read the colours, shapes and sounds of the ice have helped to keep her alive as she's traversed the highly inhospitable (but also incredibly beautiful) polar regions. Producer: Melanie Brown
Exec Producer: Alexandra Feachem
Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani
79 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 42min
How selfish are we really? - Jo Brand, Matti Wilks and Steve Jones
Jo Brand, a sharp-witted comedian and writer, joins psychologist Matti Wilks, who specializes in morality, to explore the depths of altruism. They tackle fascinating questions like why humans choose to help others and the biological roots of altruism. The conversation dives into how personal relationships dictate generosity, and surprising insights reveal how children perceive kindness. With humor and expert analysis, the duo discusses the intricate balance between self-interest and altruism, alongside a look at gender influences in charitable behavior.
