The Infinite Monkey Cage

Dame Judi Dench, Tony Kirkham, and Tristan Gooley discuss their love for trees and share insights on tree navigation, rare tree journeys, and creating personal woodlands. They explore the competitive nature of trees, unique tree climbing adventures, and the significance of short trees. The podcast highlights the emotional connections to trees, the wonders of tree communication, and the importance of appreciating nature's mysteries.

Comedians Claire Hooper and Noel Fielding share their quirky encounters with spiders' mating rituals and creating a plasticine figure of Joey Ramone. The episode also touches on string theory inspiring a comic strip, discussions on Frankenstein monsters, and audience engagement through innovative technology in podcast recordings.

Short comedian Andy Hamilton and entomologist Erica McAlister discuss being three times bigger, favorite flies, and glowing ants gone wrong. Topics include unseen particles, microbes, and a gameshow about mammoths.

Eric Idle joins the discussion on the future of the universe and potential asteroid threats. The conversation takes a humorous turn with calculations on urine cooling energy in urinals and the concept of other species taking over from humans, like dolphins. The episode also touches on upcoming episodes, Roman history stories, and sponsor ads for Bolin Branch and SAP Concur Solutions.

Anthropologist Alice Roberts joins Brian Cox and Robin Ince to discuss the importance of failure in science, highlighting how mistakes can lead to discoveries. They explore Darwin's theory flaws, the accidental creation of Viagra, and the challenges in drug development for global health. The podcast reflects on past failures in medicine, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the debate on exercise as a health solution.

Psychologist Richard Wiseman joins Robin Ince and Brian Cox to discuss the science of gambling. They explore the psychology of games, the role of deception in human behavior, and how solving math problems can benefit us in various areas of life. The team also debates a puzzling conundrum involving a goat, a cabbage, and a hungry wolf, all while questioning why they were on a trip together in the first place.

Robin Ince, Brian Cox, and Eric Idle debate science, religion, and comedy. They question God's presence in gluten-free bread and ponder if religious beliefs will fade in an age of advancing science. The podcast explores intelligence and beliefs, suggesting a link between liberalism and higher IQ.

Conan O’Brien hopes for lizard-like aliens, Greg Proops imagines little green girls from Star Trek. Debate ensues on best way to talk to aliens - equations or Bach music?

Comedian Ed Byrne showcases his surprising horticultural knowledge as the hosts debate about plants, strawberries, and invasive species. They also discuss encounters with grey squirrels and defend mosquitoes. The episode is filled with humor and fascinating insights into the world of gardening.

Mathematician Hannah Fry discusses the importance of being proactive in finding a partner, even at the risk of humiliation. The podcast explores the fascinating mating rituals of birds and bees, from impregnation mid-air to selective behavior in choosing mates. It also touches on animal behavior, intelligence, and humorous comparisons to human relationships.