The Infinite Monkey Cage

BBC Radio 4
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4 snips
May 8, 2024 • 17min

The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Failure

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.
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May 1, 2024 • 19min

The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Gambling

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.
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4 snips
Apr 24, 2024 • 22min

The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… The Gods

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.
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Apr 17, 2024 • 20min

The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Talking to Aliens

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?
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7 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 18min

The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Gardening

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.
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Apr 3, 2024 • 20min

The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Love

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.
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Mar 27, 2024 • 21min

The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Murder

Entomologist Amoret Whitaker and criminal psychologist Dr. Julia Shaw discuss using flies and fleas to solve crimes. They explore humanity's potential for murder, along with nature's own homicidal tendencies. Topics include forensic botany, the role of fleas in investigations, and the gruesome tactics of wasps and fungi in targeting their prey.
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Mar 20, 2024 • 43min

Higgs Boson

Join Brian Cox and Robin Ince at CERN's Large Hadron Collider as they search for the elusive Higgs boson. Discover the fascinating world of particle physics with comedian Katy Brand, actor Ben Miller, and physicists Tevong You and Clara Nellist. Learn about the Higgs mechanism, particle detection complexities, impact on medical technology, and unraveling the universe's mysteries in a humorous and entertaining way.
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14 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 42min

Cats v Dogs

Join Brian Cox, Robin Ince, and guests as they delve into the age-old debate of cats vs dogs. They explore domestication's impact on our furry friends, debate intelligence and love, and uncover the nuances of cat-human interactions. With humor and insights, they tackle the ultimate question - which pet truly loves you?
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Mar 6, 2024 • 42min

Poison

Exploring historical poisonings with insights from a chemist and Agatha Christie fan. Discussing the ease of access to poisons, famous cases, and deadly garden plants. Delving into literary depictions of poisons in crime novels and the potency of cyanide. Analyzing thallium poisoning in Agatha Christie's 'The Pale Horse' and playful discussions on symbolic meanings of poison.

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