The Infinite Monkey Cage

BBC Radio 4
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Nov 8, 2023 • 24min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Audience Favourites

This episode features the audience's favorite clips from The Infinite Monkey Cage, including licking rocks for age determination, the age rivalry between Robin and Brian, a fly landing in wine, and the excitement of chatty trees. Topics covered in different episodes include the Wood Wide Web, the history of rock, the role of the North, dinosaurs, flies, and the science of laughter.
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Nov 1, 2023 • 18min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Infinity

Explore the vastness of the universe, parallel universes, and the possibility of new big bangs. Discuss the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Speculate on the future of the big bang theory and its implications on religion. Dive into the concept of infinity and its connection to numbers.
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Oct 25, 2023 • 18min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Being Human

Astrophysicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince explore what makes humans unique. Anatomist Prof Alice Roberts explains interbreeding with Neanderthals. Comedian Bill Bailey learns chimpanzee communication from Dr Jane Goodall. They discuss human brain adaptability, flaws in evolution, and the design flaw of the human eye. The podcast covers diverse topics from interbreeding to non-verbal communication, with humor and insights from experts.
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Oct 18, 2023 • 24min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Oceans

Professor Lloyd Peck, an expert from the British Antarctic Survey, talks about weird and wonderful ocean creatures. Tim Minchin shares his fear of submarines. The hosts discuss the complexities of the ocean, conservation, deep-sea exploration, and James Cameron's trip to the bottom of the ocean.
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5 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 19min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Building a Universe

Alternative theories of the universe's beginnings, the role of comedians in science, dangerous science education, exploring black holes, and understanding the significance of the Higgs boson
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4 snips
Oct 4, 2023 • 23min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Strawberries

The hosts discuss the concept of determining when a strawberry is truly dead, exploring the ideas of souls and resurrection. They also delve into the possibility of reversing death and the potential for immortality. The chapter touches on the presence of DNA in various locations, including a personal anecdote about DNA in undergarments. The drawbacks of immortality are considered, including the erosion of time and the cancellation of Doctor Who.
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Sep 27, 2023 • 22min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... The Movies

Discover the importance of scientific accuracy in movies, the existence of wormholes, and the intersection of science fiction and theoretical physics. Hear about a quirky theater experience and a recommended film podcast.
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Sep 20, 2023 • 21min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide To... Space Travel

Astronauts and explorers, including Brian Blessed, Sir Patrick Stewart, Nicole Stott, and Charlie Duke, discuss their passion for space travel. They delve into the wonders and challenges of traveling into space, talking about topics like Mars exploration, personal experiences in space, and the value of humans in space exploration. The podcast also touches on limited communication in space and pays tribute to Patrick Moore with a heartfelt poem.
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Sep 13, 2023 • 19min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide To... The Apocalypse

Astrophysicists Brian Cox and Katie Mack explore the various ways the universe could end, from the sun exploding to galaxies tearing each other apart. Comedian Steve Martin contemplates the meaning of life and the guests discuss the irrationality behind apocalyptic myths. The podcast also touches on advancements in technology and communication, as well as hypothetical solutions for survival and the limitations of time travel.
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Sep 6, 2023 • 22min

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... The Supernatural

Comedian Lucy Beaumont's belief in alien life, the psychology of ghosts, debunking Father Christmas, quantum physics and Santa, exploring mysticism at Glastonbury, and the pursuit of everlasting life are discussed in this intriguing and entertaining podcast.

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