The Rest Is Science
Goalhanger
Join mathematician Professor Hannah Fry and science creator Michael Stevens (Vsauce) as they dig into the weird scientific questions that often go unexplored.
Welcome to The Rest Is Science, a show that sits in the fascinating space between what we think we know, and what we actually know. Why do we assume we understand things like time, randomness, or even gravity? Once you start questioning these familiar ideas, reality becomes astonishingly strange and completely fragile.
Whether you're a lifelong science fan or just naturally curious, The Rest Is Science will change your perception of reality, and prove that the biggest questions are always the most fun.
Welcome to The Rest Is Science, a show that sits in the fascinating space between what we think we know, and what we actually know. Why do we assume we understand things like time, randomness, or even gravity? Once you start questioning these familiar ideas, reality becomes astonishingly strange and completely fragile.
Whether you're a lifelong science fan or just naturally curious, The Rest Is Science will change your perception of reality, and prove that the biggest questions are always the most fun.
Episodes
Mentioned books
72 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 35min
The Letter That Changed Mathematics
Explore the origins of a baffling letter filled with mathematical formulas that sparked debate over genius versus madness. Discover Srinivasa Ramanujan's astonishing claims, like 1+2+3... equaling -1/12, and his invitation to Cambridge despite challenges. Visit the archives to see his expressive handwriting and hear about his poignant struggles in a foreign land. Delve into the myth of lone genius versus collaboration in science, as well as intriguing anecdotes like the 1729 taxi story and modern parallels with Grigori Perelman.
66 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 47min
This One's a Tear Jerker
Uncover the intriguing mystery of emotional tears and whether only humans shed them. Explore the development of crying from infancy and the social signals it conveys. Hear fascinating insights on how tears can strengthen or strain relationships. Discover the science behind the comforting effects of a good cry and the evolutionary significance of our tears. Dive into thought-provoking discussions on crying's role in vulnerability and connection, highlighting the undeniable importance of emotional expression in human interaction.
82 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 38min
What We Said To Aliens
Explore humanity's attempt to connect with extraterrestrial life through the Arecibo message. Discover the intriguing reasoning behind the choice of the number 1,679 in its structure, and the essential elements encoded in it, including DNA. Delve into the Fermi paradox and ponder why we haven’t received a reply. The hosts also humorously evaluate whether we might be among the first intelligent species, while discussing the exciting potentials of fusion energy and CRISPR technology for the future.
66 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 41min
We're All Being Pulled Together
Explore the intriguing mysteries of gravity, from its puzzling effects on time to the way it shapes galaxies. Discover thought experiments that explain gravity to an extraterrestrial and the limitations of popular analogies. The conversation dives into Einstein's groundbreaking view of space-time, modern riddles like dark matter, and why detecting the elusive graviton poses a challenge. Plus, hear about the bizarre biological effects of varying gravity on earth's creatures and the concept of black holes!
129 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 37min
How To Drink Lava
Is water wet? The hosts dive into this intriguing debate and explore how the minerals in our drinks shape their taste. They discuss how tap water acts like a rock smoothie and the surprising ways local water affects baked goods and beer. Discover the risks of drinking overly pure water and the bizarre fact that yesterday's sewage could become future drinking water. Plus, find out how the Earth's water is distributed and how our bodies are essentially water balloons. Rethink everything you thought you knew about this essential fluid!
Nov 18, 2025 • 2min
The Rest Is Science - Coming 25th November
Forget what you think you know about reality. The Rest Is Science is a mind-bending series that tears down familiar ideas… time, randomness, beauty, it will reveal just how bizarre the world truly is.
Join Professor Hannah Fry and science creator Michael Stevens (Vsauce) twice a week to explore big, small and surprising questions as they deep dive into theories, concepts, objects and thoughts and take us on a journey into the unexpected.
If you love digging into details that usually get skipped over, this is the show that proves reality is stranger than fiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
