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
27 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 48min
What Day Is It, Really?
Ever wondered what day it really is? Delve into the quirky history of calendars, from Julius Caesar's blunders to Pope Gregory XIII's reforms. Explore the chaos of timekeeping on Earth and how it affects navigation at sea. Discover why leap seconds exist and how atomic clocks keep us synchronized globally. With a nod to interplanetary time challenges, the hosts remind us that time is a slippery concept shaped by human desire for precision.
31 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 36min
The Smell Of Christmas Is Tree Screams
Dive into the surprising origins of that cozy Christmas pine scent, which is actually a defensive warning signal from trees. Discover how terpenes repel pests while humans find comfort in the scent, harking back to our ancestors. The hosts also explore tactile illusions, showing how our brain misjudges sensory information with fun demonstrations. From the brain's predictive mapping to the fascinating concept of phantom limbs, this discussion reveals the curious interplay between scent, touch, and our perception of reality.
42 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 36min
The Reality of Being Santa
What if Santa had no magic? Experts dive into the real physics behind an ordinary Santa delivering gifts globally in one night. They discuss the potential of using space-warping concepts to overcome challenges and explore historical moments that could make such a feat possible. Humorous debates on prehistoric gifts like sexy hand axes and the significance of alcohol as an early present add to the charm. Ultimately, they conclude that a non-magical Santa is more fantasy than reality, leaving us to ponder the legends.
46 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 26min
The Device That Maps The Heavens
Discover the ellipsograph, a fascinating device that turns complex geometry into motion on paper. Explore how ellipses relate to planetary orbits and Kepler's historical shift in understanding celestial motion. Delve into the science of color mixing with translucent CMY cubes and learn the truth about the infamous goldfish memory myth. The hosts also share intriguing tales of iconic mathematicians like Galois, Archimedes, and Pythagoras, adding a humorous twist to the serious side of science.
24 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 36min
Are You REALLY Made Of Stars?
Discover how cosmic rays—those invisible, high-energy particles from deep space—can disrupt everything from pacemakers to video game records. Delve into the fascinating story of a cosmic-ray glitch that altered a Super Mario 64 speedrun attempt. Explore the origins of beryllium and boron and their cosmic connections. Plus, uncover the mysteries of carbon-14 and how these celestial phenomena influence our biology. The universe's randomness intertwines with our most precise achievements, showing that chance plays a surprising role in our lives.
40 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 39min
The Magic Math Trick That Fools Everyone
Dive into a clever brain-teaser that has puzzled math enthusiasts for decades. Discover how a simple riddle about two swords opens up discussions about logic and reasoning. Learn how binary encoding transforms this trick into an educational tool for kids. From error-correcting codes in barcodes to the privacy pitfalls of sharing QR codes, the conversation is both entertaining and insightful. Plus, explore strange moons, limits of human survival, and groundbreaking cancer research that unveils hidden carcinogens.
84 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 45min
Is Music Getting Worse?
Is music truly declining, or are we just nostalgic for our youth? Explore how simpler lyrics and emotional memories shape our musical preferences. Discover the reminiscence bump—why certain songs attach to pivotal life moments. From the impact of technology on music creation to cultural influences on hits, Hannah and Michael dissect the connections between music, memory, and societal trends. They also touch on AI's role in music and the enduring importance of human storytelling.
75 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.
82 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.
