The Quanta Podcast
Quanta Magazine
Exploring the distant universe, the insides of cells, the abstractions of math, the complexity of information itself, and much more, The Quanta Podcast is a tour of the frontier between the known and the unknown. In each episode, Quanta Magazine Editor-in-Chief Samir Patel speaks with the minds behind the award-winning publication to navigate through some of the most important and mind-expanding questions in science and math. Quanta specifically covers fundamental research — driven by curiosity, discovery and the overwhelming desire to know why and how. Join us every Tuesday for a stimulating conversation about the biggest ideas and the tiniest details.(If you've been a fan of the Quanta Science Podcast, it will continue here. You'll see those episodes marked as audio edition episodes every two weeks.)
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 18min
Audio Edition: The Road Map to Alien Life Passes Through the ‘Cosmic Shoreline’
Astronomers are unlocking the mysteries of life beyond Earth by searching for planetary atmospheres. They are honing in on the 'cosmic shoreline,' a concept that helps identify which worlds might be able to retain atmospheres conducive to life. Discoveries using cutting-edge technology, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, are transforming our understanding. This journey through space not only narrows down potential candidates for future exploration but also expands our horizons regarding what alien life could look like.
12 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 27min
A New Quantum Math of Cryptography
In this engaging discussion, Ben Brubaker, a computer science staff writer for Quanta Magazine, dives into the fascinating world of quantum cryptography. He explores how quantum mechanics could create truly unbreakable digital security, navigating the complexities of traditional encryption's vulnerabilities in the quantum era. Brubaker discusses groundbreaking mathematical innovations and the unique properties of quantum systems that could revolutionize cryptographic frameworks. The conversation intertwines history and cutting-edge technology, offering a glimpse into the future of secure communication.
25 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 29min
How an Outsider Optimized Sphere-Packing
Joseph Howlett, a math staff writer for Quanta Magazine, joins the conversation to explore groundbreaking advancements in sphere packing, particularly Boaz Klartag's impressive proof. They discuss the historical context and significant mathematical challenges of optimizing packing in various dimensions. The dialogue offers insights into how humor plays a role in understanding higher dimensions, and the intriguing connections between abstract math, real-world applications, and even art in the realm of sphere packing.
13 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 10min
Audio Edition: Undergraduate Upends a 40-Year-Old Data Science Conjecture
A young computer scientist has made waves by dramatically improving data retrieval speeds in hash tables. The discussion covers the history of these structures and how this innovation challenges longstanding beliefs in data science. It's a fascinating dive into how fresh perspectives can reshape established theories.
29 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 29min
‘It’s a Mess’: A Brain-Bending Trip to Quantum Theory’s 100th Birthday Party
Charlie Wood, a Quanta Magazine physics staff writer, discusses his experience at a conference on Helgoland Island celebrating the 100th birthday of quantum mechanics. He delves into the perplexities of quantum theories, exploring concepts like wave function collapse and the Many Worlds interpretation. Wood shares insights from physicists on the current challenges in understanding this complex field and its implications for reality and consciousness. The conversation blends scientific inquiry with the charm of social interactions among top physicists.
33 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 22min
How Smell Guides Our Inner World
Yasemin Saplakoglu, a Quanta Magazine staff writer with a focus on biology, dives into the fascinating world of smell. She explores how our perception of scents varies dramatically—like the difference between seeing bananas and nail polish remover in the same molecule. The conversation touches on the deep connection between smell and memories, the neuroscience behind olfaction, and intriguing research on how these scents trigger emotions. They also highlight how advancing olfactory technology can help detect health issues, showcasing the complexity of our noses and their profound impact on our lives.
54 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 25min
Audio Edition: How ‘Event Scripts’ Structure Our Personal Memories
Discover the fascinating world of how our brains construct memories using 'event scripts.' Neuroscientists reveal that our experiences, from airport trips to marriage proposals, are organized into narrative frameworks. These mental blueprints not only shape what we remember but also influence our emotional responses. Innovations in brain imaging shed light on how these scripts evoke consistent memory patterns, highlighting the intricate connection between neuroscience and personal narrative. Dive into the captivating science behind how we remember our lives!
57 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 30min
When ChatGPT Broke an Entire Field
John Pavlus, a contributing writer for Quanta Magazine, dives into the transformative journey of natural language processing (NLP) since the arrival of large language models like ChatGPT. He shares insights from interviews with 19 NLP researchers, revealing their mixed emotions—some excitement and some concern—about the rapid changes in their field. The discussion touches on how traditional research methods are becoming obsolete, the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, and how advancements in NLP are driving new scientific discoveries.
32 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 28min
Is Mathematics Mostly Chaos or Mostly Order?
Jordana Cepelewicz, a math editor at Quanta Magazine, guides listeners through the mind-bending world of infinity in mathematics. They discuss how different sizes of infinity can exist, revealing the surprising equivalence between odd and even numbers. The conversation touches on Cantor's diagonal argument and the complexity of set theory, showcasing the rich interplay of chaos and order in mathematical concepts. They even explore the connections between mathematics and literature, with a nod to Jorge Luis Borges, offering a fresh perspective on mathematical exploration.
26 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 17min
Audio Edition: After 20 Years, Math Couple Solves Major Group Theory Problem
A passionate mathematician dedicates two decades to solving the challenging Mackay Conjecture in group theory. The journey unfolds her unwavering commitment and the deep personal connections made along the way. Together with her partner, they break new ground in abstract mathematics, sharing innovative strategies and rich historical context. Their success not only marks a significant achievement but also highlights the power of collaboration in the world of math.
