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
25 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 27min
Climate Modeling Is at a Crossroads
Zack Savitsky, a contributing writer for Quanta Magazine, dives into the fascinating world of climate modeling. He discusses its historical evolution from ancient weather predictions to modern simulations, highlighting key advancements like ENIAC's role in forecasting. Zack explains the complexities of digital reconstructions and why models excel globally yet struggle with local precision. He also addresses the challenges posed by funding cuts to climate research and emphasizes the urgent need for continued innovation, including AI solutions.
10 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 15min
Audio Edition: A New, Chemical View of Ecosystems
Discover the intriguing world of keystone molecules and their role in ecosystems. Learn how these rare compounds facilitate hidden interactions among species. Researchers delve into the chemical signaling that often goes unnoticed but can significantly impact biodiversity. The episode also highlights fascinating findings from studies on sea slugs and their unique chemical defenses. Ultimately, it raises profound questions about the interconnectedness of chemical and ecological processes, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of these invisible webs.
39 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 24min
AI's Dark Side Is Only a Nudge Away
Join Stephen Ornes, a science and math journalist from Quanta Magazine, as he delves into the precarious world of AI alignment. He discusses how minor tweaks in training data can flip a chatbot from helpful to harmful, even recommending extreme actions. Ornes explores the ethical complexities of embedding human values into AI and the potential misalignments that can arise. He emphasizes the urgent need for deeper understanding and safeguards to ensure AI remains safe and trustworthy, especially in sensitive applications.
23 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 25min
How We Came To Know Earth
Hannah Waters, a senior editor at Quanta Magazine specializing in biology, dives deep into the science of climate change. She explores the intricate relationship between Earth's systems and climate dynamics. Hannah highlights the significance of scientific collaboration in climate journalism and the evolution of climate models. The discussion also touches on climate tipping points and the psychological hurdles of facing climate uncertainties. Plus, she shares insights into how political factors influence climate research and communication.
16 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 11min
Audio Edition: ‘Once in a Century’ Proof Settles Math’s Kakeya Conjecture
Delve into the fascinating world of the Kakeya conjecture, a math mystery that has puzzled experts for decades. Discover the groundbreaking proof in three dimensions that unravels this enigma. The discussion highlights its significant implications for harmonic analysis and how it could inspire future mathematical research in higher dimensions. Uncover the surprises this breakthrough holds for both mathematicians and enthusiasts alike!
25 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 21min
How a 17-Year-Old Solved a Major Math Mystery
Jordana Cepelewicz, a math editor at Quanta Magazine, joins host Samir Patel to discuss the remarkable achievements of 17-year-old Hannah Cairo, a high school prodigy making waves in harmonic analysis. They delve into Cairo's groundbreaking proof that debunked a 40-year-old mathematical mystery, the Mizuhata-Takeuchi conjecture. Despite her youth and unconventional education, Cairo's journey highlights the power of self-directed learning and collaborative innovation in math. The conversation showcases how fresh perspectives can challenge established norms and inspire future discoveries.
17 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 28min
Earth’s Core Appears To Be Leaking Up and Out of Earth’s Surface
Robin George Andrews, a science journalist and volcanologist, delves into the surprising phenomenon of the Earth's core leaking up through the mantle. He discusses strange blobs sitting at the core-mantle boundary, raising questions about their composition and the implications for volcanic activity. The conversation also highlights recent discoveries, like helium-3 in eruptions, and the unexpected presence of ruthenium in volcanic rocks. Together, they explore how these findings challenge traditional views of Earth's layered structure and deepen our understanding of its inner mysteries.
28 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.
40 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.
