The Joy of Why
Steven Strogatz, Janna Levin and Quanta Magazine
“The Joy of Why” is a Quanta Magazine podcast about curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. The mathematician and author Steven Strogatz and the cosmologist and author Janna Levin take turns interviewing leading researchers about the great scientific and mathematical questions of our time. New episodes are released every other Wednesday.Quanta Magazine is a Pulitzer Prize–winning, editorially independent online publication launched and supported by the Simons Foundation to illuminate big ideas in science and math through public service journalism. Quanta’s reporters and editors focus on developments in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and the basic life sciences, emphasizing timely, accurate, in-depth and well-crafted articles for its broad discerning audience. In 2023, Steven Strogatz received a National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communications partly for his work on “The Joy of Why.”
Episodes
Mentioned books
46 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 46min
How Did Multicellular Life Evolve?
Will Ratcliff, a biologist at Georgia Tech known for his innovative work on yeast evolution, delves into the fascinating transition from unicellular to multicellular life. He discusses how his research with 'snowflake yeast' sheds light on this pivotal evolutionary leap. Ratcliff also shares surprising findings about the evolutionary roles of oxygen and cellular specialization. He explores the challenges of defending his work against skeptics and emphasizes the importance of constructive criticism in scientific inquiry.
Mar 13, 2025 • 18min
S4 Preview: More Big Questions and No Sasquatches
Dive into the wonders of scientific inquiry! Explore how extremophiles adapt in harsh environments, revealing the unique biodiversity of caves. Engage with a lively debate on black holes and the fate of information. Reflect on the connection between mathematics and the natural world through personal stories. Discover how science and communication intertwine beautifully, inspired by Einstein's legacy. Prepare for thought-provoking conversations about the cosmos, evolution, and the language of computers that promise to spark curiosity!
23 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 38min
How Will We Know We’re Not Alone?
Lisa Kaltenegger, an astrophysicist and astrobiologist at Cornell University, discusses the potential for life beyond Earth. She shares insights on the thousands of exoplanets discovered in our galaxy and the technologies needed to identify them. Kaltenegger explores the atmospheric fingerprints that indicate life and examines why advanced alien civilizations might choose silence. The discussion also touches on the habitability of moons and how learning from Earth's history can guide the search for extraterrestrial life.
81 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 39min
How Is Cell Death Essential to Life?
Shai Shaham, a Professor at Rockefeller University, specializes in programmed cell death and its vital role in animal development. He delves into the various types of cell death, like apoptosis, and their importance in health and disease. The discussion uncovers how cell death influences evolution and our overall well-being. Shaham also shares insights on the use of C. elegans as a model for understanding cellular processes. Plus, he reflects on the joy and uncertainty of research, encouraging curiosity in the scientific journey.
69 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 42min
What Can Birdsong Teach Us About Human Language?
In this engaging discussion, neuroscientist Erich Jarvis from Rockefeller University delves into the fascinating links between birdsong and human language. He reveals how both are rooted in similar brain structures and explores why some species vocalize while others do not. The conversation highlights vocal learning's rarity in nature and its implications for understanding communication across species, including fascinating insights into how birds develop their unique songs. Jarvis also touches on the evolutionary continuum of language, bridging gaps between various forms of communication.
29 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 37min
How Is AI Changing the Science of Prediction?
Emmanuel Candès, Chair of Mathematics and Statistics at Stanford, dives into the transformative role AI plays in making predictions across various fields. He discusses how traditional models like weather forecasts are evolving, embracing 'black box' systems for significant accuracy gains. Topics include the integration of AI in everything from college admissions to drug discovery and the challenges of interpreting machine learning outputs. Candès also highlights the crucial importance of teaching statistical reasoning for better understanding and reliability in predictive analytics.
19 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 30min
Why Is It So Hard to Define a Species?
Kevin de Queiroz, a research zoologist and curator at the Smithsonian, delves into the perplexing world of species definitions. He explores the historical evolution of the species concept from Darwin’s ideas to modern taxonomies influenced by genetics. The discussion highlights how hybridization complicates classifications. De Queiroz also challenges the stereotypes surrounding Neanderthals, showcasing their significance in human evolution. With a focus on the dynamic nature of science, he emphasizes the importance of precise species definitions for conservation efforts.
Oct 10, 2024 • 43min
How Can Math Help Beat Cancer?
Franziska Michor, a Harvard Professor of computational biology and director at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the groundbreaking intersection of math and cancer treatment. She reveals how mathematical models and machine learning can enhance therapy strategies amidst the evolving nature of cancer. Insights into personal experiences that shaped her career highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, advances in early diagnostics and proactive treatment strategies using circulating tumor DNA are thoroughly explored.
Sep 26, 2024 • 45min
What Can Cave Life Tell Us About Alien Ecosystems?
Penelope Boston, a NASA microbiologist, and Janna Levin, an astrophysicist and science communicator, dive into the intriguing world of extremophiles. They discuss how organisms thriving in extreme environments, like caves, could inform our search for alien life. Topics include the unique adaptations of these microbes and the parallels to potential life on Mars. They also explore the ethical implications of sending living beings into space, and the concept of panspermia, suggesting that life could be interconnected across the cosmos.
Sep 19, 2024 • 35min
From Sidedoor — Cosmic Journey I: "Stellar Buffoonery"
Dive into the fascinating world of black holes and their significance in understanding the cosmos. Explore the intense rivalry between Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and Arthur Eddington, as Chandrasekhar defies skepticism to present groundbreaking theories. Discover the emotional landscape of astrophysics, navigating ambition, recognition, and betrayal. Journey through time to reveal how the Chandra X-ray Observatory plays a pivotal role in decoding the mysteries of these cosmic phenomena.
