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
Apr 25, 2024 • 35min
What Does Milk Do for Babies?
Elizabeth Johnson, a molecular nutritionist at Cornell University, dives into the wonders of breast milk and its impact on infant health. She explains how breast milk provides vital molecules, growth factors, and unique microbes that support the gut microbiome. Johnson also highlights the intricate dance of nutrition and microbiome health, emphasizing the differences between human milk and formula. Discover how milk influences long-term health outcomes and allergy prevention, reshaping our understanding of infant nutrition.
Apr 11, 2024 • 29min
Can Information Escape a Black Hole?
Stephen Hawking, a renowned theoretical physicist famous for his work on black holes, teams up with Leonard Susskind, a Stanford physicist celebrated for his contributions to theoretical physics. They dive into the enigmatic world of black holes and the groundbreaking concept of Hawking radiation, which suggests some particles can escape their grasp. The duo presents the riveting debate on whether information is lost forever in these cosmic enigmas, exploring the 'black hole war' and the implications for our understanding of reality and information preservation.
Mar 28, 2024 • 40min
How Is Flocking Like Computing?
Discover how animals like birds and locusts form leaderless groups, revealing the secrets behind their collective behaviors. Learn about the technological advances that are transforming our understanding of these dynamics and their implications for survival. Delve into the alarming impact of locust swarms on global food security and the surprising behaviors they exhibit. The podcast also ties biology with digital simulations, exploring how insights into fish vision could influence robotics and vehicle movement.
Mar 14, 2024 • 30min
What Is Quantum Teleportation?
John Preskill, a theoretical physicist at Caltech, delves into the mind-bending world of quantum teleportation. He explains how this phenomenon, while vastly different from sci-fi depictions, is paving the way for revolutionary communication technology. The discussion unpacks quantum entanglement, illustrating how entangled particles can influence each other across vast distances. Preskill also explores the implications for quantum computing and advancements in material science and medicine, making complex concepts accessible and thrilling.
Feb 29, 2024 • 31min
What Is the Nature of Time?
In this conversation, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek explores the perplexing nature of time. He unpacks the idea that time may be an illusion, contrasting personal experiences with its scientific definitions. The discussion highlights Einstein's revolutionary impact on our understanding of time and links it intriguingly to dark matter through the concept of axions. Wilczek also reflects on the critical role of accurate timekeeping in scientific breakthroughs and the future potential of time research.
Feb 15, 2024 • 34min
How Did Altruism Evolve?
Stephanie Preston, a psychology professor and head of the Ecological Neuroscience Lab at the University of Michigan, discusses the fascinating evolution of altruism. She explores how empathy and decision-making have developed across species, challenging the notion of selfish survival. The podcast highlights the interplay between hormones and brain activity in caregiving, showcasing how heroic acts occur even in crisis. It also examines the societal impact of in-group biases on empathy and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in motivating altruistic actions, particularly for climate engagement.
12 snips
Feb 1, 2024 • 36min
What Makes for ‘Good’ Math?
Terence Tao, a celebrated mathematician and Fields Medal recipient, delves into what makes for 'good' mathematics. He discusses the evolution of mathematical concepts, blending personal values and collaborative understanding. Tao explores how technological advancements like AI are transforming the field and fostering openness among mathematicians. He emphasizes the significance of public engagement and community involvement in math, illustrating its real-world applications, especially in revolutionizing MRI technology through interdisciplinary efforts.
Jan 25, 2024 • 18min
S4 Preview: More Big Questions and No Sasquatches
How did complex life evolve? Where did space-time come from? Will computers ever understand language like we do? How did geometry create modern physics? These are just a few of the big and bold questions that we’ll be exploring in the latest season of Quanta’s interview podcast, “The Joy of Why,” starting March 20, and released every other Thursday.As ever, we will be talking to researchers and exploring the latest thinking on great scientific and mathematical questions of our time. But this season sees a new format, with the two of us — mathematician Steven Strogatz and physicist Janna Levin — together in conversation for the first time to offer our own thoughts and questions about each topic.As a preview, we discuss why we are particularly excited about the new season, and we reveal our favorite standout moments from the previous season.
Jan 25, 2024 • 2min
Trailer: The Joy of Why Season 3
Renowned mathematician and Fields Medalist Terence Tao joins Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek for a deep dive into the wonders of scientific inquiry. They explore the complexities of the universe while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling intricate problems. Expect fascinating insights into mathematical concepts and the nature of scientific discovery that will spark your curiosity and inspire you to question the world around you.
17 snips
Jul 26, 2023 • 45min
Does Nothingness Exist?
Even empty space bubbles with energy, according to quantum mechanics — and that fact affects almost every facet of physical reality. The theoretical physicist Isabel Garcia Garcia explains to Steven Strogatz why it’s so important in modern physics to understand what a true vacuum is.
The post Does Nothingness Exist? first appeared on Quanta Magazine
