Why This Universe?
Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman
The biggest ideas in physics, broken down. Join theoretical physicist Dan Hooper and co-host Shalma Wegsman as they answer your questions about dark matter, black holes, quantum mechanics, and more. Part of The University of Chicago Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 26, 2021 • 17min
3 - What in the World is Anti-Matter?
A re-post of one of our favorite early episodes. Learn how special relativity and quantum mechanics come together to make an odd prediction about matter.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show
Apr 12, 2021 • 35min
27 - What Does the Muon g-2 Result Mean for Physics?
Get our introduction to the measurement that might prove the Standard Model wrong!Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseCrew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Mar 29, 2021 • 28min
26 - Did Inflation Rip Apart the Early Universe?
The Big Bang theory leaves us with some open questions, and the theory of inflation might have the answers.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseCrew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Mar 15, 2021 • 28min
25 - Could Extra Dimensions Exist?
How many dimensions of space are there? Could there be extra dimensions that are hidden from view?Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Mar 1, 2021 • 30min
24 - Breaking Down the Standard Model
Take a deep dive into (a contender) for the most successful theory of physics ever!Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Feb 15, 2021 • 29min
23 - Does Physics Allow for Free Will?
Can free will exist in a universe described by the laws of physics? Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Feb 1, 2021 • 20min
22 - The Particle That Might Do It All (Axions!)
Today we talk about the theoretical particle at the forefront of current research. Learn how axions might explain not one but *two* open problems in physics!Support the show
Jan 18, 2021 • 30min
21 - The Quantum Mechanics of Black Holes
Here's what happens when we introduce quantum mechanics to one of the weirdest objects in the universe. Hint - things get hairy.Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Jan 4, 2021 • 31min
20 - Everything To Do About Black Holes
Today we talk about black holes - from their early history to their role in the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics. Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Dec 21, 2020 • 31min
19 - Why Does Science Work?
Does science get us closer to understanding what the universe is actually like, or is it just a useful tool to build technology with? Today we get philosophical and talk through this deep question!Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
