The Infinite Monkey Cage
Podcast

The Infinite Monkey Cage

BBC Radio 4

239 episodes

Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Joined by a panel of scientists, experts and celebrity science enthusiasts they investigate life, the universe and everything in between on The Infinite Monkey Cage from the BBC. From the smallest building blocks of life to the furthest stars, the curious monkeys pull apart the latest science to reveal fascinating and often bizarre insights into the world around us and what lies beyond. Can trees talk to each other? Can science help you commit the perfect murder? What might aliens look like and the burning question of our time, are strawberries alive or dead? Join them as each episode they put a different scientific topic under the microscope, from aliens, black holes and hedgehogs, to bacteria, poison and the Big Bang. With past guests including actors Dame Judi Dench and Sir Patrick Stewart, comedians Steve Martin and Conan O’Brien, astronaut Tim Peake, primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Hannah Fry, The Infinite Monkey Cage promises to make you laugh, enrich your knowledge and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the universe that we call home. Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or someone who nodded off in physics class, listen in to learn all about funny, fascinating and sometimes ridiculous topics – with the occasional monkey business.

What this show covers

marine sciencenature mysteriesanimal migrationcomedy paneleelsEarth's magnetic fieldNorthern lightsChristmas specialAnimal adaptationArctic scienceweatheratmosphereclimatecloud sciencespace and sky

What listeners will find here

A witty science detour into the enduring mystery of eels
This show-notes preview points to a lively mix of marine science and comedy as Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore why eels still puzzle researchers. Expect questions about epic underwater navigation, unseen reproduction, and a few delightfully odd cultural eel facts.
A festive science trip to the North Pole, from auroras to Arctic survival
This show-notes preview suggests a Christmas-themed Infinite Monkey Cage episode that mixes comedy, polar science and exploration. Brian Cox and Robin Ince head north with Russell Kane, Felicity Aston and Lloyd Peck to look at northern lights, Arctic survival and Earth’s magnetic field.
Clouds, climate, and skywatching in one cirrus-ly intriguing preview
This show-notes preview points to a lively tour of cloud science, from how clouds form and hold their shape to how they affect the planet’s temperature. With Robin Ince, Brian Cox, and guests spanning climate science, weather presenting, and cloud appreciation, it looks both playful and informative.
Love, lust and friendship in primates—with Dunbar’s number and bonobo style
This preview, based only on the episode notes, points to a playful Infinite Monkey Cage discussion on primate relationships. Brian Cox, Robin Ince and guests explore friendship limits, monogamy, and what monkey social lives might reveal about humans.
Can fusion really power our future—or stay forever 20 years away?
This preview, based only on the episode notes, sets up a lively discussion on nuclear fusion with Robin Ince, Brian Cox, Yasmin Andrew, Howard Wilson and Ria Lina. Expect a mix of big-picture science, competing fusion technologies and the central question of whether fusion can become practical clean energy.

Episodes

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