Podcast · 14 episodes
The Infinite Monkey Cage
by BBC Radio 4 · English
A witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes, guest hosted by Prof. Adam Rutherford and Jess Fostekew.
Latest episodes
The North Pole Unwrapped - Russell Kane, Felicity Aston and Lloyd PeckIn this festive episode of *The Infinite Monkey Cage*, hosts Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore the wonders of the North Pole with a panel comprising comedian Russell Kane, Arctic explorer…24 Dec 2025 · 42 min
Monkey Business - Robin Dunbar, Dave Gorman and Jo SetchellIn this lively episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage, hosts Brian Cox and Robin Ince delve into the intricate social behaviors of primates, particularly focusing on love, lust, and friendship.17 Dec 2025 · 43 min
Head in the Clouds - Owain Wyn Evans, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Amanda MaycockIn this episode, hosted by Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince, the discussion focuses on the science of clouds, featuring insights from a panel that includes:10 Dec 2025 · 42 min
All episodes
The North Pole Unwrapped - Russell Kane, Felicity Aston and Lloyd PeckIn this festive episode of *The Infinite Monkey Cage*, hosts Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore the wonders of the North Pole with a panel comprising comedian Russell Kane, Arctic explorer…24 Dec 2025 · 42 min
Monkey Business - Robin Dunbar, Dave Gorman and Jo SetchellIn this lively episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage, hosts Brian Cox and Robin Ince delve into the intricate social behaviors of primates, particularly focusing on love, lust, and friendship.17 Dec 2025 · 43 min
Head in the Clouds - Owain Wyn Evans, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Amanda MaycockIn this episode, hosted by Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince, the discussion focuses on the science of clouds, featuring insights from a panel that includes:10 Dec 2025 · 42 min
Fusion – Ria Lina, Yasmin Andrew and Howard WilsonIn this episode of *The Infinite Monkey Cage*, hosts Brian Cox and Robin Ince delve into the topic of nuclear fusion.3 Dec 2025 · 42 min
What’s the deal with eels? – Lucy Porter, David Righton and Caroline DurifProfessor Brian Cox and Robin Ince26 Nov 2025 · 42 min
What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy(Senior Curator of the Royal Observatory)19 Nov 2025 · 42 min
Mind-reading Computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke BashfordIn this episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage, hosted by Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince, the panel dives into the fascinating and rapidly evolving field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).12 Nov 2025 · 43 min
Illuminating Light - Jess Wade, Russell Foster and Bridget ChristieHow light shapes culture, biology, and technology—covering circadian rhythms and sleep, the physics history of light (waves/particles), how light is produced in the Sun, spectroscopy (including Raman…20 Aug 2025 · 42 min · 22 chapters
Moths v Butterflies - Katy Brand, Jane Hill and Chris JigginsA “moths vs butterflies” debate that turns into a scientific tour of Lepidoptera—differences, evolution, metamorphosis, mimicry, migration, and why moths are drawn to light.13 Aug 2025 · 42 min · 19 chapters
Technofossils - Sarah Gabbott, Mark Miodownik and Aurie Styla“Technofossils” imagines what 21st-century human artifacts will look like to future archaeologists—especially durable materials and everyday items that could persist for millions of years.6 Aug 2025 · 42 min · 14 chapters
The Mighty Spud - Sandy Knapp, Glenn Bryan and Susan CalmanThe science, history, and future of potatoes, from how they grow (stolons, tubers, “chitting”) to potato genetics (tetraploids, wild species diversity, disease resistance) and breeding goals like…30 Jul 2025 · 43 min · 16 chapters
How to Build the Perfect Athlete - Helen Glover, Hugh Dennis, Steve Haake and Emma RossHow to build the “perfect athlete,” focusing on technology, training, genetics vs mindset, and whether performance gains are plateauing; includes examples from rowing, bobsleigh, swimming, cycling,…23 Jul 2025 · 42 min · 21 chapters
Should We Settle in Space? - Tim Peake, Kelly Weinersmith and Alan DaviesWhether humanity should “settle” in space, focusing on near-term low Earth orbit and the moon (especially the South Pole), and longer-term Mars.16 Jul 2025 · 43 min · 18 chapters
201st Birthday Bonanza - Mel Giedroyc, Deborah Meaden and Nish KumarA special 201st episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage where hosts Brian Cox and Robin Ince answer “burning questions” from celebrity guests using scientists.9 Jul 2025 · 43 min · 21 chapters