Instant Genius
Whether you’re curious about getting healthy, the Big Bang or the science of cooking, find out everything you need to know with Instant Genius. The team behind BBC Science Focus Magazine talk to world-leading experts to bring you a bite-sized masterclass on a new subject each week.
New episodes are released every Monday and Friday and you can subscribe to Instant Genius on Apple Podcasts to access all new episodes ad-free and all old episodes of Instant Genius Extra.
Watch full episodes of Instant Genius on BBC Science Focus Magazine's YouTube channel.
326
The nature of time, with Colin Stuart
Astronomy author and speaker Colin Stuart explains why time has an arrow, its intimate relationship with space, and why it's impossible to go back in time and kill Hitler.
27 min
327
CRISPR, with Prof Fyodor Urnov
Prof Fyodor Urnov tells us how CRISPR is already changing the lives of people with genetic disorders, and why it’s essential that gene editing therapies are accessible to all.
29 min
328
Science denial, with Lee McIntyre
Lee tells us about why science denial is on the rise, from flat-Earthers to anti-vaxxers, and where conspiracy theories come from in the first place.
30 min
329
The decline of the insects, with Prof Dave Goulson
Entomologist Dave Goulson is the author of Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse. He tells us how we can save the bugs and why they’re so important.
28 min
330
Migraines, with Dr Katy Munro
Headache specialist, author and podcast host Dr Katy Munro tells us what goes on in your body during a migraine.
29 min
331
Procrastination, with Dr Fuschia Sirios
Dr Fuschia Sirios, well-being researcher from The University of Sheffield, unpacks the psychology of procrastination – from why we do it, to how to stop.
23 min
332
Childhood, with Dr Emma Byrne
Dr Emma Byrne, author of How to Build a Human, tells us about the hidden science of childhood.
21 min
333
Calories, with Dr Giles Yeo
Trust Me, I’m a Doctor’s Giles Yeo tells us about the history of calorie counting and whether there’s such thing as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ calories.
27 min
334
Sleep, with Dr Matthew Walker
Dr Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience, tells us about how sleep evolved and what happens when we don’t get enough.
28 min
335
The science of pain, with Dr Monty Lyman
Dr Monty Lyman, author of The Painful Truth, tells us what pain really is, how the placebo effect works, and why our emotions have a huge effect on the pain we feel.
30 min
336
Forensic anthropology, with Prof Sue Black
Prof Sue Black explains the science behind identifying a body at a crime scene. Warning: Some listeners may find this episode uncomfortable.
32 min
337
Personality change, with Dr Christian Jarrett
Cognitive neuroscientist Dr Christian Jarrett tells us all about what forms personality traits – and the simple ways to change yours.
24 min
338
Hidden geometry, with Jordan Ellenberg
Mathematician Jordan Ellenberg tells us about his book, Shape, and why geometry is about so much more than triangles and circles.
30 min
339
The Neanderthals, with Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes
Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes tells us all about Neanderthals, and reveals how they continue to shape our view about deep human history.
36 min
340
The golden age of dinosaur discovery, with Prof...
Prof Steve Brusatte tells us how the latest findings in palaeontology have turned our picture of dinosaurs on its head.
34 min
341
The Big Bang, with Prof Jim Al-Khalili
Jim Al-Khalili, a theoretical physicist and Professor of Public Engagement in Science, tells us about the origins of the Universe.
16 min
342
Your brain chemistry and you, with Ginny Smith
Science journalist and presenter Ginny Smith tells us about the chemicals that run your brain.
32 min
343
The science of cooking, with Dr Stuart Farrimond
Food scientist, doctor and TV presenter Stuart Farrimond tells us about how you can use science to upgrade your cooking.
24 min
344
The end of the Universe, with Dr Katie Mack
Theoretical astrophysicist, author and one of Twitter’s most-followed scientists Dr Katie Mack tells us about the Universe's ultimate fate.
32 min
345
Welcome to Instant Genius
The podcast that gives you the chance to be an expert in everything.
0 min
346
How AI and androids could shape the music of th...
Prof Nick Bryan-Kinns discusses whether artificial intelligence is the new frontier for the music industry.
23 min
347
Could 'counterfactuals' solve the biggest probl...
Physicist Chiara Marletto, author of The Science of Can and Can't, explains what counterfactuals are and how they can show us the whole picture.
26 min
348
What happens to you after 40 days with no natur...
Fifteen volunteers spent 40 days in a cave with no natural light or clocks. Most of them want to go back.
34 min
349
Why do humans make music?
Musicologist Michael Spitzer explains how humans evolved to make music and why it makes us want to dance.
24 min
350
The future of human flight, with real-life Iron...
Browning invented the 'Jet Suit', which can fly one person through the air at speeds of 135km/h.
24 min