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.
401
The Neuroscience of Grief, with Mary-Frances O’...
Neuroscientist and psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor explains the latest thinking on what happens to our brains when we experience grief and loss.
26 min
402
Hyenas with Prof Adam Hart
Prof Adam Hart explains why zoologists find Hyenas so fascinating, why they're so unlike other mammals and how having a few hyenas around isn't such a bad thing.
24 min
403
How biology got females wrong, with Lucy Cooke
Zoologist Lucy Cooke explains how biologists often overlook the female animal when it comes understanding the sexes in the natural world. She dispels some of the most stubborn myths that surround the female of the species and reveals what happened when...
28 min
404
Preparing for disaster, with Michał Zalewski
Computer security expert Michał Zalewski explains what disasters we should be preparing for, and what simple, straight-forward things we can do to have the biggest impact.
20 min
405
The metaverse, with Prof David Reid
Virtual reality expert Prof David Reid explains the metaverse – a new form of internet focused on interactivity that we could all be experiencing very soon.
18 min
406
Mindwandering, with Moshe Bar
Cognitive neuroscientist Moshe Bar explains what the brain does when it goes wandering and how you can use the act of mindwandering – or daydreaming as some might call it – to give your mood and creativity a boost.
37 min
407
Crows, rooks and ravens, with Dr Kaeli Swift
Ornithologist Dr Kaeli Swift tells us all about corvids, from their lifestyle and intelligence to how you can befriend a crow.
25 min
408
The science of Intimacy, with Dr Michelle Drouin
Psychologist Dr Michelle Drouin, author of Out of Touch: How to Survive an Intimacy Famine, explains why intimacy, both physical and emotional, is essential for our mental health.
35 min
409
Breathing, your hidden superpower, with James N...
Science journalist James Nestor explains why so many of us are breathing wrong, and why it matters.
29 min
410
The origin and evolution of mammals, with Dr El...
Palaeontologist Dr Elsa Panciroli takes us 300 million years back in time to an age long before the rise of the dinosaurs to chart the evolution of some of our most ancient ancestors.Once you’ve mastered the basics with Instant Genius, dive deeper w...
28 min
411
Gut health, with Dr Megan Rossi
Dietician and nutritionist Dr Megan Rossi explains why your gut health is important, and how you can improve it without cutting out your favourite foods.
23 min
412
The science of ageing, with Dr Andrew Steele
Dr Andrew Steele, computational biologist and author of Ageless, explains what happens in our bodies as we get older, and why some species don’t seem to age at all.
24 min
413
The James Webb Space Telescope, with Stuart Clark
Astronomer and science journalist Stuart Clark tells us everything we need to know about the most important, high-risk space mission of the decade.
27 min
414
Algae, with Ruth Kassinger
Science writer Ruth Kassinger, author of Bloom: From Food to Fuel, The Epic Story of How Algae Can Save Our World, tells us everything we need to know about this bizarre organism, from the animal that grows algae in its fur to why we should be inc...
24 min
415
Consciousness and comas, with Dr Adrian Owen
Cognitive neuroscientist Dr Adrian Owen explains how he’s been able to communicate with patients in vegetative states and comas, and what consciousness is like for a patient in this condition.
31 min
416
Eating for your brain, with Kimberley Wilson
Kimberley Wilson, a psychologist, nutrition expert and Great British Bake Off finalist, explains what we should eat to keep our brains healthy.
32 min
417
Gravity, with Marcus Chown
Science writer Marcus Chown tells us everything we need to know about gravity, from Isaac Newton’s apple falling from a tree to Einstein’s general relativity.
28 min
418
Brain myths with Dr Lisa Feldman-Barrett
Lisa debunks some common misconceptions about the brain and explains how our grey matter really works.
28 min
419
Dog behaviour, with Mat Ward
Mat Ward, author of What Dogs Want, debunks the myths of dog behaviour, and explains how to get your pup ready for your return to the office.
31 min
420
Health hacks, with Dr Michael Mosley
Dr Michael Mosley, host of the podcast Just One Thing, explains the simple lifestyle changes we can all make to improve our health and wellbeing.
30 min
421
UK wildlife, with Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin
The presenters of Autumnwatch and Chris and Meg's Wild Summer tell us about all the different types of wildlife you can see right here in the UK.
31 min
422
Psychology of evil, with Dr Julia Shaw
Criminal psychologist Dr Julia Shaw tells us how false memories can sway a trial and whether evil truly exists.Once you’ve mastered the basics with Instant Genius, dive deeper with Instant Genius Extra, where you’ll find longer, richer discussions a...
34 min
423
Mental Shortcuts, with Prof Marcus du Sautoy
Professor of mathematics Marcus du Sautoy reveals how thinking like a mathematician can help you make better decisions in all aspects of life.
33 min
424
Endangered foods, with Dan Saladino
Food journalist Dan Saladino tells us all about endangered foods, and what we could stand to lose if these foods disappear.
28 min
425
Poisons, with Dr Raychelle Burks
Chemist Dr Raychelle Burks tells us all about poisons, from how to tell what substance was used, to whether there are any poisons that are undetectable.
29 min