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 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
402
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
403
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
404
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
405
Welcome to Instant Genius
The podcast that gives you the chance to be an expert in everything.
0 min
406
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
407
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
408
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
409
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
410
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
411
Why realistic humanoid robots need to learn to ...
Dr Carl Strathearn tells us about how to get robots out of the Uncanny Valley and why Data from Star Trek is an inspiration for his work.
27 min
412
How to understand statistics in the news and wh...
Tom Chivers and David Chivers, authors of How to Read Numbers, explain how to make sense of the stats you see in the news about health and risk.
63 min
413
The bizarre biology of the mantis shrimp
We speak to Dr Martin How about the mantis shrimp's unique vision, deadly weaponry and curious communication.
19 min
414
The creator of Bellingcat on using the internet...
Eliot Higgins tells the story of how a group of amateur hobbyists ended up taking on Russian spies.
41 min
415
Prof Avi Loeb on what 'Oumuamua tells us about ...
In this episode of the Science Focus Podcast, astrophysicist Prof Avi Loeb explains why he thinks 'Oumuamua was of alien origin.
42 min
416
Meet the computer scientist teaching an AI to p...
In this episode of the Science Focus Podcast, we talk to Lara Martin about her research into teaching artificial intelligence to tell stories.
35 min
417
International Women’s Day: The forgotten female...
Science historians Anna Reser and Leila McNeill tell us about the women who engaged in science throughout history but don’t always get remembered.
36 min
418
How to maximise your motivation, according to a...
In this episode of the Science Focus Podcast, neuroscientist Dr Gabija Toleikyte explains where motivation comes from and how to make the most of it.
26 min
419
Inside the February issue with the BBC Science ...
The team behind BBC Science Focus Magazine discuss artificial intelligence storytelling, a flying car airport and exciting new developments in the study of dark matter.
32 min
420
Mental health and your brain: What happens when...
In this episode of the Science Focus Podcast, Dean Burnett explains the neuroscience of mental health problems.
46 min
421
Why rewilding success stories make us hopeful f...
Dr Andrea Perino tells us about the benefits of rewilding, whether it's acres of forest or just a tiny patch in your back garden.
24 min
422
The psychology of the sea shanty: Why work song...
The psychology of a great sea shanty, the psychology of a great sea shanty, the psychology of a great sea shanty, earl-y in the morning.
19 min
423
Team talk: Beating pandemic burnout, the season...
The team behind BBC Science Focus Magazine discuss what's inside the January 2021 issue.
27 min
424
Why you can’t multitask (and why that’s a good ...
Our brain's ability to work towards a goal has enabled us to achieve many great things, but we aren't very good at doing things in tandem. We speak to neuroscientist Prof David Badre to find out why.
45 min
425
How virtual reality is helping patients with ph...
Professor Daniel Freeman explains how VR can be used to treat a variety of mental health problems.
34 min