Rephonic
Artwork for Big Brains
Artificial Intelligence
Climate Change
Psychology
Gun Violence
University Of Chicago
Stuckness
Human Rights
Neuroscience
Goal Gradient Effect
Death
Behavioral Science
International Relations
Cancer
Measles
Healthcare
Alzheimer's Disease
Public Health
Naming and Shaming
Political Polarization
Creativity Cliff Illusion

Big Brains explores the groundbreaking research and discoveries that are changing our world. In each episode, we talk to leading experts and unpack their work in straightforward terms. Interesting conversations that cover a gamut of topics from how music affects our brains to what happens after we die.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes223Founded8 years ago
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EducationScience

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Artwork for Big Brains

Latest Episodes

As AI rapidly changes how we work, learn, and communicate, it also raises an urgent question: What does it mean to grow up in a world dominated by smart technology? From smart-baby monitors to stuffed animals embedded with LLMs, kids and parents are ... more

Every day, we throw things away, only to be forgotten forever. But society didn’t always work in the same way. In this episode, we speak with University of Chicago scholar and anthropologist Sarah Newman to discuss her book, Unmaking Waste: New Histo... more

Why does it seem so difficult to cancel an online subscription, delete an account, or opt out of data tracking? You might think it’s just bad luck or a confusing online interface, but more often than not, it’s by design.

In this episode of Big Brain... more

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Quantum technology is at a pivotal moment. No longer the faraway dream of scientists, the field is rapidly developing across the world, fueled by major investments from governments, industry, and universities racing to lead its promising future. But ... more

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Recent Guests

Dana Suskind
Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Chicago; co-directs the TMW Center for Early Learning and Public Health
University of Chicago
Episode: How to Raise Kids in the Age of AI, with Dana Suskind
Sarah Newman
Associate Professor of Anthropology and Social Sciences at the University of Chicago; author of Unmaking Waste
University of Chicago
Episode: What Our Trash Problem Says About Our Culture, with Sarah Newman
Marshini Chetty
Professor of computer science, University of Chicago; directs Emioli Internet Research Lab
University of Chicago
Episode: How Websites Trick You Using ‘Dark Patterns’ with Marshini Chetty
Nadya Mason
Professor, Dean of the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
University of Chicago
Episode: Quantum Technology, Explained: A Big Brains Live Event
David Awschalom
Professor of UChicago PME and Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange
University of Chicago
Episode: Quantum Technology, Explained: A Big Brains Live Event
Fred Chong
Professor of Computer Science
University of Chicago
Episode: Quantum Technology, Explained: A Big Brains Live Event
Nicholas Epley
Professor of Behavioral Science, Booth School of Business, University of Chicago; author
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Episode: Our Untapped Superpower: Connecting With Others, with Nicholas Epley
Douglas Diamond
Nobel Prize winner, Professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Episode: Why the Fed Matters Now More Than Ever, with Douglas Diamond
Amir Levine
Associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University; author of Attached and Secure
Columbia University
Episode: Anxious? Avoidant? How to Build More Secure Relationships

Host

Paul Rand
Host of Big Brains

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 696 ratings
  • Loved this one! I'll only take a couple points with me, though.... One is confirmation of an isloated thought I've had for some years, that what I call "desaliencing" is a relevant skill, and can be clean and useful, or not. I had been thinking of it in terms of the forgotten commute, but I'm happy to hear the short-term memory log jam isn't unique to me.

    One other is that cognitive skill testing is terribly lacking. I'm convinced people don't want to be pre-stratified with it.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Janis
    5 months ago
  • Background track annoying

    The subtle music in the background is very distracting and takes away from what the guest is saying. It sounds overproduced for no reason.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    IMO_2000
    Australiaa year ago
  • Insightful concepts

    Friends, This podcast is full of sound, well-researched advice from professional panels and interviews. Never a dull episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TagBerg
    United Statesa year ago
  • 21st century Pseudoscience

    In the 19th century it was Phrenology.

    In the 20th century it was Eugenics.

    And now we have Polygenic Indices?

    What a CROCK!

    Very sophisticated STORY, but not science.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    JL From NYC
    Canadaa year ago
  • Above the herds

    I don’t know how I found the Big Brains podcast, but I am so happy I did. High quality, concise, well researched, and edited content every episode. Guests are always interesting and I learn something every time I listen. 100% recommend!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lone Resident
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Transcripts are valued for accessibility and deeper understanding.
Some critics note the background music and host interruptions can be distracting.
Listeners appreciate the high quality and relevance of guests and topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#216
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#250
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#244
Italy/Science
Apple Podcasts
#45
South Korea/Science
Apple Podcasts
#121
Philippines/Science
Apple Podcasts
#136
Singapore/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

What Our Trash Problem Says About Our Culture, with Sarah Newman
Q: Why do you think archaeology should stop taking garbage for granted in understanding past and present societies?
Archaeology can demonstrate that waste need not be inevitable, showing other possible human-ecosystem relationships and reframing how we think about material culture and sustainability across time.
What Our Trash Problem Says About Our Culture, with Sarah Newman
Q: Tell me about Elsatz and why it didn't fit the categories that archaeologists normally rely on.
Elsatz revealed a mix of objects that didn't fit cleanly into standard categories, prompting discussion about termination rituals and deposits and illustrating how Maya practices blended ritual and utilitarian reuse, which challenged conventional classification.
How Websites Trick You Using ‘Dark Patterns’ with Marshini Chetty
Q: Why is the line between manipulation and persuasion debated in this context?
Because dark patterns rely on hidden influence and often bypass conscious awareness, which makes them distinct from persuasion that usually involves clearer intent and awareness.
How Websites Trick You Using ‘Dark Patterns’ with Marshini Chetty
Q: Can you give a classic example of a dark pattern that most people would recognize?
A roach motel where signup is easy but cancellation is very hard, plus tactics like countdown timers and sneaky add-ons, show how easily users can be trapped in decisions they didn't intend.
Why the Fed Matters Now More Than Ever, with Douglas Diamond
Q: What is causing the current disruption and what needs to be understood about this period?
The period is about to see a leadership transition at the Fed, but the fundamental lesson is that credibility and prudent regulation matter for inflation control and financial stability, especially with ongoing debates about capital requirements and supervision.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Brains

What is Big Brains about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Big Brains features concise, high-quality conversations with leading scientists, economists, and scholars about groundbreaking research across science, technology, health, and society. Episodes frequently center on how new findings translate into real-world implications—ranging from social connection and cognitive science to AI in weather forecasting, data-center energy use, and legal developments—while highlighting practical takeaways for professionals and decision-makers. A notable strength is the breadth of disciplines represented, coupled with a clear, accessible interview style and frequent sponsor integrations that help illustrate real-world applications. This mix makes it useful for listeners who want to stay informed about cutting-e... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Big Brains?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Big Brains:

1. Capitalisn't
2. The Pie: An Economics Podcast
3. Freakonomics Radio
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. Hidden Brain

How many episodes of Big Brains are there?

Big Brains launched 8 years ago and published 223 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Big Brains?

Recent guests on Big Brains include:

1. Dana Suskind
2. Sarah Newman
3. Marshini Chetty
4. Nadya Mason
5. David Awschalom
6. Fred Chong
7. Nicholas Epley
8. Douglas Diamond

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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