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Oxford Sparks Big Questions

Oxford Sparks
Climate Change
Cuteness
Cats
Kissing
Bed Bugs
Neuroscience
Bees
Volcanoes
Plant Care
Moon
Wine
Human Emotion
Earworms
Wind Drought
Gender Differences
Pleasure
Baby Responses
Harbour Seals
Fisheries
Grey Seals

'Will my bacon sandwich kill me?', 'Is vaping better than smoking?', 'How do you become an astronaut?' - just some of the Big Questions we ask some of the brightest minds behind Oxford science. Join us in each podcast as we explore a different area of science.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes101Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Natural SciencesScience

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Artwork for Oxford Sparks Big Questions

Latest Episodes

How do you detect a particle that emits no light - in other words, something invisible? This is the intriguing challenge faced by scientists hunting for 'dark matter'. In our series finale, we talk to Elizabeth Bloomfield from Oxford's Department of ... more

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Whether you've been served an advert for it, or just heard about it in the media, it's likely that 'Ozempic' isn't a totally unfamiliar word. Now often associated with weight-loss, Ozempic is actually the brand name for a drug used to treat diabetes.... more

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We've all been there...you're on the train, maybe tired after a long day, and all you can hear is one side of a fellow passenger's not-too-interesting phone conversation. Or worse, their choice of music, made tinny and monotonous by the awkward angle... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Annie de Bray
A diabetes and endocrinology doctor currently doing a PhD in diabetes research.
University of Oxford
Episode: How does Ozempic actually work?
Sofia Della Sala
A researcher in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford and a volcanologist in training.
University of Oxford
Episode: How can robots investigate underwater volcanoes?
Dr. Tom Crawford
Public Engagement Lead at the Department for Continuing Education and a mathematician.
University of Oxford
Episode: What is it like to be on Countdown?
Jasmine Blane
DPhil student in the Department of Psychiatry at University of Oxford
Oxford Brain Health Clinic
Episode: What happens after a dementia diagnosis?
Diogo Veríssimo
Research fellow at the Department of Biology
University of Oxford
Episode: Why is my bottle cap attached to my plastic bottle?
Ollie Spacey
Third-year DeField student studying mistletoe at the University of Oxford
University of Oxford
Episode: Why track mistletoe?
Jingyi Yang
Postdoctoral researcher working on origami-inspired deployable structures
University of Oxford
Episode: How can origami help make energy?
Claire Tanner
A postdoc in the Marine Conservation Ecology and Management Group
University of Oxford
Episode: How are seals affecting fishing catches?
Rachel Parkinson
Neuroethologist interested in bees and their behavior
University of Oxford
Episode: Can we talk to bees?

Host

Emily Elias
Host of the Oxford Sparks Big Questions podcast and a notable figure in science communication, contributing to making complex scientific ideas accessible to the public.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 77 ratings
  • Brilliant!!!!!!

    Just absolutely love it! From the largest scale of astronomy to the tiny worlds of neuroscience, Oxford Sparks has the answers to all strange questions you may possibly have! A joy to listen to!!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chara2020
    Taiwan3 years ago
  • Ideological not scientific.

    Obvious points of tension within philosophy. This program makes claims without presenting facts.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Boicarguy
    United States5 years ago
  • He he rating button to tap tap

    Bbbbb

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dwarfwatcher52
    Australia5 years ago
  • The best science podcast

    Every episode is full of fascinating, cutting-edge science from a wide range of fields. It's brilliant. But, there are a lot of podcasts with interesting science in them - what makes this one *special*, and a must-listen for everyone, is host Emily Elias. She skillfully guides us through these topics with great humour, getting the best out of her interview subjects and putting togehter a really unmissable show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mackenwells
    United Kingdom6 years ago
  • Straight into my top 10

    First class -- short, clever, unpredictable -- straight into my top 10 after a few listens.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Autodidact55
    United Kingdom7 years ago

Listeners Say

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

The host's ability to present complex subjects with humor and relatability is frequently praised, making science enjoyable for a broad audience.
Listeners appreciate the engaging and accessible nature of scientific discussions, highlighting the variety of topics covered as fascinating and insightful.
There are occasional criticisms concerning the depth of scientific representation, suggesting that some discussions may lack empirical backing.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How do you find a theoretical particle?
Q: Does that mean you get to go to a mountain in Italy to check out a giant tank that could potentially have the secrets of the universe inside it?
Yes, I'll be spending part of my PhD in Italy at the lab itself, and we go underground to minimize background noise for our sensitive detector.
How do you find a theoretical particle?
Q: So if you know that something is there, but you don't know what it is, how do you even start with asking that question?
Theorists propose different theories about what the dark matter could be, like the Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP).
How does Ozempic actually work?
Q: What does Ozempic do for diabetes?
Ozempic helps control blood sugar levels by increasing insulin release and making insulin work better.
How does Ozempic actually work?
Q: Can you just walk me through what Ozempic actually is?
Ozempic is a modified version of a hormone that helps control blood sugar and suppress appetite by resisting breakdown in the body.
What's the origin of water on Earth?
Q: How did it feel to sort of go from a wacky idea to a huge discovery?
It was exciting to realize they had found something that could alter existing theories about how water is delivered to Earth, representing a significant breakthrough in understanding Earth's formation.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Oxford Sparks Big Questions

What is Oxford Sparks Big Questions about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast engages with pressing scientific queries, bringing expert insights to the forefront of public understanding. Episodes cover a wide array of topics, from medical advancements and environmental concerns to the nuances of psychological phenomena and the mysteries of our planet's history. Notably, the show stands out for its blend of scientific rigor and accessibility, presented through expert interviews that shed light on complex concepts in a relatable and entertaining manner. With a focus on tangible applications of science, listeners can expect to learn how scientific research shapes everyday life and global challenges, making it a robust choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

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Which podcasts are similar to Oxford Sparks Big Questions?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Oxford Sparks Big Questions:

1. ZOE Science & Nutrition
2. Sideways
3. Strangers on a Bench
4. What's Up Docs?
5. TED Talks Daily

How many episodes of Oxford Sparks Big Questions are there?

Oxford Sparks Big Questions launched 11 years ago and published 101 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 Oxford Sparks Big Questions?

Recent guests on Oxford Sparks Big Questions include:

1. Annie de Bray
2. Sofia Della Sala
3. Dr. Tom Crawford
4. Jasmine Blane
5. Diogo Veríssimo
6. Ollie Spacey
7. Jingyi Yang
8. Claire Tanner

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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