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Particles of Thought

GBH
Black Holes
Misinformation
Gravitational Waves
Mars
General Relativity
Quantum Mechanics
Fossils
Space-Time
Microbes
Deepfakes
Astrophysics
Artificial Intelligence
Social Media
NASA
Déjà Vu
Goosebumps
Science
Coral Reefs
Deep Fakes
Event Horizon

Particles of Thought from the producers of NOVA unleashes the universe's biggest questions through the lens of astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi and the world's most brilliant scientific minds. Should we resurrect extinct species? Are we blind to a fundamental force of nature? What secrets do ancient fossils reveal about humanity's destiny? Across 10 mind-bending episodes, each conversation dives deep... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes41Founded8 months ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Science

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Artwork for Particles of Thought

Latest Episodes

Could the universe be governed by a law we haven’t discovered yet? Mineralogist Robert Hazen and astrobiologist Michael Wong propose a new rule—the law of increasing functional information—to explain why complex systems evolve and why complexity keep... more

AI isn’t just coming for office jobs—it’s coming for some hands-on blue collar professions, too. AI expert Hany Farid explains which jobs are safe, and which are at risk. 

For more, check out the extended interview with Hany Farid. 

Learn more abou... more

Scientists claimed in 2024 that they "de-extincted" the dire wolf… so what’s next, and what determines whether a species can be brought back? Evolutionary biologist Beth Shapiro explains some of the factors that go into deciding what to try and bring... more

Dinosaurs might not have been the roaring beasts many imagine. Neuroscientist Erich Jarvis explains why modern birds—living dinosaurs—offer clues about vocal learning and why dinosaurs could have been singers.

For more, check out the extended interv... more

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Recent Guests

Heather Berlin
A neuroscientist and musician discussing peak performance and flow states
Episode: Your Brain’s Peak Performance Mode | Heather Berlin
Sean B. Carroll
Evolutionary biologist and author
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Episode: The Evolution of Venom & Antivenom | Sean B. Carroll
Janna Levin
Astrophysicist and author known for her work in theoretical physics and the nature of black holes.
Episode: A Black Hole Is a Place, Not a Thing | Janna Levin
Peter Girguis
Astrobiologist and researcher on life in extreme environments
Harvard University
Episode: How To Recognize Alien Life | Peter Girguis
Beth Shapiro
Directly involved in ancient DNA research and de-extinction methodologies
Colossal
Episode: De-Extinction: A How-To Guide | Beth Shapiro
Mike Wong
Astrobiologist
Carnegie Institution for Science
Episode: A Missing Law of Nature with Bob Hazen and Mike Wong
Bob Hazen
Mineralogist
Carnegie Institution for Science
Episode: A Missing Law of Nature with Bob Hazen and Mike Wong
Hany Farid
Professor at UC Berkeley specializing in digital forensics and misinformation
UC Berkeley
Episode: Deepfake Detection and the Future of AI with Hany Farid
Dr. Kirk Johnson
Sant Director at the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History and a notable paleobotanist.
Smithsonian Institution
Episode: Fossil Hunting, Sinkholes, and Paleobotany with Kirk Johnson

Host

Hakeem Oluseyi
Co-host and astrophysicist; host of the show; engages guests with curious, accessible questioning.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 160 ratings
  • My favorite podcast

    From the first episode, this became my favorite podcast in roughly 25 years of listening to podcasts. It’s engaging, enlightening, entertaining, informative, and fun all at once.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jeevdhhsbbesbhehs
    United Statesa month ago
  • On point science communication 10/10

    This podcast definitely lives up to the standard I would expect from Nova. Hakeem is a wonderful host and brings his curiosity to each conversation. Also the guest line up is incredible. I’m always excited to see when a new episode drops!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nickname8375
    United States2 months ago
  • Excellent listen!

    Love this podcast. It’s mind-bending, paradigm-shifting, and awesome. So grateful to the host and his guests for communicating complex concepts in terms someone like me (ie. not a scientist) can understand.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kellllley k
    United States3 months ago
  • what a treat!!

    Love this podcast…it never disappoints with it’s constantly engaging and brilliant guests. Thank you, Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, you’re such an awesome interviewer and your thirst for knowledge is wonderfully infectious

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Madyjules
    United States3 months ago
  • Awesome awesome awesome

    I just listened to Sean Carroll on Evolution , so well relayed for anyone to understand. PBS bringing all the great scientists that serve us earthlings, i am so grateful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    shakti shiny
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the host's enthusiasm and deep curiosity.
Guests are described as top-tier and the conversations are engaging and accessible.
The show is repeatedly called mind-bending and thought-provoking, with high production quality and clear explanations.
Some listeners wish for more focus on strictly scientific content and less humor, but most praise the mix.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#206
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#206
India/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Discovering Dark Energy and the Hubble Tension with Adam Riess
Q: What is the Hubble Tension?
The Hubble Tension refers to the growing mismatch between the expansion rate predictions from the cosmic microwave background and local measurements.
Discovering Dark Energy and the Hubble Tension with Adam Riess
Q: What are the possibilities for describing what dark energy is?
Einstein's cosmological constant remains the simplest interpretation, though we have models that suggest it could also be temporary energy or alternate theories about gravity.
Discovering Dark Energy and the Hubble Tension with Adam Riess
Q: What is dark energy?
Dark energy could be stuff in space-time, acting with repulsive gravity to expand space-time more rapidly.
Discovering Dark Energy and the Hubble Tension with Adam Riess
Q: Did you believe it?
Initially, I don't think you ever believe something in the beginning. In science, you make so many mistakes before building trust in the results you see.
Evolution of New Species, Venom, Wings, and More with Sean B. Carroll
Q: So, what about the role of chance in evolution?
Chance mutations generate variability, and the environment sifts out the winners and losers, driving the evolutionary process.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Particles of Thought

What is Particles of Thought about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on big scientific questions explored through accessible, interview-driven conversations with leading researchers and scientists. Across episodes, discussions span dinosaurs, space-time, brain performance, black holes, natural laws, microbes, tree growth, drug discovery, de-extinction, AI's impact on jobs, dark energy, the Hubble tension, fame and the brain, fossil formation, and more. A standout is the host's enthusiastic, curious approach paired with expert guests, making complex ideas approachable without sacrificing depth, and often connecting foundational science to real-world implications. This makes it appealing to curious listeners who want rigorous science presented in a lively, human, conversational style and who e... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Particles of Thought?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Particles of Thought:

1. Radiolab
2. NOVA Presents
3. Science Friday
4. Throughline
5. Unexplainable

How many episodes of Particles of Thought are there?

Particles of Thought launched 8 months ago and published 41 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 Particles of Thought?

Recent guests on Particles of Thought include:

1. Heather Berlin
2. Sean B. Carroll
3. Janna Levin
4. Peter Girguis
5. Beth Shapiro
6. Mike Wong
7. Bob Hazen
8. Hany Farid

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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