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Artwork for Particles of Thought

Particles of Thought

GBH
Artificial Intelligence
Black Holes
Genetics
Evolution
De-Extinction
Dark Matter
Microbes
Vocal Learning
Dark Energy
Mathematics
Mars
Consciousness
General Relativity
Dire Wolves
Dinosaurs
Primordial Black Holes
Natural Selection
Flow State
Thwaites Glacier
Deepfakes

Ready to break your brain? Particles of Thought, the hit video podcast from the producers of NOVA is back with new mind-expanding conversations with scientists on the edge. Host Hakeem Oluseyi dives into how to hack your own anxiety, the surprising connection between dark matter and black holes, the secrets of animal communication, the hidden geometry shaping our world, and even what it means to b... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes81Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Science

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Artwork for Particles of Thought

Latest Episodes

There is a near-limitless energy source to power our world, and it may be almost here. 

Dennis Whyte shares with Hakeem that we're closer than ever to bottling the power of the sun. He would know. He’s now the CEO of the United Kingdom’s Atomic Ener... more

Dennis Whyte has designed a fusion reactor for Mars, and it turns out the red planet has plenty of fusion fuel. The MIT nuclear scientist joins Hakeem to explore fusion's wildest applications: spacecraft propulsion, space stations, and even a shield ... more

Dennis Whyte helped spark a multi-billion-dollar industry from a spool of tape. The nuclear scientist and entrepreneur explains the nitty gritty of nuclear fusion through the multitude of businesses that are chasing nuclear fusion. Dennis walks Hakee... more

Dennis Whyte studies the physics that powers every star in the universe, and he says it can power your house, too. Now the CEO of the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority and nuclear scientist at MIT, Dennis joins Hakeem to break down what fusion actually is... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Dennis Whyte
Nuclear scientist and entrepreneur; MIT professor of nuclear science and engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Episode: Fusion Energy is Coming
Federico Rossano
Cognitive scientist researching animal communication
University of California, San Diego
Episode: How Dogs Talk
Brent Minchew
Glaciologist with a joint appointment at Caltech and MIT
Caltech; MIT
Episode: The Glacier That Could Change the World
Jordan Ellenberg
Mathematician and author
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Episode: Full Interview: The Hidden Math Behind Everything
Ella Al-Shamahi
Paleoanthropologist and archaeologist
Independent researcher; discussed roles and discoveries
Episode: Full Interview: Hobbits, Neanderthals, and Dragon Man
Daniela Rus
Computer Scientist and Robotics Engineer from MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (CSAIL)
Episode: AI Origins
Wendy Suzuki
Neuroscientist who studies how social connections shape the brain
New York University
Episode: Your Brain Needs Friends
Steve Brusatte
Paleontologist and author
University of Edinburgh / author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs
Episode: T. rex Family Secrets
Dave Kaiser
Physicist and cosmologist discussing dark matter and primordial black holes
Episode: Full Interview: Dark Matter = Black Holes?

Host

Hakeem Oluseyi
Host of the show

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 226 ratings
  • Sorry Lostjar

    Great show with a great host. I have rarely heard anyone engage so many smart people in such interesting conversations. Very relatable, very informative.

    Keep telling us about the future. And the past. And math. And even about that awful AI.

    Thanks

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KnackerMan
    United Statesa month ago
  • When the data center is your dishwasher.

    Millions of dollars, and countless hours of research to make an AI-powered car that can roll your windows down! Is this a joke! Stop indulging these AI psychos. Stop telling us what future we should want. And get a slightly less credulous host, please. Or don’t, because I won’t listen again.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Lostjar
    United States3 months ago
  • Keep it up Dr!

    Found this first on PBS, then started listening on podcast format. Keep it up, Dr, Oluseyi!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KimSails
    United States3 months ago
  • 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 States7 months 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 States8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners applaud clear explanations of complex topics and engaging guest lineups.
Audience feedback highlights the host's curiosity and approachable delivery.
Some critics want tighter focus on science and fewer jokes, but most praise the depth and accessibility.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#94
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#90
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#137
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#19
Argentina/Science
Apple Podcasts
#36
Norway/Science
Apple Podcasts
#96
Brazil/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How to Build a Star
Q: How did advances in superconducting magnets influence the fusion roadmap?
High-temperature superconductors allow higher magnetic fields with lower energy losses, enabling compact devices like Spark and broader design options for fusion reactors.
How to Build a Star
Q: Why is Deuterium-Tritium the most attractive fusion reaction for current efforts?
Because its reaction probability at around 100 million degrees Celsius is significantly higher than other reactions, making fusion more likely to produce net energy per reaction.
How to Build a Star
Q: What is the Lawson Criterion and why does it matter for fusion?
It is a relation showing that achieving fusion power requires three interrelated variables—temperature, density, and energy confinement time—such that their product reaches a threshold enabling ignition and self-sustaining fusion.
Full Interview: Cracking Animal Language
Q: Could animal communication go beyond basic needs to convey complex states or thoughts?
There is evidence of more nuanced communication, including expressions of social relationships and emotions, and researchers are exploring compositionality and context to see how far two-way dialogue might extend.
Full Interview: Cracking Animal Language
Q: How do you train dogs to use the buttons to communicate wants like 'outside' or 'water'?
Training builds associations between a button's meaning and a desired outcome, gradually expanding with practice while monitoring for reliability and generalization across contexts.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Particles of Thought

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

A thought-provoking science interview show that blends deep-dive conversations with accessible explanations. Episodes frequently explore mathematics, AI, neuroscience, archaeology, and human evolution, often linking abstract ideas to real-world technology and everyday life. Guests range from mathematicians and AI researchers to paleoanthropologists and neuroscientists, producing a mix of rigorous analysis and engaging storytelling. The host's curiosity and ability to translate complex topics into clear, entertaining dialogue seem to be a standout trait, and the show often features cutting-edge research and cross-disciplinary connections that can appeal to both scientists and general listeners interested in big-picture science.

Noteworthy 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. NOVA Presents
2. Radiolab
3. Science Friday
4. Unexplainable
5. This American Life

How many episodes of Particles of Thought are there?

Particles of Thought launched a year ago and published 81 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. Dennis Whyte
2. Federico Rossano
3. Brent Minchew
4. Jordan Ellenberg
5. Ella Al-Shamahi
6. Daniela Rus
7. Wendy Suzuki
8. Steve Brusatte

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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