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The Quanta Podcast

Quanta Magazine
Mathematics
Evolution
Telescope Conjecture
Topology
Underground Microbes
Quantum Computing
Exoplanets
YZ Seti-B
Genes
Maps Between Spheres
Exotic Spheres
Homotopy Theory
Algebraic K-Theory
Michael Hopkins
James Webb Space Telescope
Synthetic Biology
Dark Oxygen
Mars
Quantum Algorithms
Welded Tree Graphs

Exploring the distant universe, the insides of cells, the abstractions of math, the complexity of information itself, and much more, The Quanta Podcast is a tour of the frontier between the known and the unknown. In each episode, Quanta Magazine Editor-in-Chief Samir Patel speaks with the minds behind the award-winning publication to navigate through some of the most important and mind-expanding q... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes326Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhysicsLife SciencesScience

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Artwork for The Quanta Podcast

Latest Episodes

We tend to think of neurons as the sole engine of our thoughts, emotions, and everything in between.  For decades, a group of large brain cells called astrocytes have been thought of as mere packing peanuts for the brain. But new research suggests ot... more

In 1874, Georg Cantor published one of the most important papers in math’s 4,000-year history. Some ideas in it were stolen. On this episode of The Quanta Podcast, the second of a two-parter, host Samir Patel speaks with math editor Jordana Cepelewic... more

By simulating ecological networks with microbes, researchers revealed properties that may make natural communities susceptible to invasion.

The story The Ecosystem Dynamics That Can Make or Break an Invasion first appeared on Quanta Magazine.

In 1874, Georg Cantor published one of the most important papers in math’s 4,000-year history. Some ideas in it were stolen. On this episode of The Quanta Podcast, the first of a two-parter, host Samir Patel speaks with math editor Jordana Cepelewicz... more

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Recent Guests

Damien Goose
German-Argentinian mathematician turned science communicator/podcaster
Independent researcher / podcast creator
Episode: The Infinite Heist - Part 2
Jeff Gore
Physicist-turned-ecologist leading lab experiments on microbial ecosystems
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Episode: Audio Edition: The Ecosystem Dynamics That Can Make or Break an Invasion
Phil Ball
Science journalist and frequent Quanta contributor
Episode: Decoding the Mysteries of Quantum Mechanics
Yasemin Saplakoglu
Biology staff writer for Quanta Magazine
Quanta Magazine
Episode: How Animals Build a Sense of Direction
Hannah Early
Former researcher at the University of Cambridge
Vair Computing
Episode: Audio Edition: How Can AI Researchers Save Energy? By Going Backward.
Torben Agedius-Morgensen
Researcher in reversible computing at the University of Copenhagen
Episode: Audio Edition: How Can AI Researchers Save Energy? By Going Backward.
Erica Klarriech
Long-time Quanta contributor and mathematician
Episode: The Shape That Can’t Pass Through Itself
Rachel Nuwer
Science journalist covering lake ecosystems and climate impact
Quanta Magazine
Episode: What Happens When Lakes Stop Mixing
Charlie Wood
Quanta physics writer
Quanta Magazine
Episode: The Mystery of the Early Universe’s Little Red Dots

Hosts

Samir Patel
Editor-in-Chief of Quanta Magazine; frequent host and interviewer on scientific topics.
Susan Vallott
Host of the Quanta Audio Edition; long-time science journalist and communicator.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Outstanding explanations of both the latest scientific trends as well as the oldest and deepest scientific controversies. The hosts keep the narratives clear, concise, and comprehendible even to a casual observer like myself. And the guests bring luminosity to the subjects that only first hand experience and immersion make possible.

    Thanks very much for a truly enlightening podcast!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    JakeWrites
    21 days ago
  • The format could be better

    The content is amazing but the format, where the presenters often just read a text aloud, to me is very boring. The delivery could be so much more exciting.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Wouter19791979
    Netherlandsa month ago
  • A fun and productive way to utilize my commutes

    Informative yet accessible - Keep up the good job

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Yair Grinberg
    Israela month ago
  • Excellent science podcast

    Great, accessible, explanations of interesting problems and advances in science! Nicely done!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MusicCityEngineer
    United States2 months ago
  • What a joy to listen to

    The team at Quanta are doing an amazing job - a clean, crisp, engaging, and knowledgeable conversation in every episode. Highly recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Neu_Orion
    Germany2 months ago

Listeners Say

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Overall sentiment skews positive, noting the show as a reliable source for interesting, well-researched science content.
Listeners praise the show for accessible yet rigorous science explanations and the high quality of guests and writing.
Many reviews highlight the depth, clarity, and engaging interviews, with some noting audio quality as a point of improvement.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Infinite Heist - Part 1
Q: J Jordana, what's the big idea behind the Cantor–Dedekind story as it relates to infinity and set theory?
The central thread is how infinity transitioned from a philosophical notion to a formal mathematical object, driven by Cantor's questions about the size of infinite sets and Dedekind's rigorous definitions. The collaboration, competition, and strategic moves around publication show how personal and institutional dynamics influenced the birth of set theory and the understanding of real numbers.
How Animals Build a Sense of Direction
Q: So can you take us back a little bit to the beginning of when we start to understand the neurological basis of direction, of navigation?
Yes. So neuroscientists have been interested in navigation for decades now, and studies have led to some big discoveries.
How Animals Build a Sense of Direction
Q: So, Yasemin, what's the big idea?
The big idea is that animals have a sense of direction and know how to navigate their environments, but this has mostly been studied in lab environments.
ICYMI: Is Gravity Just Rising Entropy?
Q: How does that happen mechanistically?
The interaction of masses with qubits creates a low entropy condition prompting them to attract each other.
ICYMI: Is Gravity Just Rising Entropy?
Q: What specifically in this paper in the 90s was Jacobson positing?
Jacobson argued that energy is related to entropy and geometry, suggesting that gravity emerges from these relationships.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Quanta Podcast

What is The Quanta Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on big ideas in science, mathematics, and the nature of information, bridging rigorous research with accessible storytelling. Conversations span quantum physics, fluid dynamics, neuroscience, number theory, computation, and cosmology, often featuring live discussions with leading researchers and science writers. Listeners are likely drawn to clear explanations of complex topics, thoughtful interviews with specialists, and a pace that favors thorough exploration over quick takes. A notable strength is the collaboration with a renowned science publication, which tends to bring high-caliber guests and well-sourced discussions without sensationalism. Potential sponsors or guests can expect an audience that values depth, accurac... more

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How many episodes of The Quanta Podcast are there?

The Quanta Podcast launched 11 years ago and published 326 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 The Quanta Podcast?

Recent guests on The Quanta Podcast include:

1. Damien Goose
2. Jeff Gore
3. Phil Ball
4. Yasemin Saplakoglu
5. Hannah Early
6. Torben Agedius-Morgensen
7. Erica Klarriech
8. Rachel Nuwer

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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