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Quirks and Quarks

CBC
Climate Change
Biodiversity
Covid-19
Artificial Intelligence
Dark Matter
NASA
Artemis II
Trees
Plastic Pollution
Paleontology
Carbon Sequestration
Urban Heat Islands
Dog Science
Moon
Canada
Chimpanzees
Microplastics
Dark Energy
Boreal Forest
Carbon Emissions

CBC Radio's Quirks and Quarks covers the quirks of the expanding universe to the quarks within a single atom... and everything in between.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes52Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Earth SciencesScience

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Artwork for Quirks and Quarks

Latest Episodes

Archaeologists excavating a 13,800-year-old site in Alaska have uncovered a treasure trove of artifacts and domestic features that shed new light on the life and culture of the people who settled into the region. Hunter-gatherers lived at this site, ... more

The biting dynamics of the world’s deadliest mosquitoes: meet the researcher who rolled up her sleeves and endured more than 1,000 mosquito bites, all to understand how these deadly little creatures bite and guzzle our blood.

Also today: 

* Astron... more

DNA samples from the oldest living land animal show how good genes and limited biochemical wear and tear have given a giant tortoise named Jonathan an extended lifespan. The genetic switches that control the genes for DNA repair and metabolism more c... more

We talk to two of this year’s newest Nobel Laureates, Dr. Karl Deisseroth and Peter Hegemann, about their discoveries in optogenetics, a technique that has transformed what we know about the brain — all thanks to a light-detecting algal protein.

Als... more

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Recent Guests

Patrick Lewin
Biologist and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford
University of Oxford
Episode: Ice Age Alaskan basecamp shows what life was like 13,800 years ago
Kelly Graf
Professor of anthropological archaeology at the University of Kansas
University of Kansas
Episode: Ice Age Alaskan basecamp shows what life was like 13,800 years ago
Linda Nazar
Distinguished professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo
Episode: Ice Age Alaskan basecamp shows what life was like 13,800 years ago
Jean Sabanga
Biomedical scientist at NASA's Johnson Space Center
NASA Johnson Space Center
Episode: Ice Age Alaskan basecamp shows what life was like 13,800 years ago
Karen Kidd
Professor of biology and Jarosławski Chair of Environment and Health at McMaster University
McMaster University
Episode: Ice Age Alaskan basecamp shows what life was like 13,800 years ago
Kevin Meyer
Fisheries research biologist at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Episode: Ice Age Alaskan basecamp shows what life was like 13,800 years ago
Joanna Kanupka
Sensory biologist and research associate at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Episode: Spooktacular bogs, zombie cells, ghostly stars and more…
Mark Hollins
Astrophysicist at the University of Warwick and lead author of research on white dwarf colors
University of Warwick
Episode: Spooktacular bogs, zombie cells, ghostly stars and more…
Mita Kletzerman
PhD candidate in archaeology studying ancient and modern sled dogs
University of Haifa
Episode: Spooktacular bogs, zombie cells, ghostly stars and more…

Host

Bob McDonald
Host known for guiding conversations on space, biology, and earth science with accessible explanations.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 2.9k ratings
  • Entertaining and informative

    Science made accessible and fun for all. A delight to listen to it

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Alexu57
    Canadaa month ago
  • Best science show, not just a podcast

    I’ve been listening to ‘Quirks and Quarks’ for years, along with other science podcasts, and none of them are as good.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lady Triangle
    United States2 months ago
  • Great for beginners /and/ experts

    The first science radio program/podcast I listened to and after all these years still the best. A great magazine of the newest science news, presented by an interviewer who is both knowledgeable and able to draw out explanations that anyone can understand. Even my young kids love it.

    Bob Macdonald is a treasure.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    prolepessa
    Canada6 months ago
  • Long time listener

    I’ve been listening for years. When the news bums me out, I enlist this podcast as my main source of “cool science news that doesn’t actually bum you out and actually helps promote feelings of excitement for the future”. Also, fun story. It’s podcasts like these that got me interested in science in the first place. I’m now in research, and I think about how impactful science communicators are; the ones that make learning accessible and fun. I hope they continue inspiring young people for years t... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    britt_diane
    Germany8 months ago
  • Bob is great

    Bob does a really good job of helping the story along and expanding on some of the more complex material. Interesting topics.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kevint6221
    Canada8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Fans appreciate the show's breadth and approachable science storytelling.
Listeners praise clear explanations and engaging questions from the host.
High-quality science content that stays accessible to non-experts.
Consistently cited as a top science podcast for general audiences.
Guests shine under thoughtful, well-prepared interview style.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ice Age Alaskan basecamp shows what life was like 13,800 years ago
Q: What effect did that have on the overall population of the minnows in the lake?
The population fell by 99 percent in the second year as estrogen exposure affected reproduction, nesting and males' care of eggs. The population later recovered after estrogen additions stopped.
Ice Age Alaskan basecamp shows what life was like 13,800 years ago
Q: What kind of features did you find that made you think this was a base camp?
Spatial analysis revealed an early habitation structure with a central hearth and storage pit, as well as a nearby outdoor earth oven for cooking food.
Spooktacular bogs, zombie cells, ghostly stars and more…
Q: So what takeaway are you hoping people will get from your book?
Turecki hopes people will appreciate bogs, visit them, advocate for their protection and ask for peat-free products, since natural bogs are difficult to restore once damaged.
Spooktacular bogs, zombie cells, ghostly stars and more…
Q: So how might this information be used to prevent mosquitoes from spreading malaria?
Kanupka says targeting sensory pathways could offer a final opportunity to interfere with mosquito bites, either by disrupting long-distance host searching or close-range cues that help mosquitoes bite.
Scientists find anti-aging secrets in a 194-year-old tortoise
Q: What are some of the things that communities can do to protect themselves?
Colden recommends fuel breaks, thinning vegetation, prescribed fire, less-flammable plants and trees, home hardening, defensible space and orderly evacuation planning.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Quirks and Quarks

What is Quirks and Quarks about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The program consistently explores a broad spectrum of science, from deep-space phenomena and planetary defense to cutting-edge biology, climate science, and technology. Episodes frequently blend in-depth interviews with researchers from top universities and labs with accessible explanations, delivering tangible takeaways on topics like tracking space debris with seismic sensors, imaging black holes, and evolving understanding of mammalian and marine biology. A standout aspect is the ability to connect complex research to real-world questions and public interest, often featuring cross-disciplinary methods and fieldwork that illuminate how science informs everyday life and future innovations.

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How many listeners does Quirks and Quarks get?

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How many subscribers and views does Quirks and Quarks have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Quirks and Quarks has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Quirks and Quarks?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Quirks and Quarks:

1. Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
2. Ideas
3. White Coat, Black Art
4. The Debaters
5. The Sunday Magazine

How many episodes of Quirks and Quarks are there?

Quirks and Quarks launched 21 years ago and published 52 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Quirks and Quarks?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on Quirks and Quarks?

Recent guests on Quirks and Quarks include:

1. Patrick Lewin
2. Kelly Graf
3. Linda Nazar
4. Jean Sabanga
5. Karen Kidd
6. Kevin Meyer
7. Joanna Kanupka
8. Mark Hollins

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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