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Artwork for Why This Universe?

Why This Universe?

Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman
Quantum Computing
Heliocentrism
Quantum Mechanics
Copernican Revolution
Superposition
Classical Computing
Cryptography
Prime Factorization
Aristotelian Natural Philosophy
History Of Astronomy
Galileo Galilei
Sun
Dark Matter
Fermilab
Artificial Intelligence
Physics
Physics Of Sound
Church and Science Conflict
Tycho Brahe
Johannes Kepler

The biggest ideas in physics, broken down. Join theoretical physicist Dan Hooper and co-host Shalma Wegsman as they answer your questions about dark matter, black holes, quantum mechanics, and more. Part of The University of Chicago Podcast Network.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes114Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhysicsAstronomyScience

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Artwork for Why This Universe?

Latest Episodes

An unlikely change in the theory of quantum mechanics would lead to bizarre new conclusions. Our guest talks us through non-linear quantum mechanics, and how physicists like him are testing it.

For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anything segm... more

Quantum mechanics is full of surprises. But somehow, the theory is captured almost entirely in a single equation. Today we explore the Schrödinger equation: how it works, what it says about nature, and why it revolutionized physics.

For ad-free epis... more

In the years leading up to the Large Hadron Collider turning on, the physics community was buzzing with curiosity and excitement about what they were about to discover. These moments were captured in the documentary Particle Fever, created by the par... more

If we met aliens, could we communicate through physics? Daniel Whiteson explores this question on today's episode. For more, check out his new book, Do Aliens Speak Physics?

For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anything segments, join us for ju... more

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Recent Guests

David E. Kaplan
Theoretical particle physicist and cosmologist at Johns Hopkins.
Johns Hopkins University
Episode: 98 - An Improbable Quantum Ghost Story (Ft. David Kaplan)
David Kaplan
Theoretical Particle Physicist and Cosmologist
Johns Hopkins University
Episode: 96 - The Making of Particle Fever (Ft. David Kaplan)
Daniel Whiteson
A physicist at UC Irvine who worked at the LHC and the Atlas Detector and was involved in the discovery of the Higgs boson.
University of California, Irvine
Episode: 95 - Would Aliens Have the Same Physics? (Ft. Daniel Whiteson)
Adam Riess
Astrophysicist known for his work on supernovae and the expansion of the universe
Johns Hopkins University
Episode: 93 - The Moment Dark Energy Appeared (Ft. Adam Riess)
Dan Scolnic
Professor at Duke University, known for his work on measuring the universe's expansion rates.
Duke University
Episode: 92 - What Cosmology Has in Store for 2025 (Ft. Dan Scolnic)
Sean Carroll
A cosmologist and philosopher of science at John Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
Episode: 88 - Why Does Our Universe Exist At All? (Ft. Sean Carroll)
Josh Winn
Professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton and author of The Little Book of Exoplanets
Princeton University
Episode: 84 - The Search For New Worlds (ft. Josh Winn)
Chris Quigg
Theoretical physicist and distinguished scientist emeritus at Fermilab
Fermilab
Episode: 83 - Witnessing a Revolution in Particle Physics (Ft. Chris Quigg)
Chiara Mingarelli
An assistant professor at Yale and an expert on gravitational waves, member of the NanoGRAV consortium
Yale University
Episode: 79 - NanoGRAV's Big Gravitational Wave Discovery (Ft. Chiara Mingarelli)

Hosts

Shalma Wegsman
Co-host and theoretical physicist.
Dan Hooper
Co-host and theoretical physicist at University of Wisconsin-Madison, providing analytical insights on various principles of physics.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • The best cosmology/particle physics podcast I’ve found

    The focus on cosmology and particle physics is surprisingly hard to find. They explain the topics at a perfect level—more depth than most comparable shows aimed at a lay audience, but clear, understandable explanations. Shalma asks outstanding questions and explains complex math and physics ideas clearly. Great guests.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cosmolamute
    United States17 days ago
  • Even I understand

    They an amazing job taking complex ideas and explaining them to non physicists. Also go Badgers!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Just Like Tiddlywinks
    United States24 days ago
  • Low key & super informative

    This very chill podcast is a great way to learn about cosmology, astrophysics and particle physics. The hosts and their guests are incredibly knowledgeable yet down to earth. Easy listening learning at its finest.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Super-position
    New Zealanda month ago
  • Once Great

    So I LOVED the first year of this podcast. So in depth, and interesting. Now it’s like so many other physics podcasts… let’s just interview the author of the latest book. Too bad. :(

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Cornell Big Red
    United Statesa month ago
  • One of the best

    Very Accurate and well simplified for public

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MobinMo
    Switzerland2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Regular guests provide expert insights, elevating the show's authority in scientific discourse.
Offers a blend of humor and intellect in scientific discussions.
Some find discussions challenging, indicating the content may cater more to those with a background in science.
Engaging hosts with a knack for explaining complex ideas clearly.
Listeners appreciate the depth and accessibility of content without oversimplification.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#4
United States/Science/Physics
Apple Podcasts
#80
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#3
United Kingdom/Science/Physics
Apple Podcasts
#4
Canada/Science/Physics
Apple Podcasts
#56
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#138
Canada/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

98 - An Improbable Quantum Ghost Story (Ft. David Kaplan)
Q: How might nonlinear quantum mechanics break the rules of traditional quantum concepts?
Nonlinear theories could allow for effects that enable communication between different branches of reality, as opposed to the strict separations dictated by linear quantum mechanics, where only one reality is perceived.
98 - An Improbable Quantum Ghost Story (Ft. David Kaplan)
Q: In a two-minute elevator pitch, what is quantum mechanics?
Quantum mechanics describes the fundamental laws of the universe in a radically different way than classical physics, highlighting behaviors like superposition where particles exist in multiple states or locations simultaneously.
96 - The Making of Particle Fever (Ft. David Kaplan)
Q: How did you manage to inspire filmmakers to create a serious documentary about particle physics?
I introduced them to the story that I believed needed to be told and built a strong collaborative relationship.
96 - The Making of Particle Fever (Ft. David Kaplan)
Q: What made you decide to spend seven years making a documentary?
I felt there was an incredible story about the LHC activation that needed to be documented.
94 - Inside the Hubble Tension (Ft. Adam Riess)
Q: What would it take for more scientists to agree on the need for new physics?
Typically, historical examples show that scientists remain skeptical until there is substantial evidence or a theoretical framework to explain anomalies, even if measurements confirm unexpected results.

Audience Metrics

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Why This Universe?

What is Why This Universe? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Topics covered include fundamental concepts in physics such as dark matter, black holes, and quantum mechanics, along with current developments in these fields. The discussions are often enriched by insights from distinguished guests, including physicists and cosmologists, who contribute their expertise on topics ranging from the Higgs boson to the nuances of the universe's expansion. The hosts strive to make complex scientific concepts accessible without oversimplifying, fostering an engaging environment for both enthusiasts and those seeking to expand their understanding of the universe.

Notably, the format allows for listener engagement through questions, enhancing the interactive nature of the discourse. This approach creates a communi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Why This Universe??

These podcasts share a similar audience with Why This Universe?:

1. The Supermassive Podcast
2. SpaceTime with Stuart Gary
3. Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe
4. The Quanta Podcast
5. Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

How many episodes of Why This Universe? are there?

Why This Universe? launched 6 years ago and published 114 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 Why This Universe??

Recent guests on Why This Universe? include:

1. David E. Kaplan
2. David Kaplan
3. Daniel Whiteson
4. Adam Riess
5. Dan Scolnic
6. Sean Carroll
7. Josh Winn
8. Chris Quigg

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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