The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Being Human

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Being Human

Author: BBC Radio 4 October 25, 2023 Duration: 17:54

Brian Cox and Robin Ince consider the quirks that make human beings unique and check in with experts from The Infinite Monkey Cage back catalogue. Prof Alice Roberts explains that our ancestors interbred with Neanderthals to make us who we are today. We’re also excellent at communicating with other species, as comedian Bill Bailey learns when he gets a lesson in chimp speak from the legendary primatologist Dr Jane Goodall. Then there are the bits of us that are pretty different, like our large brains and Conan O’Brien says his has been wired for comedy. Everyone agrees natural selection hasn’t always equipped us with the best tools for the job and David Baddiel argues the eye is a perfect example of a human design flaw.

Episodes featured: The Infinite Monkey Cage 100 Series 22: When the Monkeys met the Chimps Series 22: The Human Brain Series 19: Are Humans Still Evolving?

New episodes will be released on Wednesdays, but if you’re in the UK, listen to new episodes, a week early, first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3Jzy

Producer: Marijke Peters Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem


Imagine a room where the biggest questions in the universe meet the sharpest, silliest wit. That’s the essence of The Infinite Monkey Cage, a BBC Radio 4 production hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince. Each episode gathers a panel of leading scientists, experts, and curious celebrities to tear apart a topic, from quantum quirks to cosmic mysteries. The conversation is a genuine collision of rigorous thought and irreverent humor, where a profound insight about black holes might be followed by a perfectly timed joke. You’ll hear complex ideas explored with clarity and a sense of shared wonder, never taking the science-or themselves-too seriously. This particular podcast thrives on that dynamic tension, making the frontiers of knowledge feel like a lively, accessible, and often hilarious dinner party debate. It’s a journey through the latest discoveries and enduring puzzles, all filtered through the unique perspectives of people who are genuinely thrilled to be asking "why?" Tune in for a consistently surprising and enlightening blend of intellect and laughter that proves exploring life, the universe, and everything doesn't require a solemn face.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Infinite Monkey Cage
Podcast Episodes
Monkey Business - Robin Dunbar, Dave Gorman and Jo Setchell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:30
In perhaps the monkiest Infinite Monkey Cage episode there’s ever been, Brian Cox and Robin Ince attempt to uncover the secrets of love, lust and friendship in primates. Swinging by to offer a hand (or tail) are evolutio…
Fusion – Ria Lina, Yasmin Andrew and Howard Wilson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:14
Robin Ince and Brian Cox get all fired up, overcome their natural repulsion and come together for this stellar episode on nuclear fusion. They’re joined by plasma physicist Yasmin Andrew, fusion scientist Howard Wilson a…
What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:18
Robin Ince and Brian Cox wind up at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich – arguably the centre of time – to uncoil the mysteries of what time is and how on Earth (…and on moon) we keep track of it. Taking the time to join…
Illuminating Light - Jess Wade, Russell Foster and Bridget Christie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:23
What is light? How has it shaped our understanding of the universe, our biology, and even our culture? In this illuminating episode Brian Cox and Robin Ince shine a spotlight on the fascinating science and history of lig…
Moths v Butterflies - Katy Brand, Jane Hill and Chris Jiggins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:08
What really separates a moth from a butterfly? Is it just a matter of day and night, or is there more to this fluttering feud than meets the eye? Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince flap into the fabulous world of Lepidop…
Technofossils - Sarah Gabbott, Mark Miodownik and Aurie Styla [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:26
Brian Cox and Robin Ince dig deep into the strata of an imagined human history to unearth the curious concept of technofossils. Joined by paleobiologist Sarah Gabbott, material scientist Mark Miodownik and comedian and t…