The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Oceans

The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Oceans

Author: BBC Radio 4 October 18, 2023 Duration: 23:45

If there’s any doubt that the deep sea is as exciting to explore as the moon or Mars, this episode puts the question to rest, as Robin and Brian wade through the back catalogue to learn all about the ocean. Professor Lloyd Peck from the British Antarctic Survey tells them about the weird and wonderful creatures he’s encountered at sea, from rat-tailed fish to bacteria that feed off sulphides that could kill them, but Dave Gorman is still sceptical that it’s an environment worth investigating. And he's not the only one – fellow comedian Tim Minchin might live near Australia’s best beaches but says he’s terrified by the idea of getting in a submarine, let alone sharing such a small space with Brian Cox!

Episodes featured: Series 6: Oceans: The Last Great Unexplored Frontier? Series 21: Coral Reefs Series 24: Exploring the Deep

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
The Magic of Mushrooms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:31
Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the secret world of fungi, hidden beneath our feet. They are joined by biologist Merlin Sheldrake and mycologist Katie Field. They hear about the hidden life of fungi, including th…
Bees v Wasps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:51
Brian Cox and Robin Ince tackle one of the most important questions posed by science: which is better, bees or wasps? To defend bees, ecologist Dave Goulson joins the panel, while entomologist Seirian Sumner comes to the…
Supervolcanoes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:08
Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out if supervolcanoes are worth worrying about. They are joined by volcanologist Tamsin Mather, geologist Chris Jackson and comedian Rachel Parris. They learn about the worst eruptions of al…
Are we what we eat? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:28
Brian Cox and Robin Ince examine their own diets and the diet fads of the past to ask what we should actually be eating. They are joined by Dr Chris van Tulleken, Professor Janet Cade and comedian Harry Hill to discuss t…
Magic Materials [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:10
You might think materials are a bit boring and inconsequential but without them we would still be living in the stone age. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by material scientists Mark Miodownik and Anna Plosz…
How Far Can the Human Body Go? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:41
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by biomechanist Polly McGuigan, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod, comedian Russell Kane and Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell to find out how good humans are at endurance.…
How to Commit the Perfect Murder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:54
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Susan Calman, Prof Sue Black and Dr Julia Shaw as they invent Infinite Monkey Cluedo, and discover whether they can commit the perfect murder, or whether the latest forensi…
How to think like a mathematician [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Jo Brand, mathematicians Prof Hannah Fry and Dr Eugenia Cheng, and xkcd webcomic creator Randall Munroe to discover how thinking like a mathematician could solve some trick…
Australia’s Scary Spiders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:27
Brian Cox and Robin Ince end their Australian science adventure with an episode all about spiders. They are joined by ecologists Dieter Hochuli and Mariella Herberstein and comedian Claire Hooper. They learn about the st…
Southern Skies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
Brian Cox and Robin Ince start a new series from Sydney, Australia. They are joined by astrophysicists Kirsten Banks and Devika Kamath and comedian Ross Noble as they discuss how different the night sky looks from the so…