What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy

What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy

Author: BBC Radio 4 November 19, 2025 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 them are comedian Marcus Brigstocke, curator of the Royal Observatory Louise Devoy, and Head of the National Timing Centre Leon Lobo.

From ancient Egyptian knuckle counting to sun dials, quartz oscillators and atomic clocks, the panel turns back time to discover how we measured and kept it throughout history. Together, they dial into why Greenwich has become such an important place for time and how time is synchronised and sold across the globe. They explore the flaws and future of accurate astronomical and atomic timekeeping, and Marcus blames the ‘leap second’ for his fry-up failures.

Producer: Olivia Jani Series Producer: Melanie Brown Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production


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: 50

The Infinite Monkey Cage
Podcast Episodes
201st Birthday Bonanza - Mel Giedroyc, Deborah Meaden and Nish Kumar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
Get ready for a landmark episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage as we celebrate our 201st show! Brian Cox and Robin Ince invite a lively panel of celebrity guests to pose their burning scientific questions to a top-tier tea…
Nature's Shapes - Dave Gorman, Sarah Hart and Thomas Woolley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:27
Brian Cox and Robin Ince unpick the hidden codes behind the shapes we see in nature with mathematicians Sarah Hart & Thomas Woolley and comedian Dave Gorman.The panel marvel at how evolution so often beats mathematicians…
The Sound of Music - Brian Eno, Sam Bennett and Trevor Cox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:43
Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore the history of music recording, joined by acoustics professor Trevor Cox, music professor Sam Bennett and musician and producer Brian Eno. Together they guide us through the evolution of…
How selfish are we really? -  Jo Brand, Matti Wilks and Steve Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:26
Brian Cox and Robin Ince kindly open the door for each other as they step into understanding altruism, asking why humans have evolved to help each other. Joining them to explore the human tendency to be kind is evolution…
An Unexpected History of the Body [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:25
Brian Cox and Robin Ince uncover the unexpected history of the body in the archives of the Royal Society with special guests Prof Helen King, Sir Mark Walport, Keith Moore and Ed Byrne. Together they dissect some of the…