Instant Genius

Our Media

Whether you’re curious about getting healthy, the Big Bang or the science of cooking, find out everything you need to know with Instant Genius. The team behind BBC Science Focus Magazine talk to world-leading experts to bring you two bite-sized masterclasses on a new subject each week.

New episodes are released every Monday and Friday and you can subscribe to Instant Genius on Apple Podcasts to access all new episodes ad-free and all old episodes of Instant Genius Extra.

Watch full episodes of Instant Genius on BBC Science Focus Magazine's YouTube channel.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

665 episodes
Updated Sunday

Episodes665

Newest first

Sep 12, 2021 · 32 min
CRISPR, with Prof Fyodor Urnov
Prof Fyodor Urnov tells us how CRISPR is already changing the lives of people with genetic disorders, and why it’s essential that gene editing therapies are accessible to all.
Sep 5, 2021 · 33 min
Science denial, with Lee McIntyre
Lee tells us about why science denial is on the rise, from flat-Earthers to anti-vaxxers, and where conspiracy theories come from in the first place.
Aug 29, 2021 · 31 min
The decline of the insects, with Prof Dave Goulson
Entomologist Dave Goulson is the author of Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse. He tells us how we can save the bugs and why they’re so important.
Aug 22, 2021 · 32 min
Migraines, with Dr Katy Munro
Headache specialist, author and podcast host Dr Katy Munro tells us what goes on in your body during a migraine.
Aug 15, 2021 · 26 min
Procrastination, with Dr Fuschia Sirios
Dr Fuschia Sirios, well-being researcher from The University of Sheffield, unpacks the psychology of procrastination – from why we do it, to how to stop.
Aug 8, 2021 · 23 min
Childhood, with Dr Emma Byrne
Dr Emma Byrne, author of How to Build a Human, tells us about the hidden science of childhood.
Aug 1, 2021 · 30 min
Calories, with Dr Giles Yeo
Trust Me, I’m a Doctor’s Giles Yeo tells us about the history of calorie counting and whether there’s such thing as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ calories.
Jul 25, 2021 · 31 min
Sleep, with Dr Matthew Walker
Dr Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience, tells us about how sleep evolved and what happens when we don’t get enough.
Jul 18, 2021 · 33 min
The science of pain, with Dr Monty Lyman
Dr Monty Lyman, author of The Painful Truth, tells us what pain really is, how the placebo effect works, and why our emotions have a huge effect on the pain we feel.
Jul 11, 2021 · 35 min
Forensic anthropology, with Prof Sue Black
Prof Sue Black explains the science behind identifying a body at a crime scene. Warning: Some listeners may find this episode uncomfortable.
Jul 4, 2021 · 27 min
Personality change, with Dr Christian Jarrett
Cognitive neuroscientist Dr Christian Jarrett tells us all about what forms personality traits – and the simple ways to change yours.
Jun 27, 2021 · 33 min
Hidden geometry, with Jordan Ellenberg
Mathematician Jordan Ellenberg tells us about his book, Shape, and why geometry is about so much more than triangles and circles.
Jun 20, 2021 · 39 min
The Neanderthals, with Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes
Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes tells us all about Neanderthals, and reveals how they continue to shape our view about deep human history.
Jun 17, 2021 · 36 min
The golden age of dinosaur discovery, with Prof Steve Brusatte
Prof Steve Brusatte tells us how the latest findings in palaeontology have turned our picture of dinosaurs on its head.
Jun 16, 2021 · 19 min
The Big Bang, with Prof Jim Al-Khalili
Jim Al-Khalili, a theoretical physicist and Professor of Public Engagement in Science, tells us about the origins of the Universe.
Jun 15, 2021 · 35 min
Your brain chemistry and you, with Ginny Smith
Science journalist and presenter Ginny Smith tells us about the chemicals that run your brain.
Jun 14, 2021 · 26 min
The science of cooking, with Dr Stuart Farrimond
Food scientist, doctor and TV presenter Stuart Farrimond tells us about how you can use science to upgrade your cooking.
Jun 13, 2021 · 35 min
The end of the Universe, with Dr Katie Mack
Theoretical astrophysicist, author and one of Twitter’s most-followed scientists Dr Katie Mack tells us about the Universe's ultimate fate.
May 31, 2021 · 3 min
Welcome to Instant Genius
The podcast that gives you the chance to be an expert in everything.
May 24, 2021 · 25 min
How AI and androids could shape the music of the future
Prof Nick Bryan-Kinns discusses whether artificial intelligence is the new frontier for the music industry.