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Science

The Infinite Monkey Cage

BBC Radio 4

Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Joined by a panel of scientists, experts and celebrity science enthusiasts they investigate life, the universe and everything in between on The Infinite Monkey Cage from the BBC.

From the smallest building blocks of life to the furthest stars, the curious monkeys pull apart the latest science to reveal fascinating and often bizarre insights into the world around us and what lies beyond. Can trees talk to each other? Can science help you commit the perfect murder? What might aliens look like and the burning question of our time, are strawberries alive or dead? Join them as each episode they put a different scientific topic under the microscope, from aliens, black holes and hedgehogs, to bacteria, poison and the Big Bang. With past guests including actors Dame Judi Dench and Sir Patrick Stewart, comedians Steve Martin and Conan O’Brien, astronaut Tim Peake, primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Hannah Fry, The Infinite Monkey Cage promises to make you laugh, enrich your knowledge and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the universe that we call home. Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or someone who nodded off in physics class, listen in to learn all about funny, fascinating and sometimes ridiculous topics – with the occasional monkey business.

  • 239 episodes
  • Updated Dec 24, 2025

Episodes239

  • Jul 8, 2013 · 41 min

    Space Tourism

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince talk space exploration and space tourism with actor Brian Blessed

  • Jul 1, 2013 · 43 min

    Glastonbury

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince transport their own take on quantum physics to Glastonbury.

  • Jun 24, 2013 · 28 min

    What Is Death?

    Brian and Robin discuss the scientific nature of death with comedian Katy Brand.

  • Dec 17, 2012 · 28 min

    Creating Life

    Comedian Ed Byrne joins Robin and Brian to talk about science's quest to create life.

  • Dec 10, 2012 · 28 min

    Brain Science

    Jo Brand joins Brian Cox and Robin Ince for witty, irreverent science chat.

  • Dec 3, 2012 · 28 min

    Secret Science

    Simon Singh and Dave Gorman join Brian and Robin to discuss Bletchley Park.

  • Nov 26, 2012 · 28 min

    Improbable Science

    Katy Brand joins Brian and Robin to discuss some unusual avenues of scientific research.

  • Nov 19, 2012 · 28 min

    Space Exploration

    Brian and Robin are joined by Patrick Stewart, Ben Miller and Monica Grady.

  • Jul 23, 2012 · 27 min

    Science v Art

    Al Murray joins Brian and Robin at the Latitude Festival for a science/art showdown.

  • Jul 16, 2012 · 28 min

    Parallel Universes

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and guests look at one of the most tantalising ideas of cosmology.

  • Jul 8, 2012 · 28 min

    The Science of Symmetry

    The Monkeys discuss symmetry with Marcus Du Sautoy, Alan Moore and Adam Rutherford.

  • Jul 2, 2012 · 28 min

    Does Size Matter?

    Debating the advantages and disadvantages of being really huge, or extremely small.

  • Jun 25, 2012 · 28 min

    Science Mavericks

    Marcus Brigstocke joins Brian Cox and Robin Ince to discuss the role of science mavericks.

  • Dec 26, 2011 · 28 min

    The Science of Christmas

    Robin Ince and Brian Cox discuss Christmas with Richard Dawkins and Mark Gatiss.

  • Dec 12, 2011 · 28 min

    The Science of Sound

    Robin Ince and Brian Cox discuss the science of sound with Tom Wrigglesworth.

  • Dec 5, 2011 · 28 min

    The Origins of Life

    Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined by rationalist comedian and musician Tim Minchin.