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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

  • Jun 6, 2011 · 30 min

    Six Degrees

    Stephen Fry joins Brian Cox and Robin Ince to talk about six degrees of separation.

  • May 30, 2011 · 27 min

    What Don't We Know?

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series of witty, irreverent science chat.

  • Dec 6, 2010 · 30 min

    Philosophy

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Alexei Sayle when they ask "Is Philosophy Dead?".

  • Nov 29, 2010 · 28 min

    Randomness

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Tim Minchin to talk randomness and chance.

  • Nov 22, 2010 · 28 min

    Modern World

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and Paul Foot ask if the modern world is a force for good or evil.

  • Nov 15, 2010 · 28 min

    Apocalypse

    Andy Hamilton, Brian Cox and Robin Ince discuss the science behind any future apocalypse.

  • Jun 14, 2010 · 28 min

    Popular Science

    With Brian Cox and Robin Ince, recorded at the Cheltenham Science Festival.

  • Dec 21, 2009 · 25 min

    Science and Religion

    Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined by the Very Rev Victor Stock and Adam Rutherford.

  • Dec 14, 2009 · 25 min

    Quantum Physics

    Ben Miller joins Brian Cox and Robin Ince to talk physics, comedy and astrology.

  • Dec 7, 2009 · 25 min

    Extraterrestrial Life

    Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined by Jon Ronson and Seth Shostack from SETI Institute.

  • Nov 30, 2009 · 24 min

    Science and Comedians

    An irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With Brian Cox and Robin Ince.