Artwork for The Infinite Monkey Cage
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 27, 2016 · 42 min

    The Sound of Music

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince kick off the new series at the Glastonbury Music Festival.

  • Feb 15, 2016 · 49 min

    Climate Change

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and special guest Dara O Briain discuss climate change.

  • Feb 8, 2016 · 46 min

    Maths of Love and Sex

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince get romantic as they discuss the mathematics of love.

  • Feb 1, 2016 · 41 min

    What Is Reality?

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince ask, 'What is reality?'.

  • Jan 25, 2016 · 39 min

    Invisible Universe

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince head to Mosi in Manchester and look at the invisible universe.

  • Jan 18, 2016 · 46 min

    What is Race?

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Shappi Khorsandi and ask 'What is race?'.

  • Jan 12, 2016 · 43 min

    Artificial Intelligence

    Brian and Robin talk artificial intelligence with Jo Brand, Anil Seth and Alan Winfield.

  • Dec 25, 2015 · 46 min

    Christmas Special 2015

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince and special guests look at the science in Doctor Who.

  • Dec 15, 2015 · 27 min

    Episode 2

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore the legacy of Einstein's great theory.

  • Dec 8, 2015 · 29 min

    Episode 1

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince celebrate the 100th anniversary of Einstein's great theory.

  • Aug 10, 2015 · 49 min

    Forensic Science

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and guests take a forensic look at forensic science.

  • Aug 3, 2015 · 47 min

    Speed

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and guests look at the science of speed.

  • Feb 23, 2015 · 43 min

    Serendipity

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince look at some of the most serendipitous discoveries in science.

  • Feb 9, 2015 · 44 min

    When Quantum Goes Woo

    Why is quantum physics often so popular with purveyors of pseudoscience and quackery?