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.
- 2024 / 12 / 18Is Extinction the End?Brian Cox and Robin Ince dig into de-extinction asking, could we and should we resurrect creatures of the past? They are joined by geneticist Adam Rutherford, palaeontologist Susannah Maidment and...
- 2024 / 12 / 11Fantastic ElasticBrian Cox and Robin Ince expand their knowledge of elasticity with Olympian Bryony Page, comedian Jessica Fostekew & experts Dr Anna Ploszajski and Prof James Busfield from Queen Mary University of London....
- 2024 / 12 / 4The Science of Baby MakingBrian Cox and Robin Ince investigate the science of baby making - don’t worry, all theory no practice! They are joined by Professor Joyce Harper, Dr Ben Steventon and comedian Sara Pascoe to discuss how just...
- 2024 / 11 / 27Starless WorldBrian Cox and Robin Ince consider how different our understanding of the universe would be without the stars. They are joined by Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Roberto Trotta and comedian John Bishop who illuminate...
- 2024 / 11 / 20HedgehogsBrian Cox and Robin Ince emerge from the hedge row waking up their guests from hibernation to discuss the fascinating lives of Britain’s favourite mammal, the hedgehog. They are joined by hedgehog experts...
- 2024 / 11 / 13The Cyber CodebreakersBrian Cox and Robin Ince head to Bletchley Park with comedian Alan Davies, and cyber experts Victoria Baines and Richard Benham to decode cyberwarfare and discuss its future.As computers have shrunk from the...
- 2024 / 9 / 9Introducing... Uncharted with Hannah Fry Series 2From exposing fraud to finding true love, mathematician Hannah Fry follows the numbers on thrilling adventures of data and discovery. Join her for Series 2 of Uncharted.
- 2024 / 8 / 21Alien Life - Russell Kane, Lisa Kaltenegger and Chris LintottAre we alone in the universe? Brian Cox and Robin Ince venture to Glastonbury in the search for alien life and are joined in their galactic quest by comedian Russell Kane and astronomers Lisa Kaltenegger and...
- 2024 / 8 / 14An Unexpected History of Science - Rufus Hound, Matthew Cobb, Victoria Herridge and Keith MooreBrian Cox and Robin Ince raid the archives of the Royal Society to reveal an unexpected history of science with guests Rufus Hound, Tori Herridge, Matthew Cobb and Keith Moore. Together they explore some of...
- 2024 / 8 / 7What a Gas! - Dave Gorman, Mark Miodownik and Lucy CarpenterBrian Cox and Robin Ince talk hot air as they explore the pivotal role of gasses in our lives. Joining them to add some CO2 to the mix is material scientist Mark Miodownik, chemist Lucy Carpenter and comedian...
- 2024 / 7 / 31Extreme Exploration - Anneka Rice, Mike Massimino, Britney Schmidt and Jess PhoenixBrian Cox and Robin Ince venture to the home place of exploration in Porto, Portugal at the Explorers Club as they discuss science at the extremes of exploration. Joining them is volcanologist Jess Phoenix,...
- 2024 / 7 / 24'Beastly Bodies' Kids Special - Steve Backshall, Jess French and Adam KayBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by adventurer and naturalist Steve Backshall, veterinarian Jess French, and comedian and former doctor Adam Kay, as they are put to the test by an audience of curious...
- 2024 / 7 / 17Science of Board Games - Jess Fostekew, Marcus du Sautoy and Dave NealeBrian Cox and Robin Ince go past jail, climb a ladder and build a civilisation as they explore the science behind our favourite board games. Joining them in the library (or was it the conservatory?) is...
- 2024 / 7 / 10The Wonder of Trees - Dame Judi Dench, Tony Kirkham and Tristan GooleyBrian Cox and Robin Ince leaf through the latest tree science with Dame Judi Dench, Tony Kirkham and Tristan Gooley. Dame Judi Dench shares her great love for treekind and describes how over time she has come...
- 2024 / 5 / 29The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Audience Favourites (Pt 2)`This week it's over to you the listeners, as we hear some of your favourite moments from The Infinite Monkey Cage. Comedian Claire Hooper hears about the mating rituals of spiders, which use several of their...
- 2024 / 5 / 22The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Tiny ThingsBrian Cox and Robin Ince shuffle through the archive to find the smallest things in the world of science, from a particle so tiny nobody has ever actually seen it, to the millions of microbes we’re all made...
- 2024 / 5 / 15The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… The FutureWe know the universe is rapidly expanding but what happens if other galaxies disappear from view? That’s what Eric Idle wants to know as he ponders the future and what it holds in store. Solar scientist Lucie...
- 2024 / 5 / 8The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… FailureBrian Cox and Robin Ince embrace failure in its many forms, with a frank look at the importance of making mistakes. They examine the flaws in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution with the anthropologist Alice...
- 2024 / 5 / 1The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… GamblingRobin Ince and Brian Cox ask why some people always seem to win as they investigate the science of gambling. They hear how playing monopoly is no way to make friends, but don’t worry, because psychologist...
- 2024 / 4 / 24The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… The GodsRobin Ince and Brian Cox tackle the thorny debate over whether science and religion can co-exist. But forget the tension between the church and the researchers – Eric Idle wants an answer to the important...
- 2024 / 4 / 17The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Talking to AliensBrian Cox and Robin Ince are on a mission to discover whether extra-terrestrials exist. But if there really is other life out there, what would it look like?Comedian Conan O’Brien is hoping for lizard-like...
- 2024 / 4 / 10The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… GardeningRobin Ince and Brian Cox dig into the secret lives of plants to discover that there’s more going on in your average garden than you might at first think. They hear why trees are better than humans at...
- 2024 / 4 / 3The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… LoveLove is in the air(waves) as Brian and Robin trawl through the Monkey Cage archive. From using maths to find a boyfriend or girlfriend, to why birds and bees have far more exciting sex lives than you might...
- 2024 / 3 / 27The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… MurderBrian Cox, Robin Ince and their guests will send a shiver down your spine as they sift through the science on murder, and hear some of the more creative techniques scientists use to catch killers. Apparently...
- 2024 / 3 / 13Cats v DogsBrian Cox and Robin Ince sniff and paw their way through the evidence to put to rest the age-old debate of whether cats are better than dogs. They’re joined by TV dragon and dog devotee Deborah Meaden,...
- 2024 / 2 / 21Could it be magic?Brian Cox and Robin Ince pull scientific explanations out of a hat and go down the rabbit hole to explore the science of magic with comedian Alan Davies, sleight of hand artist Laura London and two experts in...
- 2024 / 2 / 14Egyptian MummiesBrian Cox and Robin Ince peel back the layers to explore mummification and the science of Ancient Egypt. They are joined by comedians Russel Kane, Lucy Porter and bio-medical Egyptologists Rosalie David and...
- 2023 / 12 / 20The Monkeys meet The Sky at NightBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by the longest running science show in the world, The Sky at Night, alongside comedian and astronomy enthusiast Dara O Briain for the ultimate guide to studying the stars...
- 2023 / 12 / 13Jo Brand's Quantum WorldBrian Cox and Robin Ince are subject to a non-hostile takeover by comedian and non-physicist Jo Brand, as she challenges the panel to help her understand the almost unbelievable world of cheeky particles who...
- 2023 / 12 / 6Hollywood in SpaceBrian Cox and Robin Ince put Hollywood under the microscope to unpick the science fact v science fiction of some of the biggest movies set in space. They are joined by a truly out of this world panel of space...
- 2023 / 11 / 29The Scale of Life (or were dinosaurs just too big?)Brian and Robin are joined by palaeontologist Dr Susie Maidment, evolutionary biologist Dr Tori Herridge and comedian Dave Gorman to pitch giant creatures against tiny creatures in their bid to avoid...
- 2023 / 11 / 22How I is AI?Brian and Robin (the real ones) are joined by mathematician Prof Hannah Fry, compute scientist Dr Kate Devlin and comedian Rufus Hound to discuss the pros and cons of AI. Just how intelligent is the most...
- 2023 / 11 / 14The Science of CoincidenceAre some people just lucky? Is there any scientific formula behind coincidences? Is randomness the norm? Brian and Robin team up with comedian Sophie Duker, mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy and statistician...
- 2023 / 11 / 8Octopuses!If Aliens really are amongst us, the most likely candidates may not be little green men, but living in plain sight, just below our ocean waves, in the form of the mysterious and awe-inspiringly clever...
- 2023 / 11 / 8The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Audience FavouritesThere’s no shortage of surprising science in The Infinite Monkey Cage and this episode is dedicated to you, the audience, as we hear some of your favourite clips from the past 14 years of the show....
- 2023 / 11 / 1The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... InfinityEndless inflation seems to be everywhere at the moment, including on this episode examining the nature of infinity. Brian and Robin dive through the back catalogue to discover there might be no limit to the...
- 2023 / 10 / 25The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Being HumanBrian Cox and Robin Ince consider the quirks that make human beings unique and check in with experts from The Infinite Monkey Cage back catalogue. Prof Alice Roberts explains that our ancestors interbred with...
- 2023 / 10 / 18The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... OceansIf there’s any doubt that the deep sea is as exciting to explore as the moon or Mars, this episode puts the question to rest, as Robin and Brian wade through the back catalogue to learn all about the ocean....
- 2023 / 10 / 11The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Building a UniverseWhile most of us believe the universe began with a big bang, Brian and Robin hear some of the alternative theories, including an Egyptian myth that it actually started with a giant ejaculation, as they...
- 2023 / 10 / 4The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... StrawberriesRobin Ince and Brian Cox are still struggling to decide when a strawberry dies as they trawl through the archive to ponder where we should draw the line between life and death. Katy Brand kicks the debate off...
- 2023 / 9 / 27The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... The MoviesHow important is it for movie producers to get the science right? Brian Cox and Robin Ince discover why some surprising movies have scientific advisers and ask if there is any science in The Simpsons. They...
- 2023 / 9 / 20The Infinite Monkey’s Guide To... Space TravelAstronauts and explorers including Brian Blessed, Sir Patrick Stewart, Nicole Stott and Charlie Duke reveal the wonders, and challenges, of traveling into space.Brian Cox and Robin Ince have delved into the...
- 2023 / 9 / 13The Infinite Monkey’s Guide To... The ApocalypseBrian Cox and Robin Ince take a deep dive into the Monkey Cage archive to find out how scared scientists and comedians are about the universe ending. Steve Martin says he’s happy to burn to a crisp when the...
- 2023 / 9 / 6The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... The SupernaturalBrian Cox and Robin Ince trawl through the Monkey Cage back catalogue to reveal whether science and the supernatural can sit side by side. They hear how comedian Lucy Beaumont believes alien life has visited...
- 2023 / 9 / 5Welcome to The Infinite Monkey's Guide To...Brian Cox and Robin Ince introduce a new series in which they look back at some of the best moments from more than 27 series of their hit science show.
- 2023 / 8 / 5Cosmic DustBrian Cox and Robin Ince find out about dust that is raining down on Earth from space. They are joined by planetary scientists Matthew Genge and Penny Wozniakiewicz and comedian Alan Davies. They learn how...
- 2023 / 7 / 29Ancient DNA SecretsBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Horrible Histories alum Ben Willbond, ancient DNA experts Prof Turi King and Dr Tom Booth and Nobel prize winner Sir Paul Nurse, as they uncover some of the incredible...
- 2023 / 7 / 22The Secret Life of SharksBrian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the apex predators of the ocean. They are joined by physiological ecologist Lucy Hawkes, shark scientist Isla Hodgson and naturalist Steve Backshall. They learn about...
- 2023 / 7 / 15The Magic of MushroomsBrian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the secret world of fungi, hidden beneath our feet. They are joined by biologist Merlin Sheldrake and mycologist Katie Field. They hear about the hidden life of fungi,...
- 2023 / 7 / 8Bees v WaspsBrian Cox and Robin Ince tackle one of the most important questions posed by science: which is better, bees or wasps? To defend bees, ecologist Dave Goulson joins the panel, while entomologist Seirian Sumner...
- 2023 / 7 / 1SupervolcanoesBrian Cox and Robin Ince find out if supervolcanoes are worth worrying about. They are joined by volcanologist Tamsin Mather, geologist Chris Jackson and comedian Rachel Parris. They learn about the worst...
- 2023 / 6 / 24Are we what we eat?Brian Cox and Robin Ince examine their own diets and the diet fads of the past to ask what we should actually be eating. They are joined by Dr Chris van Tulleken, Professor Janet Cade and comedian Harry Hill...
- 2023 / 3 / 25Magic MaterialsYou might think materials are a bit boring and inconsequential but without them we would still be living in the stone age. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by material scientists Mark Miodownik...
- 2023 / 3 / 18How Far Can the Human Body Go?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by biomechanist Polly McGuigan, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod, comedian Russell Kane and Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell to find out how good humans are at...
- 2023 / 3 / 11How to Commit the Perfect MurderBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Susan Calman, Prof Sue Black and Dr Julia Shaw as they invent Infinite Monkey Cluedo, and discover whether they can commit the perfect murder, or whether the...
- 2023 / 3 / 4How to think like a mathematicianBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Jo Brand, mathematicians Prof Hannah Fry and Dr Eugenia Cheng, and xkcd webcomic creator Randall Munroe to discover how thinking like a mathematician could...
- 2023 / 2 / 25Australia’s Scary SpidersBrian Cox and Robin Ince end their Australian science adventure with an episode all about spiders. They are joined by ecologists Dieter Hochuli and Mariella Herberstein and comedian Claire Hooper. They learn...
- 2023 / 2 / 18Southern SkiesBrian Cox and Robin Ince start a new series from Sydney, Australia. They are joined by astrophysicists Kirsten Banks and Devika Kamath and comedian Ross Noble as they discuss how different the night sky looks...
- 2022 / 12 / 24Why does wine taste good?For this special Christmas episode, Brian Cox and Robin Ince visit the Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide to find out what science can teach us about wine. They are joined by stand-up comedian Tim...
- 2022 / 12 / 17The Deep Space NetworkBrian Cox and Robin Ince visit Canberra for the first of 4 special episodes recorded in Australia. This week they visit the amazing Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre where scientists communicate with,...
- 2022 / 12 / 10The Age of Conspiracy?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian and author David Baddiel, psychologist Prof Karen Douglas, biologist Prof Matthew Cobb and philosopher Dr Timotheus Vermeulen to discover why conspiracy...
- 2022 / 12 / 3Can we cure ageing?Brian Cox and Robin Ince tackle the thorny issue of their own differing experiences of ageing, as they find out why Robin seems to be doing it so much more quickly than Brian and whether science might have...
- 2022 / 11 / 26Hunting for ExoplanetsBrian Cox and Robin Ince continue their LA science adventure as they visit Caltech in Pasadena to meet the scientists hunting for planets orbiting distant stars in solar systems far far from our own. They...
- 2022 / 11 / 19Exploring our solar systemThe Infinite Monkey Cage teleports to California for this special episode recorded at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. They are joined by comedian and talk-show host Conan O'Brien, alongside JPL's Dr Katie...
- 2022 / 11 / 12What have we learnt from Covid?Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series with an illustrious panel of experts to discuss what scientists have learnt from Covid and what we have all learnt about the nature of science by watching it...
- 2022 / 9 / 3How to Teach MathsBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Sara Pascoe and the very numerate Prof Hannah Fry, maths comedian Matt Parker and statistician Prof David Spiegelhalter for a unique maths class. Are some of...
- 2022 / 8 / 27BrainsBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Alan Davies and neuroscientists Prof Uta Frith and Prof Sophie Scott. They discover the secret to why humans are such social creatures and why two brains are...
- 2022 / 8 / 20AstronautsBrian Cox and Robin Ince look back at Planet Earth from the unique perspective of space with the help of astronauts Nicole Stott and Chris Hadfield, Space scientist Carolyn Porco and comedian and author Katy...
- 2022 / 8 / 6The Wood Wide WebBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Ted Lasso's Brendan Hunt, Professor of forest ecology and author of "The Mother Tree", Suzanne Simard and botanist Mark Spencer to discover how trees and plants...
- 2022 / 7 / 30Exploring the DeepBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian and musician Tim Minchin and oceanographers Diva Amon and Jon Copley to uncover what mysteries still lie at the bottom of our oceans. It is often said that we...
- 2022 / 7 / 23Bats v FliesBrian Cox and Robin Ince kick off the new series by tackling one of the greatest questions ever posed by science: which are better, bats or flies?Joining them for this unusual version of animal Top Trumps are...
- 2021 / 2 / 15A History of RockA History of RockBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by rock enthusiasts Ross Noble, Paleontologist Susie Maidment and Geologist Chris Jackson to look at the history of rock. Unfortunately for Ross, this...
- 2021 / 2 / 8The Fundamentals of RealityThe Fundamentals of RealityBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Nobel prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek, cosmologist Janna Levin, and comedians Eric Idle and Sara Pascoe to look at what physics has...
- 2021 / 2 / 1The Science of CookingThe Science of CookingBrian Cox and Robin Ince get their chef's hats on as they look at the science of cooking. They are joined by comedian Katy Brand, author and food critic Grace Dent, material scientist...
- 2021 / 1 / 25NeanderthalsThe NeanderthalsBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by hominids Alan Davies, Neanderthal expert and author Rebecca Wragg Sykes, and paleontologist and woolly mammoth expert Tori Herridge and learn just how...
- 2021 / 1 / 18Under our Night SkyUnder The Night SkyBrian Cox and Robin Ince discover the importance of the night sky to human history and how our relationship with the stars has changed over the centuries. They are joined by star-gazer...
- 2021 / 1 / 11In Praise of FliesIn Praise of FliesBrian Cox and Robin Ince kick off a new series of Infinite Monkey Cage with a look at probably the least revered or liked group of insects, the flies. They are joined by fly sceptic David...
- 2020 / 8 / 26Does Time Exist?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by actor and writer Mark Gatiss, theoretical physicists Carlo Rovelli and Fay Dowker to ask timely questions about time. Is time real, does it exist in the fundamental...
- 2020 / 7 / 20What is Life?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedians Jo Brand and Ross Noble, alongside Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse and geneticist Prof Aoife McLysaght to ask the biggest question of all, what is life and...
- 2020 / 6 / 29When the Monkeys Met the ChimpsBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Dr Jane Goodall DBE, comedian Bill Bailey and primatologist Dr Cat Hobaiter to find out what we've learnt in the 60 years since Jane first discovered the chimpanzees of...
- 2020 / 6 / 15An Astronaut's Guide to IsolationBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by a stellar panel of space travellers as they get tips on surviving isolation from a group with a truly unique insight. They are joined by astronauts Helen Sharman, Chris...
- 2020 / 6 / 8Space ArchaeologyBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian and writer Sara Pascoe, biological anthropologist Alice Roberts and space archaeologist Sarah Parcak. They look at how archaeology today looks far more Star...
- 2020 / 5 / 25The End of the UniverseBrian Cox and Robin Ince are back for new series, for now at least, as they take an upbeat look at all the different ways our Universe might end. They are joined by legendary comedians Steve Martin and Eric...
- 2020 / 2 / 12UFO specialUFO SPECIALBrian Cox and Robin Ince host a close encounter of the 1st kind with comedian Lucy Beaumont, astronomer Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Director of Jodrell Bank Professor Tim O’Brien, and science presenter...
- 2020 / 2 / 12Lucy Beaumont's Close EncountersBrian Cox and Robin Ince send comedian Lucy Beaumont to investigate UFO sightings in the extra-terrestrial hotspot of... Hull! Lucy is joined by her mum GIll Adams who claims to have experienced a number of...
- 2020 / 2 / 10Quantum WorldsQuantum WorldsBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Katy Brand, and physicists Sean Carroll and Jim Al-Khalili as they enter the strange and bizarre world of quantum mechanics. Schroedinger's...
- 2020 / 1 / 27Coral ReefsThe Magic of CoralBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Marcus Brigstocke and marine biologists Professor Callum Roberts and Dr Heather Koldewey as they look at the amazing creatures that...
- 2019 / 10 / 14Brits in SpaceBrits in Space!Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by astronaut and author of "The Astronaut Selection Test Book", Tim Peake, first British astronaut Helen Sharman and comedian Mark Steel for a Brits in Space...
- 2019 / 10 / 7Anniversary of the Periodic TableThe Periodic Table How well do you know your Fe from your Cu, and what the heck is Np?? Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Katy Brand, Prof Polly Arnold and Prof Andrea Sella to celebrate the...
- 2019 / 9 / 30Science of DreamingBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Bridget Christie, neuroscientist Professor Penny Lewis and psychologist Richard Wiseman to explore the science of dreaming. Our dreams have fascinated humans...
- 2019 / 9 / 23Clever CreaturesThose Clever CreaturesBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian and author Danny Wallace, ornithologist Professor Tim Birkhead and marine biologist Helen Scales to look at animal intelligence. ...
- 2019 / 7 / 20The Infinite Moonkey CageA special hour long episode of the hugely popular science/comedy show, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo moon landings. Recorded at Cocoa Beach, Florida just down the road from Cape Canaveral,...
- 2019 / 2 / 11How We Measure the UniverseHow to Measure the UniverseBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Jo Brand, and physicists Prof Jo Dunkley and Dr Adam Masters to look at how we go about measuring our universe, from...
- 2019 / 2 / 4How to Build a Bionic HumanHow to Build a Bionic Human.Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by "supervet" Noel Fitzpatrick, Dr Kevin Fong and comedian Lucy Beaumont to learn how to build a bionic human. They'll be looking at...
- 2019 / 1 / 28Are humans still evolving?Are humans still evolving?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian and author David Baddiel, Professor of Evolutionary Genetics Aoife McLysaght, and geneticist and broadcaster Adam Rutherford to ask...
- 2019 / 1 / 21Origin of NumbersThe origin of numbers and can fish count?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by mathematician Dr Hannah Fry, comedian Matt Parker and neuroscientist Prof Brian Butterworth to ask where numbers come from and...
- 2019 / 1 / 14The Future of HumanityThe Future of Humanity Brian Cox and Robin Ince take on the entire future of our civilisation, as they are joined by Astronomer Royal and former head of the Royal Society Lord Rees, Baroness Cathy Ashton and...
- 2019 / 1 / 7Microbes: Secret Rulers of the World?Microbes: Secret Rulers of the World?Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series of the hugely popular, award-winning science/comedy show. This week they are joined by comedian Ed Byrne, oceanographer...
- 2018 / 8 / 13GCHQThe Code BreakersBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Katy Brand, as they transport the cage of infinite proportions to the home of modern day cryptography and codebreaking., GCHQ. They'll be...
- 2018 / 8 / 9Special Bonus EditionBrian Cox and Robin Ince reminisce about their favourite moments from 100 episodes of The Infinite Monkey Cage.
- 2018 / 8 / 6The Human VoiceThe Human VoiceBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian and beatboxer Beardyman, acoustic engineer Prof Trevor Cox and neuroscientist Prof Sophie Scott to explore the amazing capabilities of the human...
- 2018 / 7 / 30Immune SystemThe Immune SystemBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Shappi Khorsandi, Prof Dan Davis and Prof Steve Jones to look at our amazingly complex and clever immune system. They look at how the human...
- 2018 / 7 / 16Big DataBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by Danny Wallace, mathematician Hannah Fry and science writer Timandra Harkness. They'll be going big on Big Data, and asking just how big is it? They'll be...
- 2018 / 7 / 11The Infinite Monkey Cage 100Monkey Cage 100!Brian Cox and Robin Ince celebrate the 100th episode of the hit science/comedy show, by inviting some very well known monkey cage alumni to join them. Brian Blessed, Eric Idle, Katy Brand,...
- 2018 / 2 / 5How Animals BehaveHow Animals BehaveBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Rufus Hound, Zoologist and broadcaster Lucy Cooke and Professor Rory Wilson to discover how we learn about what animals are up to when we are...
- 2018 / 1 / 29Teenage BrainThe Teenage BrainBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by impressionist Rory Bremner, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL Sarah-Jayne Blakemore and Professor of Zoology at Manchester University Matthew...
- 2018 / 1 / 15The Secret Life of BirdsThe Secret Life of BirdsBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by guests including Katy Brand, Steve Backshall and Professor Tim Birkhead to uncover the secret life of birds. They'll be looking at some of the...
- 2018 / 1 / 8When Two Stars CollideWhen Two Stars CollideBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Dara O'Briain, Professor Sheila Rowan of Glasgow University and Professor Nils Andersson of Southampton University to look at...
- 2017 / 12 / 25Christmas Special 2017: The Science of MagicThe Infinite Monkey Cage Christmas Special: The Science of MagicThe Infinite Monkeys bring their own brand of yule friendly science and comedy to the BBC Radio 4 Christmas schedule, and this year add an extra...
- 2017 / 8 / 7The Mind v the BrainThe Mind V The Brain.It's one of the hardest problems in neuroscience. How do the chemical processes and electric signals produced by our brains result in the complex and varied experiences and sense of self...
- 2017 / 7 / 24Will insects inherit the earth?Will Insects Inherit the Earth?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Dave Gorman, zoologist Tim Cockerill and forensic entomologist Amoret Whitaker. They'll be discovering the joy of creepy...
- 2017 / 7 / 17Oxygen: A Matter of Life and DeathOxygen: a matter of life and death.Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by chemist Andrea Sella, science broadcaster and writer Gabrielle Walker and comedian Sara Pascoe to look at the life and death...
- 2017 / 7 / 10Astronaut SpecialAstronaut SpecialBrian Cox and Robin Ince transport the cage to Trondheim Norway, host of this year's Starmus Festival, for an extraordinary gathering of astronauts. They are joined on stage by NASA...
- 2017 / 7 / 3What Particles Remain to be Discovered?"What Particles Remain to be Discovered?"Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series of the hugely popular, multi-award winning science/comedy show. Over the series a variety of scientists and comedy...
- 2017 / 2 / 13Making the Invisible VisibleMaking the Invisible, Visible Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Katy Brand, Cosmologist Prof Carlos Frenk, and biologist Prof Matthew Cobb to discover how to make the seemingly invisible,...
- 2017 / 2 / 6The Human Story: How We Got Here and Why We Survived.The Human Story: how we got here and why we survived. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Ross Noble, Professor Danielle Schreve and Professor Chris Stringer as they look at the tricky job of...
- 2017 / 1 / 30Oceans: What Remains to Be Discovered?Oceans: what remains to be discovered? Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Andy Hamilton, Professor Jon Copley and marine biologist Helen Scales, as they look at the riches still remaining to be discovered...
- 2017 / 1 / 23Science's Epic FailsScience's Epic FailsBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by actor and comedian Rufus Hound, Professor Alice Roberts and Dr Adam Rutherford to discuss some of the great scientific failures, and...
- 2017 / 1 / 16How to Beat the House and Win at GamesHow to beat the house and win at games. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by mathematicians Hannah Fry and Alex Bellos, psychologist Richard Wiseman and games enthusiast Helen Zaltzman, to get...
- 2017 / 1 / 10The Science of Everyday LifeThe Science of Everyday Life Robin Ince and Brian Cox return for a new series. They are joined on stage, at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, by comedian Russell Kane, physicist Helen Czerski and...
- 2016 / 12 / 27Christmas Special 2016Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a very special Christmas edition of the show. They are joined on stage by Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, actor and writer Mark Gatiss, cultural anthropologist Deborah...
- 2016 / 8 / 1The Universe: What Remains to Be Discovered?Brian Cox and Robin Ince take to the stage at the Blue Dot Festival, at the home of Radio Astronomy, Jodrell Bank. They are joined on stage by Ben Miller, Charlotte Church, Dr Paul Abel and Professor Tim...
- 2016 / 7 / 25200 Years of FrankensteinBrian Cox and Robin Ince mark the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. They are joined on stage by Noel Fielding, evolutionary biologist Nick Lane and writer and expert in popular culture, Sir...
- 2016 / 7 / 18Battle of the SexesBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by Professor Sophie Scott, Professor Steve Jones and comedian Sara Pascoe. They will be tackling the age old battle of the sexes, and asking whether men really are...
- 2016 / 7 / 11Science of SleepBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by Professor Russell Foster, Professor Richard Wiseman and comedian Katy Brand as they attempt to get to grips with the science behind Robin's insomnia. They'll be...
- 2016 / 7 / 4The Recipe to Build a UniverseThe Recipe to Build A UniverseBrian Cox and Robin Ince ask what ingredients you need to build a universe? They are joined on stage by comedian and former Science Museum explainer, Rufus Hound, chemist Andrea...
- 2016 / 2 / 25Brian and Robin's Infinite InboxBrian Cox and Robin Ince answer The Infinite Monkey Cage listeners' questions.
- 2016 / 2 / 8Maths of Love and SexRobin Ince and Brian Cox get romantic (although unfortunately not with each other) as they discuss the mathematics of love and the statistics of sex. They are joined on stage by comedian and former maths...
- 2016 / 1 / 25Invisible UniverseBrian Cox and Robin Ince transport the cage of infinite proportions to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. They are joined on stage by impressionist Jon Culshaw and astrophysicists Sarah Bridle and...
- 2016 / 1 / 18What is Race?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Shappi Khorsandi, science broadcaster Adam Rutherford and evolutionary geneticist Mark Thomas. They look at the thorny issue of race, and whether there...
- 2015 / 12 / 25Christmas Special 2015The Science of Doctor Who Brian Cox and Robin Ince celebrate the festive season with a look at the science of Doctor Who. Swapping the infinite cage for the Tardis, they are joined on stage by comedian Ross...
- 2015 / 7 / 27The Infinite Monkey Cage USA Tour: San FranciscoBrian Cox and Robin Ince take to the stage in San Francisco for the last of their USA specials. They talk alien visitations, UFOs and other close encounters with astronomer Dr Seth Shostack, NASA scientist Dr...
- 2015 / 7 / 20The Infinite Monkey Cage USA Tour: ChicagoFossil Records and other Archaeological Hits.Brian Cox and Robin Ince take to the stage in Chicago, Illinois, to discuss fossil records and evolution. They are joined on stage by host of NPR's "Wait Wait...
- 2015 / 7 / 13The Infinite Monkey Cage USA Tour: Los AngelesScience Goes to Hollywood: Science Fact V Science FictionBrian Cox and Robin Ince continue their tour of the USA, as they take to the stage in LA. They are joined by cosmologist and science advisor on movies...
- 2015 / 7 / 6The Infinite Monkey Cage USA Tour: New YorkThe Infinite Monkey Cage USA Tour: New YorkThe Infinite Monkeys return for a new series, the first of which will see them head to the USA for their first live tour. This week Brian Cox and Robin Ince can be...
- 2015 / 2 / 23SerendipitySerendipity in ScienceBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Lee Mack, science author and journalist Simon Singh and chemist Professor Andrea Sella to look at how many of our biggest science...
- 2015 / 2 / 16What Is the Point of Plants?What's the Point of Plants?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by plant biologist Professor Jane Langdale, physicist Professor Jim Al-Khalili and comedian and former horticulture student Ed Byrne to...
- 2015 / 2 / 9When Quantum Goes WooWhen Quantum Goes WooBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by Bad Science author, Ben Goldacre, Professor of Particle Physics at Manchester University, Jeff Forshaw, and comedian Sara Pascoe. They'll...
- 2015 / 2 / 2Solar SystemBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Jo Brand, planetary scientist Professor Monica Grady and NASA scientist Dr Carolyn Porco as they discuss some of the most exciting and technically ambitious...
- 2015 / 1 / 26Fierce CreaturesBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by naturalist Steve Backshall, zoologist Lucy Cooke and comedian Andy Hamilton as they battle it out to decide which creature wins the title of earth's most...
- 2014 / 12 / 25Christmas Special 2014Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a very special festive edition. They'll be taking their own unique look at the Christmas story and the history of the bible and asking whether the christmas story and your...
- 2014 / 8 / 11IrrationalityBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedians Josie Long and Paul Foot, psychologist Richard Wiseman and neuroscientist Stuart Ritchie to ask "is irrationality genetic?". The second of two programmes...
- 2014 / 8 / 4Before the Big BangBrian Cox and Robin Ince transport the cage of infinite proportions, for the first of 2 programmes from the Edinburgh Festival. They are joined on stage by cosmologists Carlos Frenk and Faye Dowker and actor...
- 2014 / 7 / 28Can Science Save Us?Can Science Save Us?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by Stephen Fry, Eric Idle, chemist and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield University, Professor Tony Ryan, and University of London solar...
- 2014 / 7 / 21Does Science Need War?Does Science Need War?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Katy Brand, science writer Philip Ball and medic, author and broadcaster Kevin Fong. They'll be asking whether scientific...
- 2014 / 7 / 14Are Humans Uniquely Unique?Are humans uniquely unique?Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined on stage by human and non-human ape experts Keith Jensen, Katie Slocombe and Ross Noble to ask whether humans are truly unique amongst animal...
- 2014 / 7 / 7Numbers Numbers EverywhereNumbers, Numbers everywhere...The Infinite Monkey Cage is back for a new series of witty, irreverent science chat. Over the coming six weeks, presenters Brian Cox and Robin Ince will be joined on stage by...
- 2013 / 12 / 23Science and SpinThis week on the Infinite Monkey Cage, Brian Cox and Robin Ince take to the stage at Manchester University, to discuss the state of science communication. Is the public engaged enough with the complexities of...
- 2013 / 12 / 16Should We Pander to Pandas?This week, Brian Cox and Robin Ince wonder if the world would be better off without spending an undue amount of time and energy trying to get giant pandas to mate and instead concentrated on saving species...
- 2013 / 12 / 9To Infinity and BeyondThis week on the Infinite Monkey Cage, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedy producer John Lloyd, mathematician Colva Roney Dougal and writer Simon Singh, to explore the universality of mathematics,...
- 2013 / 12 / 2Science Rocks!Science Rocks! This week, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are travelling back in time, to discuss when and how geology became a science, what the dinosaurs ever did for us and why cryptids, creatures of popular...
- 2013 / 11 / 25Through the Doors of PerceptionThis week, Brian Cox and Robin Ince attempt to walk through the doors of perception. On the way, they'll encounter the nature of consciousness, the secret messages hidden in pop songs, the problem of...
- 2013 / 11 / 18RiskThe Infinite Monkey Cage returns in the first of a new series and turns its gaze on the science of risk.Professor Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince bring their witty and irreverent take on the world to a...
- 2013 / 7 / 29Science MuseumBrian Cox and Robin Ince transport their infinite cage to the more finite proportions of London's Science Museum to discuss wonder in science, and why children seem to have it, but too many of us lose it as...
- 2013 / 7 / 15What Makes Science a Science?What Makes a Science a Science?Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by "Bad Science" author Ben Goldacre, neuroscientist Sophie Scott and broadcaster Evan Davis to ask what makes a science, a science. They'll...
- 2013 / 7 / 8Space TourismSpace TourismBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by actor and space enthusiast Brian Blessed, Director of Virgin Galactic Stephen Attenborough and space medicine expert Dr Kevin Fong to talk about the...
- 2013 / 7 / 1GlastonburyBrian Cox and Robin Ince transport their cage of infinite proportions to the Glastonbury Festival as they take to the stage with their special brand of science and comedy. They are joined by singer KT...
- 2012 / 12 / 24Christmas Special: The Science of Christmas BehaviourBrian Cox and Robin Ince get into the Christmas spirit as they look at the science of Christmas behaviour with actor and writer Mark Gatiss, geneticist Steve Jones, psychologist Richard Wiseman and emeritus...
- 2012 / 12 / 17Creating LifeBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by guests Ed Byrne, Adam Rutherford and Philip Ball to talk about science's quest to create life. From the medieval alchemists' recipe for creating an homunculus...
- 2012 / 12 / 10Brain ScienceWill science ever understand the human mind? Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian and former psychiatric nurse, Jo Brand, and neuroscientists Sophie Scott and Brian Butterworth. With ever...
- 2012 / 12 / 3Secret ScienceRobin Ince and Brian Cox are joined on stage by comedian Dave Gorman, author and Enigma Machine owner Simon Singh and Bletchley Park enthusiast Dr Sue Black as they discuss secret science, code-breaking and...
- 2012 / 11 / 26Improbable ScienceBrian Cox and Robin Ince discuss some of the more unlikely and odd avenues of research travelled down in the name of science. For example, the British physicist who calculated the optimal way to dunk a...
- 2012 / 11 / 19Space ExplorationThe Infinite Monkeys are back and in the first of the new series Brian Cox and Robin Ince boldly go where no science programme has been before, as they discuss space exploration with Captain Jean Luc Picard...
- 2012 / 7 / 23Science v ArtBrian Cox and Robin Ince transport the cage of infinite proportions, to the slightly more confined space of the Latitude Comedy Arena. They will be joined on stage by a panel of guests, including Al Murray,...
- 2012 / 7 / 16Parallel UniversesBrian Cox and Robin Ince stretch the cage of infinite proportions this week to encompass not just our own universe, but any others that might be lurking out there as well. They'll be joined by QI creator John...
- 2012 / 7 / 8The Science of SymmetryBrian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy, science journalist Adam Rutherford and comic book legend Alan Moore to discuss why symmetry seems such a pervasive phenomenon throughout...
- 2012 / 6 / 25Science MavericksBrian Cox and Robin Ince take to the stage at this year's Cheltenham Science Festival to discuss science mavericks. They are joined by comedian Marcus Brigstocke, medic and broadcaster Dr Kevin Fong,...
- 2012 / 6 / 18Oceans: The Last Great Unexplored Frontier?Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series of the award-winning science/comedy show, as they take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. In today's...
- 2011 / 12 / 26The Science of ChristmasThe Infinite Monkeys Robin Ince and Brian Cox are in a festive mood as they discuss the science of Christmas with special guests biologist Richard Dawkins, actor and writer Mark Gatiss and science journalist...
- 2011 / 12 / 19I'm a Chemist Get Me Out of HereRobin Ince and Brian Cox give the chemists a chance to fight back as they stage the ultimate battle of the sciences to find out, once and for all, whether all science is really just physics...and whether...
- 2011 / 12 / 12The Science of SoundRobin Ince and Brian Cox head north for the second time this series, and take residence for one episode in the BBC Philharmonic's headquarters to talk about the science of sound. They are joined by the...
- 2011 / 11 / 28A Balanced Programme on BalanceThe Infinite Monkeys, Brian Cox and Robin Ince, are joined on stage by Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, and comedian and theology graduate Katy Brand to look at how science is portrayed in the...
- 2011 / 11 / 21What's the North Ever Done for Us?The Infinite Monkeys, Robin Ince and Brian Cox, return for a new series of irreverent science chatter with a host of special guests. In the first of the new series, they're on Brian Cox's home territory for a...
- 2011 / 7 / 5Science vs The Supernatural: Does Science Kill the Magic?Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined on stage by actor and magician Andy Nyman, psychologist Richard Wiseman and neuroscientist Bruce Hood as they take on the paranormal. They'll be looking at some of the more...
- 2011 / 6 / 27Is There Room for Mysticism in a Rational World?Glastonbury SpecialRadio 4's award winning science/comedy show hits Glastonbury to prove that science really is the new rock n roll. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by musicians Billy Bragg and...
- 2011 / 6 / 20Is Cosmology Really a Science?Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined on stage by V for Vendetta author and legendary comic book writer Alan Moore, cosmologist Ed Copeland, and science broadcaster Dallas Campbell to ask whether Cosmology is...
- 2011 / 6 / 13So You Want To Be An Astronaut?Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined by comedian Helen Keen ("It is Rocket Science") and space medicine expert Dr Kevin Fong, to discuss the future of human space travel. As NASA's space shuttle program comes...
- 2011 / 6 / 6Six DegreesThe Infinite Monkeys, Brian Cox and Robin Ince, are joined on stage by special guest Stephen Fry and science writer Simon Singh to find out whether we really are only 6 degrees of separation from anyone else?...
- 2011 / 5 / 30What Don't We Know?Professor Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince return for a new series of the witty, irreverent science/comedy show. This week the Infinite Monkeys will be asking what don't we know, do we know what we don't...
- 2010 / 12 / 6PhilosophyPhysicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince are joined by special guests Alexei Sayle and philosopher Julian Baggini to discuss Stephen Hawking's recent comment that "philosophy is dead". Does the progress of...
- 2010 / 11 / 22Modern WorldPhysicist Brian Cox, comedian Robin Ince and guests return for more witty irreverent science chat. This week they are joined by comedian and former mathematician Paul Foot to discuss whether the modern world...
- 2010 / 11 / 15ApocalypsePhysicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince return for the third series of the witty, irreverent science show. In the first episode of the series, Brian and Robin are joined by comedian Andy Hamilton to...
- 2010 / 7 / 5Things Can Only Get Better?In the last of the current series, physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince look at the notion of perfection and whether the latest advances in the biomedical sciences could ever lead us to the perfect...
- 2010 / 6 / 28Science Fiction, Science FactSpecial guests Jonathan Ross, graphic novelist Alan Moore and string theorist Brian Greene, join Brian Cox and Robin Ince on stage for a special edition of the science show that boldly goes where no other...
- 2010 / 6 / 21Trust me, I'm a ScientistPhysicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince continue their witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. Brian and Robin are joined by special guests Ben Goldacre and...
- 2010 / 6 / 14Popular SciencePhysicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince return for a new series of Radio 4's witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. In a special programme recorded as part of...
- 2009 / 12 / 14Quantum PhysicsPhysicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. Physicist turned comedian Ben Miller joins Brian and Robin to discuss...
- 2009 / 12 / 7Extraterrestrial LifeSeries in which physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. Robin and Brian are joined by alien abduction expert Jon...
- 2009 / 11 / 30Science and ComediansFormer cosmologist Dara O'Briain and Dr Alice Roberts join physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince for a witty, irreverant and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. They'll be...