Podcast

How the Loss of Community Threatens Society with Raghuram Rajan (Ep. 26)

One of the world’s leading economists explains why our communities could hold the answer to many of society’s problems.

The Science of Conspiracy Theories and Political Polarization with Eric Oliver (Ep. 25)

A UChicago political science professor explains how the same force that drives conspiracy theories is intensifying political polarization in our country. 

A Modern Medical Miracle with Drs. Valluvan Jeevanandam and Talia Baker (Ep. 24)

A unbelievable coincidence pushes two transplant doctors to attempt a medical feat no one has ever attempted.

An Archaeological Riddle In the Sahara with Paul Sereno (Ep. 23)

A UChicago paleontologist puts aside dinosaur hunting when he discovers a never-before-seen ancient society.

Tiny Creatures, Big Discoveries with Nipam Patel (Ep. 22)

Developmental biologist Nipam Patel explains the importance of studying organisms and the research happening at the Marine Biological Laboratory.

What Ripples in Space-Time Tell Us About the Universe with Daniel Holz (Ep. 17)

UChicago cosmologist discusses discovery of gravitational waves and colliding black holes.

Rise of the White Power Movement with Kathleen Belew (Ep. 16)

Kathleen Belew traces the history of white supremacy, from Vietnam through the Oklahoma City bombing

Climate Change’s Human Cost With Michael Greenstone (Ep. 15)

Economist discusses global energy, impact of air pollution on society and why scientists should talk clearly about climate change

David Axelrod on Why ‘Democracy is Messy’ and the Future of Politics (Ep. 14)

In this alumni edition of Big Brains, David Axelrod discusses the midterms, the rise in divisive politics from Obama to Trump and why young people make him optimistic about our future

How Talk Builds Babies’ Brains with Dana Suskind (Ep. 13)

Physician and author gives advice to teach kids from day one and discusses her transformation to a social scientist.