Exploring the groundbreaking research and discoveries transforming our world

Award-winning podcast produced at the University of Chicago

MOST RECENT

Episode 172

The breakthrough quantum sensor that sees inside your cells, with Peter Maurer
Discovery of a first-of-its-kind biological qubit could help detect and track diseases

Episode 171

What makes music go viral—From AI to Taylor Swift, with Paula Harper
Music scholar examines the forces driving the rise of pop stars and songs in the age of TikTok and Spotify

Episode 170

How wearable tech will heighten our senses and abilities, with Pedro Lopes
Computer scientist explores the potential of human-computer integration and haptics to help us move and learn

Episode 169

How full-body MRIs could predict your long-term health, with Daniel Sodickson
Medical physicist examines how AI-enhanced MRIs could transform health care

MORE EPISODES

Episode 168

Is there such a thing as a psychopath? with Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen

Scholar examines the science and myths around psychopathy tests—and their impact on the criminal justice system

Episode 167

Why we haven’t solved brain disorders—and how to fix it, with Nicole Rust

Neuroscientist discusses a ‘grand plan’ to better treat depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s after decades of struggles

Episode 166

Life on Mars: Is it possible for humans? with Edwin Kite

Scientist examines how we could terraform Mars make the Red Planet habitable

Episode 165

How to use nature to restore your focus, with Marc Berman

Psychologist explains how trees boost your attention, improve mental health—and even reduce crime

Episode 164

Could plants unlock quantum medicine’s potential? with Greg Engel

By exploring the mechanics of photosynthesis, scientists could better understand disease

ALL EPISODES

Follow our YouTube channel

Watch full video of episodes from UChicago's flagship podcast.

Subscribe
Big Brains on YouTube

Sponsored

Graham School

The University of Chicago Leadership and Society Initiative guides accomplished executive leaders in transitioning from their longstanding careers into purposeful encore chapters of leadership for society. Your next chapter matters, for you and for society.

Learn More
Master of Liberal Arts

About Us

Hosted by Paul M. Rand, the award-winning Big Brains podcast was named the best university-produced podcast by CASE for the past four years. It’s also been honored by PRNEWS and Adweek.

Image of Paul Rand conducting an interview

Big Brains Merchandise

Are you a fan of Big Brains? Shop for Big Brains apparel and accessories online at the University of Chicago bookstore.

Shop Now
Big Brains podcast merchandise

More podcasts

Entitled

Why rights matter—and what’s the matter with rights

Listen

Not Another Politics Podcast

Understand the political science behind the headlines

Listen

Capitalisn't

Is capitalism the engine of destruction or the engine of prosperity?

Listen