Big Brains: All Episodes

Translating groundbreaking research into digestible brain food. Big Brains, little bites. Produced out at the University of Chicago. Winner of CASE "Grand Gold" award in 2022, Gold award in 2021, and named Adweek's "Best Branded Podcast" in 2020.

Big Brains podcst

Episode List

Is the U.S. headed toward another civil war? with William Howell (Ep. 105)

 

Political scientists examine extreme polarization—and whether we’re more moderate than we think

Why Quantum Tech Will Change Our Future: The Day Tomorrow Began (Ep. 104)

Explore how foundational discoveries at UChicago have shaped quantum research

The origins of civilization and the future of archaeology: The Day Tomorrow Began (Ep. 103)

How an Indiana Jones-type figure transformed the field—and the questions scholars are wrestling with today

Can we predict your capacity to focus? with Monica Rosenberg (Ep. 102)

Neuroscientist uses MRIs to measure your attention—and learn how to improve it

The ‘legendary’ discovery of black holes: The Day Tomorrow Began (Ep. 101)

Explore the surprising history of these cosmic monsters—and the future of research from leaders in the field

Celebrating our 100th episode

 

A behind-the-scenes look at world-changing ideas at UChicago and beyond

Does Welfare Reduce Crime? with Manasi Deshpande (Ep. 99)

Groundbreaking study examines one program’s impact on employment and incarceration

The Crucial Race to Build a Better Battery with Shirley Meng (Ep. 98)

One scientist’s quest to improve technology as we transition to green energy

Do Animals Dream? with David M. Peña-Guzmán (Ep. 97)

Scholar explores the science behind animal consciousness

Extreme Heat Waves: Why Are They Surging? with Noboru Nakamura (Ep. 96)

Research examines—and could help predict—extreme weather events around the world