logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2022
41m 55s

The Joy of Science, with Jim Al-Khalili

Intelligence Squared
About this episode
Professor Jim Al-Khalili is the physicist who makes science look easy. He’s the author of several books, the latest of which is The Joy of Science, which offers eight core scientific principles that can be applied to everyday life. As a broadcaster Jim is perhaps best known as the voice of BBC Radio 4’s The Life Scientific and he holds the position of Distin ... Show More
Up next
Yesterday
An Evening with Alan Davies (Part One)
Alan Davies is one of the UK’s most-loved comedians best known for starring in the BBC series Jonathan Creek, and for his regular appearances on comedy quiz show QI since 2003. In September 2025 he came to Intelligence Squared for an evening of laughs and reflection on his life i ... Show More
38m 50s
Jan 14
How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming our Relationships? With James Muldoon
It is over ten years since the release of Spike Jonze’s film Her, in which a lonely man begins a relationship with a computer programme voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Since then, AI companions have surged in popularity. A new generation is now growing up with large language models ... Show More
48m 27s
Jan 12
Julia Ioffe and Clarissa Ward on Putin, Russia and the Women Fighting For A Better Future (Part Two)
Russian-born journalist Julia Ioffe is one of America’s most influential voices on Russia-US relations, reporting on Putin’s regime for over 15 years. Her new book, Motherland – which has been longlisted for the 2025 National Book Award for Non-Fiction – tells the stories of the ... Show More
37m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2019
From the Vault: John Dee, Part 1
Elizabethan scholar Dr. John Dee was one of the most learned men of the 16th century, applying his intense mathematical intellect to matters scientific, political, alchemical and occult. He advised Queen Elizabeth, sought communion with angelic beings, advocated British expansion ... Show More
1h 4m
Sep 2019
From the Vault: John Dee, Part 2
Elizabethan scholar Dr. John Dee was one of the most learned men of the 16th century, applying his intense mathematical intellect to matters scientific, political, alchemical and occult. He advised Queen Elizabeth, sought communion with angelic beings, advocated British expansion ... Show More
42m 27s
Apr 2022
261. Jim Al-Khalili on the Joy of Science
<p>In this conversation with quantum physicist, <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author, and BBC host Jim Al-Khalili reveals how 8 lessons from the heart of science can help us all get the most out of our lives.</p> <p>Today's world is unpredictable and full of contradictions, ... Show More
1h 42m
Jun 2019
Pauline W. Chen, "Final Exam: A Surgeon’s Reflections on Mortality" (Vintage, 2008)
Too often keeping patients alive gets in the way of helping them as they approach death. Dr. Pauline Chen shares her experiences as a medical student and transplant surgeon and how they’ve shaped the way she practices medicine. Chen is the author of Final Exam: A Surgeon’s Reflec ... Show More
42m 2s
Nov 2023
The science of spirituality with scientist Paul J. Mills
In today’s episode, I speak with Dr. Paul J Mills, the Professor of Public Health and Family Medicine and Director of the Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health at the University of California San Diego. He is the former Chief of Behavioral Medicine ... Show More
46m 22s
Dec 2022
Robin Ince and the joy of popular-science books
Long-term listeners will know that the December episode of Physics World Stories is a celebration of the year’s best popular-science writing. This year, Andrew Glester is joined by comedian and writer Robin Ince, author of the recent book The Importance of Being Interested: Adven ... Show More
26m 32s
Jun 2010
Popular Science
Physicist 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 this year's Cheltenham Science Festival, Brian and Robin are joined by sp ... Show More
28m 5s
Nov 2009
Science and Comedians
Former 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 asking why so many comedians seem to start life as scientists, and begin thei ... Show More
24m 42s
Feb 2022
Renny Thomas, "Science and Religion in India: Beyond Disenchantment" (Routledge, 2021)
Science and Religion in India: Beyond Disenchantment (Routledge, 2021) provides an in-depth ethnographic study of science and religion in the context of South Asia, giving voice to Indian scientists and shedding valuable light on their engagement with religion. Drawing on biograp ... Show More
55m 23s