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Exploring the groundbreaking research and discoveries transforming our world

Award-winning podcast produced at the University of Chicago

MOST RECENT

Episode 159

Meet the ‘Planet Hunter’ searching for alien life, with Jacob Bean

Astrophysicist studies atmospheres of distant worlds to identify habitable exoplanets

An artist's illustration of Kepler Planet 1649c from space

Astrophysicist studies atmospheres of distant worlds to identify habitable exoplanets

Episode 158

How to stop gun violence before it starts, with Jens Ludwig

Crime Lab director argues we need to address behavioral causes of crime, in addition to policy and policing

Crime Lab director argues we need to address behavioral causes of crime, in addition to policy and policing

Episode 157

Can your DNA predict your future?, with Dalton Conley

Sociologist examines how genetic science could forecast your income, education and love life

Sociologist examines how genetic science could forecast your income, education and love life

Episode 156

Can you really die of a broken heart? The hidden dangers of grief with Mary Frances O'Connor

Psychologist examines the stress that loss has on the body—and how society can help

Psychologist examines the stress that loss has on the body—and how society can help

MORE EPISODES

Episode 155

The science behind raising successful kids, with Ariel Kalil

Developmental psychologist explains how parents can best invest time to close the education gap

Developmental psychologist explains how parents can best invest time to close the education gap

Episode 154

Do animals understand death?, with Susana Monsó

In ‘Playing Possum,’ philosopher examines whether animals can grasp mortality—from dogs mourning owners to orcas grieving young

In ‘Playing Possum,’ philosopher examines whether animals can grasp mortality—from dogs mourning owners to orcas grieving young

Episode 153

Why measles is resurging—and the rise of vaccine hesitancy, with Adam Ratner

Infectious disease expert examines the latest outbreaks—and the uncertain future of children’s health

Infectious disease expert examines the latest outbreaks—and the uncertain future of children’s health

Episode 152

The little-known secrets to a good life, with Shigehiro Oishi

Psychologist argues to look beyond happiness and meaning to find fulfillment

Psychologist argues to look beyond happiness and meaning to find fulfillment

Episode 151

How bioelectronics could heal our bodies and minds, with Bozhi Tian

Scientists design living devices to fight infections, power the heart and regulate the brain

An abstract illustration depicting bioelectronics

Scientists design living devices to fight infections, power the heart and regulate the brain

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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.

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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.