Episodes 650
Avg. Duration 32m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 4.4 (69)
Since Oct 2017
Latest Episode Jun 2026

Outreach Signals

Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every Few Days
Format
Episodic
Consistency
74%
Hosting
feeds.megaphone.fm

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

Whether you’re curious about getting healthy, the Big Bang or the science of cooking, find out everything you need to know with Instant Genius. The team behind BBC Science Focus Magazine talk to world-leading experts to bring you two bite-sized masterclasses on a new subject each week. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday and you can subscribe to Instant Genius on Apple Podcasts to access all new episodes ad-free and all old episodes of Instant Genius Extra. Watch full episodes of Instant Genius on BBC Science Focus Magazine's YouTube channel. Follow us on X: @SFIGPod

Explore Statistics

Recent Episodes

S1E454 Why this tiny organism is essential for the health of the planet

Jun 11, 2026 36m

Although it often goes unnoticed, plankton is the most abundant form of life in Earth’s oceans, making up 95 per cent of all oceanic biomass. These tiny organisms are responsible for generating…

S1E453 What happens in our bodies when our hormones misfire

Jun 07, 2026 32m

Every minute of every day, our bodies are flooded with a complex web of hormones – chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream, coordinating everything from our blood pressure, body…

S1E452 What we can learn about parenting from the animal kingdom

Jun 04, 2026 27m

Becoming a parent is undoubtedly one of the biggest events that can occur in any of our lifetimes – suddenly we have a tiny living being to take care of that demands the majority of our thoughts,…

Don’t miss the upcoming Nature’s Unsung Heroes miniseries!

Jun 01, 2026 0m Trailer

While the larger, more impressive or charismatic animal and plant species often receive the most attention, the natural world is filled with lesser-known or even misunderstood organisms without which…

S1E451 Why bisexuality is everywhere

May 31, 2026 33m

In June of every year, the LGBTQ+ community across the world comes together to celebrate Pride Month – an annual event that began in 1970 to promote awareness, visibility and equality for lesbian,…

S1E450 The past, present and future of DNA science

May 28, 2026 35m

Whether it’s the swab tests many of us use to help us piece together our family trees, the painstaking detective work carried out by forensic scientists, or its use in medical screening to look for…

S1E449 Why ecoacoustics is the future of conservation

May 24, 2026 25m

Traditionally, ecologists wanting to take stock of the diversity, health and population levels of animal species within a given environment have needed to tie on their boots, get out in the field and…

S1E448 Unlocking the invisible rainbows of the Universe

May 21, 2026 40m

Our world may look vibrant and full of color. But in reality, our human eyes are only picking up the tiniest slice of all the light shining in the Universe. To astronomers this hidden light is just…

S1E447 Why birdsong is the pop music of the natural world

May 17, 2026 24m

When it comes to the sounds we encounter in the natural world, few have the beauty, elegance and variety of birdsong. But these distinctive vocalisations are not simply static calls that are common…

S1E446 Why walking more is the best thing you can do to boost your health

May 14, 2026 31m

Over thousands of years, human beings evolved to walk upright on two legs, efficiently and over long distances. But these days, thanks to changes in our lifestyles, we’re becoming more sedentary than…

S1E445 How ultrasound tech could save hedgehogs

May 10, 2026 36m

Hedgehogs are in decline all over Europe. These prickly little fellas are faced with so many threats – in their rural habitats, in our gardens, and on our roads. But new research about hedgehog…

S1E444 Why ADHD is so challenging to diagnose

May 07, 2026 36m

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is currently thought to affect around one in 20 of the world’s population, making it one of the most prevalent types of neurodivergence. Despite…

S1E443 Inside the project helping the hard of hearing listen to music

May 03, 2026 26m

The vast majority of us take listening to and appreciating music for granted. But for those of us living with hearing loss, continuing to enjoy our favourite songs, symphonies or dance tracks can be…

S1E442 Why your Neanderthal genes may be affecting your health

Apr 30, 2026 29m

There’s so much we don’t know about Neanderthals. Our stocky, muscular relatives went extinct around 40,000 years ago, leaving a trail of mystery in their wake – about what they were like, how they…

Don't miss the upcoming Science of Sound Miniseries!

Apr 28, 2026 0m Trailer

Would you like to hear about the fascinating new discoveries astronomers are making by listening to distant stars? Learn about the cutting edge tech scientists are using to help the hearing impaired…

S1E441 How to help your brain thrive in a rapidly changing world

Apr 26, 2026 43m

For thousands of years, the evolution of the human race has been driven by natural selection and the passing on of genes that have helped us to thrive in the environments we live in. However, in…

S1E440 How to break free from imposter syndrome

Apr 23, 2026 32m

No matter our level of ability, talent or achievement, at times some of us feel like we’re a fraud and have simply been blagging our way to success. This is known as imposter syndrome. While it’s not…

S1E439 The dawn chorus – why birds sing at the break of day

Apr 19, 2026 27m

In springtime, as the Sun rises, the early morning air is filled with the glorious sound of birdsong. This is known as the dawn chorus. But why exactly are birds so vocal at this time of the day,…

S1E438 How to save the planet’s forests

Apr 16, 2026 33m

Forests cover around one-third of all landmass on Earth and, as such, play a key role in the ecological health of the entire planet. However, thanks to decades of exploitation, climate pressures and…

S1E437 How flowers played a key role of the evolution of life on Earth

Apr 12, 2026 32m

For most of us, our experience of flowers is limited to sending a bouquet to our loved ones on special occasions or perhaps picking up some pretty plants from the garden centre to cheer up our homes.…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Instant Genius have?

Instant Genius has published 650 episodes since October 2017, covering topics in Science, Technology.

Is Instant Genius still active?

Instant Genius is currently highly active with new episodes every few days. Average episode length is 32m.

How do I contact Instant Genius for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Instant Genius, including email and social media links.

Similar Podcasts