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Particles of Thought

by GBH

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Latest episodes

The Quakes We Cause

October 20, 2026 · 21 min

We can cause earthquakes. Geophysicist John Shaw joins Hakeem to reveal how humans have been triggering earthquakes for decades, and in some cases, it’s on purpose. John explains how an experiment 50 years ago turned earthquakes on and…
How to Survive the Big One

October 15, 2026 · 25 min

We can’t predict earthquakes, but we can beat them. Geophysicist breaks down what actually keeps people alive when the ground starts shaking. From flexible buildings to early warning systems, John walks Hakeem through what separates cities…
The Quake Equation

October 13, 2026 · 32 min

Big earthquakes can change the Earth’s rotation. And Harvard geophysicist John Shaw says these giant events can teach us a lot. He traces our understanding from ancient myths to modern studies and unpacks what;s really going on beneath the…
Full Interview: The Fusion Future

October 8, 2026 · 1 hr 30 min

There is a near-limitless energy source to power our world, and it may be almost here. Dennis Whyte shares with Hakeem that we're closer than ever to bottling the power of the sun. He would know. He’s now the CEO of the United Kingdom’s…
Fusion and the Future of Space

October 6, 2026 · 28 min

Dennis Whyte has designed a fusion reactor for Mars, and it turns out the red planet has plenty of fusion fuel. The MIT nuclear scientist joins Hakeem to explore fusion's wildest applications: spacecraft propulsion, space stations, and…

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How to Build a Star

October 1, 2026 · 31 min

Dennis Whyte helped spark a multi-billion-dollar industry from a spool of tape. The nuclear scientist and entrepreneur explains the nitty gritty of nuclear fusion through the multitude of businesses that are chasing nuclear fusion. Dennis…
Fusion Energy is Coming

September 29, 2026 · 36 min

Dennis Whyte studies the physics that powers every star in the universe, and he says it can power your house, too. Now the CEO of the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority and nuclear scientist at MIT, Dennis joins Hakeem to break down what fusion…
Full Interview: Cracking Animal Language

September 24, 2026 · 1 hr 20 min

Federico Rossano convinces Hakeem that animals have a lot more to say than we've given them credit for. The cognitive scientist shares the origin story behind his record-breaking study of talking dogs, the evidence that some pets may…
Secret Language of Apes

September 22, 2026 · 22 min

Federico Rossano says the secret to speaking with apes is trust. For primates, the world is full of high-stakes friends and foes, and of course, there are always predators to worry about. Our closest relatives see the world a little…
What Are Dogs Saying?

September 17, 2026 · 30 min

Federico Rossano caught dogs doing something that looks a lot like telling jokes. The cognitive scientist shares what he learned from speaking with dogs. Dogs can smell, hear, and in some ways see better than humans. So why wouldn’t they…
How Dogs Talk

September 15, 2026 · 33 min

Federico Rossano didn't care about talking dogs until science made it impossible to ignore. The cognitive scientist joins Hakeem to reveal how a viral social media trend turned into the largest citizen-science study of animal communication…
Full Interview: How to Save The “Doomsday Glacier”

September 10, 2026 · 1 hr 28 min

Brent Minchew could have a plan to stop Thwaites Glacier, AKA the “Doomsday Glacier”, cold in its tracks. That’s good news because if this one glacier slips into the sea, it could flood coasts across the planet. The Caltech glaciologist…

Full episode archive on Apple Podcasts →

About the show

Ready to break your brain? Particles of Thought, the hit video podcast from the producers of NOVA is back with new mind-expanding conversations with scientists on the edge. Host Hakeem Oluseyi dives into how to hack your own anxiety, the surprising connection between dark matter and black holes, the secrets of animal communication, the hidden geometry shaping our world, and even what it means to be human. Along the way, he tackles big questions, uncovers surprising answers, and opens up entirely new ways to think. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel.