Best Streaming Spires Podcasts Podcasts (2025)

1
Racing Back Ep7 - Second Fiddle and Sibling Rivalries 38:18

1d ago38:18

38:18

In this seventh episode—fittingly numbered for the legendary Barry Sheene—Nick and Jules rewind the action from Assen, where the racing was fierce and the stories ran deep. Yamaha celebrated its 75th anniversary in style, a milestone that got the hosts thinking about legacy—both in teams and in families. Álex Márquez continues to chase that elusive…

1
Jonathan Amos The Voice Behind BBC Science A Day in the Life 35:42

24h ago35:42

35:42

In This episode Tim & Syma talk to Jonathan Amos - recently retired science correspondent at the BBC. Jon talks us through his fascinating journey falling in love science through exposure to it via journalism and then going to study it more formally. From setting up the BBC website to breaking some of the big science stories - Jon tells his story h…

1
Racing Back – Episode 6: Mugello Magic & Assen Awaits 32:35

8d ago32:35

32:35

Fresh off a spectacular weekend in Mugello, Racing Back returns as Nick and Jules unpack the ongoing resurgence of Marc Marquez, who continues to defy expectations and dominate headlines. With adrenaline still pumping, attention now turns to the Cathedral of Speed—Assen. The Dutch TT is one of the most iconic events in motorcycle racing, and the qu…

1
Life’s Left Turn: The Strange Science Behind Molecular Asymmetry 34:11

8d ago34:11

34:11

Some biological molecules can be left handed or right handed - the sugars that are found in nucleic acids are right handed, whereas 19 of the 20 amino acids that make up proteins are left handed. And intriguingly samples of amino acids found on meteorites such as those brought back from the OSIRIX-REx missing from Bennu were present in mixtures con…

1
Racing Back | Episode 5: Fire and Brimstone in the Tuscan Hills 36:00

15d ago36:00

36:00

This week, Nick and Julian rev up for Mugello — a cathedral of speed nestled in the heart of Tuscany, where legends are made and hearts are broken. With Ducati’s temple just over the hill, the burning question: Will Pecco Bagnaia continue his dominant streak, or is Marc Márquez about to steal the crown and shake up the standings? It’s not just abou…

1
The Good the Bad and the Migrant 47:54

15d ago47:54

47:54

Migration is in the news continuously and everyone has an opinion. What does the science of migration reveal? Tim and Syma talk to Ian Goldin, an expert on the pros and cons of migration and migrants. Ian's book: http://oldstreetpublishing.co.uk/100/the-shortest-history-of-migration Do you have any questions you would like to ask Tim and Syma? Drop…

1
TT Must Be Over, the Sun Is Out! 38:43

22d ago38:43

38:43

Buckle up for another fast-paced episode of Racing Back! With the Isle of Man TT wrapped up and rare sunshine breaking through, we dive straight into this week’s hottest headlines in the world of two wheels. 🏁 Toprak Razgatlıoğlu signs for MotoGP – The Turkish sensation makes his long-anticipated leap, and we break down what this means for the grid…

1
How did the diversity of life come about? 44:41

22d ago44:41

44:41

This week Tim and Syma talk to Max Telford, author of The Tree of Life: Solving Science's Greatest Puzzle published by John Murray. They explore LUCA, penis worms, and other oddball species. Max's book 'The Tree Of Life' can be found here: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/max-telford/the-tree-of-life/9781399806374/ Do you have any questions you wo…

1
Science Explainer: Recent Mount Etna Eruption 8:19

26d ago8:19

8:19

In our latest science explainer release Syma chats to David Pyle, world renowned volcanologist, about the recent Mount Etna eruption.By Tim Coulson And Syma Khalid

1
🏍️ MotoGP Secrets, Toilet Truths & TT Tales | Nick & Julian Unfiltered! 🎙️ 46:41

29d ago46:41

46:41

In this no-holds-barred episode, Nick and Julian dive into the chaos and charm of two-wheel racing – weather permitting at the Isle of Man TT, of course! From MotoGP’s best-kept secret – Aragon – to some questionable geography, things get hilariously off-track before going deep on 800cc vs. 990cc machines: were they really trying to slow things dow…

1
Question and Answer Time! 34:33

29d ago34:33

34:33

In this episode Syma and Tim conduct a Q and A session for the many fantastic questions that have been hitting our email inbox over the last three months or so. They also review some of their favourite episodes so far. Do you have any questions you would like to ask? Drop us a line at: [email protected] Or leave a comment on our Yo…

1
It's TT Time! 37:11

1M ago37:11

37:11

In this episode, Nick and Julian dive into the thrilling, dangerous, and legendary world of TT racing, with a spotlight on the iconic Isle of Man TT. Buckle up as the duo explores the rich history of one of the most extreme motorsport events on the planet — and its modern-day resurgence and growing global coverage. Nick, in a slightly less-than-sob…

1
The Science Of Football 38:32

1M ago38:32

38:32

Surely there is not much more to football than kicking a ball.? Wrong, There is a whole science behind it. Professor Robbie Wilson explains his work in this area and even puts Tim and Syma through their paces in the park! Our sponsor for this episode is Grace and Garbo! Thank you. https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GraceandGarbo 'At Grace and Garbo we ar…

1
Science Explainer: Why is it so hard to kill bacteria? 6:13

1M ago6:13

6:13

In this explainer, Syma discusses some of the methods bacteria use to defend themselves from attack from external threats such as antibiotics. These ostensibly simple organisms have elaborate and sophisticated defence mechanisms which is why it is so hard to kill bacteria.By Tim Coulson And Syma Khalid

1
Why Wolves Don’t Change Rivers 47:54

1M ago47:54

47:54

Dan MacNulty has studied the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park since 1995. His research, and that of his colleagues, has revealed that the narrative that wolves have changed the park, leading to forests coming back, and rivers being diverted is not true. The Yellowstone story is more complicated than you might think, and endlessly fascinating. …

1
Kickstart – Legends, Privateers & Oval Pistons 35:40

1M ago35:40

35:40

In the debut episode of Racing Back, hosts Nick and Julian fire up the engines and set off on a thrilling journey through the golden age of MotoGP and superbike history. With a rich blend of passion and nostalgia, they dig deep into their encyclopedic memories, bringing legendary names back to life – from the charismatic Barry Sheene and fearless K…

1
Science Explainer: New Funding for US based scientists looking to move to the UK. 3:24

2M ago3:24

3:24

Tim breaks down a game-changing shift in global science research: as U.S. funding for future research faces uncertainty, UK funding agencies are seizing the moment—offering incentives to attract scientists currently working in the US to relocate and thrive in the UK.By Tim Coulson And Syma Khalid

1
Break Barriers: Women, the Physical Sciences Need You Now! 3:36

2M ago3:36

3:36

In this short bonus episode Syma talks to Philipp Kukura. Philipp led the development of a technique called mass photometry which enables tracking the movement of individual proteins. Here he briefly describes the technique, but importantly emphasises the need for more women in the areas of instrument and technology development in the physical scie…

1
Why Ginger Cats Are Mostly Boys (and Why Some Wolves Are Black!) 3:23

2M ago3:23

3:23

In this third quick hit explainer of the week. Why are most ginger cats male? Simple genetics — the orange fur gene is on the X chromosome. Males only need one to flaunt that fiery coat, while females need two, making ginger ladies much rarer. And as for wolves — not all are grey! Some are black. Nature loves a remix.…

1
How To Build A Sustainable World 55:16

2M ago55:16

55:16

If we don’t build a more sustainable world our civilisation will collapse, potentially in the coming decades. Paul Behrens spends his time researching our impact on the world, and working out how civilisation can transition to a sustainable future. Covering multitudes of Lego to plant-based diets and solar power, we explore how we can create a civi…

1
AI Undermines Health Science 5:15

2M ago5:15

5:15

In our second quick-hit explainer episode this week, Tim breaks down how AI might be disrupting—not advancing—health science. Is the hype overshadowing real medical insight? Tune in for a sharp take on where AI could be leading us astray.By Tim Coulson And Syma Khalid

1
Why Is There A Universe? Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing? 5:20

2M ago5:20

5:20

In this quick bonus episode, Tim breaks down one of science’s most intriguing mysteries as featured in BBC News today: the difference between matter and antimatter. Join us for a bite-sized explainer that sheds light on the surprising facts behind this cosmic puzzle!By Tim Coulson And Syma Khalid

1
The Quantum Revolution: Lee Smolin’s Bold Theory to Unite Physics 32:58

2M ago32:58

32:58

Theoretical physics has two theories at its core that are not straightforward to link – quantum mechanics and general relativity. Lee Smolin, one of the world’s greatest living theoretical physicists, has spent his career working out why the theory of quantum mechanics is incomplete and how it might link to general relativity. He is an advocate of …

1
Special Edition- Can academia provide solutions to threats to biodiversity? 1:09:49

2M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Biodiversity is under threat, and there are many ongoing efforts to help save it, including from within universities. But are academic contributions doing any good? Our cohost Tim Coulson discussed this topic with Professor Dame EJ Milner-Gulland in the Oxford Martin School (OMS) in April. Thanks to Carlyn Samuel, OMS and the OMS team for hosting t…

1
Should we fear AI? 55:32

2M ago55:32

55:32

Artificial intelligence is a modern-day technology that will impact the way we live much as past innovations like mastering fire, and inventing the printing press, home computers and the internet changed civilisation. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and what are the opportunities and risks of its continued development? We talk to Chris Su…

1
Natural and artificial genetic hybrids: dogs, coyotes and dire wolves. PART 2 33:56

3M ago33:56

33:56

Colossal Bioscience has brought genetic variation back from the grave. It is a remarkable technological achievement, but is it species de-extinction? In this second part of this podcast we talk to Professor Peter Hudson FRS, a world-leading ecologist, who is concerned by Colossal’s claims and what they might mean.…

1
Natural and artificial genetic hybrids: dogs, coyotes and dire wolves. 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

Colossal Bioscience has brought genetic variation back from the grave. It is a remarkable technological achievement, but is it species de-extinction? We talk to Professor Bridgett vonHoldt, a world-leading dog geneticist, who was involved in Colossal Bioscience’s recent dire wolf de-extinction work that has caused some controversy. In part 2 of thi…

1
Will Zombie ants be the last of us? 5:04

3M ago5:04

5:04

A bonus episode in which Tim and Syma discuss how the zombie ant-based creatures seen on popular dystopian future drama Last of Us are based on real fungi (Cordyceps) which infect ants - and then exploit the now zombie ants to produce more fungi, killing the ants in the process. Yes it’s a bit gruesome, but it’s science!…

1
SPECIAL EDITION - Interview with David Baker 2024 Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry 12:23

3M ago12:23

12:23

Syma and Tim are joined by Nobel Laureate David Baker, one of the winners of the 2024 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his work on computational protein design. This follows the interview with Tim Jenkins, and Susana Vasquez in Episode 7 who worked with David. After the interview Tim asks Syma to explain in simple terms the process of protein design a…

1
De-mything the hype around de-extinction 8:26

3M ago8:26

8:26

Colassal says it has de-extincted an animal. Is this a dire wolf or a dire mistake? Join Tim and Syma on this short bonus edition!By Tim Coulson And Syma Khalid

1
Snake venom 'milkers' beware the proteins and not the snake! 41:59

3M ago41:59

41:59

Proteins are the workhorses of life, with thousands overseeing and getting involved in reactions within our cells. Biologists have long dreamed of being able to make designer proteins to do specific tasks, and recently a team of scientists have made this happen. Syma and Tim talk to researchers who designed, and then made, a protein that neutralise…

1
How did dogs become our best friend? 39:20

3M ago39:20

39:20

Dogs are people’s best friend, but how did that happen? Did we tame them or did they train us, or is it a bit of both? Join us as we discuss domestication with Greger Larson and Lachlan ScarsbrookBy Tim Coulson And Syma Khalid

1
Not all birds are the same 39:02

3M ago39:02

39:02

Not all Birds are the same. In analyses of thousands of hours of bird song our guests, Nilo Merino Recalde and Ben Sheldon found predictable variation in the calls of great tits. Showcasing the power of AI in analyses of data from the natural world they show birds show cultural differences much like humans do. https://nilomr.github.io/…

1
OSIRIS-REx 'Touch and go' and the emergence of life elsewhere in the cosmos! 1:12:44

4M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

OSIRIS-REx is a space craft that visited the asteroid Bennu, returning samples to Earth in late 2023. The first exciting results from the analyses of these samples are just being published. In the first part of the Podcast we talk to Sara Russell about the mission and her recently published results, and then in the second Part we talk to Addy Pross…

1
Unravelling the secrets of our genes. 48:43

4M ago48:43

48:43

Tim and Syma’s guests are Gordon Sanghera and Lakmal Jayasinghe of Oxford Nanopore Technologies. They discuss how their elegant technology is transforming the ease with which we can now learn what information is contained in our genes and how this is being used already in hospitals to detect for example, cancers in children. Gordon gives his vision…

1
Smart Male Fish Get The Girls! 30:39

4M ago30:39

30:39

Later in this episode, Tim flies solo in the wake of Syma's imminent departure for duties on the west coast of the US! Tim's guests are Ivan Vinogradov and Michael Jennions, both of the Australian National University, and co-authors of the scientific paper 'Paternity analysis reveals sexual selection on cognitive performance in mosquitofish". It wo…

1
Hello! Welcome to our new podcast. 30:52

4M ago30:52

30:52

In this introductory episode, Syma and Tim introduce themselves and explain what subjects and ideas they hope to bring to their audience, and some of the things they will be covering in future episodes. Subscribe now for future episodes!By Tim Coulson And Syma Khalid

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Streaming Spires Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide