Why This Universe? - Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman - TopPodcast.com

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Why This Universe? – Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman — Physics
Why This Universe? – Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman

The biggest ideas in physics, broken down. Join theoretical physicist Dan Hooper and co-host Shalma Wegsman as they answer your questions about dark matter, black holes, quantum mechanics, and more. Part of The University of Chicago Podcast Network.

Copyright: © 2026 Why This Universe?

Latest Episodes:

101 — How Will AI Change Physics? (Ft. Yoni Kahn) Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

In 2023, Dan made a bet with physicist Yoni Kahn about whether AI would be able to pass a graduate-level quantum field theory course by 2026. Today on the show, they revisit their bet and discuss what AI is capable of in physics today, and how it might change the field moving forward.

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100 - What is Light? A Journey from Ancient Philosophy to Quantum Physics Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Modern physics tells us a lot about light; that it's both a wave and a particle, and that it sets the speed limit of the universe, for example. But how did we come to understand light in this way?

In Dan's first solo episode, he takes us through theories of light through the ages, starting from the earliest accounts of ancient ideas and bringing us all the way to modern times.

Let us know what you think about this new format!

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99 - The 7 Most Exciting Developments in Physics Today + a WTU Update Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

It's been a while! To make up for lost time, today's episode is a rundown of all the physics news you should know. Hear what is keeping physicists at the edge of their seat, and what physics news you should keep your eyes out for in the coming years.

Also, this episode comes with an update from us at WTU: This will be Shalma's last episode as co-host and editor (though she'll continue to help out with production behind the scenes).

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98 - An Improbable Quantum Ghost Story (Ft. David Kaplan) Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

An unlikely change in the theory of quantum mechanics would lead to bizarre new conclusions. Our guest talks us through non-linear quantum mechanics, and how physicists like him are testing it.

For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anything segments, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

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97 - The Schrödinger Equation: The Heart of Quantum Mechanics Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Quantum mechanics is full of surprises. But somehow, the theory is captured almost entirely in a single equation. Today we explore the Schrödinger equation: how it works, what it says about nature, and why it revolutionized physics.

For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anything segments, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

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96 - The Making of Particle Fever (Ft. David Kaplan) Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In the years leading up to the Large Hadron Collider turning on, the physics community was buzzing with curiosity and excitement about what they were about to discover. These moments were captured in the documentary Particle Fever, created by the particle physicist David Kaplan. On today's episode, he recounts these historic years from the perspective of both physicist and filmmaker.

For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anything segments, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

Support the show

95 - Would Aliens Have the Same Physics? (Ft. Daniel Whiteson) Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

If we met aliens, could we communicate through physics? Daniel Whiteson explores this question on today's episode. For more, check out his new book, Do Aliens Speak Physics?

For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anything segments, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

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38 - The Nobel Prize's Greatest Misses (2025 Update) Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

In honor of Nobel prize season, we remember some people whose important work in the past has been overlooked by the Nobel committee.
For ad-free episodes and exclusive ask-us-anything segments, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

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94 - Inside the Hubble Tension (Ft. Adam Riess) Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Our universe is expanding. But when physicists measure how fast this expansion rate is, they get two different answers. Hear what this crisis means from Nobel Prize winner Adam Riess.

For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

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93 - The Moment Dark Energy Appeared (Ft. Adam Riess) Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Adam Riess recounts the moments of his Nobel prize-winning discovery that our universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, powered by a mysterious energy source called dark energy.

For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

Support the show

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