Why This Universe? - Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman

Latest Episodes:

75 - Physics in Extreme Locations (Ft. Daniel Baxter & Alexandra Rahlin) Jan 07, 2024

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We hear two physicists describe their lives collecting data in remote locations, from deep underground in an active mine and from the South Pole.
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8 - Is Space Flat or Curved? Dec 18, 2023

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Learn how the geometry of space defies our intuition, and why it gave Einstein so much anxiety.
Our new merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe
For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

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74 - The Copernican Revolution (Ft. Aviva Rothman) Dec 04, 2023

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Today we visit a turning point in the history of science: the discovery that the Earth is not at the center of the cosmos.
Our new merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe
For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

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73 - Life Beyond Earth (Ft. Avi Loeb and Garrett Graff at the Chicago Humanities Festival) Nov 20, 2023

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Dan moderates a lively discussion on extraterrestrial life at the Chicago Humanities Festival.
Our new merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe
For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

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72 - The Physics Of Music (Ft. Tim Cohen) Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

Where does the musical octave come from? What makes a C note a C? Why do different instruments sound different? Special guest Tim Cohen comes on to answer these questions and more.
For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

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71 - How the Universe Got Its Structure Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

We tell the story of how the Universe developed large scale structure, starting from the Big Bang to today. It could have all turned out very differently, if not for some key players.
For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

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70 - WTU Live: Will Intelligent Life Persist in the Universe? (ft. Daniel Holz and Diana Powell) Oct 10, 2023

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Why This Universe hosts it's first ever live episode taping featuring guests Daniel Holz and Diana Powell. We discuss the possibility of intelligent life out in the Universe, the existential risks faced by humans on Earth, and the chance the intelligent life can persist in the Universe.
This conversation took place during the University of Chicago Podcast Network festival.
For access to ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse.

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Special Announcement + ChatGPT On Unifying Quantum Mechanics and Relativity Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

CORRECTION: We misspeak about the time of the event in the episode, we are really on at 3-4 pm CST! Apologies!
Why This Universe is going live on October 3rd in Chicago, IL!
RSVP for *free* here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ucpn-podcast-festival-tickets-717455076447?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Join us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse

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69 - An Update on Modified Gravity (MOND) Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

While physicists overwhelmingly agree about the existence of dark matter, a select group of people aren't convinced. Instead, they believe we must be wrong about gravity, and claim we need a theory of modified gravity (MOND) instead. Recent press releases have claimed "smoking gun" evidence for this underdog theory, should we take them seriously?
Did you know this episode was inspired by a Patreon question? For access to ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse

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68 - The Age of the Universe Aug 14, 2023

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Today we are debunking the recent paper that claims our universe is much older than previously thought.
For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
For fun dinosaur facts and research, check out I Know Dino: The Big Dinosaur Podcast, on Apple or wherever you get your podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-know-dino-the-big-dinosaur-podcast/id960976813?ign-mpt=uo%3D4&mt=2

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Why This Universe? – Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman

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