Why This Universe? cover art

Why This Universe?

Why This Universe?

By: Dan Hooper Shalma Wegsman
Listen for free

About this listen

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.

© 2025 Why This Universe? Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Physics Science
Episodes
  • 38 - The Nobel Prize's Greatest Misses (2025 Update)

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

    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

    Crew Collective
    A podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • 94 - Inside the Hubble Tension With Adam Riess

    94 - Inside the Hubble Tension With Adam Riess
    Sep 29 2025

    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

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • 93 - The Moment Dark Energy Appeared (Ft. Adam Riess)

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

    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
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.