Quantum Physics podcasts

Alexandra Delbot discusses Young's double-slit experiment with physicists Christophe Salomon and Serge Haroche. They trace its role in establishing interference and examine how electron experiments, measurement and quantum theory changed the interpretation of the experiment and of wave-particle duality.

Hosted by Alexandra Delbot

Alexia Auffèves and Pascale Senellart-Mardon explain quantum energetics and the energy costs of quantum technologies. Alexandra Delbot asks how researchers can measure exchanges of energy, entropy and information, develop useful efficiency metrics, and incorporate energy constraints while quantum computers are still being designed.

Hosted by Alexandra Delbot

Theoretical physicist Jonathan Halliwell joins Steven Strogatz and Janna Levin to discuss how quantum decoherence helps explain the transition from wave-like quantum systems to the classical macroscopic world. The conversation covers quantum cosmology, decoherent histories, the measurement problem, macroscopic realism and why the quantum-to-classical transition does not require a conscious observer.

Hosted by Steven Strogatz, Janna Levin

Jim Al-Khalili and Sean Carroll discuss the nature of time, whether it is fundamental or emergent, and how its direction relates to physical laws and human experience. Their conversation connects the arrow of time with unresolved questions in quantum mechanics, biology and cosmology.

Hosted by Sean Carroll

Katia Moskvitch joins Hamish Johnston to discuss The Quantum Kid, the video channel she co-hosts with her son Kai. Their child-led interviews and laboratory visits encourage researchers to explain quantum ideas to wider audiences. The conversation examines whether early exposure to counterintuitive concepts can inspire future science study and participation in quantum technology. The episode is supported by American Elements.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

Jacinta Bowler examines the boundary between progress and hype in quantum computing, including commercial incentives, public communication and the effect of AI competition. Guests Tara Roberson, Stela Todorovic of PsiQuantum Australia, Gideon Lichfield and Warwick Bowen of the University of Queensland discuss how to assess breakthrough claims.

Hosted by Jacinta Bowler

Jacinta Bowler explores Australia’s role in quantum computing, from CSIRAC and early digital computing to present efforts toward large quantum machines. Peter Thorne, Michelle Simmons and Robert Clark of UNSW, and Geoff Pryde of PsiQuantum Australia discuss the country’s research history and prospects.

Hosted by Jacinta Bowler

Mariana Kneppers, Patrick Walter and Frankie Macpherson discuss a new molecular-simulation result combining quantum computing with conventional computational methods. They also investigate how an everyday laboratory item can contaminate microplastics measurements, illustrating the importance of tracing unexpected results back to experimental materials.

Hosted by Mariana Kneppers

Sean Carroll examines quantum mechanics on its own terms and asks how the familiar everyday world emerges from its formalism. The episode explores the tension between quantum theory and classical intuition, including how competing interpretations approach measurement and physical reality.

Hosted by Sean Carroll

Åsmund Folkestad discusses the black-hole information problem and attempts to reconcile gravitational and quantum descriptions. Conversation in Norwegian.

A vintage discussion with Johnjoe McFadden about possible quantum contributions to biological processes, republished as episode 13 of this series.

Marianne Bathen discusses how quantum computers differ from conventional machines and the challenges of building useful devices. Conversation in Norwegian.

Anders Kvellestad discusses the success of quantum theory and the unresolved questions surrounding its interpretation. Conversation in Norwegian.

Øyvind Grøn continues the discussion of Einstein, covering the consequences of relativity and his other contributions to physics. Second conversation in Norwegian.

Johnjoe McFadden discusses possible quantum effects in living organisms, including sensory processes and photosynthesis. Conversation in English.

Sean Carroll discusses interpretations of quantum theory and what physical explanations imply for consciousness and free will. Conversation in English.