Podcast artwork thumbnail for Why This Universe?

Why This Universe?

Dan Hooper

Booking Overview

A science and physics explainer show centered on major ideas in theoretical physics, with mostly host-led episodes and occasional interviews with established physicists and science filmmakers. Credible pitches include prominent researchers, authors, educators, and documentary creators with expertise in quantum mechanics, particle physics, cosmology, or accessible science communication; booking difficulty is high because the demonstrated guest bar is specialized and accomplished.

Metrics

Episodes: 117

Frequency: Irregular

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Estimated listeners: 10,000 - 100,000

Listener location: USA

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

whythisuniversepodcast@gmail.com

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Host

Dan Hooper - Theoretical physicist and professor at the University of Chicago whose work focuses on fundamental questions in particle physics and cosmology.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

high
Typical Credentials:  
Established theoretical or particle physicists, cosmologists, quantum researchers, and science communicators with substantial research credentials, public scholarship, or major documentary and educational work.
Required Achievements:  
Significant academic research in fundamental physics, Public-facing science education or authorship, Major documentary or media work about physics

Recent Guest Discussions

David Kaplan - Non-linear Quantum Mechanics, Experimental Tests Of Alternative Quantum Theories, The Large Hadron Collider, And The Making Of Particle Fever.

David Kaplan - The Development Of Particle Fever And The Scientific Excitement Surrounding The Large Hadron Collider Before Its Launch.

Recent Topics

Science, Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Particle Physics, Cosmology

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
Why This Universe?
:

101 — How Will AI Change Physics? (Ft. Yoni Kahn)

October 12, 2026

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.Support the show

100 - What is Light? A Journey from Ancient Philosophy to Quantum Physics

August 24, 2026

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!Support the show

99 - The 7 Most Exciting Developments in Physics Today + a WTU Update

August 03, 2026

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). Support the show

Similar Podcasts

Podcast(s) similar to
Why This Universe?
:

The Origins Podcast with Lawrence Krauss · High booking difficulty · 10,000 - 100,000 listeners

The DemystifySci Podcast · Medium booking difficulty · 1,000 - 10,000 listeners

Frequently asked questions

Here's some frequently asked questions for
Why This Universe?
:

How do I get in touch with Why This Universe??

Why This Universe? is hosted by Dan Hooper. Its publicly listed email is whythisuniversepodcast@gmail.com. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Why This Universe??

The publicly listed email for Why This Universe?: whythisuniversepodcast@gmail.com.

How many listeners does Why This Universe? have?

Podseeker estimates Why This Universe? reaches 10,000 to 100,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Why This Universe??

Why This Universe? typically books industry leaders. Typical guest background: Established theoretical or particle physicists, cosmologists, quantum researchers, and science communicators with substantial research credentials, public scholarship, or major documentary and educational work. Common among recent guests: Significant academic research in fundamental physics; Public-facing science education or authorship; Major documentary or media work about physics. Recent guests include David Kaplan and David Kaplan.

How hard is it to get booked on Why This Universe??

High. It mostly books established leaders in its field.

What topics does Why This Universe? cover?

Recent episodes cover Science, Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Particle Physics, and Cosmology. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.

Publicly listed emails

whythisuniversepodcast@gmail.com

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

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