Uncharted with Hannah Fry

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Behind every line on a graph, there lies an extraordinary human story. Mathematician Hannah Fry is here to tell us ten of them. Uncharted with Hannah Fry will lead us through ten captivating mysteries to reveal the power of numbers behind each one. Along the way we discover the remarkable people who followed the data and unearthed something extraordinary.

BBC Radio 4


    • Sep 2, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 12m AVG DURATION
    • 12 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Uncharted with Hannah Fry podcast is a captivating and thought-provoking show that delves into various scientific mysteries and phenomena. Hosted by the brilliant mathematician and presenter, Hannah Fry, this podcast offers an intriguing blend of science and storytelling that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. With her inquisitive nature and expertise in mathematics, Fry brings a unique perspective to each topic she explores.

    One of the best aspects of The Uncharted with Hannah Fry is the way in which complex scientific concepts are presented in an accessible and engaging manner. Fry's ability to break down complicated ideas into relatable anecdotes and examples allows listeners from all backgrounds to understand and appreciate the subject matter. Her storytelling skills truly shine as she weaves together scientific research, historical events, and personal narratives to create a compelling narrative for each episode.

    Additionally, the production value of this podcast is outstanding. The sound design, music selection, and overall atmosphere contribute to an immersive experience that enhances the content being discussed. Each episode is meticulously crafted, creating a seamless flow of information that keeps listeners intrigued throughout.

    However, one potential downside of The Uncharted with Hannah Fry podcast is the occasional introduction of personal opinions on topics such as religion. While it is admirable for Fry to bring diverse perspectives into scientific discussions, it can sometimes feel unnecessary or biased when these opinions are not backed up by factual evidence or expert testimonies. Given that this podcast primarily focuses on exploring scientific phenomena, it would be more beneficial for listeners if these speculative elements were left out altogether.

    In conclusion, despite some occasional lapses into personal opinion territory, The Uncharted with Hannah Fry podcast remains an exceptional exploration of scientific mysteries that will delight both science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. With its captivating storytelling style and ability to make complex concepts accessible, this show stands out as an informative yet entertaining source of knowledge. Listeners can look forward to expanding their understanding of various scientific phenomena through the engaging narratives presented by Hannah Fry.



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    Latest episodes from Uncharted with Hannah Fry

    Introducing... Uncharted with Hannah Fry Series 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 2:05


    From exposing fraud to finding true love, mathematician Hannah Fry follows the numbers on thrilling adventures of data and discovery. Join her for Series 2 of Uncharted.

    10. Devil in the Detail

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 14:44


    Thomas Herndon was happily studying economics at the University of Massachusetts, when one day is punctured by a discovery. It appears to be an anomaly which, if true, will shake the intellectual foundations of a global movement, and could undermine politicians around the world. Hannah Fry tells the extraordinary story of a student who will go head to head with two of the greatest economic minds in modern times. But can he win?Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Lauren Armstrong-CarterA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    9. Access Denied

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 14:10


    A young researcher gains access to a secretive data set and discovers something shocking. What happens when a system designed to help people harms them instead? Hannah Fry tells a tale about the mysterious realm of artificial intelligence.Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Sound Design: Clem HitchcockA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    8. In the Habit

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 14:14


    What is the secret to ageing well? Humankind has been in search of an answer for millions of years. But one man believes he may have found the beginnings of an answer, and it's hiding in a convent.Hannah Fry tells a tale of a single scatter graph which might reveal the key to longevity.Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Lauren Armstrong-CarterA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    7. The Gossip Mill

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 13:48


    2008, Hungary: a researcher stands on a factory floor quizzing a bemused employee. The tile manufacturing company is in trouble, and the researcher is there to help. But his questions seem silly: Who do you go to for advice? Who do you chat to? What use is the science of networks to a company producing floor tiles? Hannah Fry tells a tale about the precarious power of networks.Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Ilan GoodmanA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    6. The Happiness Curve

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 13:50


    Life has its ups and downs, its sudden successes and unexpected obstacles. But amongst all the unpredictable variation, two economists believe they have identified a deep and powerful influence on our happiness: age. Happiness, it turns out, is U shaped. Hannah Fry tells a tale of orangutans, joy and misery…and joy!Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Ilan GoodmanA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    5. The Choice

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 14:48


    How well do you make decisions? It's never easy, but today John Carter is faced with an agonising choice and has just 60 minutes to make the right call. One path could lead to glory, while the other might result in death.Hannah Fry tells a tale of risk, decision making, and the single graph that changed it all.Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Lauren Armstrong-CarterA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    4. This Train Has Been Delayed

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 13:29


    Singapore, 2016. A high-tech driverless train system starts glitching in wild and unpredictable ways. The train company, the government, even the military are at a loss: no-one can figure out what is causing the problem. Until Jason Bay and his team of data scientists assemble an old-fashioned timetabling graph, first developed in 19th century France, which exposes an invisible culprit.Behind every line on a graph, there lies an extraordinary human story. And mathematician Hannah Fry is here to tell us ten of them. Hannah Fry tells a tale of data detectives and very naughty trains.Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Ilan GoodmanA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    3. The Doctor Will See You Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 14:10


    It's a hot summer's day in 1998. Two couples stand side by side in a small courtyard. Brought together by chance, they may never have met if not for one thing. A tatty piece of paper, the contents of which will change their lives, and the lives of thousands across the country, forever. Hannah Fry tells the tale of this single sheet of A4 uncovered a dark pattern and a serial murderer hiding in plain sight. A warning for sensitive listeners, that this episode contains references to murder.Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Lauren Armstrong-CarterA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    2. The Hockey Stick

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 13:59


    In 1998, the climate scientist Michael Mann published a simple graph shaped like an ice hockey stick: a long straight line which curves suddenly upward at the end. It was based on decades of intrepid work by scientists around the world. But the line held a stark warning. For Michael, notoriety, abuse and a global battle over the reality of climate change followed. Hannah Fry tells the remarkable story of the people behind the hockey stick: the scientists who scaled mountains and braved oceans in search of evidence, and the dramatic fallout when the world saw what they had found.Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Ilan GoodmanA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    1. The Returning Soldier

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 14:31


    It's 1973 and the UK is in crisis: runaway inflation, industrial strike action and political turmoil. Unnoticed at the time - in hospitals and front rooms around the country - something odd is happening with the country's newborns. A higher proportion of boys are being born than ever before in the 20th Century. What was behind this puzzling trend? Hannah Fry follows one researcher's obsessive mission to unravel the mystery.Presenter: Hannah Fry Executive Producer: Martin Smith Series Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Episode Producer: Ilan GoodmanA series for Radio 4 by BBC Science in Cardiff.

    Introducing Uncharted - with Hannah Fry

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 0:46


    Behind every line on a graph, there lies an extraordinary human story. Mathematician Hannah Fry is here to tell us ten of them. Uncharted with Hannah Fry will lead us through ten captivating mysteries to reveal the power of numbers behind each one. Along the way we discover the remarkable people who followed the data and unearthed something extraordinary.

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