Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens Launch Podcast Series ‘The Rest Is Science’
Professor Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens, creator of the popular YouTube channel Vsauce, are set to host a new podcast titled The Rest Is Science, launching on November 25, 2023. This podcast is part of the expanding Goalhanger franchise, which already includes a variety of shows exploring diverse topics. The series aims to delve into significant scientific concepts and thought-provoking questions twice a week.
Each episode features a deep dive into a specific topic every Tuesday, where Fry and Stevens will examine the science and history behind it. On Thursdays, the ‘Field Notes’ episodes will focus on a curious object, igniting discussions about the ideas it represents. In addition to the main episodes, short clips will be shared on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, enhancing audience engagement. A partnership with Cancer Research UK will provide monthly insights, which Fry and Stevens will explore in greater depth.
Podcast Expansion and Goals
The introduction of The Rest Is Science adds to Goalhanger’s impressive lineup, which includes titles like The Rest Is Politics, The Rest Is Entertainment, and The Rest Is History. Goalhanger transitioned from television production to focus on its thriving podcast business, which recently surpassed one billion lifetime streams and achieved over 70 million full episode downloads.
The inaugural episode will tackle the intriguing question of whether water is actually ‘wet’ and will explore how minerals influence its taste. Topics in subsequent episodes will include human evolution in the context of modern conveniences, the science behind crying, and innovative ideas such as constructing skyscrapers from mushrooms. Fry and Stevens will also investigate sustainable energy practices on a Scottish island and how moths navigate using stars.
Meet the Hosts
Fry, a British mathematician and broadcaster, is known for her engaging presentation style and her ability to simplify complex subjects. She currently serves as a Professor for the Public Understanding of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. Her notable projects include the BBC series The Secret Genius of Modern Life and the recent The Infinite Explorer from National Geographic and Bloomberg.
Stevens, an American educator and inventor, has built a significant following with Vsauce, which boasts over 24 million subscribers and more than six billion views. He has toured extensively with his live show, Brain Candy Live, alongside Adam Savage, and co-founded The Curiosity Box, a subscription service for science and mathematics toys.
In expressing their vision for the podcast, Fry stated, “We wanted to make a show that takes familiar ideas and turns them inside out – breaking them down and looking so closely that they start to feel almost unrecognizable.” Stevens added, “With The Rest Is Science, we wanted to go beyond pop science and maths – to dig into the kinds of details that usually get skipped over. That’s where curiosity really lives, and that’s the space this show explores.”
Co-founder of Goalhanger, Jack Davenport, highlighted the significance of this series in the company’s evolution, remarking that it reflects their commitment to video-first storytelling and global partnerships, while expanding their audience reach. As Goalhanger continues to innovate within the podcast space, The Rest Is Science promises to deliver engaging content that sparks curiosity and encourages listeners to rethink what they know about the world.
