#1300 Jim Al-Khalili - On Time: The Physics That Makes the Universe Tick
RECORDED ON AUGUST 19th 2026.
Dr. Jim Al-Khalili is a theoretical physicist who holds the position of Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Surrey, UK. His current interest is in open quantum systems and the application of quantum mechanics in biology. He is a prominent author and broadcaster. He is a regular presenter of TV science documentaries, such as the Bafta nominated Chemistry: a volatile history, and he hosts the long-running weekly BBC Radio 4 program, The Life Scientific. He has written 15 books on popular science and the history of science, between them translated into twenty-six languages. His new book is On Time: The Physics That Makes the Universe Tick.
In this episode, we focus on On Time. We discuss what time is, according to Physics; whether time has a direction; what it means that time is relative; how gravity affects time; what would it be like to fall into a black hole; how we measure time; whether time as a beginning and an end; and whether the Universe is deterministic. We also talk about whether it is possible to reconcile quantum mechanics, relativity, and thermodynamics. Finally, we discuss whether time travel is possible, and we talk about unanswered questions in the physics of time.
Time Links:
Intro
What is time, according to Physics?
Does time have a direction?
Time is relative
Gravity and black holes
Measuring time
Does time have a beginning and an end?
Is the Universe deterministic?
Is it possible to reconcile quantum mechanics, relativity, and thermodynamics?
Is time travel possible?
Unanswered questions in the physics of time
Follow Dr. Al-Khalili’s work!
Follow Dr. Khalili’s work:
Faculty page: https://tinyurl.com/2vfaw79z
Website: https://www.jimal-khalili.com/
Amazon page: https://tinyurl.com/bdkw8shb
On Time: https://tinyurl.com/38ymhb64
X handle: @jimalkhalili