Enter Radiolab, as recommended by Tom. It's a sort of science-y look at all sorts of things that they happen across and think might be interesting. We listened to our first episode (Words) last night, which explored the role of language, and included fascinating stories of stroke victims and people who had grown up deaf and only really 'got language' at 27.
And it was brilliant. Beautifully put together, eloquently and amusingly explained, and wonderfully edited with some splendid use of sound effects. And all done with an evident joy in just investigating and learning about something new. We contentedly listened to the whole hour-long episode straight through.
I'm looking forward to episodes (from the titles alone!) as diverse as Falling, Blink, Parasites, Helicopter Boy, Quantum Cello, and the intriguing sounding Making the Hippo Dance.
Highly recommended, even for those of you with access to endless TV/iPlayer/film entertainment.