
The Universe Explained (Kind Of): A Guide for Clever Idiots
Answers You Didn’t Know You Needed to Questions You Can’t Quite Ask: Simple Explanations, No Complex Jargon and Awe Inspiring Images Simple Explanations, No Complex Jargon
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Mehmet Mahmut
-
By:
-
M.M. Gavillet
About this listen
Do you find the universe fascinating but feel lost in jargon?
How about a deeper understanding of the celestial wonders without the dryness of textbook explanations? The Universe Explained (Kind Of) is not just another astronomy guide, but a unique blend of intricate cosmic marvels, engaging storytelling, and jaw-dropping visuals, all crafted with you in mind.
Here's just a taste of what you'll uncover:
- The expansion of the universe simplified: why everything is moving away from everything else
- Light-years with real-world distances made relatable
- The phenomenon of supernovae: Why do stars explode, and what remains afterward?
- Understanding neutron stars: The cosmic remnants packed with mass
- The Big Bang explained in easy language
- Peek into parallel worlds? How scientists deduce the universe's age
- The formidable force of gravity
- How cosmic observers—telescopes—bring distant galaxies into view
- Wormholes unraveled: Could these shortcuts in space-time be real?
And a cosmos of other captivating topics!
With the vast array of concepts the universe offers, you may wonder if this audiobook can truly capture and hold your attention. Rest assured, it will. Our engaging storytelling and stunning visuals will keep you listening, eager to uncover more.
Designed for curious listeners and future astronomers alike, this audiobook takes even the most perplexing phenomena and presents them in a way that's approachable and enjoyable. No more technical jargon, just relatable language that makes the universe feel within your grasp.
Unlike other resources that inundate you with technical gobbledygook, The Universe Explained (Kind Of) is an inspiring storytelling approach that animates facts and figures with vivid narratives complemented by stunning imagery.
Ready to embark on a journey across the stars and bring the universe into the palm of your hand?
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2025 M.M. Gavillet (P)2025 M.M. GavilletRelated to this topic
-
The Complete Book of Five Rings
- By: Miyamoto Musashi, Kenji Tokitsu - editor/translator
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Complete Book of Five Rings is an authoritative version of Musashi's classic The Book of Five Rings, translated and annotated by a modern martial arts master, Kenji Tokitsu. Tokitsu has spent most of his life researching the legendary samurai swordsman and his works, and in this book he illuminates this seminal text, along with several other works by Musashi.
-
-
Best translation I have encountered.
- By DW on 05-27-16
By: Miyamoto Musashi, and others
-
Napoleon's Hemorrhoids…And Other Small Events That Changed History
- By: Phil Mason
- Narrated by: LJ Ganser
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hilarious, fascinating, and a roller coaster of dizzying, historical what-ifs, Napoleon's Hemorrhoids is a potpourri for serious historians and casual history buffs. In one of Phil Mason's many revelations, you'll learn that Communist jets were two minutes away from opening fire on American planes during the Cuban missile crisis, when they had to turn back as they were running out of fuel. You'll discover that before the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon's painful hemorrhoids prevented him from mounting his horse to survey the battlefield.
-
-
They just throw the facts too fast
- By Concerned_llama on 12-11-20
By: Phil Mason
-
From Lukov with Love
- By: Mariana Zapata
- Narrated by: Callie Dalton, Teddy Hamilton
- Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one. After 17 years - and countless broken bones and broken promises - she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close. But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she's spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.
-
-
New Favorite MZ Slow Burn
- By Brittany M on 05-13-18
By: Mariana Zapata
-
Bigger Leaner Stronger
- The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body
- By: Michael Matthews
- Narrated by: Michael Matthews
- Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The bestselling fitness book for men who want to gain 25-35 pounds of lean muscle and lose as much fat or more in just 3-5 hours per week—and without giving up delicious foods or doing grueling workouts. Is Bigger Leaner Stronger a body building book that can help you pack on brain-shrinking amounts of muscle in 30 days flat? No. Is it a fitness nutrition book full of dubious diet and exercise “hacks” and “shortcuts” for melting belly fat faster than a roided hornet? Absolutely not.
-
-
Narration sounds like a Robot
- By pauly on 07-04-19
By: Michael Matthews
-
Ranger Confidential
- Living, Working, and Dying in the National Parks
- By: Andrea Lankford
- Narrated by: Julia Motyka
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The real stories behind the scenery of America’s national parks. For 12 years, Andrea Lankford lived in the biggest, most impressive national parks in the world, working a job she loved. She chaperoned baby sea turtles on their journey to sea. She pursued bad guys on her galloping patrol horse. She jumped into rescue helicopters bound for the heart of the Grand Canyon. She won arguments with bears. She slept with a few too many rattlesnakes. Hell yeah, it was the best job in the world! Fortunately, Andrea survived it.
-
-
Depressing from Cover to Cover
- By Drew (@drewsant) on 04-13-15
By: Andrea Lankford
-
The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation
- By: Michael Matthews
- Narrated by: Michael Matthews
- Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The bestselling fitness and self-improvement book for breaking through mental resistance and barriers, building unshakeable discipline, and keeping your goals alive when things get tough.
-
-
Diamond in the rough
- By Mike on 09-03-18
By: Michael Matthews
-
The Complete Book of Five Rings
- By: Miyamoto Musashi, Kenji Tokitsu - editor/translator
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Complete Book of Five Rings is an authoritative version of Musashi's classic The Book of Five Rings, translated and annotated by a modern martial arts master, Kenji Tokitsu. Tokitsu has spent most of his life researching the legendary samurai swordsman and his works, and in this book he illuminates this seminal text, along with several other works by Musashi.
-
-
Best translation I have encountered.
- By DW on 05-27-16
By: Miyamoto Musashi, and others
-
Napoleon's Hemorrhoids…And Other Small Events That Changed History
- By: Phil Mason
- Narrated by: LJ Ganser
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hilarious, fascinating, and a roller coaster of dizzying, historical what-ifs, Napoleon's Hemorrhoids is a potpourri for serious historians and casual history buffs. In one of Phil Mason's many revelations, you'll learn that Communist jets were two minutes away from opening fire on American planes during the Cuban missile crisis, when they had to turn back as they were running out of fuel. You'll discover that before the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon's painful hemorrhoids prevented him from mounting his horse to survey the battlefield.
-
-
They just throw the facts too fast
- By Concerned_llama on 12-11-20
By: Phil Mason
-
From Lukov with Love
- By: Mariana Zapata
- Narrated by: Callie Dalton, Teddy Hamilton
- Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one. After 17 years - and countless broken bones and broken promises - she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close. But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she's spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.
-
-
New Favorite MZ Slow Burn
- By Brittany M on 05-13-18
By: Mariana Zapata
-
Bigger Leaner Stronger
- The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body
- By: Michael Matthews
- Narrated by: Michael Matthews
- Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The bestselling fitness book for men who want to gain 25-35 pounds of lean muscle and lose as much fat or more in just 3-5 hours per week—and without giving up delicious foods or doing grueling workouts. Is Bigger Leaner Stronger a body building book that can help you pack on brain-shrinking amounts of muscle in 30 days flat? No. Is it a fitness nutrition book full of dubious diet and exercise “hacks” and “shortcuts” for melting belly fat faster than a roided hornet? Absolutely not.
-
-
Narration sounds like a Robot
- By pauly on 07-04-19
By: Michael Matthews
-
Ranger Confidential
- Living, Working, and Dying in the National Parks
- By: Andrea Lankford
- Narrated by: Julia Motyka
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The real stories behind the scenery of America’s national parks. For 12 years, Andrea Lankford lived in the biggest, most impressive national parks in the world, working a job she loved. She chaperoned baby sea turtles on their journey to sea. She pursued bad guys on her galloping patrol horse. She jumped into rescue helicopters bound for the heart of the Grand Canyon. She won arguments with bears. She slept with a few too many rattlesnakes. Hell yeah, it was the best job in the world! Fortunately, Andrea survived it.
-
-
Depressing from Cover to Cover
- By Drew (@drewsant) on 04-13-15
By: Andrea Lankford
-
The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation
- By: Michael Matthews
- Narrated by: Michael Matthews
- Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The bestselling fitness and self-improvement book for breaking through mental resistance and barriers, building unshakeable discipline, and keeping your goals alive when things get tough.
-
-
Diamond in the rough
- By Mike on 09-03-18
By: Michael Matthews
-
Barbarian Days
- A Surfing Life
- By: William Finnegan
- Narrated by: William Finnegan
- Length: 18 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Pulitzer Prize, Biography, 2016. Barbarian Days is William Finnegan's memoir of an obsession, a complex enchantment. Surfing only looks like a sport. To initiates it is something else entirely: a beautiful addiction, a demanding course of study, a morally dangerous pastime, a way of life.
-
-
What a Jerk.
- By ML Sadler on 03-06-17
By: William Finnegan
-
The Unlikely Thru-Hiker
- An Appalachian Trail Journey
- By: Derick Lugo
- Narrated by: Derick Lugo
- Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Derick Lugo had never been hiking. He certainly couldn't imagine going more than a day without manicuring his goatee. But with a job cut short and no immediate plans, this fixture of the New York comedy scene began to think about what he might do with months of free time. He had heard of the Appalachian Trail, but he had never seriously considered attempting to hike all 2,184.2 miles of it. Suddenly he found himself asking, Could he do it?
-
-
On My Feet All Day
- By bannedbum on 08-21-21
By: Derick Lugo
-
Thinner Leaner Stronger
- The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Female Body
- By: Michael Matthews
- Narrated by: Elliott Denkers
- Length: 13 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The bestselling fitness book for women who want to lose up to 35 pounds of fat or more and gain whole-body muscle definition in just 3-5 hours per week—and without giving up delicious foods or doing grueling workouts.
-
-
"The Ultimate Female Body", but uses male examples
- By bookWorm on 06-29-15
By: Michael Matthews
-
Playing to Win
- By: Michael Lewis
- Narrated by: Michael Lewis
- Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All over America, families are investing blood, sweat, tears, and retirement savings in their children’s sports careers, all with the ultimate goal of…what exactly? A college scholarship? A professional contract? Simply the taste of victory? Through the lens of the highly competitive world of girls’ softball, Lewis reveals the youth sports industrial complex that has arisen to aggressively monetize after-school pastimes.
-
-
Great Listen
- By Brian Bray on 10-15-20
By: Michael Lewis
-
There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather
- A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids (from Friluftsliv to Hygge)
- By: Linda Åkeson McGurk
- Narrated by: Ann Richardson
- Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bringing Up Bébé meets Last Child in the Woods in this lively, insightful memoir about a mother who sets out to discover if the nature-centric parenting philosophy of her native Scandinavia holds the key to healthier, happier lives for her American children.
-
-
Great concept, interesting writing.
- By Kate on 11-03-17
-
The Last Season
- By: Eric Blehm
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Destined to become a classic of adventure literature, The Last Season examines the extraordinary life of legendary backcountry ranger Randy Morgenson and his mysterious disappearance in California's unforgiving Sierra Nevada - mountains as perilous as they are beautiful. Eric Blehm's masterful work is a gripping detective story interwoven with the riveting biography of a complicated, original, and wholly fascinating man.
-
-
Well Written Character Study of an NPS Ranger
- By Kathy in CA on 06-23-16
By: Eric Blehm
What listeners say about The Universe Explained (Kind Of): A Guide for Clever Idiots
Highly rated for:
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- ShineVibes
- 03-20-25
Space Without the Snooze Factor; Loved It!
I love learning new things, but most books on space feel like they’re written for scientists. This one? Totally different. The explanations actually made sense, no confusing jargon, just fascinating facts in a way that kept me hooked. The audiobook format made it even better; felt like someone was casually breaking down the universe for me, not lecturing. If you’re curious about space but don’t want to wade through dense textbooks, this is the one to get!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Liubou
- 03-20-25
Fun, fascinating, and made science click
I’ve always been curious about space and the universe, but most explanations either feel too complicated or too basic. This audiobook hits a great balance—it breaks things down in a way that’s easy to follow without making me feel like I’m sitting through a lecture.
The humor was a nice surprise! It kept things entertaining, which made it easier to stay engaged. I found myself actually remembering concepts I’d usually zone out on. Plus, the way it tackled those weird, random questions I’ve always had was really satisfying.
If you like learning cool stuff without feeling overwhelmed, this is a fun listen. Definitely made me look at the universe a little differently!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Leil_
- 03-25-25
Finally, a cosmology book I could understand!
I've always been fascinated by the universe, but most astronomy books are too technical. This audiobook is different! The author explains complex concepts in a clear, concise, and engaging way, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their scientific background. The storytelling is captivating, and the visuals are stunning. I highly recommend this to anyone who's ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the mysteries of the cosmos.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Home Body
- 03-20-25
Fun and Easy to Understand
I’ve always been curious about space and the universe, but most explanations go over my head. This audiobook made everything so much easier to grasp without feeling overwhelming. It breaks down big concepts in a way that actually makes sense, and I found myself learning things I never even thought to ask about. The tone is light and engaging, which kept me interested the whole time. If you want to understand the universe without getting lost in complicated jargon, this is definitely worth a listen.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kevin Wisher
- 03-18-25
Understanding the Profound Universe
This is a profound book about the Universe and its origins. It explains almost all the questions about the Universe a person can conceive. It addresses the complexities and provides up-to-date answers to most of the questions we often think about. It puts many of the origins and vastness of infinite space in perspective. It also explains the possibility of whether or not there is life on other plants. It is a very interesting and compelling listen. Highly recommended.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- K. Walford
- 03-20-25
Made Me Feel Smarter Without the Headache!
I’ve always been fascinated by space, but every time I tried to read about it, I’d either get lost in the jargon or bored out of my mind. This book was different. It felt like a funny, laid-back friend explaining the universe over coffee no complicated formulas, no pretentiousness, just cool facts and mind-blowing stuff about space. I actually learned things without feeling like I was studying for an exam. If you’re curious about the universe but don’t want a textbook, this is for you!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anne G.
- 03-26-25
Trying to be Clever!
I recently listened to this audiobook that tries to break down the universe in simple terms. Honestly, a lot of it was way over my head, but I appreciated the effort to make complex topics more understandable. The accompanying PDF was a big help; seeing the images really clarified some of the concepts discussed. If you're curious about space and don't mind feeling a bit lost at times, this book is worth a listen.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- I A
- 04-01-25
Science Made Fun and Actually Understandable
This book was such a fun read! I’ve always been curious about space and the universe, but most science books go over my head. This one broke things down in a way that was easy to follow and actually made me laugh. It’s informative without feeling heavy, and the visuals are seriously impressive. It answered a bunch of questions I didn’t even know I had. Great for anyone who wants to learn without getting bored or lost in technical terms.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jes Kay
- 03-19-25
"Space, Stars, and Sarcasm My Kind of Science!"
I’ve always been curious about the universe, but let’s be real most science books make my brain hurt. This one? Totally different. It’s like having a hilarious, super smart friend explain black holes and cosmic mysteries over coffee. The writing is witty, the concepts are broken down in a way that actually makes sense, and I never once felt overwhelmed. If you want to learn about space without feeling like you’re cramming for an exam, this is the audiobook for you!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ij
- 03-25-25
Hilarious, Informative, and Surprisingly Deep!
The Universe Explained (Kind Of) is the perfect book for curious minds who want to understand big scientific concepts without drowning in complex jargon. The humor makes it engaging, the explanations are crystal clear, and the awe-inspiring images add an extra layer of wonder. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just someone who loves a good laugh while learning, this book delivers both knowledge and entertainment in equal measure. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fun, no-nonsense explanations of the mysteries of the universe!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!