Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur and investor whose journey embodies the essence of mental mastery and self-actualization. As the co-founder of AngelList and an early investor in companies like Uber and Twitter, he combines strategic thinking with a deep philosophy on wealth, happiness, and inner peace. Naval’s reflections on self-awareness, decision-making, and mindset have inspired millions to take control of their inner world.

Take action and strengthen your mind with The Resilient Mind Journal. Get your free digital copy today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/Download_Journal

This episode is brought to in partnership with Motiversity & Chris Williamson.

🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channels for more:

The Resilient Mind: https://www.youtube.com/@TheResilientMindPodcast

The Resilient Mind Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TheResilientMindInterviews

🌍 The Resilient Mind Podcast is a proud member of 1% for the Planet — building resilient minds and a resilient planet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Michael Levin (@drmichaellevin) is the Vannevar Bush Distinguished Professor of Biology at Tufts University and director of the Allen Discovery Center. He is primarily interested in how intelligence self-organizes in a diverse range of natural, engineered, and hybrid embodiments. Applied to the collective intelligence of cell groups undergoing morphogenesis, these ideas have allowed the Levin Lab to develop new applications in birth defects, organ regeneration, and cancer suppression.

This episode is brought to you by:

ShipStation shipping software: ShipStation.com/Tim

AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: DrinkAG1.com/Tim

Our Place’s Titanium Always Pan® Pro using nonstick technology that’s coating-free and made without PFAS, otherwise known as “forever chemicals”: FromOurPlace.com/Tim

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00:00] Start
• [00:03:18] The Body Electric: A Vancouver bookstore discovery that launched a career.
• [00:04:19] Bioelectricity 101: Your brain uses it to think; your body used it before you had a brain.
• [00:06:05] The lesson learned by scrambled tadpole faces that rearrange themselves.
• [00:08:51] Software vs. hardware: The genome is your factory settings, not your destiny.
• [00:11:43] Two-headed flatworms: Rewriting biological memory without touching DNA.
• [00:16:20] Seeing memories: Voltage-sensitive dyes reveal the body’s hidden blueprints.
• [00:20:12] Three killer apps for humans: Birth defects, regeneration, and cancer.
• [00:24:27] Cancer as identity crisis: Cells forgetting they’re part of a team.
• [00:25:40] The boredom theory of aging: Goal-seeking systems with nothing left to do.
• [00:30:09] Planaria’s immortality hack: Rip yourself in half every two weeks.
• [00:31:27] Manhattan Project for aging: Crack cellular cognition, everything else falls into place.
• [00:33:47] Giving cells new goals: Convince a gut to become an eye.
• [00:37:42] Must mammalian mortality be mandatory?
• [00:40:25] Cross-pollination: Why biologists would benefit from programming courses.
• [00:47:15] Does acupuncture actually do anything?
• [00:50:57] Placebo as feature, not bug: Words and drugs share the same mechanism.
• [00:55:06] The frame problem: Why robots explode and rats intuit what matters.
• [00:59:41] Binary thinking is a trap: “Is it intelligent?” is the wrong question.
• [01:07:46] Minimal brain, normal IQ: Clinical cases that break neuroscience.
• [01:08:45] Super panpsychism: Your liver might have opinions.
• [01:13:48] The Platonic space: Bodies as thin clients for patterns from elsewhere.
• [01:15:24] Keep asking “why” and you end up in the math department.
• [01:23:07] Polycomputing: Sorting algorithms secretly doing side quests.
• [01:28:24] Power scaling for the future and avoiding red herrings for understanding machine minds.
• [01:34:06] Sci-fi recommendations.
• [01:37:24] Cliff Tabin’s toast and Dan Dennett’s steel manning.
• [01:41:21] Parting thoughts.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss 

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferriss

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI startup OpenEvidence is now raising a fresh round of capital from Sequoia at a $1 Billion valuation. We look at the latest big funding round in AI healthcare and why investors are increasingly drawn towards the sector. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

OpenEvidence is transforming how doctors access medical knowledge at the point of care, from the biggest medical establishments to small practices serving rural communities. Founder Daniel Nadler explains his team’s insight that training smaller, specialized AI models on peer-reviewed literature outperforms large general models for medical applications. He discusses how making the platform freely available to all physicians led to widespread organic adoption and strategic partnerships with publishers like the New England Journal of Medicine. In an industry where organizations move glacially, 10-20% of all U.S. doctors began using OpenEvidence overnight to find information buried deep in the long tail of new medical studies, to validate edge cases and improve diagnoses. Nadler emphasizes the importance of accuracy and transparency in AI healthcare applications.

Hosted by: Pat Grady, Sequoia Capital 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Do We Still Need Clinical Language Models?: Paper from OpenEvidence founders showing that small, specialized models outperformed large models for healthcare diagnostics
• Chinchilla paper: Seminal 2022 paper about scaling laws in large language models
• Understand: Ted Chiang sci-fi novella published in 1991

How does a new technology get adopted by 40% of American doctors in just 18 months? In an era where the golden age of biotechnology has also created a dark age of physician burnout, OpenEvidence found the answer by fundamentally changing how doctors access critical information. OpenEvidence founder Daniel Nadler sits down with Sarah Guo and Elad Gil to discuss how his company solved the semantic search problem in medicine. He talks about the strategy of treating doctors as consumers, striking the balance of keeping patients in the loop in medical conversations, and how technology will reshape both medicine and medical education. Plus, Daniel gives his thoughts on the roots of motivation, as well as his philosophy for recruitment. 

Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to show@no-priors.com

Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil | @EvidenceOpen 

Chapters:

00:00 – Daniel Nadler Introduction

00:08 – OpenEvidence’s Success 

01:54 – How OpenEvidence Works

06:35 – Dealing with Ambiguity

11:37 – Treating Knowledge Workers as Consumers

15:53 – Balancing Keeping Patients in the Loop

19:28 – How Technology May Shape the Future of Medicine

22:12 – How Technology Will Change Medical Education

30:40 – Examining Consumer Adoption of Preventative Health Measures

36:02 – Lessons for Other Fields

37:27 – Rationalism vs. Will

41:13 – Daniel’s Thoughts on Motivation

42:44 – Daniel’s Recruiting Philosophy

44:48 – Conclusion

On the heels of raising $210 million at a $6 billion valuation, OpenEvidence is the fastest-growing physician app in history, now reaching over 40% of U.S. physicians and powering 17 million monthly clinical queries.

In this conversation, co-founder and CTO Zack Ziegler shares how his background in early large language models led him to build an AI that helps clinicians make better decisions at the point of care, without replacing their judgment.

We cover:

🧠 The strategies Open Evidence used to reach 40% of U.S. clinicians in a short time

💡 The unexpected reason they chose to go direct to doctors instead of via their employers

💰 How they make money

⚙️ What “Deep Consult” means for the future of clinical decision-making

🏥 Whether tools like this could ever—or should ever—be available to patients

About our guest: 

Zachary Ziegler is the cofounder and CTO of OpenEvidence, the leading medical information platform. Designed from the ground up for medical professionals, OpenEvidence organizes and expands the world's medical knowledge to make it more useful, open, accessible, and understandable. Launched out of the Mayo Clinic Platform Accelerate, OpenEvidence has become the most rapidly adopted tool by physicians in history, now used by over 40% of US physicians in over 15,000 care centers across the United States. Before founding OpenEvidence, Ziegler was a PhD student at Harvard University, where he worked with Professor Sasha Rush and was awarded the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, where he received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship.

—

🙏Thank you to our show sponsor, LookDeep. LookDeep pioneers AI that can see, hear, and respond with care to help hospitals be Ever Present for Every Patient. Learn more at lookdeep.ai/aimee.

—

📍 Connect with us:

Heart of Healthcare website

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, I went to see Matt Bateman and Aaron Stupple talk about their parenting disagreements at The Montessorium, the (pretty new!) school Matt created. I enjoyed their conversation, wanted to hear even more, asked them if they’d be up for coming on my podcast, and they did!

Probably the best place to find more is on X.com, and here are a few more links too:

* Aaron’s book, The Sovereign Child (the link is to the free pdf, and it’s also available at all major book stores

* Taking Children Seriously

* a thing I wrote a while back about some of what I think about unschooling

(ETA: I have locked the comments because I both feel somewhat responsible for comments made on my posts and don’t have the bandwidth to monitor them at this time)

I spoke with Glen Weyl, founder of RadicalXChange, author of Plurality and Radical Markets, and the lead of Microsoft’s Special Projects division where he founded the Plural Technology Collaboratory.

Weyl talks a lot about how we can innovate democracy, not just throw it all out in favor of autocracy. In this Guest Lecture, we talk about his recent debate with Curtis Yarvin, whether corporations are autocracies or democracies, whether countries like Singapore are more or less democratic than the US, and how we can use technological advancements and borrow from models around the world to create something much better than representative democracy.

In some policy circles, the idea of the U.S. electing a CEO-style dictator running the country like a company is gaining momentum. But should the idea be embraced? Those proposing the Dictator CEO, like Curtis Yarvin, argue it would challenge existing institutions and deliver cutthroat efficiency. But democracy advocates, like E. Glen Weyl, argue that consolidating power under one leader undermines the core values fundamental to America’s political system. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Be Ruled by a CEO Dictator? 

Arguing Yes: Curtis Yarvin, Anti-democracy theorist and Tech Entrepreneur 

Arguing No: E. Glen Weyl, Co-Founder of the RadicalxChange Foundation, Plurality Institute, and the Faith, Family and Technology Network 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

Visit OpentoDebate.org to watch more insightful debates.  

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on our curated weekly debates, dynamic live events, and educational initiatives. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get 20% off tickets to this year's HowtheLightGetsIn Hay Festival with code CTT24 at checkout.

Philosophy of biology has two sides: the process of science and the content of biology. We address key questions. What is the nature of life? How does evolution work and what are its challenges? How to consider race, sex/gender, cognition, culture, morality, healthcare, religion, alien life, and alien intelligences.

Featuring interviews with Michael Ruse, Elliot Sober, Elisabeth Lloyd, Peter Godfrey-Smith, John Dupré, Paul Griffiths, Richard Dawkins, Josh Swamidass, Quayshawn Nigel Julian Spencer, Denis Noble, Alexander Rosenberg, Samir Okasha, Massimo Pigliucci, Alan Love, and Philip Kitcher.

Fireworks, a gushing waterfall, little death. The orgasm. In episode 77 of Overthink, Ellie and David discuss how phenomenology and psychoanalysis interpret the experience of orgasm. They talk about evolutionary theories of  the orgasm, including the theory that the body can suck up...“higher quality sperm.” They tackle what the orgasm gap says about the state of gender and sex in our society.

Works Discussed

George Bataille, Erotism

Sigmund Freud, “Instincts and Their Vicissitudes”

Sigmund Freud, “Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality”

Sara Heinämaa, “The Phenomenology of Desire and Orgasm”

Jacques Lacan,  Jouissance

Elisabeth Lloyd, The Case of the Female Orgasm Bias in the Science of Evolution

Emily Nagoski, Come As You Are

Thomas Percy, “Walking in a Meadow Green”

Support the show

Substack | overthinkpod.substack.com
Website | overthinkpodcast.com
Instagram & Twitter | @overthink_pod
Email | dearoverthink@gmail.com
YouTube | Overthink podcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To envision and create the futures we want, society needs an appropriate understanding of the likely impact of alternative actions. Data models and visualizations offer a way to understand and intelligently manage complex, interlinked systems in science and technology, education, and policymaking. Atlas of Forecasts: Modeling and Mapping Desirable Futures (MIT Press, 2021), from the creator of Atlas of Science and Atlas of Knowledge, shows how we can use data to predict, communicate, and ultimately attain desirable futures.

Using advanced data visualizations to introduce different types of computational models, Atlas of Forecasts demonstrates how models can inform effective decision-making in education, science, technology, and policymaking. The models and maps presented aim to help anyone understand key processes and outcomes of complex systems dynamics, including which human skills are needed in an artificial intelligence–empowered economy; what progress in science and technology is likely to be made; and how policymakers can future-proof regions or nations. This Atlas offers a driver's seat-perspective for a test-drive of the future.

Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/geography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is the first of our two part series (that may or may not be released back-to-back) where Bruce delves into the work Douglas Hofstadter, specifically the book Surfaces and Essences. We consider what is the relationship—if there is any—between critical rationalism and Hofstadter's idea that analogy is a core mechanism of human cognition. Is it fair to criticize Hofstadter's ideas as being inductivism in disguise? Could something like what Hofstadter suggests (i.e. analogy) be central to human consciousness and creation of AGI?

Follow us on Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/bnielson01⁠

In 2023, a highly controversial paper titled ‘Assembly theory explains and quantifies selection and evolution’ was released to the world.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting to one of the its authors, Lee Cronin, Regius Professor of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow and the Founder & CEO of Chemify, to discuss assembly theory and the motivation behind the paper, as well as key concepts such as the assembly index and the copy number.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Lee. Join us for the next episode, where Lee discusses the Nature paper.

Resources and links:

• ‘Assembly theory explains and quantifies selection and evolution’ on Nature

Connect:

• Simplifying Complexity on X
• Sean Brady on X
• Sean Brady on LinkedIn
• Brady Heywood website

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is part two of our discussion with Lee Cronin on Assembly Theory. Lee Cronin is Regius Professor of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow and the Founder & CEO of Chemify. 

In this episode, Lee explains how assembly theory can actually be measured in the laboratory using mass spectrometry and other techniques, reveals the critical threshold of 15 that separates living from non-living systems, and discusses his ambitious vision for using assembly theory to detect life elsewhere in the universe and even measure consciousness itself.

Resources and links:

• ‘Assembly theory explains and quantifies selection and evolution’ on Nature

Connect:

• Simplifying Complexity on X
• Sean Brady on X
• Sean Brady on LinkedIn
• Brady Heywood website

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Christmas gift to you this year is episode 100: an interview with The Man (TM) himself!

Bruce stumbles over himself fan-boying as he asks all his burning (but geeky) questions about cosmology, the omega point, and probability. How do Deutsch and Tipler differ on optimistic end-time cosmology? Is the Omega point refuted by observation (Deutsch) or not (Tipler)? Does heat death contradict the principle of optimism? Is it a bummer? Does stochasticity really not exist? And is it rational to wear a mask during COVID? How do you apply epistemology to a question like that when you lack enough data to severely test your theories but still need to make a decision?

Peter asks: Are free will and downward causation related? Do our genes attempt to coerce us? Why are explanatory and computational universality so confusing? And what if studies show that authoritative parenting is best for children?

Support us on Patreon

Liebe Leute,

in dieser Folge spreche ich mit Flemming von Deutsches Geplapper und David von LinguaThor, die gemeinsam die German AI Academy gegründet haben. Wir reden darüber, wie man mit KI die vier wichtigsten Sprachfertigkeiten – Sprechen, Hören, Lesen und Schreiben – noch gezielter, motivierender und effizienter trainieren kann.

In der Sprachanalyse (26:44) gibt es wieder interessanten Wortschatz wie „die Konvergenz“, „kuratieren“, oder Redewendungen wie „in den Kinderschuhen stecken.“

Viel Spaß!

Euer Robin

🌏 Hol dir jetzt den exklusiven NordVPN-Deal mit großem Rabatt und 4 Bonusmonaten unter

→ https://nordvpn.com/aufdeutschgesagt 

Es ist völlig risikofrei mit der 30-Tage-Geld-zurück-Garantie!✌️

Zur GERMAN AI ACADEMY:

https://copecart.com/products/56d2aa91/p/aufdeutschgesagt (Affiliate-Link)

Hier geht es zum Handout:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/r339qn3hk4wyfkhhwvehd/Episode_139_Deutsch-lernen-mit-KI-mit-David-und-Flemming-_Handout.pdf?rlkey=ma3q2lao2lu6r2lq95vrqllnn&dl=0

Zum Wortschatz-Wochenende:

https://aufdeutschgesagt.de/wortschatz-wochenende-in-hamburg-gemeinsam-deutsch-sprechen-verstehen-und-anwenden-ganz-ohne-stress/

Das Transkript und viele weitere Extras gibt es auf Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/aufdeutschgesagt

Zum Newsletter:

https://aufdeutschgesagt.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=530247c810b1c462df23c5ff9&id=b3c548b8d1

Wer meine Arbeit finanziell unterstützen will, der kann das hier tun:

https://paypal.me/aufdeutschgesagt?locale.x=de_DE

E-Mail:

auf-deutsch-gesagt@gmx.de

Homepage:

www.aufdeutschgesagt.de

Folge dem Podcast auch auf diesen Kanälen:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Podcast/Auf-Deutsch-gesagt-Podcast-2244379965835103/

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/aufdeutschgesagt

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/aufdeutschgesagt

Zu allen Kursen:

Kurse - Auf Deutsch gesagt!

Fixe Geschichten jetzt kostenlos testen:

👉 https://auf-deutsch-gesagt.vercel.app/testen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMxTS7eKkNM Title: "Michael Levin: What Is The Field Of Diverse Intelligence (DI)? All Possible Intelligent Agents" CONNECT: - Website: https://tevinnaidu.com - Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution

- YouTube: https://youtube.com/mindbodysolution - Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtevinnaidu - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu ============================= Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.

Evolution doesn’t fix things — it reinvents them. Michael Levin, a biologist, explains. Esteemed biologist Michael Levin explores a captivating biological perspective of evolution — one that’s hard for engineers to come to terms with. In their work, making random changes to a system usually makes things worse, not better. But evolution, on the other hand, doesn't just produce specific solutions to specific challenges; instead, it creates what Levin calls "problem-solving machines." These machines are made up of hierarchical biological hardware with incredible adaptability, capable of tackling various challenges without assuming specific environmental conditions. Contrary to commonly held ideas about evolution, it doesn't just search for the best possible physical characteristics in organisms. It also uses signals and behaviors to shape how organisms function, so when things change or get damaged, the different parts of an organism can continue to function. From metabolic to physiological dilemmas, Levin highlights evolution’s remarkable ability to adapt.

-------------------- --------------11:08-25

-----------

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Michael Levin.

Michael Levin has a proven track-record of developing strategies and tactics for reducing compliance and ethics risks and has designed best-practice compliance programs for more than 100 companies.

Michael spent 10+ years overseeing Compliance and Ethics at Freddie Mac, leading a team of compliance professionals and corporate investigators, and setting the strategy to manage and mitigate Ethics, Culture and Conduct risk across the enterprise. This includes the Compliance Helpline, the Code of Conduct, employee trading controls, corporate investigations, and enterprise risk and compliance training. Levin was the founder of and also served as Secretary of Freddie Mac’s Conduct Risk Committee.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-levin-0a958a1/

Get My New Book, Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner, for Only $ 0.99! This week only: https://a.co/d/hi50U9U

David Deutsch offers his insights into the physics that will impact our future, challenging our new technologies, such as AGI and the development of synthetic humans, as depicted in movies. Join us for this fascinating discussion as we go INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

00:00:00 – 00:00:39 Could machines experience thoughts and sensations like humans?

00:00:45 – 00:01:46 Deutsch argues subjective experiences can arise from any system replicating brain-like processing.

00:01:47 – 00:02:25 We never experience the present moment directly but recall slightly delayed interpretations.

00:02:25 – 00:03:30 Deutsch views himself as software running on brain hardware, embodiment is mainly computational.

00:03:30 – 00:04:37 Loss of physical body parts doesn’t reduce personhood

00:04:43 – 00:07:13 Story of “lock-in” from horse’s width shaping space tech leads to analogy about AI hardware lock-in.

00:08:10 – 00:09:20 Lock-in may slow progress but creativity ensures no permanent limits.

00:09:20 – 00:12:15 Square roots and complex numbers naturally emerge in physics due to algebraic structures of reality.

00:12:15 – 00:13:31 Not all mathematical structures are worth exploring—only those relevant to solving physics problems.

00:13:31 – 00:17:00 Shift to memetics: persistence of anti-Jewish patterns is deeper than typical memes.

00:17:00 – 00:19:26 Pattern predates Christianity; it persists through cultural rationalizations, not simple hatred.

00:19:50 – 00:21:23 Discussion of life vs. death choices from Torah portion ties to Deutsch’s book on infinity

00:21:44 – 00:22:32 Humanity faces no upper or lower bounds—capable of infinite progress or catastrophic mistakes

00:23:36 – 00:24:21 Advice to young self-consider interference processes as a door to quantum computation

00:25:16 – 00:26:13 Deutsch admits past mistakes—initially misjudged multiverse explanations and free will

00:27:08 – 00:28:08 David redefines free will as the ability to create objectively new knowledge.

00:28:14 – 00:28:41 AGI programs will have free will once true AI is achieved.

00:29:02 – 00:29:18 Conclusion

--------------------------

Additional resources:

Get Dr. Brian Keating’s NEW Book for Only 0.99! This week only: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN8DH6SX?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Get David Deutsch’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Infinity-Explanations-Transform-World/dp/0143121359

Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/yt to win a meteorite 💥

--------------------------

Join this channel to get access to perks like monthly Office Hours:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw/join

📚 Get a copy of my books:

Think Like a Nobel Prize Winner, with life changing interviews with 9 Nobel Prizewinners: https://a.co/d/03ezQFu

My tell-all cosmic memoir Losing the Nobel Prize: http://amzn.to/2sa5UpA

The first-ever audiobook from Galileo: Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems: Ptolemaic and Copernican https://a.co/d/iZPi9Un

📺 Watch my most popular videos:📺

Neil Turok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt5cFLN65fI

Frank Wilczek https://youtu.be/3z8RqKMQHe0?sub_confirmation=1

Eric Weinstein vs. Stephen Wolfram https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI0AZ4Y4Ip4?sub_confirmation=1

Sir Roger Penrose: https://youtu.be/AMuqyAvX7Wo

Sabine Hossenfelder: https://youtu.be/g00ilS6tBvs

Avi Loeb: https://youtu.be/N9lUceHsLRw

Follow me to ask questions of my guests:

🏄‍♂️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating

🔔 Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1

📝 Join my mailing list; just click here http://briankeating.com/list

✍️ Detailed Blog posts here: https://briankeating.com/blog

🎙️ Listen on audio-only platforms: https://briankeating.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Hyde is a philosopher and polymath interested in the relationship between epistemology and aesthetics. He is developing Wonderism, a bold new book aiming to reconcile Enlightenment rationality with Romanticist sentiment. To wonder, both to think and to feel, to question and to marvel, lies at the heart of all human action. Wonderism explains both sides of this balance and sheds light on the relationships between knowledge and experience, reason and feeling, science and art. Tom has degrees in science and can be found on X at https://x.com/tomhyde_ and on Substack at https://tomhyde.substack.com/

Arjun Khemani is a content creator and fellow of Conjecture Institute. He is an 18-year-old high school dropout who launched and helped lead support at Naval Ravikant's Airchat. He is creating a documentary about our deepest theory of knowledge. In general, he works to spread optimism and fight the enemies of civilization. His Youtube channel can be found  @arjunkhemani  and can be followed on X at https://x.com/arjunkhemani

Sam Kuypers is a theoretical physicist who works on quantum information among other things and is a fellow of Conjecture Institute. To learn more about Sam's work see his blog https://substack.com/@samuelkuypers or scroll down to find Sam here at https://www.conjectureinstitute.org/

"Unlocking the Mysteries of Mind and Matter: Professor Michael Levin's Insights on The Dov Baron Show"

.

Introduction: In this episode of "The Dov Baron Show," we're once again stepping into a riveting exploration of the boundaries where science meets consciousness. Join us as Professor Michael Levin, a distinguished figure at the forefront of developmental biophysics and synthetic biology, unveils groundbreaking research that could revolutionize our understanding of life itself. . We'll pull back the curtain on regenerative medicine and examine the synthetic biology of novel life forms. Professor Levin's work at Tufts University and Harvard's Weiss Institute challenges our conventional views on biology and technology. . Prepare to expand your perception of reality in this mind-bending journey into quantum effects.

Join us on "The Dov Baron Show" as we unravel these profound insights with Professor Michael Levin, challenging what we know about life, intelligence, and the very fabric of reality.

.

Key Learnings:

The Essence of Curiosity: Understand why curiosity is not just beneficial but essential in today's complex world, helping us navigate immense social and scientific challenges.

Science vs. Dogma: Explore the tension between established scientific paradigies and the openness required for innovative breakthroughs.

.

The Inertia of Ideas: Learn about the systemic inertia that often prevents new scientific ideas from being accepted and how it compares to religious dogmatism.

.

Redefining Intelligence: Discover a broader, more inclusive definition of intelligence that goes beyond human capacities and encompasses a wide range of life forms.

.

Problem Solving Across Species: Examine how different organisms and systems solve problems and adapt to their environments, redefining our concepts of intelligence.

.

The Role of Autonomy in Intelligence: Delve into how autonomy and problem-solving capabilities contribute to our understanding of intelligence across various domains.

.

Scientific Methodology in Questioning Beliefs: Learn the importance of establishing clear criteria for changing one's scientific or personal viewpoints, promoting a more dynamic and flexible approach to knowledge.

.

-------------

Titled: "CREATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING."

The course is divided into eight sections, each of which will guide you through exactly how to create a culture of belonging.

.

Because: CREATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING MAXIMIZES PERSONAL AND CORPORATE SUCCESS.

Get Ready to strap on the tanks and Dive Deep into, What it Takes to Create a Culture of Belonging in your organization!

Curious to know more? coursifyx.com/belonging

.

"Those Who Control Meaning for The Tribe, Also Control The Movement of That Tribe"

#leadership

#leadershipdevelopment

#emotionsourcecode

#neuroscience

#emotional

#meaning

#emotional

#logic

#culture

Connect with Dov Baron:

• https://DovBaron.com
• dov@dovbaron.com

Rate, review, and send this episode to the most thoughtful builder you know. That is how the algorithm finds the people who still ask why.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Unveiling the Alchemy of Consciousness with Professor Michael Levin on The Dov Baron Show"

Introduction: Tune in to this episode of "The Dov Baron Show" for a journey that challenges the very foundations of what you believe about mind, body, and the potential of human consciousness. We're diving into the second part of our enlightening conversation with Professor Michael Levin. A distinguished professor at Tufts University and a pioneer in developmental biophysics and cognitive science. . Professor Levin brings us closer to understanding the interplay between genetic intelligence and consciousness. From the mysteries of cellular intelligence to the transformative potential of collective consciousness, prepare to rethink everything you know about your own mind and body.

.

Key Learnings:

Expanding the Definition of Intelligence: Explore the intelligence embedded within our genetic architecture, revealing how cells and genes respond adaptively to external cues.

.

Consciousness vs. Intelligence: What's the distinction between consciousness and intelligence, emphasizing consciousness as a deeply personal, first-person experience that transcends empirical study.

.

The Impact of Epigenetics: Understand the significant role of epigenetics in shaping our genetic expression and responses, highlighting the dynamic interaction between our genes and environmental factors.

.

Collective Intelligence of Cells: Discover how the collective intelligence of cells contributes to the emergent properties of consciousness and how individual cells contribute to our unified sense of self.

.

Harnessing Cellular Memory: Learn about the remarkable ability of gene regulatory networks to exhibit memory and learning, akin to Pavlovian conditioning, which has profound implications for medical science.

.

The Alchemy of Consciousness: Reflect on consciousness as an alchemical process that transforms us, driven by curiosity and the willingness to explore the uncomfortable or unknown.

.

Pharmacology and Conscious Influence: Consider the future role of pharmacology not just as symptom management but as an interface for profound physiological and psychological changes.

.

Philosophical and Practical Implications: Engage with thought-provoking philosophical discussions on the nature of consciousness, its relationship with physical health, and the evolution of medicine to embrace these complex interactions.

.

.

-------------

Titled: "CREATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING."

The course is divided into eight sections, each of which will guide you through exactly how to create a culture of belonging.

.

Because: CREATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING MAXIMIZES PERSONAL AND CORPORATE SUCCESS.

Get Ready to strap on the tanks and Dive Deep into, What it Takes to Create a Culture of Belonging in your organization!

Are you curious to know more? coursifyx.com/belonging

.

"Those Who Control Meaning for The Tribe, Also Control The Movement of That Tribe"

#leadership

#leadershipdevelopment

#emotionsourcecode

#neuroscience

#emotional

#meaning

#emotional

#logic

#culture

Connect with Dov Baron:

• https://DovBaron.com
• dov@dovbaron.com

Rate, review, and send this episode to the most thoughtful builder you know. That is how the algorithm finds the people who still ask why.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr Michael Levin, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Tufts University, joins Nathan to discuss embodied minds, his research into limb regeneration and collective intelligence, cognitive light cones, and much more. Michael and the Levin Lab work at the intersection of biology, artificial life, bioengineering, synthetic morphology, and cognitive science.

LINKS:

The Levin Lab and Dr. Michael Levin’s research: https://drmichaellevin.org/resources/

Dr Michael Levin’s blog: https://thoughtforms.life/about/

Tufts University Faculty Profile: https://as.tufts.edu/biology/people/faculty/michael-levin

Michael Levin @ Wyss Institute: https://wyss.harvard.edu/team/associate-faculty/michael-levin-ph-d/

Dr. Levin’s Research on Limb Regeneration: https://news.uchicago.edu/how-bioelectricity-could-regrow-limbs-and-organs

SPONSORS:

The Brave search API can be used to assemble a data set to train your AI models and help with retrieval augmentation at the time of inference. All while remaining affordable with developer first pricing, integrating the Brave search API into your workflow translates to more ethical data sourcing and more human representative data sets. Try the Brave search API for free for up to 2000 queries per month at https://brave.com/api

Omneky is an omnichannel creative generation platform that lets you launch hundreds of thousands of ad iterations that actually work customized across all platforms, with a click of a button. Omneky combines generative AI and real-time advertising data. Mention "Cog Rev" for 10% off www.omneky.com

NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you're looking for an ERP platform ✅ head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/cognitive and download your own customized KPI checklist.

X/SOCIAL

@labenz (Nathan)

@drmichaellevin (Michael)

@CogRev_Podcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) Preview

(01:07) Intro and summary

(05:40) Xenobots, anthrobots and the other creatures created by Mike Levin

(09:39) Bioelectric memory rewriting

(15:01) Sponsor | BraveSearch API

(16:09) The difficulty of conducting simulations, which involve running forward passes to predict and alter electrical patterns

(20:30) The concept of backpropagation and mode switching in AI models

(23:06) Why humans do not regenerate their limbs

(37:10) Sponsor | Netsuite

(39:40) Learning from small and biological systems onto the concept of possible emergence

(45:16) The criticality of multiple scale questions and would a single scale?

(55:49) The concept of the cognitive light cone

(59:43) Advice on habits of mind and suggestions for inspiration on the AI side

(1:13:36) Mike's suggested directions for the AI developers

(1:24:49) Wrap & Sponsor | Omneky

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Levin, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Tufts University, joins Nathan Labenz of The Cognitive Revolution Podcast to discuss embodied minds, his research into limb regeneration and collective intelligence, cognitive light cones, and much more. Dr. Levin and the Levin Lab work at the intersection of biology, artificial life, bioengineering, synthetic morphology, and cognitive science.

Nathan just recorded a second episode with Michael Levin and Leo Pio Lopez here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PsvToTZVtZkdTemV6ntUk?si=85e4614f079a4fcd 

—

📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 

—

RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 

🎙️The Cognitive Revolution Podcast

The Cognitive Revolution is a podcast about AI where hosts Nathan Labenz and Erik Torenberg interview the builders on the edge of AI and explore the dramatic shift it will unlock over the next decades. 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yHyok3M3BjqzR0VB5MSyk?si=7357ec31ac424043  

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cognitive-revolution-ai-builders-researchers-and/id1669813431  

—

SPONSORS:

🎙️ Dealcraft | Insights from Great Negotiators

is the brand new weekly podcast that features interviews with world’s greatest dealmakers and diplomats, including Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman, and music industry super-lawyer John Branca, on their most challenging negotiations. Each episode, host Jim Sebenius (Harvard Business School professor and renowned negotiation expert) relates fascinating deal stories and distills useful insights for listeners to apply in their toughest deals and disputes.

Subscribe on all platofrms: https://link.chtbl.com/3CG3TbHY?sid=Turpentine

📝 Notion offers powerful workflow and automation templates, perfect for streamlining processes and laying the groundwork for AI-driven automation. With Notion AI, you can search across thousands of documents from various platforms, generating highly relevant analysis and content tailored just for you - try it for free at notion.com/upstreampod 

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

—

LINKS:

The Levin Lab and Dr. Michael Levin’s research: https://drmichaellevin.org/resources/ 

Dr Michael Levin’s blog: https://thoughtforms.life/about/ 

Tufts University Faculty Profile: https://as.tufts.edu/biology/people/faculty/michael-levin 

Michael Levin @ Wyss Institute: https://wyss.harvard.edu/team/associate-faculty/michael-levin-ph-d/ 

Dr. Levin’s Research on Limb Regeneration: https://news.uchicago.edu/how-bioelectricity-could-regrow-limbs-and-organs 

—

X / TWITTER:

@labenz (Nathan)

@drmichaellevin (Michael)

@CogRev_Podcast

@TurpentineMedia

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(04:50) Xenobots, anthrobots and the other creatures created by Mike Levin

(08:50) Bioelectric memory rewriting

(14:09) Sponsors: Dealcraft | Notion

(16:17) The difficulty of conducting simulations, which involve running forward passes to predict and alter electrical patterns

(20:38) The concept of backpropagation and mode switching in AI models

(23:12) Why humans do not regenerate their limbs

(37:10) Sponsor: Squad

(38:19) Learning from small and biological systems onto the concept of possible emergence

(45:01) The criticality of multiple scale questions and would a single scale?

(55:40) The concept of the cognitive light cone

(59:34) Advice on habits of mind and suggestions for inspiration on the AI side

(1:13:19) Mike's suggested directions for the AI developers

(1:23:41) Wrap

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science.

FOLLOW: Substack | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter

- Crypto: https://nowpayments.io/donation/TOE

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Ruffian’s podcast we discuss what is possibly the single most important event in human history: the Industrial Revolution. If you look at all the economic data before (very roughly) 1780-1840, you see flat lines. Afterwards, everything starts going up, and continually. It's not just GDP - human welfare is transformed. Human became much more numerous and at the same time much richer, longer lived, and healthier.

The Industrial Revolution wasn't just about coal and steel and factories. More fundamentally, it was the moment we learned how to continually get more value out of the same or fewer resources. The discovery of productivity growth transformed the human condition.

But there are big unsolved questions about the origins of this transformation. Why did it happen at that time and not earlier? Even more puzzlingly, why did it happen first in Britain, and not, say, France, or the Netherlands, or China? Historians have debated these questions for decades. Some point to material factors like the price of labour and natural resources; others think that culture was more important. My guest leans toward the latter explanation, although as you’ll see, he has his own particular take on it.Anton Howes is an historian of innovation who is currently writing a book on the Industrial Revolution's origins based on his deep research into the leading inventors and entrepreneurs of the era. He has a popular Substack called The Age of Invention in which he shares some of the amazing stories he has uncovered. I’m delighted to have him on the show.This is part one of our conversation, in which we discuss Anton’s idea of “the improving mentality”, the mindset that he sees as underpinning the Industrial Revolution, and why it became widespread in Britain first of all. In part two, for paid subscribers only, we discuss why most of the action took place in the north of England rather than in London.Enjoy!

In this episode, Stan interviews Keith Rabois, an esteemed entrepreneur and venture capitalist known for his pivotal role in companies like PayPal, Square, and LinkedIn. Keith discusses the crucial role of persuasion in scaling a company, sharing stories from his early entrepreneurial days and providing valuable advice for startups on raising capital and negotiation. Keith delves into his philosophy of negotiation, the art of hiring relentlessly resourceful talent, managing employee motivation, and the importance of clarity in negotiations. The conversation also explores Keith's approach to investing, emphasizing the need for founders to possess persuasive skills, and highlights memorable pitches from companies like Airbnb. Keith offers practical advice for those looking to break into startups or secure meetings with influential figures. This rich dialogue is filled with actionable insights and real-world examples that aspiring entrepreneurs and investors will find invaluable.

00:00 The Importance of Persuasion in Scaling a Company

00:25 Introducing Keith Rabois: Entrepreneur and Investor

01:16 Keith's Negotiation Philosophy and Tactics

05:03 Lessons from PayPal and Other Early Ventures

10:13 Recruiting and Identifying Talent

14:05 Management and Employee Motivation

20:22 Transitioning to an Investor Role

23:16 The Path to CEO: Sales vs. Technical Founders

24:23 The Art of Persuasive Pitches: Lessons from Airbnb

27:14 Evaluating Teams: The CEO's Role

28:33 Friends and Family in Business: Risks and Rewards

32:03 Navigating Leadership Conflicts: Lessons from PayPal

34:39 Measuring Inputs vs. Outputs: Risk and Persuasion

36:28 Career-Changing Persuasion: From Law to Tech

40:08 Getting Noticed: How to Pitch to Investors

41:26 Persistence Pays Off: Breaking into Startups

42:16 Long-Term Relationships in Business

43:30 Full Circle: A Fun Anecdote

44:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Host Stan Christensen has spent his career working as a professional negotiator in a variety of arenas. He has also taught a popular course on negotiation at Stanford University for over twenty years.

#Negotiation #keithrabois #stanchristensen

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science.

FOLLOW: Substack | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that President Donald Trump is back in America’s driving seat, his plan to slash spending, particularly to foreign countries, is moving ahead practically unencumbered. The United States Agency for International Development aka USAID now sits squarely in the crosshairs of MAGA, with questions like; “Where is our money going?”, “How does this help America?” and “Why weren’t we told about this?” being shouted rather than whispered. Conversely, there are those who wholly support USAID and say the influence it affords the US is invaluable.

Piers Morgan dives deeply into this issue, joined by Harvard mathematician and physicist Dr Eric Weinstein. former USAID head and national security adviser to Donald Trump, Ambassador John Bolton, commentator and Babylon Bee contributor Ashley St Clair and Sunday Times columnist Matthew Syed.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Rubin of "The Rubin Report" talks to Eric Weinstein about the potential rise of Generation X in leadership roles; how influential figures like Elon Musk could signal Gen X's long-awaited moment; why he remains skeptical about his generation's ability to seize this opportunity; the dangers of aligning with political cults of personality around Donald Trump and Elon Musk; his critique of both the left and right for tolerating extremism; his cautious optimism about the high risks and rewards of today's political and technological landscape; and much more.

#RubinReport #EricWeinstein #MAGA #Trump #ElonMusk #extremism #GenX #ARC #daverubin

-----------------------------------------------

Reserve your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Best of Our Inheritance.

Pre-Order open until March 14, 2025:

Link to book: https://www.arcforum.com/store/p/the-best-of-our-inheritance-arc-research

YouTube - @arc_conference

Twitter - @arc_forum

IG - @arc_forum

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Billionaire investor and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel sits down with Jordan Peterson for a powerful conversation about why real progress has stalled. Thiel argues that the last truly groundbreaking achievement may have been landing on the moon—and since then, we've slowed down. He explains how fear, red tape, and over-specialization have made us more cautious and less ambitious.

They dig into how society has shifted away from building and inventing, toward digital distractions and endless talk. They also explore what’s been lost as faith and meaning have disappeared from public life. From broken universities to status-driven culture wars, this is a deep and thought-provoking look at the challenges facing the West—and what we might do to turn things around.

Peter Thiel is a German-born entrepreneur, venture capitalist, activist, and billionaire who emigrated to the U.S. as a child, eventually settling in California after years of moving between countries. A Stanford Law graduate, he began his career as a clerk and derivatives trader before founding Thiel Capital with $1 million from friends and family. Despite early setbacks, he co-founded Confinity, which became PayPal, launching a streak of ventures including Palantir, Clarium Capital, and early investment in Facebook. Thiel is an openly gay supporter of the Republican party, advocating for both equal rights and certain conservative policies, making his political stance admirably nuanced.

This episode was filmed on March 31st, 2025.

| Links |

For Peter Thiel:

X https://x.com/peterthiel?lang=en

Read “Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future” https://a.co/d/fAfeXm8 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peter Thiel is an entrepreneur and investor. He is the co-founder and former CEO of PayPal, started in 1998, redefining the world of secure and fast e-commerce. Shortly thereafter, Thiel was the first outside investor in Facebook in 2004. Additionally, he co-founded Founders Fund, which has backed transformative companies like SpaceX and Airbnb, With a background in law and finance, Thiel has consistently championed innovation, whether through his venture capital firm, Thiel Capital, or the Thiel Fellowship, which provides $100,000 grants to young entrepreneurs who have a vision for a new product. Known for his contrarian thinking, Thiel is also the author of #1 New York Times bestselling book, Zero to One, which challenges conventional ideas about innovation and offers optimistic insight into future progress. 

------

Thank you to the sponsors that fuel our podcast and our team:

Vivo Barefoot

http://vivobarefoot.com/tetra

Use code 'TETRA25'

------

LMNT Electrolytes

https://drinklmnt.com/tetra

Use code 'TETRA'

------

Athletic Nicotine

https://www.athleticnicotine.com/tetra

Use code 'TETRA'

------

Squarespace

https://squarespace.com/tetra

Use code 'TETRA'

------

Sign up to receive Tetragrammaton Transmissions

https://www.tetragrammaton.com/join-newsletter

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited.

The episode features segments from episode #691 "Nassim Nicholas Taleb & Scott Patterson — How Traders Make Billions in The New Age of Crisis, Defending Against Silent Risks, Personal Independence, Skepticism Where It (Really) Counts, The Bishop and The Economist, and Much More" and #639 "Todd McFarlane, Legendary Comic Book Artist — How to Make Iconic Art, Reinvent Spider-Man, Live Life on Your Own Terms, and Meet Every Deadline."

Please enjoy!

Sponsors:

Momentous high-quality supplements: https://livemomentous.com/tim (code TIM for 20% off)

Eight Sleep’s Pod 4 Ultra sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: https://eightsleep.com/tim (save $350 on the Pod 4 Ultra)

LMNT electrolyte supplement: https://drinklmnt.com/Tim (free LMNT sample pack with any drink mix purchase)

Timestamps:

[00:00] Start

[04:51] Notes about this supercombo format.

[05:54] Enter Nassim Nicholas Taleb and Scott Patterson.

[06:32] The joy of writing a preemptive resignation letter.

[07:13] Developing resilience against criticism.

[10:04] Nassim: contrarian, or simply independent?

[12:27] Jiving with skeptical turkeys.

[17:21] Persisting through the polycrisis.

[19:18] Introducing the precautionary principle.

[21:37] Nassim's preferred legacy.

[23:50] Precautionary principle 101.

[25:14] Fat tails, thin tails, the COVID vaccine, and GMOs.

[32:51] Enter Todd McFarlane.

[33:21] Baseball.

[38:46] Rejection letters.

[42:38] Compelling storytelling and meeting deadlines.

[45:46] Deadlines pre-Internet vs. deadlines today.

[48:36] How industry status quo led to the founding of Image Comic Books.

[1:00:30] The Comics Code and the last straw.

[1:06:52] The Marvel Dream Team exodus.

[1:25:13] How is Todd's camel bladder a competitive advantage?

[1:31:02] Career bouncing and double-shifting as a penciler and inker.

[1:49:08] The happy accident of Venom.

[1:55:46] De-Rockwelling the company icon and inventing "spaghetti webbing."

[2:03:31] Bucking the status quo to become the status quo.

[2:07:13] Parting thoughts and a promise for round two.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss 

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferriss

Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, Margaret Atwood, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Dr. Gabor Maté, Anne Lamott, Sarah Silverman, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and many more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with Alex O’Connor and Richard Dawkins to discuss their differences of view on the Abrahamic biblical texts, truth claims in science and fiction, the extension of memes through Jungian archetypes, and the memetical reality of dragons.

This episode was filmed on September 30th, 2024

Richard Dawkins is a British evolutionary biologist, zoologist, science communicator, and bestselling author of books such as “The Selfish Gene,” and “The Genetic Book of the Dead.”

Alex O'Connor is a philosophy-oriented YouTuber, podcaster, and public speaker. He graduated in 2021 from St. John's College, Oxford University, with a BA in philosophy and theology. In 2023, he launched the “Within Reason” podcast, which has featured guests including Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Slavoj Žižek, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Rory Stewart, amongst others.

| Links |

For Richard Dawkins:

On X https://x.com/RichardDawkins?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@poetryofreality

The Genetic Book of the Dead (New book) https://www.amazon.com/Genetic-Book-Dead-Darwinian-Reverie/dp/0300278098

For Alex O’Connor:

On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicSkeptic

On X https://x.com/CosmicSkeptic?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s something of a policy revolution afoot: As of March, more than a dozen states — including California, Florida and Ohio — have passed bills or adopted policies that aim to limit cellphone usage at school. More are expected to follow.

Jonathan Haidt is the leader of this particular insurgency. “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” his book exploring the decline of the “play-based childhood” and the rise of the “phone-based childhood,” has been on the New York Times best-seller list for a year. It feels, to me, like we’re finally figuring out a reasonable approach to smartphones and social media and kids … just in time for that approach to be deranged by the question of A.I. and kids, which no one is really prepared for.

So I wanted to have Haidt on the show to talk through both of those topics, and the questions we often ignore beneath them: What is childhood for? What are parents for? What do human beings need in order to flourish? You know, the small stuff.

Haidt is a professor at New York University Stern School of Business and the author of “The Righteous Mind” and “The Coddling of the American Mind” (with Greg Lukianoff). His newsletter is called After Babel.

This episode contains strong language.

Mentioned:

“She Fell in Love With ChatGPT. Like, Actual Love. With Sex.” by The Daily

Book Recommendations:

The Stoic Challenge by William B. Irvine

Deep Work by Cal Newport

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.

You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.

This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Jack McCordick. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Mixing by Isaac Jones, with Efim Shapiro and Aman Sahota. Our executive editor is Claire Gordon. The show’s production team also includes Michelle Harris, Rollin Hu, Elias Isquith and Kristin Lin. Original music by Pat McCusker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

This episode was initially recorded before a live audience in 2018. Erik Torenberg talks with Naval Ravikant and Balaji Srinivasan about the history of money and centralization and why crypto has the potential to fulfill the promise of the internet. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

Balaji Srinivasan is a founder, investor, and author of The Network State.

Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Angellist.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812

-

ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITH

Keeping econ entertaining - Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1696419056

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6q7Gn5lP8TTtBPuV1NJSGs

--

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

--

SPONSORS:

🧲 Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine (and make sure to mention Turpentine VC during your demo.)

💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

--

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #97 "Naval Ravikant — The Person I Call Most for Startup Advice" and episode #341 "Nick Kokonas — How to Apply World-Class Creativity to Business, Art, and Life."

Please enjoy!

Sponsors:

Eight Sleep’s Pod 4 Ultra sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: https://eightsleep.com/tim (save $350 on the Pod 4 Ultra)

Momentous high-quality supplements: https://livemomentous.com/tim (code TIM for 20% off)

LinkedIn Jobs recruitment platform with 1B+ users: https://linkedin.com/tim (post your job for free)

Timestamps:

[00:00] Start

[04:34] Notes about this supercombo format.

[05:53] Enter Naval Ravikant.

[06:05] On uncompromising honesty.

[08:05] What Naval looks for when deciding to invest in a founder.

[11:03] Recommended reading from outside the startup world.

[18:38] Who Naval considers successful.

[21:02] Cultivating non-judgmental awareness.

[26:08] How to replace bad habits with good habits.

[29:31] Naval's advice for his younger self.

[32:01] Naval's billboard.

[35:46] Enter Nick Kokonas.

[36:05] Is pressure Nick's default setting, or are perceived risks an illusion?

[36:55] How do behavioral economics and Richard Thaler influence Nick's approach?

[41:38] Nick's transition from philosophy to finance; was philosophy an asset?

[42:43] Why Nick's professor gave him shorter assignments than classmates.

[44:57] Nick's introduction to trading; dumbing down academics for clerk job.

[46:42] Why philosophy majors often become traders.

[47:19] Why Nick is glad he didn't pursue an MBA in 1992.

[48:41] Why Nick thinks his professor singled him out from his peers.

[52:52] Recommended books for aspiring entrepreneurs without philosophy background.

[57:31] Did being a Merc clerk meet Nick's expectations?

[1:00:02] How Nick followed his father's entrepreneurial model in trading.

[1:04:38] Why Nick left his mentor after a year to start his own company.

[1:05:41] How Nick and employees trained to quicken mental agility for trading.

[1:08:17] The moment Nick realized he could thrive in trading.

[1:09:02] Recommended resources for becoming a better investor.

[1:11:22] Nick seeks out "high, small hoops" for investment risks.

[1:14:00] Do businesses fail due to difficult model or lack of due diligence?

[1:16:55] When and why Nick decided to enter the restaurant business.

[1:18:26] The dinner leading to Nick and Grant Achatz's partnership.

[1:27:52] Why Nick chose to open a restaurant out of many risky options.

[1:30:33] How Nick spots talent early that others notice late.

[1:34:07] Questioning restaurant conventions like candles and white tablecloths.

[1:37:09] A now-famous chef was Alinea's first customer.

[1:38:03] Nick and Grant wouldn't let designers override their ideas.

[1:38:47] How Nick contributed effectively as a restaurant industry newcomer.

[1:14:19] Why Nick was "horrified" when Alinea won Best Restaurant in 2006.

[1:43:50] Grant's cancer diagnosis; writing a book and revolutionizing reservations.

[1:45:28] Traditional restaurant reservation systems and Nick's improvements.

[1:57:17] Bickering at press dinner; avoiding Next becoming "Disneyland of cuisine."

[2:02:14] Reservation software problems; variable pricing based on day of week.

[2:05:48] The moment Nick realized "This is the best thing I've ever built."

[2:07:41] Why the reservation system's rewards were worth the asymmetric risks.

[2:10:16] Using Marimekko charts to visualize restaurant and sponsorship data.

[2:16:57] The next industry Nick wants to disrupt: truffles.

[2:18:55] Illuminating black boxes.

[2:26:24] Self-selection of job roles; how Nick's hiring process has changed.

[2:32:01] Systems Nick uses to cope with a lot of email.

[2:37:43] Importance of engaging on social media, even if unable to respond to all.

[2:39:35] What "puzzle" filters and mini-hurdles in correspondence accomplish.

[2:40:36] Comparing similarities between the music and publishing industries.

[2:49:55] The agency problem as another black box.

[2:54:58] The Hembergers, The Alinea Project, and the upcoming independent Aviary Book.

[3:01:42] A brief discussion about cocktails.

[3:05:42] Books Nick has gifted most and how he personalizes gifts.

[3:08:10] Nick's billboard.

[3:09:49] Parting thoughts.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss 

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferriss

Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, Margaret Atwood, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Dr. Gabor Maté, Anne Lamott, Sarah Silverman, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and many more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Naval Ravikant, Scott Adams

Aaron Stupple (@astupple) is the author of The Sovereign Child: How a Forgotten Philosophy Can Liberate Kids and Their Parents. Naval Ravikant (@naval) is the co-founder of AngelList. He has invested in more than 100 companies, including many mega-successes, such as Twitter, Uber, Notion, Opendoor, Postmates, and Wish.

Stick around after the end of our three-person conversation to listen to an exclusive bonus segment that Naval and Aaron recorded with extra practical tips, as well as incremental, day-to-day experiments you can test and apply. It’s super tactical, so you won’t want to miss it. It begins at 02:17:01.

Sponsors:

Sundays for Dogs ultra-high-quality dog food: https://sundaysfordogs.com/tim (save 50% on your first order)

Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic broad spectrum 24-strain probiotic + prebiotic: https://Seed.com/Tim (Use code 25TIM for 25% off your first month's supply)

ShipStation shipping software: https://www.shipstation.com/tim (60-day free trial!)

Timestamps:

[00:00] Coming up in this episode

[08:40] Who is Aaron, and what makes him qualified to dispense parenting advice?

[13:44] Taking Children Seriously (TCS) and The Sovereign Child philosophies.

[17:49] The David Deutsch influence on these tenets.

[22:57] Supporting evidence and long-term case studies.

[27:17] Ways Naval and Aaron have incorporated these philosophies into their own parenting.

[31:13] How rules work while parenting for freedom-maximizing.

[37:42] Why building knowledge beats coercion.

[43:41] Non-negotiables.

[46:35] Is this method of parenting only accessible to the educated elite?

[50:05] Handling sibling conflict.

[54:41] How do freedom-maximized kids adapt to an adulthood of endless societal rules?

[58:55] When kids present counter-accountability.

[01:00:41] One tool does not fix all.

[01:03:52] Putting mistakes to good use.

[01:08:00] Homeschooling, unschooling, and socialization challenges.

[01:15:56] Building resilience.

[01:20:23] Coping with food and drink cravings.

[01:25:54] Avoiding the terminology of confirmation bias.

[01:31:37] Sports.

[01:35:09] Organically cultivating interests.

[01:38:11] The pros and cons of traditional schooling.

[01:47:24] Parental disagreements and avoiding hypocrisy.

[01:57:18] Four categories of harm that come from rules.

[02:00:38] The benefits of optional constraints.

[02:05:32] Body Electric.

[02:07:03] Things you should know before visiting the emergency room.

[02:13:18] A hierarchy of knowledge and lessons learned from this conversation.

[02:17:19] Tactics for addressing sibling (and spousal) conflict.

[02:19:47] Tactics to foster learning.

[02:22:54] The best baby (and adult) sitter.

[02:26:07] Parenting into the teen years.

[02:27:54] Tactics for forming good sleep habits.

[02:31:20] Tactics for encouraging good eating habits.

[02:37:34] Tactics for freedom-maximizing.

[02:42:56] Tactics for minimizing screen and social media obsession.

[02:55:29] Too cool for rules.

[03:00:14] All information is subject to challenge.

[03:03:10] Happiness and creativity cannot be forced.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss 

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferriss

Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, Margaret Atwood, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Dr. Gabor Maté, Anne Lamott, Sarah Silverman, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and many more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandon Sanderson is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Stormlight Archive series and the Mistborn saga; the middle-grade series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians; and the young-adult novels The Rithmatist, the Reckoners trilogy, and the Skyward series. He has sold more than 40 million books in 35 languages, and he is a four-time nominee for the Hugo Awards, winning in 2013 for his novella The Emperor’s Soul.

Sponsors:

Cresset prestigious family office for CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs: https://cressetcapital.com/tim (book a call today)

Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic broad spectrum 24-strain probiotic + prebiotic: https://Seed.com/Tim (Use code 25TIM for 25% off your first month's supply)

Wealthfront high-yield cash account: https://Wealthfront.com/Tim 

New clients get 3.30% base APY from program banks + additional  0.75% boost for 3 months on your uninvested cash (max $150k balance). Terms and conditions apply. The Cash Account offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC (“WFB”) member FINRA/SIPC, not a bank. The base APY as of 1/30/26 is representative, can change, and requires no minimum. Tim Ferriss, a non-client, receives compensation from WFB for advertising and holds a non-controlling equity interest in the corporate parent of WFB, which creates a conflict of interest.  Individual experiences and outcomes will differ. Instant withdrawals may be limited by your receiving firm and other factors. Investment advisory services provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments: not bank deposits, not bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value.

*

Timestamps:

00:00 Meet Brandon Sanderson

07:10 Soundcheck Fun and Memory Skills

11:21 Brandon's Writing Journey and Creative Process

25:35 Teaching Creative Writing and Publishing Insights

38:08 Brandon's Early Reading Experience

44:18 Discovering the Magic of Storytelling

45:32 A Journey from C Student to A Student

47:02 The Influence of a Great Teacher

48:51 Understanding Narrative and Plot

56:42 The Art of Character Development

01:09:42 Balancing Writing and Personal Life

01:24:04 Meeting Editors and Early Struggles

01:24:30 First Book Sale and Financial Realities

01:25:28 The Danger of the Second Book

01:25:49 Hitting the Bestseller List

01:26:34 Amazon and the Changing Market

01:29:03 Entrepreneurial Shift and Direct Sales

01:36:45 Building a Team and Crowdfunding

01:42:50 Kickstarter Success and Lessons Learned

01:52:22 COVID and Creative Freedom

02:02:53 Brandon Sanderson's Colbert Report Cameo

02:03:48 Kickstarter Success and Subscription Boxes

02:09:01 Test Readers and Feedback Process

02:14:16 Warbreaker and Creative Commons Experiment

02:22:50 Navigating Publishing Deals and Platforms

02:33:26 The Wheel of Time Opportunity

02:42:36 The Call to Finish The Wheel of Time

02:43:10 Negotiating the Deal

02:43:56 The Struggles of Mistborn

02:45:02 The Cosmere and Building an Audience

02:48:25 The Death Spiral in Publishing

02:52:29 Magic Systems and Their Importance

03:00:39 Sanderson's Three Laws of Magic

03:14:35 The Zero Law and Final Thoughts

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss 

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferriss

Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, Margaret Atwood, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Dr. Gabor Maté, Anne Lamott, Sarah Silverman, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and many more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Youtube link: https://youtube.com/live/QYQcC3pz_fI

Support the show

We discuss the hierarchy of the sciences, Fermat's Last Theorem, woke physicists, and Jew-hatred among many other fascinating topics.

David's website: https://www.daviddeutsch.org.uk

_______________________________________

If you appreciate my work and would like to support it:

https://subscribestar.com/the-saad-truth

https://patreon.com/GadSaad

https://paypal.me/GadSaad

To subscribe to my exclusive content on Twitter, please visit my bio at https://twitter.com/GadSaad

_______________________________________

This clip was posted on November 11, 2024 on my YouTube channel as THE SAAD TRUTH_1763: https://youtu.be/ZcPExkCWzRM

_______________________________________

Please visit my website gadsaad.com, and sign up for alerts. If you appreciate my content, click on the "Support My Work" button. I count on my fans to support my efforts. You can donate via Patreon, PayPal, and/or SubscribeStar.

_______________________________________

Dr. Gad Saad is a professor, evolutionary behavioral scientist, and author who pioneered the use of evolutionary psychology in marketing and consumer behavior. In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Saad is a leading public intellectual who often writes and speaks about idea pathogens that are destroying logic, science, reason, and common sense. 

_______________________________________

David Deutsch is one of the most creative scientific thinkers working today, who has as a goal to understand and explain the natural world as best we can. He was a pioneer in quantum computing, and has long been an advocate of the Everett interpretation of quantum theory. He is also the inventor of constructor theory, a new way of conceptualizing physics and science more broadly. But he also has a strong interest in philosophy and epistemology, championing a Popperian explanation-based approach over a rival Bayesian epistemology. We talk about all of these things and more, including his recent work on the Popper-Miller theorem, which specifies limitations on inductive approaches to knowledge and probability.

Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2023/10/16/253-david-deutsch-on-science-complexity-and-explanation/

Support Mindscape on Patreon.

David Deutsch received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Oxford. He is currently a visiting professor in the Department of Atomic and Laser Physics at Oxford. He is a pioneer in quantum computation as well as initiating constructor theory. His books include The Fabric of Reality and The Beginning of Infinity. Among his awards including the Dirac Prize, the Dirac Medal, the Edge of Computation Science Prize, the Isaac Newton Medal, the Breakthrough Physics Prize, and a Royal Society Fellowship.

• Web site
• Oxford web page
• Google Scholar publications
• Amazon author page
• Wikipedia
• TED talk: After Billions of Years of Monotony, the Universe is Waking Up

David Deutsch is a British physicist at the University of Oxford. He is a visiting professor in the Department of Atomic and Laser Physics at the Centre for Quantum Computation in the Clarendon Laboratory of the University of Oxford. (Wikipedia.)

Buy David Deutsch's book, The Beginning of Infinity

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am honored to have New York Times columnist Ross Douthat on the podcast to talk about his new book Believe: Why Everyone Should be Religious.

I’ve always seen atheism as my first intellectual position. Upon learning that many Christian doctrines declare that non-believers go to hell and are tortured for all eternity, I decided I needed to look into whether their claims were true and came to the conclusion that they most certainly weren’t.

Yet I don’t completely dismiss the idea that something beyond the natural world might be out there. Bentham’s Bulldog writes pieces on theism and makes arguments that I’m unsure how to think about but don’t strike me as obvious nonsense. A 2020 survey showed that 19% of philosophers leaned towards theism, so it’s not like the position is akin to anti-vaxx or young earth creationism, where none of the trained experts take the claims involved seriously. The fact that people just as smart as me have thought longer and harder about the subject and arrived at the position that God exists is enough to give me perhaps a bit of doubt about my atheism.

Debates around theism strike me as similar to those about AI doom. I can develop strong opinions on topics when there is empirical data we can bring to a question. So I have confident views on the best economic system, the role of heredity in determining cognitive and personality outcomes, what causes some voters to support Donald Trump, and whether humans have seen a major increase in living standards over the course of history. When it comes to speculation, trying to follow chains of reasoning, and arguments derived from analogies and thought experiments – which I think is most of what we have in debates over theism and AI doom – I don’t trust myself or other people to be able to do any of this well.

Douthat is someone whose political and cultural writings I’ve always found interesting, so I decided to give his new book a try. Believe focuses mostly on attempting to convince the reader that there is something out there beyond material reality, with only the last chapter making the case for Christianity. I found myself dividing the arguments into a few baskets. The best arguments for theism I think rest on fine-tuning and the mystery of consciousness. I found the supposed evidence for the existence of the supernatural – miracles, demons, the power of prayer, near-death experiences, etc. – less compelling. This was much of the focus of his conversation with Tyler, who also sounded very skeptical.

I ask Ross to assign probabilities on the supernatural being real, Christianity being true, and Catholicism being true. I then explain my main moral problem with traditional Christian dogma, which is that some portion of humanity will be sentenced to everlasting torture. We tend to think that any punishment should fit the crime one is guilty of. Few would say that an individual who has committed a dastardly act should be held down and tortured for decades, which leads to the question of why an all-knowing, all-loving God would do something similar on a much longer timescale.

We talk a good bit about the role of providence in human affairs, which I found quite fun. The conversation swerves into how Ross thinks about someone like Trump playing a preordained role in history. On the surface, this might seem like a somewhat silly part of our discussion, but it actually raises intriguing questions regarding how the mechanics of God intervening in human affairs would actually work.

Near the end, we get to the part of Ross’s book I’m most skeptical of, which is the alleged evidence for supernatural experience. If prayer is real, why not conduct a double-blind randomized study? I also bring up the Randi Prize challenge, which offered $1 million to anyone who could demonstrate supernatural abilities but never had to pay out. I have to confess however that I do find the story told by professional skeptic Michael Shermer about how his wife’s old radio started working on their wedding day to be very weird.

I do sort of love the idea that God is like a writer for a prestige TV drama, and history has all these A and B list characters that He shuffles around in order to move the plot along. The Roman Empire is maybe its own season. World War II was the finale of the one that began as the Industrial Revolution was taking off. Now we’re in the middle of Season 8, and AI, which started out as a minor character in the background, is about to become the main protagonist. The series finale is of course Judgment Day.

People like Trump and Putin are the main characters, the Starks and the Lannisters, while we lesser mortals are akin to the slaughtered hordes left on the numerous battlefields of the War of the Five Kings. The Hanania subplot is a pretty cool one. Five years ago I was nobody, now I at least have a (very bad) Wikipedia page, and can reach hundreds of thousands or millions of people on a daily basis, leading my fans closer to God or everlasting damnation. I start out as a rightoid, move towards rightist-tinged rationalism, become an influential figure among Elite Human Capital as I disparage the existence of the supernatural. Razib uses the tools of modern science to show I am related to Jesus and his neighbors in ancient Palestine, as the Lord starts speaking to me about how God is actually real, hoping to use (knowing he will use?) my biography and background to bring others into His flock. Ross Douthat convinces me to believe in God, I return to the faith of my ancestors, actually my childhood, and they run a big feature in the New York Times about what happened. All thinking people read it and become convinced God is real, helping us shake free of our cultural decadence and existential anxiety as humanity moves towards a new Golden Age. All thanks to me and this podcast. Oh and you get to live in a state of bliss for all eternity.

Very seductive! I can see the appeal of this. But as I tell Ross, short of the Lord or one of his angels appearing directly next to me, I have no way of understanding how one would distinguish Him sending me a sign from my own wishful thinking and intoxication with a very cool narrative that gives me an important role to play in a great cosmic story.

I did not become a Christian while talking to Ross, but I enjoyed his book, and perhaps some other souls will be saved among the listeners of this conversation. I think I will take him up on his suggestion to read They Flew and hope to also look into the question of the historical Jesus before long.

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices