The Joe Rogan Experience #2427 - Bret Weinstein
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Dec 17, 2025 Bret Weinstein proposes a hidden layer in evolution that enhances its creative power. He explores the pathways from shrews to bats, discussing flight evolution. The conversation shifts to societal challenges, highlighting childhood training mismatches and the impact of technological change. They debate the implications of universal basic income and the evolution of relationships in the age of technology. Critically, Weinstein examines institutional failures during the COVID era, emphasizing the need for transparency and open debate in scientific discourse.
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Genome Variables Turbocharge Evolution
- Bret Weinstein proposes a hidden evolutionary layer where genomes store numeric variables that guide development beyond protein-coding changes.
- This layer (e.g., variable repeats, telomere-like counts) would let evolution explore adjacent possible forms far faster than random codon changes.
Evo‑Devo Explains Big Morphological Jumps
- Weinstein argues developmental (evo-devo) mechanisms reconfigure the same molecules into different macroscopic forms without new proteins.
- He suggests variable storage (microsatellites, VNTRs) and repeat counts enable rapid morphological shifts like bat wings from feet.
Flying Squirrels Illustrate Flight Evolution
- Weinstein recounts witnessing flying squirrels and uses them to illustrate plausible gliding‑to‑flight transitions.
- He maps gradual webbing and increased lift to realistic selection steps toward powered flight.