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Daniel Whiteson

Particle physicist and professor at UC Irvine, author and science communicator discussing how aliens might think about physics and science.

Top 10 podcasts with Daniel Whiteson

Ranked by the Snipd community
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157 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 14min

334 | Daniel Whiteson on the Physics of and by Aliens

Daniel Whiteson, a particle physicist and UC Irvine professor, explores how aliens might perceive physics in fascinating ways. He delves into the challenges of interstellar communication and the potential for collective or hive-minded alien thought. The discussion touches on how alien senses could shape their understanding of quantum concepts and whether they could use arithmetic to communicate. Whiteson challenges our Earth-centric biases, questioning if aliens would even share our scientific methods or moral values, making us rethink what it means to do science in the universe.
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24 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 4min

Do Aliens Speak Physics, with Daniel Whiteson

Daniel Whiteson, a particle physicist and co-author of 'We Have No Idea,' discusses his upcoming book 'Do Aliens Speak Physics.' He delves into how advanced extraterrestrial civilizations might understand physics and communicate scientific concepts. The conversation explores the nuances of intelligence, pondering whether our desire to question is unique to humans. Whiteson also shares entertaining travel stories, while unpacking the complexities of decoding potential alien languages and the philosophical implications of varied truths in understanding reality.
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18 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 44min

95 - Would Aliens Have the Same Physics? (Ft. Daniel Whiteson)

Daniel Whiteson, a particle physicist and science communicator at UC Irvine, dives deep into whether aliens would understand our physics. He discusses the challenges of decoding symbols across cultures, illustrated by testing the interpretation of the Pioneer plaque. The conversation explores if math is discovered or invented and how alien biology might influence their concepts of mathematics. They ponder if advanced technology necessarily implies a scientific method and whether alien art could reveal shared emotional frameworks among different species.
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11 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 3min

Ep128 "Would space aliens see the world as we do?" with Daniel Whiteson

In this captivating discussion, particle physicist Daniel Whiteson, author of *Do Aliens Speak Physics?*, delves into how alien senses might reshape scientific inquiry. He explores the idea of universal versus culturally shaped mathematics and how different intelligences might interpret fundamental truths. Whiteson also proposes an extended Drake equation for alien physics and examines the challenges of translating alien signals. With playful speculations on alien technology, he raises profound questions about our understanding of the universe and the nature of scientific progress.
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10 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 22min

Daniel Whiteson on Aliens, Physics, and the Nature of Reaity

Join Daniel Whiteson, an experimental particle physicist from UC Irvine, as he explores the cosmic possibilities of alien contact and its implications for our understanding of physics. He discusses whether physics is a universal language that could bridge communication with extraterrestrials. The conversation dives into philosophical questions about the nature of reality and highlights how different effective theories might coexist. Whiteson also tackles exciting ideas about finding new particles and using technology, like machine learning, to unlock hidden cosmic signals.
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8 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 1h 5min

From the Vault: Do Aliens Speak Physics, with Daniel Whiteson

In this enlightening discussion, particle physicist Daniel Whiteson explores whether alien civilizations would engage in science like humans do. He breaks down the complexities of the Drake equation applied to alien physics and poses intriguing questions about communication with non-human intelligences. Whiteson also speculates on species that could advance technologically without formal scientific methods. With reflections on the nature of mathematics and the possibility of multiple theories of everything, this conversation challenges our perceptions of science in an expansive universe.
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8 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 47min

Extraordinary Universe, with Daniel Whiteson

Daniel Whiteson, co-host of 'Daniel and Kelly's Extraordinary Universe,' specializes in particle physics and brings engaging insights to the discussion. He explores the complexities of colonizing Mars, emphasizing ethical dilemmas and scientific challenges like reproduction in low gravity. The conversation also navigates the future of particle physics and the ongoing struggle between relativity and quantum mechanics. Whiteson highlights the allure of fringe theories in science, underscoring the importance of bridging gaps between academia and the public for broader understanding.
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7 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 7min

How to Talk to Aliens (ft. Daniel Whiteson)

In this engaging discussion, particle physicist and science communicator Daniel Whiteson explores whether aliens could communicate through physics. He provocatively questions if we would even recognize their language, which could derive from billions of years of advanced thought. The conversation delves into the Drake Equation, the potential role of AI as a form of intelligence we might encounter, and how different sensory perceptions could lead to varying interpretations of the universe. Additionally, Daniel reflects on using art to make complex ideas accessible.
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4 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 39min

Exploring Alien Science with Daniel Whiteson!

In this insightful discussion, Daniel Whiteson, a particle physicist and author of *Do Aliens Speak Physics?*, dives into the fascinating intersections of physics and extraterrestrial life. He explores how pondering alien communication can reveal much about our own understanding of science and the universe. Topics include the universality of physics, the cultural influences on scientific practice, and whether mathematics is human-made or a cosmic constant. Whiteson also reflects on sci-fi's role in shaping our perceptions of alien science.
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Nov 5, 2025 • 60min

Do Aliens Speak Physics?

Join particle physicist Daniel Whiteson and cartoonist Andy Warner as they delve into the intriguing question of whether aliens would understand our physics. Their book explores if math is truly universal or influenced by human culture. They discuss how humor and cartoons can simplify complex ideas about alien communication, reframe assumptions, and challenge the limits of human intuition. Their insights encourage us to expand our imaginations about potential extraterrestrial encounters and the diverse paths of scientific progress.

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