
Stephon Alexander
Theoretical physicist at Brown University and author of 'The Jazz of Physics' and 'Fear of a Black Universe'. Also a world-class jazz musician.
Top 5 podcasts with Stephon Alexander
Ranked by the Snipd community

19 snips
Jun 11, 2020 • 3h 12min
36: Dark Matter, Black Matters and All That Jazz
Stephon Alexander, a theoretical physicist at Brown University and president of the National Society of Black Physicists, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue mixing science and jazz. He shares insights on the cultural significance of blues music and its improvisational nature. The conversation dives into race, friendship, and the challenges of diversity in academia. They explore the mysteries of dark matter, the complexities of particle physics, and advocate for a reevaluation of recognition in science, all while celebrating the harmony between art and science.

15 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 57min
The musical structure of the universe
Stephon Alexander, a theoretical physicist at Brown University and a jazz musician, explores the fascinating relationship between music and the cosmos. He discusses how vibrations shape both the universe and musical expression. Delving into concepts like the inflaton field and multiverse theory, he likens the universe to a self-playing instrument and draws parallels between jazz improvisation and scientific inquiry. Alexander also reflects on the fine-tuning of the cosmos and how creativity merges science and philosophy, highlighting their interconnectedness.

Oct 23, 2024 • 1h 32min
Searching for a Theory of Everything with Max Tegmark, James Beacham & Stephon Alexander (2020)
Max Tegmark, a physicist at MIT known for his work on multiverse theories, joins experimental particle physicist James Beacham from CERN and theoretical physicist Stephon Alexander to discuss the quest for a unified theory of everything. They dissect the challenges of merging quantum mechanics with general relativity and explore concepts like the multiverse and mathematical beauty. The trio also highlights the role of experimental evidence in shaping theories, debates on consciousness, and innovative perspectives on dark matter, all while engaging the audience with their passion for physics.

Aug 23, 2024 • 54min
Perimeter Institute Public Lectures: The Physics of Jazz | Dark Matter Night
Stephon Alexander, a physicist and jazz musician, and Katie Mack, a cosmologist, bridge the gap between music and science. They explore how jazz improvisation echoes quantum mechanics, revealing art's role in scientific innovation. Alexander shares insights on how harmony in music parallels cosmic structures, while Mack unpacks dark matter's mysteries, influencing galaxy formation. Their discussion highlights the creative threads tying together these seemingly disparate fields, captivating listeners with the symphony of science.

Jan 19, 2022 • 1h 42min
Stephon Alexander on The Autodidactic Universe, String Theory, Matrix Models & Cherns-Simons Gravity
Stephon Alexander, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist at Brown University, shares his groundbreaking ideas on the 'autodidactic universe' and connections between consciousness and physics. He delves into the intricate world of string theory, exploring the implications of D-branes and matrix models. The discussion also highlights Chern-Simons gravity and its relation to quantum mechanics. With an engaging mix of advanced concepts and personal anecdotes, Alexander emphasizes self-education and the playful nature of scientific discovery.