Robert Wright's Nonzero

Paul Bloom, a renowned psychologist and author, joins Robert Wright for a thoughtful discussion. They reflect on notable 2025 figures lost, including Jane Goodall. The duo explores how the algorithmically guided age has shifted daily cognition and work dynamics. They dive into the political ramifications of global poverty reduction, the risks of AI, and the potential chaos of future governance. Bloom critiques the rise of eccentric influencers in media, while both share predictions for a transformative yet uncertain future.

Nikita Petrov, a member of the Non-Zero team and author of the Psychopolitica newsletter, joins Robert Wright for an intriguing discussion. They explore how the COVID pandemic marked the beginning of a strange era filled with uncertainty. Nikita likens the internet to an alien intelligence, reshaping our realities. They debate the implications of AI as a looming threat and its impact on music industry dynamics, especially for artists in repressive environments like Russia. The conversation delves deep into the importance of global cooperation in this rapidly evolving landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Day, a senior editor at The American Conservative, and Connor Echols, a reporter at Responsible Statecraft, analyze the complexities of Trump’s foreign policy. They dive into U.S. strategies in Venezuela and Ukraine, highlighting power dynamics and the influence of hawkish advisors. The guests also debate Trump's approach to Israel, China's policies, and the impact of technology on modern warfare, like drones. Their insights reveal a world navigating the unpredictable landscape shaped by Trump's ideologies.

In this conversation, psychologist Paul Bloom delves into the troubling behavior of figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. He argues Musk's tweets amplify xenophobia, questioning if his actions stem from ignorance or trolling. Bloom also analyzes Trump's bizarre responses to public tragedies, highlighting the dangers of unchallenged rhetoric in modern media. The dynamic shifts to Nick Fuentes, where Bloom contrasts his messaging with other controversial figures and critiques Piers Morgan's interview style for failing to challenge deceptive narratives.

Derek Davison, co-host of the American Prestige podcast and foreign policy commentator, teams up with Daniel Bessner, an academic and geopolitical expert, to dissect Trump's foreign policy chaos. They explore the incoherence surrounding Trump's actions, like the Venezuelan tanker seizure, and the intellectual deficiencies in U.S. foreign policy. The conversation also touches on the shallow debates over Chinese chip restrictions, the risks of AI dominance, and the need for a pragmatic approach to relations with China.

Nathan Labenz, host of the Cognitive Revolution podcast and an AI entrepreneur affiliated with Waymark AI, shares his personal journey navigating his son's cancer diagnosis with the help of AI. He discusses the role of AI in identifying critical health issues and optimizing treatment plans. Topics include the balance of AI and doctor trust, utilizing multiple AI opinions for informed decisions, and AI's ability to provide expert insights across different domains. Nathan emphasizes the importance of using AI to empower patients, streamline medical consultations, and improve monitoring for better outcomes.

In this conversation, Russia analyst Nikita Petrov sheds light on the complexities of the Ukraine conflict while sharing insights from his Psychopolitica newsletter. They discuss Zelensky's grim address amidst U.S. pressure and whether recent peace talks are genuine. Petrov explains Russia’s economic resilience despite sanctions and highlights the stark differences in mobilization strategies. They question the West's portrayal of peace resistance and explore who truly holds decision-making power in this multifaceted conflict.

Historian Sam Tanenhaus, former editor of the New York Times Book Review, dives deep into his recent biography of the provocative William F. Buckley. They discuss Buckley's role in shaping conservative media and how his upbringing fueled a unique counterintellectual stance. Tanenhaus explores Buckley's complex views on race, his evolution regarding civil rights, and his deliberate provocations against elite academia. This insightful conversation reveals the contradictions that define Buckley's legacy in American culture.

Aryeh Cohen-Wade, host of Culturally Determined and a former contributor at BloggingHeads.tv, teams up with Robert Wright to explore the legacy of their groundbreaking platform. They discuss how BloggingHeads anticipated modern media trends and ponder Twitter's relevance for journalists today. Aryeh and Robert dive into the intricacies of Substack's subscription dynamics, the evolving landscape of podcasting and video production, and the importance of civil dialogue against the backdrop of viral content. Their insights chart a fascinating roadmap of online discourse.

Kaiser Kuo, a seasoned commentator on Chinese politics and culture, joins to discuss the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations. The conversation explores the history of American hawkishness towards China, particularly changes after the 2008 financial crisis. Kuo shares insights on Xi Jinping's leadership and the implications of a burgeoning China. He raises questions about the waning influence of hawkish rhetoric and how younger generations perceive China. They also delve into the complexities of domestic politics and international behavior, highlighting the shift in perspectives.