The Origins Podcast with Lawrence Krauss

Sabine Hossenfelder, a theoretical physicist and author of 'Lost in Math', joins Lawrence Krauss to discuss groundbreaking science. They dive into the intriguing possibility that dark energy may be fluctuating over time and explore the impressive early findings from the Euclid space telescope. Quantum computing advancements are compared, spotlighting Amazon's new chip with error correction. The conversation also touches on harnessing the Earth's magnetic field for energy and mysterious structures beneath the Pyramids of Giza, blending skepticism with excitement for future discoveries.

The Origins Podcast began with a bang, a Big Bang. Over the first month of our recording, we traveled to two continents, and 4 cities and recorded 16 episodes in 22 days. It was a whirlwind, and one of the most amazing experiences I can recall. While in London, we took advantage of the amazingly gracious acceptance by Ricky Gervais to appear on the podcast. It was a day I will always remember. Ricky had appeared in our film, The Unbelievers, which followed me and Richard Dawkins around the world. Gus and Luke Holwerda, who directed and filmed that movie helped create The Origins Podcast, and for the first year, filmed all the episodes. Ricky graciously agreed to appear in front of their cameras one more time, and joined us at what was then New College of Humanities, where I was a visiting Professor. From the moment he arrived, it was clear it was going to be great. As he had been when we filmed The Unbelievers Ricky claimed to be nervous and was worried he would appear ignorant. He needn’t have worried. Maybe that is one of the reasons he is so good at what he does, because he worries about rising to the challenge. We discussed his early life, his love of science, his early interest in biology and then philosophy, then the science of comedy, the comedy of religion, and the need for free speech. He then proceeded to demand a mind-bending, personal science lesson from me. It was amazing. He was amazing. Enjoy this, our first rebroadcast of a classic Origins Podcast Episode that is worth watching once again. Enjoy. As always, an ad-free video version of this podcast is also available to paid Critical Mass subscribers. Your subscriptions support the non-profit Origins Project Foundation, which produces the podcast. The audio version is available free on the Critical Mass site and on all podcast sites, and the video version will also be available on the Origins Project YouTube. Get full access to Critical Mass at lawrencekrauss.substack.com/subscribe

In this engaging discussion, theoretical physicist Sabine Hosenfelder joins Lawrence Krauss to dive into cutting-edge scientific developments. They explore the exciting advances in topological quantum computing and the implications of searching for water on the Moon. The duo also discusses the potential discovery of primordial stars that could reshape our understanding of the universe. With lively conversations on the role of AI in science and the impact of climate change on ocean currents, their insights both inform and entertain.

Elizabeth Weiss, an anthropologist and author of "On the Warpath," advocates for keeping ideology out of science. She discusses the absurdities in anthropology, like a session on skeleton sex being canceled due to gender debates. Weiss addresses the complications of repatriating ancient bones to tenuous genetic descendants, and how she lost her curatorial position over her stance. She critiques the mix of modern myth with scientific inquiry, emphasizing the need for open dialogue in the face of cancel culture and academic censorship.

In this discussion, physicist and science popularizer Sabine Hossenfelder shares her insights alongside Lawrence Krauss. They tackle the hype around quantum computing, clarifying misconceptions about superposition and the many-worlds interpretation. They critique climate policy, examining the Trump administration's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement while contrasting it with global renewable energy advancements. The conversation also explores the exciting potential of nuclear fusion and the challenges faced by startups in this evolving field.

Jonathan Rauch, a journalist and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, dives into his newest book, "Cross Purposes," exploring the unexpected harmony between Christianity and democracy. He reflects on his journey as a Jew and an atheist, discussing how Christian moral foundations can contribute positively to democratic ideals. The conversation navigates the challenges of faith in modern society, the role of secularization, and the implications of integrating religious values in political contexts. Humor and deep reflections on identity and belief systems make for a captivating dialogue.

Cyan Banister, an acclaimed angel investor known for her early investments in SpaceX and Uber, shares her remarkable journey from being homeless at 13 to becoming a Silicon Valley legend. She explores how her challenging childhood shaped her resilience and innovative spirit. Cyan delves into her unique investing strategies, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and mentorship. The conversation touches on fearlessness in decision-making and embracing failure as a pathway to opportunity, revealing how her scientific approach influences both life and business.

Jennifer Doudna, a renowned biochemist and Nobel Prize winner, discusses her groundbreaking work on CRISPR, the revolutionary gene-editing tool born from pure scientific curiosity. She reflects on the serendipity of scientific discovery and shares personal anecdotes about her journey from chemistry to biology. Doudna delves into the ethical implications of CRISPR, the nuances of genetic transcription, and the transformative potential of gene editing in healthcare and agriculture. Her insights highlight the balance between innovation and responsibility in shaping humanity's future.

A year ago, John Richards the head of the Atheist UK approached me about the idea of celebrating Christopher Hitchens with a Hitchmas event, near Christmas, and on or about the anniversary of Christopher’s death, on Dec 15, 2011. I realized that to do it right would require time and organization, and the proper panelists. I was thrilled that Christopher’s friends and mine, Stephen Fry, Richard Dawkins, and Douglas Murray agreed to be part of the event, and that the HowTo Academy, which organizes wonderful events in London, several of which I had done before, agreed to coordinate the logistics with The Origins Project Foundation. A year later, the sold-out event happened, and we decided in advance to record it appropriately, with 5 cameras, and to have Gus and Luke Holwerda, who directed and filmed The Unbelievers, and with whom I began The Origins Podcast, edit the final product.As a special Holiday gift, we are making the advert free video version available to both paid and free subscribers here on Critical Mass. This post has the audio version for those who prefer that. If you want to watch the video, open the other Critical Mass post we are releasing this morning. Our YouTube channel will also host the video, and I encourage you to subscribe to that channel as well if you wish. No matter how you watch it, or listen to it (we will make the audio available on iTunes etc), we hope you find this set of reminiscences and the ensuing discussion a wonderful reminder of a remarkable man, and that it inspires you as much as Christopher inspired us. Happy Holidays to you all. Lawrence M. Krauss Get full access to Critical Mass at lawrencekrauss.substack.com/subscribe

In this insightful conversation, economist Jeffrey Sachs, a senior advisor to the UN Secretary-General, sheds light on the complex crises in Ukraine and Gaza. He traces Ukraine's conflict back to NATO's eastward expansion, arguing for direct negotiations to secure peace, even suggesting Donald Trump’s involvement. Sachs also emphasizes the need for diplomacy over military action in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for a two-state solution and better understanding of history’s role in current tensions. His perspectives challenge conventional narratives, prompting deeper reflection.