The Origins Podcast with Lawrence Krauss

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.

Nicholas Christakis, a Sterling Professor at Yale and Director of the Yale Institute for Network Science, dives into the fascinating world of social networks and their impact on societies. He shares his unique journey from aspiring surgeon to a focus on palliative care shaped by personal experiences. The conversation also explores social contagion in Honduras and the dynamics of grief within networks. Christakis highlights the interplay between genetics and social behavior, and discusses the implications of AI on morality, urging listeners to consider the profound effects of technology on human relationships.

Charles Moxley Jr has spent over 35 years as a litigator in New York, in large and complex commercial, securities, insurance and other cases throughout the United States. He is perhaps the last person one might imagine could bring about the end of a continually proliferating international presence of nuclear weapons. Yet personages as eminent as the late Robert S. McNamara, and Cyrus Vance, as well as nuclear security expert physicist Kosta Tsipis think he might have hit a promising line of attack to quell an ever growing international arsenal of nuclear weapons threatening just just world peace but civilization itself. Moxley analyzes the question in light of the July 1996 opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, as well as the law as articulated by the United States itself. Using generally recognized facts as to the characteristics and effects of nuclear weapons Moxley Jr concludes that the use of nuclear weapons is "per se" unlawful.To back up his arguments Moxley Jr wrote a comprehensive treatise, in excess of 800 pages, to examine both the International Court of Justice’s perspective, and also the legal claims made by the United States, in light of the known characteristics of nuclear weapons. His book, which took 10 years to produce in its first edition, was reviewed by major figures in the field, has recently been updated, and released as a two-volume set. It was the new release of these books that prompted our conversation.In our discussion we unpacked and clarified the various legal issues, as well as the rather strange and one might say absurd position of the United States regarding the effectiveness of their own nuclear weapons arsenal. The result is what can be a clear primer that can add a new perspective regarding the sanity of a world where over 10,000 nuclear weapons exist, with over 2000 such weapons kept on hair trigger alert, and perhaps encourage your own activism in this regard. At the very least it will reveal the remarkable circumstances surrounding the 1996 International Court of Appeals proceedings, and a legal case few outside of experts have ever heard about. I enjoyed the discussion and learned a great deal, and I hope the same will be true of you. 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

Heather Mac Donald is never one to back down from controversy, and that’s exactly what makes our discussions so engaging. She’s sharp, opinionated, and unflinching when it comes to tackling issues many prefer to avoid—whether it’s race, culture, or the idea of meritocracy in modern society. This is the third conversation Heather and I have had for the show. With the release of her new book, When Race Trumps Merit, it felt like the perfect time to bring her back to explore how the focus on race and identity politics is reshaping standards across academia, the arts, and medicine.Of course, Heather and I don’t always see eye to eye. Throughout this episode, you’ll hear us wrestle with some points from very different perspectives. But that’s what makes these conversations so worthwhile. Origins isn’t just about interviews; it’s about true dialogue—exchanges where ideas are challenged, examined, and questioned from all angles.In our discussion, we span a wide range of topics, from Heather’s background in classical literature to the current culture wars affecting our institutions. And while our differences come through, it’s these disagreements that add depth and substance to the conversation. Especially now, when polarization is at an all-time high, having open, respectful dialogues is more important than ever.Whether you find yourself agreeing with Heather or not, I hope this discussion will inspire you to think more critically, challenge assumptions, and look more deeply at the issues shaping our culture today.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