Indian Genes

Nikol Koleva is the Executive Director of Space Generation Advisory Council SGAC under United Nations, She also represented the organization in international forums, including the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Spring Meetings, where she delivered statements, technical presentations, and attended committee meetings on behalf of WSWA.Nikol has worked Astronauts, NASA, ESA among other organizations merging psychology and space exploration. She has conducted extensive research on the Overview Effect among astronauts using a qualitative approach and explored their experiences of this phenomenon. She continued this research for her Master’s thesis, looking into whether or not virtual reality (VR) can be used to replicate the Overview Effect and if it can simulate similar therapeutic benefits as those experienced by astronauts.#space #psychology #astronaught #sgac #inspiration

John Bucher is a renowned mythologist and story expert who has been featured on the BBC, the History Channel, the LA Times, The Hollywood Reporter and on numerous other international outlets . He serves as Executive Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation and is a writer, podcaster, storyteller, and speaker. He has worked with government and cultural leaders around the world as well as organizations such as HBO, DC Comics, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, A24 Films, Atlas Obscura, and The John Maxwell Leadership Foundation, bringing his deep understanding of narrative and myth to a wide array of audiences. He is the author of six influential books on storytelling, including the best-selling Storytelling for Virtual Reality, named by BookAuthority as one of the best storytelling books of all time. John has worked with New York Times Best Selling authors, YouTube influencers, Eisner winners, Emmy winners, Academy Award nominees, magicians, and cast members from Saturday Night Live. Holding a PhD in Mythology & Depth Psychology, he integrates scholarly insights with practical storytelling techniques, exploring the profound connections between myth, culture, and personal identity.  His expertise has helped shape compelling narratives across various platforms, enriching the way stories are told and experienced globally.

Indian Genes speaks to Michael about the brain basis of consciousness. Brains arrive at the conclusion that they have an internal, subjective experience of things — an experience that is non-physical and inexplicable. How can such a thing be studied scientifically? When an information-processing device such as the brain introspects, or accesses internal data, and on that basis arrives at the conclusion that it has a magic property inside of it, the first question for a scientist is probably not: how did that device produce magic? Or even: what is the magic? Such questions are probably not coherent. Instead, in my lab we are asking: how does a brain arrive at that kind of self-description? What is the adaptive advantage of that style of self-description? What systems in the brain compute that information? What happens when those systems are damaged? When and how did they evolve? All of these questions are scientifically approachable. My lab is currently testing a specific, mechanistic theory of awareness described in my recent book, Consciousness and the Social Brain.

Aliens! Ghosts! Paranormal Activity....lets take a Skeptical look as all this and then make informed decisions !Indian Genes speaks to Professor Chris French who is the Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit in the Psychology Department at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a Patron of the British Humanist Association. He has published over 150 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics. His main current area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He frequently appears on radio and television casting a sceptical eye over paranormal claims. His most recent book is Anomalistic Psychology: Exploring Paranormal Belief and Experience.

Darsh Kodwani, a seasoned data scientist at Microsoft, discusses the power of Chat GPT in AI. Topics include the evolution of AI, understanding algorithms, context in language models, generative AI for art creation, AI in social media, privacy concerns with listening devices, and the integration of human intelligence with AI.

Roma Agrawal, an engineer and advocate for engineering, discusses her involvement in building the Shard, explores the evolution of skyscrapers, shares the fundamental components of objects, highlights the power of springs, explores the impact of pumps on society, and discusses favorite structures and inspiring messages.

Dr. Robert Schoch, renowned geologist, discusses his groundbreaking research on the Sphinx's true age, challenging conventional beliefs. He reveals evidence of advanced technologies in ancient civilizations, explores the synergy between geology and archaeology, and uncovers the concept of Atlantis as a primordial civilization. The chapter also dives into the end of the last ice age, catastrophic events, the connection between myths and science, and the discovery of a hidden chamber under the Sphinx's paw.

In this episode, we have the distinct honor of getting deeper into the world of innovation and Entrepreneurship with a true visionary in the field.Our guest is, a dynamic force of innovation and Chief Innovation Officer at NSU (Nova Southeastern University, he also holds the esteemed position of Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation and spearheads a multimillion-dollar P3 (public private partnership) that stands as a shining beacon, attracting and nurturing the most brilliant entrepreneurial minds, cutting-edge technology, and vital sources of investment capital to create an unparalleled innovation center.In this episode he gets into Innovation & Entrepreneurship.Indeed, his academic journey is a remarkable tapestry, having been a distinguished professor and head of the School of Aviation & Transportation Technology at Perjue University, Dean of the School of Aviation at Dowling College, and a respected professor of airline management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University..His accomplishments reach beyond corporate boardrooms and into the realm of education, where he imparts his vast knowledge as an external instructor at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and a certified instructor at the Turkish Aviation Academy (Turkish Airlines).A sought-after expert in the media, he has also provided expert witness testimony and authored two seminal industry books, including the "best-seller" Air Transportation: A Management Perspective and Wheels Up: Airline Business Plan Development.Join us as we explore the depths of Dr. Wensveen's experience, wisdom, and groundbreaking contributions to the aviation industry, academia, and innovation. His journey from Canada's University of Victoria to earning Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Air Transport and Business from Cardiff University (United Kingdom) will surely inspire and enlighten us.So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a thought-provoking and inspiring conversation as we sit down with the brilliant mind of Dr. John Wensveeen 

Les Johnson speaks exclusively to Indian Genes in his private capacity as an author & futurist as we have the pleasure of immersing ourselves into the awe-inspiring world of science, fiction, and space exploration with a true luminary in the fieldLes wears many hats, as an accomplished author, he paints vivid landscapes of imagination, crafting compelling science fiction novels that transport readers to distant realms of possibility. But he doesn't stop there. He also weaves his literary talents into popular science works, enlightening us about the wonders that lie at the cutting edge of human understanding through his books published by Springer Books.However, his expertise extends far beyond the realm of the written word. As the Principal Investigator for the NEA Scout and Solar Cruiser solar sail projects at the esteemed NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, he spearheads the exploration of revolutionary propulsion technologies. Harnessing the power of sunlight, Les and his team propel our dreams of interstellar travel forward, pushing the boundaries of human achievement.Les Johnson's accomplishments have earned him well-deserved recognition and admiration within scientific circles. He holds esteemed positions such as an elected member of the International Academy of Astronautics, a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society, and memberships in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the National Space Society, and MENSA. His contributions to the scientific and literary communities have left an indelible mark on both.When Les puts pen to paper, he captures the spirit of visionaries like Arthur C. Clarke and his contemporaries, as highlighted by Publisher's Weekly. Take, for instance, his gripping novel, "Mission to Methone," a work that transports readers to worlds unimagined, while paying homage to the giants of science fiction who came before him. Not confined to the realms of fiction, Les's non-fiction book, "Graphene: The Superstrong, Superthin, and Superversatile Material That Will Revolutionize the World," co-authored with Joe Meany, has garnered acclaim from prestigious journals such as Nature, American Scientist, and Salon.com.So, join us as we embark on an intellectual odyssey, exploring the realms where science, imagination, and the cosmos converge. Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and enlightened by the brilliant mind of Les Johnson, a physicist, author, and NASA technologist whose impact resonates far beyond our earthly realm.

Welcome to Indian Genes, Im your host Joaquim Gonsalves and today we have a truly captivating guest who is a prolific author, renowned science writer, and an expert in his field. With an impressive fourteen books under his belt, including his latest work, "Life's Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be Alive," he delves into the depths of scientific exploration and invites us to question the very essence of life itself.As the writer of the acclaimed "Origins" column for the New York Times, he has earned numerous accolades throughout his career and His exceptional work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the esteemed Stephen Jay Gould Prize, presented by the Society for the Study of Evolution. His contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic were instrumental in securing the New York Times the well-deserved public service Pulitzer Prize in 2021.It comes as no surprise that his books have received widespread acclaim. Three of his literary creations have been named Notable Books of the Year by the New York Times Book Review, showcasing his remarkable ability to engage readers with his insightful and thought-provoking narratives. One particular gem, "She Has Her Mother's Laugh," went on to win the distinguished 2019 National Academies Communication Award and was hailed as the best science book of 2018 by The Guardian.his captivating voice extends beyond the written word, as he has become a familiar presence on radio programs like Radiolab, enriching our auditory exploration of the wonders of science. Additionally, as a professor at Yale University, he imparts his vast knowledge to the next generation of curious minds, nurturing the spirit of scientific inquiry.What truly sets him apart is the extraordinary honor of having both a species of tapeworm and an asteroid named after him. This singular distinction is a testament to his invaluable contributions to the world of science and the remarkable impact he has made throughout his career.So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an intellectual journey as we get into the depths of his vast expertise. And It is an honor to have him on our show, and I am certain that his insights will leave an indelible mark on all our listners . Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome on the Indian Geenes exclusive Carl Zimmer!