
Into the Impossible With Brian Keating
A podcast about how we understand the world, scientifically and as humans. Each conversation brings together visionaries from the worlds of arts, sciences, humanities, and technology discussing the nature of reality and how we collaborate to create the future. Hosted by Dr Brian Keating, Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego. For show notes go to: https://briankeating.com/podcast
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 54min
Entropy and Coherence Could Change Everything We Know About the Universe! w/ Dick Bond
Join renowned astrophysicist Dick Bond as he unravels the cosmos! He discusses how entropy and coherence could redefine our understanding of quantum mechanics and the universe. Bond dives into the interconnectedness of information and reality, touching on dark matter, the multiverse, and the Hubble tension. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration in scientific discovery and reflects on the challenges of communicating complex ideas. Plus, don't miss his engaging lecture on quantum information flows in the cosmic superweb!

8 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 17min
Andrew Huberman’s Guide to Eye Health
Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neuroscientist renowned for his work on brain health and human performance, discusses fascinating ways to enhance astronomical vision. He delves into how altitude affects sight and shares strategies for overcoming sleep challenges in extreme environments. Huberman provides practical tips for handling jet lag and improving sleep quality through meal timing and light exposure. The conversation also addresses eye health, highlighting the risks of substances like alcohol on restorative sleep and the importance of regular eye check-ups.

31 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 52min
Earth Growing an AI Brain? Planetary Computation Explained with Ben Bratton [Ep. 486]
Ben Bratton, a philosopher of technology and professor at UCSD, shares his insights into the concept of planetary computation. He discusses how human actions and technology might indicate Earth evolving its own consciousness. The future of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its coexistence with humanity takes center stage, alongside the role of AI in terraforming our planet. Bratton challenges listeners to rethink the links between computation, governance, and the intelligence of both humans and non-humans, opening up fascinating discussions on life beyond Earth.

Apr 3, 2025 • 1h
Cosmology, Cosmic Inflation & Nobel Prizes | Dr. Brian Keating on Know Time
Delve into the mysteries of the universe, starting with the awe-inspiring Big Bang and cosmic microwave background radiation. Discover the challenges scientists face in interpreting cosmic signals, especially with cosmic dust's misleading effects. Explore the groundbreaking BICEP and POLARBEAR experiments, which shed light on cosmic inflation and dark matter. The conversation also emphasizes the value of collective scientific efforts over the myth of the solitary genius, prompting a deeper appreciation for curiosity and meaningful relationships.

Mar 29, 2025 • 24min
Can Future Telescopes Solve Dark Matter Mysteries? | Bob Kirshner
Bob Kirshner, a renowned expert in dark energy and cosmology, dives into the future of telescope technology, specifically the Giant Magellan Telescope and Thirty Meter Telescope's roles in unraveling dark energy mysteries. He discusses the recent controversies in cosmology, particularly the measurement of neutrino mass. With insights into Bayesian reasoning and the historical evolution of dark matter research, Kirshner highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in expanding our understanding of the universe's fundamental forces.

32 snips
Mar 23, 2025 • 59min
Christof Koch Exposes the Fatal Flaw in AI Consciousness [Ep. 484]
Christof Koch is a renowned neuroscientist acclaimed for his work on consciousness and Integrated Information Theory. He discusses the perplexing nature of consciousness, questioning whether AI can ever truly replicate human awareness. Koch explores transformative experiences through meditation and psychedelics, emphasizing the balance between ego and self. He delves into the limitations of AI, comparing its data manipulation to human creativity, and discusses the philosophical implications of consciousness across species and in the quantum realm.

8 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 12min
Proving the Big Bang Happened on Fraser Cain
Fraser Cain, a co-host and cosmology enthusiast, dives into the fascinating evidence supporting the Big Bang. He discusses the groundbreaking discoveries made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope, which challenges traditional cosmological theories. The chat also touches on the implications of early Hubble observations for our understanding of the universe's origins. Expect playful banter about meteorites and coffee alternatives, all while navigating the complexities of scientific exploration and debates surrounding cosmic theories.

Mar 18, 2025 • 13min
Are scientists welfare queens in lab coats?
Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥Are tech billionaires and politicians waging a war on science? Why is there a growing distrust in science? And has theoretical physics been intentionally sidelined to limit major breakthroughs? Here today to discuss the rise of anti-science are Avi Loeb and Eric Weinstein! Avi Loeb is a leading astrophysicist, professor at Harvard University, director of the Galileo Project, and founding director of Harvard’s Black Hole Initiative. Known as the alien hunter, he became famous for his bold and sometimes controversial theories about UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence. Eric Weinstein is an investor, financial executive and host of The Portal. Though not an academic physicist, he proposed a unified theory of physics in 2013. He and his brother Bret Weinstein coined the term Intellectual Dark Web to refer to an informal group of pundits. Eric is a vocal critic of modern academic hierarchies and advocates for advances in scientific theory over an emphasis on experimental results.Additional resources: ➡️ Resources:🛸 Galileo Project: https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/galileo 🎙️ The Portal with Eric Weinstein: https://ericweinstein.org/ ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms:✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating 🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1 📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/ 🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast —Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known.Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 50min
Could Aliens Be Using Light to Communicate? A New Era of SETI with Shelley Wright [ep. 483]
In this engaging discussion, Shelley Wright, a Professor of Astronomy and Physics at UCSD, delves into innovative approaches alongside traditional methods in the search for extraterrestrial life. She highlights how optical SETI, leveraging advanced astronomical instruments, could be the key to communication with alien civilizations. The conversation touches on the implications of the Drake Equation, the challenges of verifying interstellar signals, and the philosophical dilemmas of reaching out to the cosmos. It's an enlightening exploration of a new frontier in SETI research!

30 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 31min
Eric Weinstein “You’re being lied to!” with Avi Loeb [Ep. 482]
Eric Weinstein, investor and host of The Portal, teams up with renowned astrophysicist Avi Loeb, known for his controversial theories on extraterrestrial life. They dive into the rising anti-science sentiment in politics and academia, questioning the trustworthiness of scientific authorities. The duo discusses the enigmatic object 'Oumuamua, exploring its potential as an alien probe. They also critique conventional academic structures, advocating for a shift towards creativity and genuine inquiry to reignite scientific curiosity and innovation.
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