Into the Impossible With Brian Keating
Big Bang Productions Inc.
Think like a physicist. Wonder like a human. Into the Impossible is where Cosmic Conversations happen — uniting Nobel Prize winners, iconoclasts, authors, and technologists to explore reality’s deepest questions. From AI to aliens, from biophysics to the brain, from the cosmos to the multiverse, Brian Keating, Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego covers it all.If you’ve ever asked What’s out there? or What’s next?, this is where curiosity meets clarity.Learn to think like this. 🎙 Full episodes, notes & more: briankeating.com/podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Mar 10, 2024 • 1h 4min
Why Are People Protesting Against a Telescope? | Robert Kirshner (#400)
Discover the world of astronomy with Robert Kirshner as he talks about cosmic acceleration, dark energy, and a controversial telescope. Learn about the history of cosmic expansion, telescope technology, and the possibility of life outside our solar system. Tune in for insights on the Big Bang theory and the challenges of scientific research.
5 snips
Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 58min
Cal Newport: Want to Be More Productive? Do LESS (#399)
Discover how to be more productive by doing less with guest Cal Newport, who explores deep work, time blocking, and quality over quantity. Dive into the lost art of accomplishment without burnout and the potential of technology in education and AI. Explore the balance between productivity and personal life, effective time management strategies for academia, and the future of AI and productivity.
8 snips
Mar 4, 2024 • 13min
My conversation with Elon Musk: Cosmology, AI, and Dying on Mars (#398)
Elon Musk discusses Starlink, AI, and colonizing Mars. Topics include cosmic microwave background research, a true Turing test, breaking physics, and the emotional complexity of space travel. Delve into challenges of microwave astronomy, AI emotions, simulation hypothesis, and physical limitations.
Feb 25, 2024 • 1h 41min
Bringing Astrophysics to Life Through Art with Kip Thorne and Lia Halloran (#397)
Explore the unique blend of astrophysics and art in a remarkable book by Kip Thorne and Lia Halloran. Discover the origin story of their collaboration, the symbolism of colors in their work, and the intersection of arts and science at Fermilab. Get insights into the criticisms of LIGO and what motivates Kip and Lia in their creative endeavors.
Feb 23, 2024 • 19min
What Is Dark Matter Really Made Of? (#396)
In the podcast, they discuss the mysteries of dark matter and its potential candidates. They also delve into the possibility of detecting gravitational waves from the polarization of the CMB. Additionally, they explore the idea that there may be no life outside of Earth.
5 snips
Feb 18, 2024 • 1h 15min
Why There’s No Such Thing as Free Will w/ Robert Sapolsky (#395)
Neuroendocrinology researcher and Stanford University professor, Robert Sapolsky, discusses the illusion of free will, consciousness, determinism, ethics, criminal justice reform, and the neuroscience of decision-making in an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.
Feb 13, 2024 • 48min
Should We BELIEVE In Science? DemystifySci & Brian Keating (#394)
Dr. Anastasia Bendebury and Dr. Michael Shilo DeLay discuss the role of belief in science, controversies in cosmology, and the scientific method. They explore the provisional nature of scientific facts, epistemic humility, and different ways to arrive at scientific truths. The podcast also delves into the Big Bang theory, the age of the universe, and the lack of scientific evidence supporting astrology.
Feb 9, 2024 • 1h 48min
Michael Saylor: The Thermodynamics of Bitcoin EXPLAINED (2021) (#393)
Michael Saylor, American entrepreneur and business executive, discusses the physics of Bitcoin, its potential to replace the US dollar, and the challenges faced by traditional money. They explore the impact of software, the purpose of coin ridges, and the concept of wealth. The episode also touches on the growth of Bitcoin during the COVID-19 pandemic and the benefits of online learning.
Feb 6, 2024 • 45min
Discover the Joy of Science w/ Jim Al-Khalili (#392)
Jim Al-Khalili, a theoretical physicist, discusses the connection between science and poetry, the scientific method variations, and the need to temper expectations in physics. They explore the relationship between knowledge and wisdom and the role of models in science, addressing concerns about politicians misusing the phrase 'follow the science'. They emphasize the importance of questioning scientific claims and highlight the sobering realization that there is still much more to understand in theoretical physics.
15 snips
Feb 2, 2024 • 51min
New COLD WAR Over Computer Chips? w/ Chris Miller (#391)
Chris Miller, industry expert in computer chips, discusses the unfolding race in chip development between the United States, Taiwan, and China. Topics include the history of semiconductors, challenges in chip manufacturing, importance of military funding, chip manufacturing and geopolitics, China's demographic and economic challenges, Bitcoin mining and energy efficiency.
