
Into the Impossible With Brian Keating
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
Latest episodes

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.

13 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 2h 6min
Harvard Professor Avi Loeb Weighs in on Life Beyond Earth
Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist and leader of the Galileo Project, takes us on an exciting journey into the search for extraterrestrial life. He discusses theories around Oumuamua and UAPs, provoking thoughts on alien technology possibly among us. Loeb emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry and transparency in tackling these enigmatic phenomena. He also examines the interplay between science and public perception, advocating for proactive research in the cosmos. Get ready for thought-provoking ideas that challenge the status quo of academia!

Mar 6, 2025 • 2h 1min
Inflation, B Modes and Losing the Nobel Prize | Brian Keating on the Cool Worlds Podcast
Join Prof. Brian Keating as he delves into a thought-provoking conversation with Prof. David Kipping about the fascinating world of cosmology, focusing on inflation, B-modes, and the thrilling quest for the Nobel Prize. Explore the highs and lows of scientific discovery, the allure of the multiverse, and the ethical intricacies behind groundbreaking research, all while examining how human ambition and curiosity drive the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Don't miss this compelling exploration of cosmic mysteries and the dynamic challenges that scientists face in their quest for truth! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Mar 2, 2025 • 1h 44min
Planet 9 Evidence Revealed by Caltech Expert [Ep. 481]
In this engaging conversation, Konstantin Batygin, a Professor at Caltech and expert in planetary astrophysics, dives into the hunt for the elusive Planet 9. He discusses the strange gravitational forces affecting objects beyond Neptune and why proving Planet 9’s existence is so challenging. The discussion includes captivating insights into Jupiter’s magnetic field and its influence on the solar system. Batygin also shares the importance of new observational technology in this cosmic quest, offering a glimpse into the future of astronomical discovery.