Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

Dive into the relentless curiosity driving scientists to unravel the universe's mysteries. Explore captivating topics like dark matter and the origins of life. Enjoy in-depth discussions and exclusive insights from experts across various scientific fields, revealing the wonders and complexities of our existence.

Michael Dennin, a physics professor, joins Brian Keating for an engaging debate on the tension between science and faith. They explore whether a 'real' scientist can believe in God, discussing the Big Bang theory and the nature of miracles. The conversation weaves through various philosophical perspectives, including the problem of evil and personal experiences that shape beliefs. They reflect on insights from both Judaism and Catholicism while tackling arguments from prominent figures like William Lane Craig and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Terry Sejnowski, a leading computational neuroscientist and AI pioneer from the Salk Institute, joins the conversation to unravel the complexities of artificial intelligence and human reasoning. He discusses the innovative use of ChatGPT in writing and the importance of clear prompts. The 'mirror hypothesis' reveals how AI reflects human intentions and emotions. Sejnowski also explores AI's potential to enhance productivity while addressing ethical dilemmas, the balance of reliance on technology, and the future trajectory of AI development.

In this engaging discussion, Jordan B. Peterson, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author renowned for his insights on personality and mythology, shares a platform with Dr. Brian Keating. They delve into the significance of awe in scientific inquiry and human experience, and the necessity of sacrifice for community and self-improvement. Peterson critiques the ethics of science, emphasizing integrity in research. The conversation also touches on the intertwining of cosmology and faith, challenging traditional beliefs and exploring the deeper meanings behind our existence.

Join David Kipping, a leading researcher in exomoons from Columbia University and host of the Cool Worlds Lab, as he explores the intriguing possibility of life beyond Earth. He discusses his groundbreaking discovery of Kepler-1708 b-i and the vital role of moons in sustaining life. The conversation covers panspermia, the intricacies of exomoon detection with new telescopes like the James Webb, and how engaging the public in science is essential for fostering understanding. Dive into cosmic mysteries and the future of space exploration!

Join Yann LeCun, Meta’s Chief AI Scientist and Turing Award winner, as he discusses the future of AI. He explains the revolutionary Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture (JEPA) and its potential to enhance real-world modeling. LeCun dives into the limitations of current AI, comparing it to human understanding and instincts. He also stresses the importance of aligning AI with human values and preventing a loss of control over advanced systems. Tune in for insights into how AI might transform education and our daily lives!

Neil deGrasse Tyson, a renowned astrophysicist and engaging science communicator, dives into Elon Musk's Mars colonization plans, delivering a reality check on their feasibility. He explores concepts of cosmic insignificance, debates the legitimacy of astrology, and examines our obsession with politics and misinformation. Tyson also discusses the implications of AI on education and the potential existence of life on Mars through the lens of panspermia. His insights challenge us to rethink our place in the universe and the future of scientific exploration.

In this engaging discussion, theoretical physicist Joseph Conlon, author of 'Origins,' reveals how poetry can illuminate complex cosmological concepts. He explores the balance between art and science, discussing how poetic language can enhance our understanding of the universe. Conlon delves into string theory, the challenges of communicating scientific ideas, and the impact of AI on creativity. He reflects on historical figures like Galileo and emphasizes the collaborative nature of art and science, advocating for a richer dialogue between the disciplines.

Join Jason Steffen, author of "Hidden in the Heavens" and a pivotal figure in the Kepler Mission, as he shares his insights on exoplanet science. Discover how the Kepler Mission unveiled over 5,000 exoplanets, reshaping our understanding of planetary diversity. Steffen discusses the mission's challenges and successes, the surprising nature of newly discovered worlds, and what the future holds in our search for life beyond Earth. His compelling tales of scientific exploration inspire aspiring scientists to embrace curiosity and perseverance.

Max Tegmark, a renowned physicist and machine learning expert, dives deep into the realm of artificial intelligence and its potential to exceed human intelligence. He raises thought-provoking questions about the ethical responsibilities that come with AI advancements. The discussion covers the societal impacts of AI, the necessity of regulations, and the exciting possibilities of AI in education and science. Tegmark even draws fascinating parallels between AI and cosmology, pondering whether we live in a multiverse and how that insight could shape our understanding of intelligence.