Science & Futurism with Isaac Arthur

Isaac Arthur
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Jun 8, 2025 • 33min

How Many Alien Civilizations Are There?

Are we alone in the universe—or just early to the party? We’ll explore the math, models, and megastructures that might answer how many alien civilizations are out there, and why the night sky remains so quiet.Watch my exclusive video Fishbowl Starships - Water As Shielding - https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-fishbowl-starships-water-as-shieldingGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $30.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:How Many Alien Civilizations Are There?Episode 723; June 8, 2025 Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurEditor: Ludwig LuskaGraphics: Ken York YD VisualSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty ImagesMusic Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorPhase Shift, "Forest Night" Chris Zabriskie, "Unfoldment, Revealment" & "A New Day in a New Sector" Koalips, "Kvazar" Stellardrone, "Red Giant" & "Billions and Billions"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Jun 5, 2025 • 52min

Orbital Shipyards - Building Fleets in Space

A new industrial revolution is coming—not on Earth, but above it. This episode delves into how orbital shipyards will produce everything from shuttles to megastructures, changing how we explore and inhabit space.Watch my exclusive video Fishbowl Starships - Water As Shielding - https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-fishbowl-starships-water-as-shieldingGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $30.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Orbital Shipyards: Building Fleets in SpaceEpisode 722; June 5, 2025; Nebula ExclusiveWritten, Produced, & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurGraphics: AnthrofuturismBryan VersteegFishy TreeJeremy JozwikMelanovisSergio BoteroSpaceResourcesCGIUdo SchroeterSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorPhase Shift, "Forest Night"Kai Engel, "Endless Story of Sun and Moon"Chris Zabriskie, "Unfoldment, Revealment", "A New Day in a New Sector", "Oxygen Garden"Stellardrone, "Red Giant", "Billions and Billions"Chapters0:00 Intro0:15 Why Build in Orbit?1:29 The Gravity Well Problem3:22 Material Sourcing – The Importance of ISRU5:44 Early Orbital Shipyards – Existing & Near-Future Projects6:37 Lessons from Space Stations & Prototypes8:22 Port George & Linus Scrapyard – Revisiting Fictional Shipyards13:08 Infrastructure & Logistics of Orbital Shipyards23:39 Constructing Different Types of Ships31:58 Challenges of Large-Scale Shipbuilding34:10 Maintenance, Repairs, and Refits – Sustaining a Spacefaring Fleet39:25 Salvage and Recycling40:37 The Future of Orbital Shipyards – Expanding Beyond Earth43:03 The Rise of Megastructure Shipyards44:29 Privatization and the Spacefaring Economy46:12 Shipyards as Strategic Military and Political Assets47:54 The Role of AI, Automation, and Post-Human WorkforcesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Jun 5, 2025 • 52min

Orbital Shipyards - Building Fleets in Space (Narration Only)

A new industrial revolution is coming—not on Earth, but above it. This episode delves into how orbital shipyards will produce everything from shuttles to megastructures, changing how we explore and inhabit space.Watch my exclusive video Fishbowl Starships - Water As Shielding - https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-fishbowl-starships-water-as-shieldingGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $30.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Orbital Shipyards: Building Fleets in SpaceEpisode 722; June 5, 2025; Nebula ExclusiveWritten, Produced, & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurGraphics: AnthrofuturismBryan VersteegFishy TreeJeremy JozwikMelanovisSergio BoteroSpaceResourcesCGIUdo SchroeterSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorPhase Shift, "Forest Night"Kai Engel, "Endless Story of Sun and Moon"Chris Zabriskie, "Unfoldment, Revealment", "A New Day in a New Sector", "Oxygen Garden"Stellardrone, "Red Giant", "Billions and Billions"Chapters0:00 Intro0:15 Why Build in Orbit?1:29 The Gravity Well Problem3:22 Material Sourcing – The Importance of ISRU5:44 Early Orbital Shipyards – Existing & Near-Future Projects6:37 Lessons from Space Stations & Prototypes8:22 Port George & Linus Scrapyard – Revisiting Fictional Shipyards13:08 Infrastructure & Logistics of Orbital Shipyards23:39 Constructing Different Types of Ships31:58 Challenges of Large-Scale Shipbuilding34:10 Maintenance, Repairs, and Refits – Sustaining a Spacefaring Fleet39:25 Salvage and Recycling40:37 The Future of Orbital Shipyards – Expanding Beyond Earth43:03 The Rise of Megastructure Shipyards44:29 Privatization and the Spacefaring Economy46:12 Shipyards as Strategic Military and Political Assets47:54 The Role of AI, Automation, and Post-Human WorkforcesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 31, 2025 • 27min

5 Fermi Paradox Explanations I Love… and 7 That Fall Flat

The Fermi Paradox asks why, in a vast and ancient universe, we see no signs of alien life. In this episode, we explore five explanations that make sense—and seven popular ones that, despite sounding good, fall flat under closer scrutiny.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFipeZtQM5CKUjx6grh54g/joinVisit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:5 Fermi Paradox Explanations I Love, 7 That Fall FlatEpisode 502 / 721; May 31, 2025Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurGraphics: Ken York YD VisualSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creator0:00 Intro1:11 Space Is Too Big4:46 Rare Earth6:35 Aliens Signals Just Can’t Be Heard10:09 Humans Are Boring11:36 Dark Forest Theory14:14 Interdiction Bubble Civilizations16:49 Hermit Hypothesis19:18 Aestivation Hypothesis and Extragalactic Migration21:10 Transcendance, Ascension, and Extra-Universe Migration22:33 Infinite Miniaturization23:33 Berserkers & Zombie AI24:53 Aliens Common But Unrecognizable 26:08 Simulation HypothesisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 31, 2025 • 27min

5 Fermi Paradox Explanations I Love… and 7 That Fall Flat (Narration Only)

The Fermi Paradox asks why, in a vast and ancient universe, we see no signs of alien life. In this episode, we explore five explanations that make sense—and seven popular ones that, despite sounding good, fall flat under closer scrutiny.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFipeZtQM5CKUjx6grh54g/joinVisit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:5 Fermi Paradox Explanations I Love, 7 That Fall FlatEpisode 502 / 721; May 31, 2025Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurGraphics: Ken York YD VisualSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creator0:00 Intro1:11 Space Is Too Big4:46 Rare Earth6:35 Aliens Signals Just Can’t Be Heard10:09 Humans Are Boring11:36 Dark Forest Theory14:14 Interdiction Bubble Civilizations16:49 Hermit Hypothesis19:18 Aestivation Hypothesis and Extragalactic Migration21:10 Transcendance, Ascension, and Extra-Universe Migration22:33 Infinite Miniaturization23:33 Berserkers & Zombie AI24:53 Aliens Common But Unrecognizable 26:08 Simulation HypothesisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 29, 2025 • 44min

Stormtroopers: Elite Warriors and the Evolution of Future Combat

From trench-busting stormtroopers to galaxy-spanning clone legions, we explore the evolution of elite soldiers and how sci-fi reimagines the future of warfare.Watch my exclusive video Antimatter Propulsion: Harnessing the Power of Annihilation - https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-antimatter-propulsion-harnessing-the-power-of-annihilationGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $30.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Stormtroopers: Elite Warriors and the Evolution of Future CombatEpisode 501; May 29, 2025Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurEditors: Donagh BroderickSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty ImagesMusic Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorMarkus Junnikkala, "A Fleet Behind the Moon"Phase Shift, "Forest Night"Chris Zabriskie, "Unfoldment, Revealment" & "A New Day in a New Sector"Stellardrone, "Red Giant"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 29, 2025 • 43min

Stormtroopers: Elite Warriors and the Evolution of Future Combat (Narration Only)

From trench-busting stormtroopers to galaxy-spanning clone legions, we explore the evolution of elite soldiers and how sci-fi reimagines the future of warfare.Watch my exclusive video Antimatter Propulsion: Harnessing the Power of Annihilation - https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-antimatter-propulsion-harnessing-the-power-of-annihilationGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $30.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Stormtroopers: Elite Warriors and the Evolution of Future Combat Episode 501; May 29, 2025Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurEditors: Donagh BroderickSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorMarkus Junnikkala, "A Fleet Behind the Moon"Phase Shift, "Forest Night"Chris Zabriskie, "Unfoldment, Revealment" & "A New Day in a New Sector"Stellardrone, "Red Giant"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 25, 2025 • 26min

Ancient Machine Monitors: Alien Watchdogs, AI Custodians, and the Fermi Paradox (Narration Only)

From Clarke’s Sentinel to deep-space defense systems, this episode dives into the idea of machine monitors—guardians of planets, civilizations, and secrets too ancient to name.Watch my exclusive video Antimatter Propulsion: Harnessing the Power of Annihilation - https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-antimatter-propulsion-harnessing-the-power-of-annihilationGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $30.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits: Machine MonitorsEpisode 444b; May 1, 2024 Produced, Written & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurMusic Courtesy of:Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 25, 2025 • 26min

Ancient Machine Monitors: Alien Watchdogs, AI Custodians, and the Fermi Paradox

From Clarke’s Sentinel to deep-space defense systems, this episode dives into the idea of machine monitors—guardians of planets, civilizations, and secrets too ancient to name.Watch my exclusive video Antimatter Propulsion: Harnessing the Power of Annihilation - https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-antimatter-propulsion-harnessing-the-power-of-annihilationGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $30.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits: Machine MonitorsEpisode 444b; May 1, 2024 Produced, Written & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurMusic Courtesy of:Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 22, 2025 • 46min

Life in 2525 A.D. (Episode 500 Full Audio Drama Version)

In the year 2525, humans, post-humans, and new species navigate a vast and vibrant future. Join us as we explore the lives, dreams, and struggles of a trillion-strong civilization.Watch my exclusive video Antimatter Propulsion: Harnessing the Power of Annihilation - https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-antimatter-propulsion-harnessing-the-power-of-annihilationGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $30.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Life in 2525 A.D.Episode 500; May 22, 2025Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurEditors: Merv Johnson II & Thomas OwensGraphics:AnthrofuturismJarred EagleyJeremy JozwikKen York YD VisualSpace Resources CGIUdo SchroeterSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorChris Zabriskie, "Unfoldment, Revealment", "A New Day in a New Sector"Taras Harkavyi, "Alpha and..."Stellardrone, "Red Giant", "Billions and Billions"Sergey Cheremisinov, "Labyrinth"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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