

Science & Futurism with Isaac Arthur
Isaac Arthur
Science & Futurism with Isaac Arthur explores the long-term future of humanity through space exploration, advanced technology, and big-picture science. Each episode examines how civilization may grow beyond Earth—covering space colonization, megastructures, artificial intelligence, post-scarcity economies, and the physics that shape our future—grounded in real science and careful speculation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2025 • 27min
Alien Overlords Have Conquered Earth... Now What?
In a world where aliens have conquered Earth, humanity faces a new reality under extraterrestrial rule. The discussion dives into the motivations behind the invasion, suggesting survival rather than hostility is key. Different models of alien governance are explored, from puppet states to decentralized control. Daily life transforms with new technologies and cultural impositions. Resistance tactics are examined, alongside the complicated reasons people might collaborate with their new rulers. Ultimately, the future hinges on adaptability and evolving human destinies.

Dec 18, 2025 • 27min
Alien Overlords Have Conquered Earth... Now What? (Narration Only)
The podcast explores a chilling future where aliens have conquered Earth. Humanity grapples with survival, governance, and the complexities of life under alien rule. The discussion highlights the impracticality of humans as food or slaves and delves into the motivations behind the invasion. Listeners learn about the challenges of rebuilding and the various governance models that might emerge. Resistance strategies and cultural resilience are also examined, alongside the potential long-term outcomes for humanity.

14 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 2h 37min
Strange Lifeforms: The Chemistry of Alien Worlds (Narration Only)
Dive into the bizarre possibilities of alien lifeforms! Explore the fascinating role of boron in supporting life on desert worlds and how ammonia could serve as an alternative solvent in cold environments. Discover sulfur-based metabolisms reminiscent of early Earth and ponder the potential of silicon-based organisms. Uncover the intriguing concept of crystal life and the reactivity of fluorine in extraterrestrial ecosystems. Plus, journey to Titan’s methane oceans to unveil the challenges and prospects for life beyond our planet!

Dec 16, 2025 • 2h 38min
Strange Lifeforms: The Chemistry of Alien Worlds
Delve into the wild possibilities of alien life, from boron-powered organisms thriving in harsh deserts to ammonia-based ecosystems in frozen worlds. Imagine sulfur creatures thriving on volcanic planets and silicon life manipulating energy from high-temperature environments. Explore the intriguing concept of crystal life, with potential ecosystems built on semiconducting structures. Vision of methane oceans on Titan reveals how these unique biochemistries might evolve, challenging our understanding of life in the universe.

Dec 14, 2025 • 29min
Vacuum Decay - Escaping the End of Physics Itself
What if the universe could suddenly rewrite its laws? Dive into the enigmatic world of vacuum decay and explore the fascinating concepts of false vs. true vacuums. Learn about quantum fluctuations and how they affect reality. Could anything survive a cosmic catastrophe, and how might we detect impending doom? Uncover the theoretical survival strategies and the potential of harnessing vacuum energy, alongside the risks that come with it. The podcast delves into the fragility of our universe, highlighting the urgency to understand these cosmic threats.

8 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 28min
Vacuum Decay - Escaping the End of Physics Itself (Narration Only)
What if the universe's laws changed overnight? Explore the concept of vacuum decay, a potential cosmic doomsday, and the possibility of life escaping its grasp. Discover how different layers of physical reality interact and whether anyone might survive a catastrophic bubble. The podcast also discusses the unlikely triggers for vacuum decay, from natural phenomena to engineered causes. Delve into theoretical energy yields from vacuum transitions and the possibility of detecting early warning signs. It's a fascinating dive into the fragility of existence!

Dec 11, 2025 • 25min
Bubble Habitats & Zero-G Megastructures (Narration Only)
Discover the fascinating concept of bubble habitats where humans thrive in a weightless environment. Explore the potential of zero-gravity megastructures, from massive floating cities to advanced telescopes. Learn about the industrial opportunities that microgravity presents, like unique manufacturing processes. Delve into ecological challenges of plant life in space and how human culture might transform in zero-G living. Get inspired by the intersection of science fiction and engineering as we envision our future beyond Earth.

Dec 11, 2025 • 25min
Bubble Habitats & Zero-G Megastructures
Discover the fascinating world of zero-gravity habitats where architectural creativity knows no bounds. Delve into the practical advantages of large microgravity zones for industry and science, including megatelescopes. Learn about innovative concepts like hollow asteroids as both shelters and mines. Explore unique living conditions in expansive breathable bubble shells and the ecological adaptations required for thriving in microgravity. Lastly, consider the societal shifts that come with humanity's leap into weightlessness.

Dec 9, 2025 • 24min
The Myth of Mutation Why Superpowers Don’t Evolve... and What Might (Narration Only)
Explore the myth that mutations could grant us superpowers, as real evolution takes time and complex changes. Discover why physiological systems are needed for powers like laser eyes and how small evolutionary advantages accumulate over generations. Learn about the impact of the Atomic Age on mutation myths and why many superpowers remain scientifically unlikely. The podcast also delves into realistic paths to enhanced abilities through technologies like CRISPR and cybernetics, highlighting invention as humanity’s ultimate superpower.

Dec 9, 2025 • 24min
The Myth of Mutation Why Superpowers Don’t Evolve (and What Might)
The podcast dives into the fascinating world of mutations and why they can't instantly create superpowers. It explains evolution as a series of small changes that repurpose existing structures over time. The discussion highlights improbable psychic powers and showcases real-life traits like bioluminescence. It also explores the myth of radiation-induced mutations and the limits of evolutionary adaptations. Finally, topics like CRISPR and cybernetics present exciting possibilities for engineered enhancements.


