

Manifold
Steve Hsu
Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Join him for wide-ranging conversations with leading writers, scientists, technologists, academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 8min
Ray McGovern: CIA, JFK, Deep State, and Ukraine Crisis — #54
Former CIA analyst Ray McGovern discusses JFK assassination, Hunter Biden's laptop, deep state in Ukraine, and strategic implications of the Ukraine war for the US. Reflects on US foreign policy shifts and election interference. Explores warnings and coups leading to Ukraine conflict, highlighting complexities of global power dynamics and the importance of informed citizenry.

Feb 8, 2024 • 53min
Lecture: Fermi Paradox, AI, Simulation Question — #53
Steve discusses DNA, origin of life, Fermi Paradox, AI, and the Simulation Question. Topics include DNA as molecular information, evolution through natural selection, AI's role in DNA sequencing and phenotypic prediction, timeline of life on Earth, Fermi Paradox explanations, and living in a simulated reality.

Jan 25, 2024 • 1h 11min
Utah AG Sean Reyes: “Sound of Freedom” and Human Trafficking — #52
Utah AG Sean Reyes, a producer for 'Sound of Freedom', discusses his personal journey, human trafficking, technology in law enforcement, and the horror of human trafficking. They also touch on genetic genealogy, misconceptions surrounding human trafficking, and future plans for engagement in the political world.

7 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 1h 24min
Military Technology and U.S.-China War in the Pacific — #51
TP Huang discusses US-China strategic competition in terms of military technology. Topics include hypersonic weapons and A2AD, China's military technology evolution, surprise attacks on Hawaii or Seattle, Japan's role in a US-China conflict, Chinese invasion of Taiwan, PRC nuclear weapons buildup, PRC-Russia alliance, and future developments of military technology in China.

Dec 14, 2023 • 1h 27min
Louis-Vincent Gave: Understanding China’s Economy, and U.S. Competition — #50
Louis-Vincent Gave, financial expert and founder of Gavekal, discusses China's economic growth, its focus on education, and the global implications of its economic and political policies. Topics include China's real estate market, the impact of China's economic growth, comparing the size of the Chinese and U.S. economies, China's trade surplus and U.S. debt, and the possibility of a U.S. debt crisis.

30 snips
Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 3min
Charles Miller: Satellite Technology and the Future of Mobile Connectivity — #49
Serial space entrepreneur Charles Miller discusses the evolution of commercial space, the impact of Elon Musk and SpaceX, the birth of Lynk and its technical breakthroughs, use cases for satellite connectivity, investment opportunities in Lynk, competition with Starlink, and the global competition in satellite technology. They also explore the future of satellite technology, mobile data speeds, and offer advice for young entrepreneurs.

Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 23min
China's EV Market Dominance and the Challenges Facing Tesla — #48
TP Huang, a computer scientist and analyst, discusses China's dominance in the EV market. Topics include Tesla's impact, buying cars in China, China's domination in EV batteries, challenges facing Tesla, evolution of smart cars and autonomous vehicles, LIDAR technology, BYD and China's energy independence.

Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 30min
Taylor Ogan, Snow Bull Capital: China's tech frontier, the view from Shenzhen — #47
Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, discusses moving his firm to China for better market access and transparency post-pandemic. They explore China's dominance in electric vehicles and LiDAR technology, the value of site visits for investment research, and the challenges and unpredictability of investing in China's stock market. They also highlight the rapid technological advancements in various sectors and the transformative power of technology for the Chinese economy.

Oct 19, 2023 • 1h 43min
Bharat Karnad: India geostrategy, nuclear arsenal, and assassination of Homi Bhabha, the Oppenheimer of India — #46
Bharat Karnad, an Emeritus Professor in National Security Studies, discusses India's nuclear arsenal, the assassination of Homi Bhabha, and refocusing India's defense posture from Pakistan to China. They explore the challenges in India-China relations, India's potential for growth, and the subjugation of India under foreign invaders. Karnad also shares personal experiences in journalism and sheds light on the mysterious death of Homi Bhabha.

4 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 1h 32min
Yasheng Huang: China's Examination System and its impact on Politics, Economy, Innovation — #45
Yasheng Huang, MIT professor, discusses China's examination system's impact on politics, economy, and innovation. Topics include: his personal journey, civil service exams, developing human capital, impact of the exam system, China's innovation peak and decline, collaboration with the West, and the future of U.S.-China relationship.