The Armen Show

In this episode of the Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian interviews Dr. Kaleda Denton, a post-doctoral fellow at the Santa Fe Institute. They discuss the interdisciplinary nature of the Institute, the concept of niche construction in biology, and the dynamics of decision-making, particularly the differences between following the mean versus the majority. The conversation also explores the limitations of game theory, the role of cultural evolution in cooperation, and the impact of AI on accessibility and learning. They delve into the importance of reducing polarization while maintaining diversity in viewpoints, emphasizing the need for mixing and collaboration across different fields and perspectives. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Kaleda Denton and Armen Shirvanian explore a variety of topics including the distinction between majority and mean opinions, the challenges of reading in the digital age, and the implications of large language models (LLMs) on culture. They discuss the importance of communication in society, the influence of close circles versus wider communities in learning, and the role of influential figures in personal development. The conversation also delves into the concept of memes and cultural transmission, the impact of role models on cumulative culture, and the question of human uniqueness in the context of cultural evolution.

In this episode of The Armen Show Podcast, host Armen Shirvanian welcomes back Dr. Brennan Spiegel to discuss his new book, ‘Pull,’ which explores the profound impact of gravity on our health and well-being. The conversation delves into the intersection of gravity, consciousness, and health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical resilience against the force of gravity. Dr. Spiegel shares insights on the role of AI in healthcare, the gut-brain connection, and the significance of posture and balance. The discussion also introduces the concept of ‘gravitypes,’ a framework for understanding individual relationships with gravity and how they affect mental and physical health. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to engage with gravity positively to enhance their overall well-being. Check out The Gravity Doctors Podcast – Dr. Brennan Spiegel and Dr Lachlan Kent introduce you to the world of Biogravitational Medicine and how gravity shapes our bodies and minds for better or worse – https://thegravitydoctors.com/ Take the Gravitype Quiz to find out your Gravitype:https://www.brennanspiegelmd.com/pull#gravitypequiz We hope you learn from this episode, and feel free to check out Dr. Spiegel’s past time on the show on episode 291.

In this episode, Dr. Nayan Patel discusses his journey from pharmacy to exploring the depths of health and wellness through glutathione. He emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine, the impact of aging on health, and the role of lifestyle choices in maintaining optimal health. The conversation delves into the significance of glutathione in detoxification and healing, the relationship between stress and hormones, and the growing interest in longevity medicine. Dr. Patel advocates for listening to the body’s signals and empowering it to heal itself, while also addressing the challenges faced in the pharmaceutical landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Melissa A. Ilardo discusses her research on breath-hold diving populations and the genetic adaptations that allow them to thrive in extreme conditions. She emphasizes the importance of language in conducting research, the role of community engagement, and the potential therapeutic applications of her findings. The conversation also touches on the significance of clear communication in science and the celebration of resilience in human populations.

In this episode of The Armen Show, host Armen Shirvanian discusses the evolving landscape of book writing in 2025. He emphasizes the abundance of resources and tools available to aspiring authors, including AI-assisted writing and editing, and the rise of self-publishing. Armen explores the importance of maintaining a creative flow while utilizing digital tools, and highlights the significance of clarity in the writing process. He also provides insights into effective writing practices, research management, and the value of community support for writers.

In this episode, Armen Shirvanian explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity, discussing how to co-create with AI while maintaining the human touch. He delves into copyright issues surrounding AI-generated content, the implications of the EU AI Act, and the dual nature of AI as both a tool for enhancing creativity and a potential flattening force. The conversation also touches on the rise of AI companions and virtual influencers, emphasizing the importance of human connection and the ethical considerations of emotional AI.

In this episode of The Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian explores the complex dynamics of status in modern life, focusing on the distinction between earned and perceived status. He discusses how social media influences our understanding of status, the costs associated with maintaining an image, and the importance of reclaiming real value in our lives. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in status signaling and emphasizes the need to build a strong foundation of earned status for long-term fulfillment.

In this episode, Armen Shirvanian explores the practical applications of artificial intelligence in daily life, discussing how AI can enhance productivity, organization, and decision-making. He shares personal experiences and insights on using AI for tasks such as organizing files, automating document submissions, and discovering local spots. The conversation emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with AI tools to maximize their benefits and reduce friction in everyday tasks.

In this episode of the Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian discusses the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for society. He explores the dual perspectives on AI, highlighting both the concerns and the opportunities it presents Armen shares practical applications of AI that can enhance productivity and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of engaging with AI to gain insights and clarity. He also reflects on the role of AI as a connection tool and offers closing thoughts on navigating life with AI in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, Armen Shirvanian hosts Professors Jennifer Jacquet and Becca Franks to discuss the critical issues surrounding aquaculture, sustainability, and fish welfare. They explore the rapid expansion of aquaculture, its environmental impacts, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the diverse species involved. The conversation highlights the gaps in research and the importance of policy changes to address the welfare of aquatic animals and the sustainability of marine ecosystems. This conversation explores the intricate relationships between humans and aquatic life, emphasizing the need for a reimagined understanding of our connection with ocean animals. The discussion highlights the intelligence of octopuses, the impact of the Anthropocene on marine ecosystems, and the role of shame and social approval in influencing consumer behavior regarding seafood. The speakers advocate for interdisciplinary approaches to ocean conservation and emphasize the importance of emerging research questions that can enhance our understanding and protection of marine life. Jennifer Jacquet is an American researcher and a professor of environmental science and policy at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, at the University of Miami. She also works as an associate director of research at Brown University’s Climate Social Science Network. Becca Franks is Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbia University and a B.A. in Anthropology from New York University. Franks’s research and teaching lie at the intersection of environmental and animal protection, specializing in animal behavior, aquatic animal welfare, quantitative methods, and human-animal relationships.