A biologist challenges scientific materialism with theories like morphic resonance and panpsychism. Topics include testing for telepathy, resisting scientific dogma, advice for young scientists, and exploring consciousness in celestial bodies. The conversation touches on the clash between innovation and established norms, skeptics' views on intuition, and the shift in atheist perspectives towards spiritual practices.

Exploring topics like foster care, adoption, and social mobility, the podcast delves into the impact of early life stability, the benefits of standardized testing, luxury beliefs, and the role of intelligence in governing outcomes. It also touches on the rise of identity politics, the evolution of the Overton Window on campus, and personal reflections on resilience and responsibility.

Alec Stapp, co-founder of the Institute for Progress, discusses achieving change in the age of lobbying, the underrated value of bipartisanship, slow-moving US immigration policy, moonshot projects, reducing NIMBYism, and reasons to be optimistic about progress. He also explores learning from other countries, the impact of social media on think tanks, and the importance of immigration reform for technological progress.

Author Rohit Krishnan discusses his book 'Building God: Demystifying AI for Decision Makers'. Topics include demystifying AI, AI as a fuzzy processor, complexity and determinism, regulating AI, socially adapting to AI disruption, integrated information theory and consciousness, big tech in the AI era, and the limitations of AI.

Jim O’Shaughnessy is interviewed by his colleagues in this special 200th episode. They discuss the evolution of the podcast format, notable podcast episodes, the importance of novelty and true information, controversial personalities, recurring guests, and the perspective of young people. They also dive into the dark imagination of an evil emperor and express gratitude towards listeners.

Minn Kim and Lisa Wehden, founders of Plymouth Street, discuss the problems with the current US immigration system, injecting agency into the process, the importance of storytelling, scaling with technology, and the emotional toll of the immigration system.

Alice Albrecht, founder of re:collect, discusses enhancing human creativity, the challenges of accessing information in the digital age, the unreliability of memory, the intersection of AI and human creativity, the impact of literacy on human evolution, and the importance of divergent thinking and converging on ideas.

Guy Spier, an investor and author, joins the podcast to discuss differences between Switzerland and the US, unlocking the British class system, lessons learned from Warren Buffett, the allure and dangers of drugs like cocaine and psychedelics, toxic gun control debates, personal experiences and relationships, and the connection between music and math in investing.

Guest Jared Dillian discusses why you should never loan money to friends or family, the hidden costs of being cheap, and the differences between being wealthy and being rich. They also touch on topics like starting conditions, financial mindset, and leaving an impact.

Guest George Mack, writer, marketer, entrepreneur, and master of mental models, discusses treating life as a video game, spotting high-agency individuals, the future of media, and the importance of quiet time and reflection. They also explore optimism versus pessimism, the limitations of human knowledge, and the impact of cooperation and competition in creating good movies.