
Infinite Loops
Every Thursday, join Jim O'Shaughnessy and his favorite people as they arm you with the tools & fresh perspectives required to upgrade your HumanOS and thrive in our messy, probabilistic world.
Visit our Substack at newsletter.osv.llc for full transcripts, highlights, weekly doses of timeless wisdom, and a bounty of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm that’s interesting!"
Latest episodes

52 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 25min
Luis Seco — On Mathematical Beethovens, Decentralized Education & the Voyage to the Human Brain (EP.243)
Professor Luis Seco is a mathematician, educator, and investor. Among many other titles and achievements, he is the Professor of Mathematics at the University of Toronto, Director of the quant research hub Risklab, Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Development at the Fields Institute, and co-founder of the asset management firm Sigma Analysis & Management Ltd. Got all that?! This one was really fun, and not just because Luis is a fellow quant. We discuss how maths resembles Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, the future of the ‘metaversity’, the most important lesson Luis gives his students, why investing isn't what it used to be, and much more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our Substack. Important Links: Website Twitter YouTube Show Notes: What Luis learned from the Beethoven of mathematics “Mathematics is the language computers speak” The role of community in an increasingly confusing world Lifelong education & the voyage to the human brain Why to teach is to be human Timebinding & social media as a steam valve What matters more - content or communication? Math as a social science: quantifying risk in a nonlinear world From paper, to numbers, to images: The changing nature of data Why the future of education lies in decentralization Swarm solutions & why we’re in the century of collaboration Metaversities & the case for bringing your kids to work Why managing money is now based on words, not numbers Luis as Emperor of the World MORE! Books Mentioned: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; by Douglas Adams The Two Cultures; by C.P. Snow Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance; by Robert M. Pirsig Manhood of Humanity; by Alfred Korzybski How to Win Friends and Influence People; by Dale Carnegie The Myth of 1926: How Much Do We Know About Long-Term Returns on U.S. Stocks?; by Edward F. Mcquarrie

151 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 10min
Anthony Pompliano — How to Live an Extraordinary Life (EP.242)
Anthony Pompliano, an investor and entrepreneur, shares his journey from serving in Iraq to building a media empire. He discusses the hidden power of acknowledging 'I don’t know' and how writing letters to his kids sparked profound insights. Pomp challenges the myth of luck, emphasizing proactive agency in shaping outcomes. He also explores the importance of humility, cognitive diversity in negotiations, and the evolving power dynamics in digital content creation. His perspectives are heartfelt and thought-provoking, aimed at inspiring a truly extraordinary life.

20 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 28min
Sajith Pai — Exploring Indus Valley (Ep.241)
Sajith Pai, General Partner at Blume Ventures, shares his insights on the Indian startup scene, highlighting India's complexity beyond its monolithic image. He categorizes the market into three distinct segments: affluent urbanites, aspiring middle class, and economically marginalized citizens. Discussion also covers the impact of the caste system on social mobility, the evolving venture capital landscape, and India's emergence as a digital welfare state with innovations like Aadhaar and UPI, showcasing unique business models shaped by socio-technology.

12 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 12min
Scott Aaronson — Quantumania (EP.240)
Scott Aaronson, a theoretical computer scientist and expert in quantum computing, dives into the enigmatic world of quantum mechanics and AI. He discusses the allure and misconceptions surrounding quantum technology, revealing the challenges and potential of this field. The conversation touches on the philosophical implications of human uniqueness in the age of AI and examines intriguing concepts like teleportation and identity. Aaronson also stresses the importance of vigilance against hype in both quantum computing and AI, urging critical thinking in an ever-evolving landscape.

60 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 24min
Danny Crichton — Player of Games (EP.239)
Danny Crichton, Head of Editorial at Lux Capital and creator of the Riskgaming Initiative, dives into the fascinating world of strategic simulations. He shares insights on the origins of Riskgaming and the unique play styles of technologists versus policymakers. Danny discusses high-stakes scenarios that address climate change and geopolitical dynamics, drawing lessons from his experiences with influential leaders. They also reflect on the challenge of navigating uncertainty in decision-making, blending humor with serious insights from their shared Minnesotan roots.

28 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 28min
Yuk Chi Chan — On Rockets, Dog Years & Robotic Space-Snakes (EP.238)
Yuk Chi Chan, the founder of Charter Space and an impressive former army officer and space lawyer, dives into the complexities of space ownership and the evolving role of law in space exploration. He shares insights on the bizarre future of robotic space snakes and challenges in space insurance. The discussion emphasizes the emotional significance of time, comparing it to the intricacies of satellite insurance. Yuk Chi's unique perspective blends optimism about the future of space with practical lessons learned from crises, making for a fascinating conversation.

85 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 26min
Dan Shipper — I, Writer (EP.237)
Dan Shipper, Co-founder and CEO of Every, discusses his intriguing journey from tech founder to writer. He emphasizes the power of acknowledging obvious truths about ourselves and how this can be both terrifying and liberating. The conversation touches on AI as a reflection of humanity, the importance of community and creativity, and the impact of kindness and curiosity on societal progress. Shipper also shares his strategies for building new media companies and the evolving role of AI in creative processes.

33 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 44min
Dr. Gena Gorlin — How to Build a Builder (EP.236)
Dr. Gena Gorlin, a clinical associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin and the mind behind the Building the Builder Substack, explores the unique psychological needs of ultra-ambitious individuals. She discusses the concept of the 'Builder Mindset' and how it empowers growth in a chaotic world. Gena delves into the dangers of perfectionism, the importance of personal agency, and the role of persistence in success. She challenges listeners to embrace courage, self-motivation, and innovative thinking as essential tools for personal and professional fulfillment.

119 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 10min
Nir Eyal — How To Become An Indistractable Force (EP.235)
Nir Eyal, author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," shares his insights on overcoming distractions in today's tech-saturated world. He reveals that distraction is an unhealthy escape and emphasizes the importance of regaining control over our attention. Nir introduces concepts like 'planned spontaneity' for creativity, critiques traditional to-do lists, and champions the idea of teaching children to navigate distractions. He also discusses how our identities are shaped by labels and the significance of gratitude in our lives.

23 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 28min
Alex Danco — Finding Mystery in the Margin (EP.234)
Alex Danco, Director of Product at Shopify, shares his unfiltered views on the decline of Twitter likes and the complexities of social media narratives. He emphasizes the importance of mystery in business and design, stating that intrigue can enhance consumer engagement. Danco also discusses the challenges faced by small businesses navigating profit margins and competition. The conversation touches on evolving strategies in asset management and the necessity of authenticity in education to foster creativity and agency among learners.