

The Stephen Wolfram Podcast
Wolfram Research
Stephen Wolfram is the creator of Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha and the Wolfram Language; the author of A New Kind of Science; and the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research. Over the course of nearly four decades, he has been a pioneer in the development and application of computational thinking—and has been responsible for many discoveries, inventions and innovations in science, technology and business.
On his podcast, Stephen discusses topics ranging from the history of science to the future of civilization and ethics of AI.
On his podcast, Stephen discusses topics ranging from the history of science to the future of civilization and ethics of AI.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 11min
Science & Technology Q&A for Kids (and others) [July 25, 2025]
Dive into the mysteries of the universe as concepts like the Big Bang and black holes are unraveled. Discover how observers shape our understanding of time and cosmic expansion, with a balloon analogy making it easier to grasp. The origins of mathematics reveal how it emerged from human necessity, showcasing its power in describing reality. Explore the dynamic relationship between kids and science, emphasizing their vital role in innovation. Curiosity stands out as the driving force behind scientific discovery.

Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 23min
History of Science & Technology Q&A (July 23, 2025)
Discover the interplay between historical scientific challenges and modern computation, revealing how earlier access to technology could have altered discoveries. Explore the evolution of museums and the importance of visiting historical scientific sites, alongside the transition to interactive exhibits. Delve into the cinematic portrayal of scientists, balancing truth and narrative. Reflect on Einstein’s life and insights, including his role in pivotal global events. Each topic unveils a rich tapestry of science and history, sparking curiosity about our technological journey.

Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 17min
Future of Science and Technology Q&A (July 18, 2025)
Explore the future of personalized AI in education, enhancing learning through tailored experiences. Delve into the balance between computer simulations and real-world experiments. Discuss breakthroughs in aging and longevity science, along with the quest for disease eradication. Unpack the complex interplay of gene editing and communication technologies. Consider the implications of AI in decision-making and the necessity of human oversight in navigating its development. Engage with advances in cellular biology and patient-specific treatments.

9 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
Business, Innovation and Managing Life (July 16, 2025)
Explore how AI is reshaping daily work and research, making tasks more efficient with user-friendly tools. Dive into the evolution of computational thinking and its importance in today’s education. Understand the complexities of validating AI-generated code, especially in innovative sectors like cryptocurrency. Discover the intersection of economics and new technologies, and reflect on the philosophical implications of our tech-driven world. This engaging discourse is packed with insights on managing life and fostering innovation.

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 38min
History of Science & Technology Q&A (July 2, 2025)
A lively discussion delves into the intriguing lives of eccentric scientists like Boltzmann and Thompson, highlighting their unique contributions. Discover the nuances of historical interpretation, where identical evidence leads to different narratives. The conversation also touches on the evolution of scientific roles, shifting from court scientists to modern professors. Explore how cinematic portrayals of scientific figures impact public perception, and reflect on the crucial role of science communication in making complex ideas accessible.

Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 20min
Science & Technology Q&A for Kids (and others) [June 20, 2025]
Dive into the mysterious world of black holes and discover how antimatter interacts with regular matter. Learn about time dilation and the puzzling effects of gravity near these cosmic giants. From the thrilling dynamics of black hole mergers to the concept of charged black holes, each topic reveals new insights into our universe. Stephen Wolfram simplifies these complex ideas, making them accessible for curious minds of all ages.

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 26min
Future of Science and Technology Q&A (June 13, 2025)
This discussion navigates the revolutionary concepts of molecular design and robotics, highlighting the potential for nanotechnology to transform manufacturing. Ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic modification and human enhancement are scrutinized, posing profound questions about societal norms. The interplay between technological advancements and biology opens up fascinating possibilities while addressing the challenges of hardware development. Expect a thought-provoking exploration of future breakthroughs in biotechnology and computational evolution.

5 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 27min
Business, Innovation and Managing Life (June 11, 2025)
This conversation dives into the Wolfram Summer School, emphasizing the power of computational thinking in education. It critiques traditional K-12 computer science teaching, advocating for real-world relevance. Insights on parenting reveal how involving kids in projects fosters innovation. The impact of AI on academia is examined, stressing the importance of nurturing critical thinking over mere output. Finally, personal anecdotes illustrate the need for diverse, relatable approaches to math education.

11 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 23min
History of Science & Technology Q&A (June 4, 2025)
The discussion dives into AI milestones, especially the rise of language models and their impact on various fields. Personal anecdotes about legendary physicists like Feynman and Heisenberg shed light on the intimate connections in the scientific community. The historical journey of cybernetics is explored, emphasizing its roots in understanding the brain. Additionally, reflections on creativity versus efficiency highlight the importance of savoring the creative journey, leaving listeners eager for more storytelling adventures.

May 28, 2025 • 1h 55min
What If We Had Bigger Brains? Imagining Minds beyond Ours
Discover the fascinating implications of larger brains on cognitive abilities and decision-making. Delve into how smell and sight shape our sensory experiences differently. Explore the evolution of human thought and the societal effects of brain size. Discuss the integration of new neuron types and the ethical questions around cognitive enhancement. Unpack the mysteries of neural networks and challenge traditional measures of intelligence. Finally, ponder how evolutionary factors influence our consciousness and cognitive capacities.