

The Stephen Wolfram Podcast
Wolfram Research
Stephen Wolfram is the creator of Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha and 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

Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 13min
History of Science & Technology Q&A (October 1, 2025)
Stephen Wolfram dives into the origins of computation, linking early algorithms to ancient devices like the Antikythera. He explores the evolution of logic from Aristotle to modern formalization, highlighting figures like Babbage and Lovelace. The podcast touches on the skepticism around applying computation to physical realms and contrasts biology's acceptance of digital models with physics' resistance. Wolfram also discusses automata history and how scientists are remembered, weaving narratives of innovation and inquiry throughout.

Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 32min
Storytelling with Stephen Wolfram: Stories From My Life Q&A
In an engaging Q&A, insights from Stephen Wolfram's life unfold like chapters from a personal epic. He reflects on his early ambitions shaped by sci-fi dreams and the pivotal choices between saying yes to intriguing projects versus profit. Memories of MacArthur gatherings highlight the richness found in cross-disciplinary encounters. He shares fond anecdotes, from rediscovering half-finished ideas to various quirks at lectures. Through his journey, Wolfram reveals how personal and technological evolution intertwines, sparking deeper thoughts on fame and friendships.

Sep 29, 2025 • 2h 15min
Storytelling with Stephen Wolfram: Stories From My Life Part 8
Dive into Stephen Wolfram's fascinating life stories, where he shares the challenges of building long-lived platforms like Mathematica and navigating a decade-long journey with his New Kind of Science. He opens up about dealing with intellectual theft, the mixed reactions from the scientific community, and the unexpected success of his book. From launching Wolfram|Alpha to exploring artistic uses of cellular automata, Stephen underscores the importance of making knowledge computable and envisioning a future where computation drives scientific progress.

Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 56min
Storytelling with Stephen Wolfram: Stories From My Life Part 7
Dive into a fascinating journey as Stephen shares anecdotes from his early research days and the birth of cellular automata tools. He details his vision behind complex systems at the University of Illinois and his pioneering work on Mathematica. You'll hear about his memorable meeting with Steve Jobs, the evolution of a unified computational system, and mishaps during international demos. Additionally, experience insights into his solitary research years and the intriguing stories behind notable early employees and interns.

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 15min
Storytelling with Stephen Wolfram: Stories From My Life Part 6
By popular demand, Stephen Wolfram explores anecdotes and stories from his life.Watch the original livestream on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eW7yp6x1jC0

9 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 16min
"I Have a Theory Too”: The Challenge and Opportunity of Avocational Science
Explore the intriguing world of avocational science and its challenges. Learn why common amateur theories about physics often fall short. Discover what truly captivates scientists in unsolicited submissions. Delve into Ramanujan's cautionary tale about intuition in experimental mathematics. Discuss AI's potential to evaluate novel contributions and whether it needs to critique itself. Finally, ponder the value of impossibility theorems while encouraging a deeper understanding of ruleology for aspiring scientists.

Sep 22, 2025 • 2h 19min
Storytelling with Stephen Wolfram: Stories From My Life Part 4
By popular demand, Stephen Wolfram explores anecdotes and stories from his life.Watch the original livestream on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pG8BgTy0130

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 39min
Storytelling with Stephen Wolfram: Stories From My Life Part 5
Dive into fascinating anecdotes of Stephen Wolfram's life! Hear about his early decision to pursue physics and intriguing chats with Richard Feynman. Discover his adventures with intellectual property disputes at Caltech and lessons learned from startup culture. Explore his shift to complexity science, including cellular automata. Plus, uncover his experiences with consulting projects in oil simulations and the innovations at Bell Labs. It's a captivating blend of personal stories and scientific milestones!

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 38min
Storytelling with Stephen Wolfram: Stories From My Life Part 1
Dive into the colorful tapestry of Stephen's life as he shares captivating family stories that trace his roots back to Germany and England. Discover anecdotes from his childhood, filled with early curiosities about dinosaurs and spacecraft. Enjoy tales of family travels to exotic locations and encounters with Oxford's philosophical elite that shaped his intellectual journey. Stephen reflects on how these early experiences connect to his later work, leaving listeners eager for more stories in the next installment.

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 38min
Storytelling with Stephen Wolfram: Stories From My Life Part 2
By popular demand, Stephen Wolfram explores anecdotes and stories from his life.Watch the original livestream on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9MTJyjGXNsI