
The Stephen Wolfram Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 8min
Business, Innovation and Managing Life (November 27, 2024)
Delve into the fascinating world of naming companies, exploring how choices can shape identity and public perception. Discover the legalities surrounding trademarks and the surprising role AI might play in future naming conventions. Reflect on tech industry strategies and the unique challenges of validating innovative business ideas. Uncover the evolution of chatbots in education and the potential of genome sequencing in personal research. A lively discussion unravels the intricate relationship between names, innovation, and technological advancements!

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 5min
Future of Science and Technology Q&A (November 22, 2024)
In an engaging Q&A, viewers dive into the future of science and technology. Questions spark discussions on AI tutors reshaping education and the potential obsolescence of traditional classrooms. The ethics of gene therapy and the possibilities of extending human lifespan are explored, alongside concerns about evolving bacteria outsmarting medicine. Intriguingly, the potential of AI in biological evolution raises questions about the future of Darwinism. Can we really 'softwarize' humans? The conversation is a thrilling blend of science and ethical dilemmas.

Nov 28, 2024 • 46min
The History of Quantum Mechanics
Dive into the fascinating journey of quantum mechanics, tracing its roots from ancient philosophy to groundbreaking 19th-century discoveries. Explore influential figures like Boltzmann, Planck, and Einstein, and learn how critical experiments unveiled the peculiar behavior of electrons. Discover key concepts like quantized angular momentum and the uncertainty principle, alongside pivotal equations that shaped modern physics. The evolution of field theory and its future implications for quantum computing adds a thrilling edge to this historical narrative.

Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 33min
History of Science & Technology Q&A (November 20, 2024)
Dive into the riveting history of quantum mechanics, exploring pivotal debates and figures like Feynman and Schrödinger. Discover the implications of quantum theories through fascinating topics like the Copenhagen interpretation and Schrödinger's cat. Delve into the unusual intersections of quantum mechanics and relativity, including vacuum fluctuations. Enjoy personal anecdotes of encounters with legendary scientists, reflecting on the thrilling yet challenging path of scientific discovery.

Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 21min
Science & Technology Q&A for Kids (and others) [November 15, 2024]
Dive into the mysteries of light's dual nature as both a wave and a particle. Discover how astronauts navigate space using stars and pulsars, beyond traditional GPS. Marvel at the universe's vastness compared to atomic scales and the implications for computer chips. Unravel the concept of escape velocity and the enigmatic behavior of light around black holes. The hosts also share insights on enhancing their engaging livestream series, inviting audience interaction and feedback for future innovations.

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 12min
Business, Innovation and Managing Life (November 13, 2024)
In a lively Q&A, insights on when new businesses might turn profitable are explored, stressing passion and relationships. The importance of recognizing diverse talents within teams is discussed for maximum productivity. Advancements in self-driving technology spark intriguing comparisons, while strategies for building a customer base highlight product resonance and pricing tactics. Thoughts on managing innovation reveal the need for constructive feedback and effective communication, emphasizing leadership that balances guidance with empowerment.

Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 3min
Future of Science and Technology Q&A (November 8, 2024)
The discussion opens with intriguing insights on whether AI can truly understand concepts like humans do. There's a fascinating exploration of aging, questioning if it's a programmed process or merely wear and tear. The potential for extending life through unique organisms sparks curiosity, while the ethics of digitizing consciousness raises important identity issues. Space colonization is examined, prompting reflections on humanity's impact on other worlds. Lastly, the diverse approaches to problem-solving in humans and neural networks illustrate the richness of cognitive processes.

Nov 12, 2024 • 44min
History of Science & Technology Q&A (November 6, 2024)
Discover the intriguing world of ancient travel writing and how it shaped our understanding of historical narratives. Explore interactions between civilizations like Rome and Egypt, and the influential legacy of Babylonian science on Greek philosophy. Uncover the evolution of timekeeping from sundials to atomic clocks, and the fierce rivalries among historical scientists. Delve into forgotten tech hacks from ancient civilizations and why the Greeks embraced abstract thought, leading to pivotal breakthroughs like the realization of Earth's roundness.

21 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 10min
Stephen Wolfram Readings: On the Nature of Time
Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of time as Stephen discusses its computational nature. He challenges the conventional linear view, introducing concepts like computational irreducibility. The intricate link between time and the universe's structure, illustrated by the Ruliad, is unveiled. Engaging with ideas of time travel and relativity, he also examines how our perceptions are shaped by computational principles. Philosophical questions arise about time's progression and its deep connections to memory and space.

Nov 6, 2024 • 1h 18min
Science & Technology Q&A for Kids (and others) [November 1, 2024]
In a lively Q&A, fascinating questions about the universe as an automaton take center stage. The discussion dives into the evolution of scientific thought, highlighting the shift from philosophy to mathematical modeling. Concepts like the ruliad spark debates about free will, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Exploring how observers interpret existence adds layers to our understanding of identity and social dynamics. Philosophical reflections on infinity further enrich the conversation, revealing the complexities of computation and comprehension.