

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

Jan 1, 2025 • 1h 26min
Science & Technology Q&A for Kids (and others) [December 27, 2024]
In a lively Q&A session, viewers explore fascinating concepts like computation and how randomness can lead to structured outcomes. The discussion ventures into the idea of living in a simulation, touching on existential philosophical questions. Insights from the film 'Arrival' reveal the blending of science and storytelling, focusing on authentic alien language. Advanced theories like graviton behavior and the nature of time spark intrigue, raising questions about identity and our understanding of the universe.

Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 7min
Future of Science and Technology Q&A (December 20, 2024)
Dive into a lively Q&A where Stephen Wolfram reveals his visions for the future of science and technology. He discusses the potential of personal AI assistants, drawing comparisons to Iron Man's Jarvis. The conversation covers bold predictions like human missions to Mars by 2030 and explores the intersection of black holes and computational theories. Ethical considerations in AI and how LLMs can transform scientific discovery are examined. Expect intriguing insights about the future of physics and the evolution of technology!

Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 2min
Business, Innovation and Managing Life (December 18, 2024)
The discussion kicks off with the development of the Wolfram Notebook Assistant, blending AI to enhance usability. Insights on innovation reveal the thrills and challenges of product creation, along with leadership strategies for navigating uncertainty. Engaging younger audiences through technology highlights new learning tools for kids. Personal anecdotes about pets provide humor and relatability, while effective meeting management tips emphasize productivity and engagement. It's a mix of personal stories and professional insights that keep it lively!

4 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 25min
History of Science & Technology Q&A (December 4, 2024)
Explore fascinating insights into the history of biological evolution and its relation to Darwin's theories. Discover how early mappings of our world shaped perceptions of geography and identity. Delve into the concept of morphological attractors and their impact on the diversity of life forms. Examine the intriguing potential of ancient civilizations, including the possibility of Egyptian light bulbs. Finally, unravel the connections between particle shapes in physics and the behavior of language models, revealing unexpected parallels in our understanding of complexity.

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.