Robinson's Podcast

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and AI innovator, shares his insights on the future of artificial intelligence. He discusses why he is optimistic about AI's potential to improve our lives, including its role in healthcare and therapy. Hoffman tackles fears of AI as a threat, emphasizing the need for alignment with human interests. He also delves into how AI can enhance individual agency and revolutionize academia, urging younger generations to embrace AI skills for career competitiveness.

Kenneth Roth, the former executive director of Human Rights Watch and now a visiting professor at Princeton, shares his insights on tackling human rights abuses. He discusses the effectiveness of shaming authoritarian figures like Putin and Orban. Roth also delves into the complexities of genocide and ethnic cleansing, particularly in the context of Palestine. With a focus on evidence-based approaches, he emphasizes the crucial role of reliable information and international intervention in addressing ongoing humanitarian crises.

Richard Wolff, Professor Emeritus of Economics and a Marxist scholar, joins the discussion on Trump's tariff plans. He dissects the real issues America faces, including its rising debt and employment crises. The conversation touches on the geopolitical implications of tariffs, particularly with China and the BRICS nations. Wolff critiques the myths surrounding tariffs and examines the impacts on U.S. businesses and political representation. They also explore the complex dynamics of economic policy, healthcare, and the role of political influence.

Carl Hart, Mamie Phipps Clark Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, dives into the complex world of psychoactive drugs. He explores addiction's misconceptions, revealing that most users don't struggle with it. Hart critiques traditional drug education and the opioid crisis, emphasizing informed choices over fear-based tactics. The discussion touches on drugs' impact on creativity and social dynamics, while advocating for a science-based approach to drug policy that acknowledges the societal contexts of drug use.

Tim Maudlin, a Professor of Philosophy at NYU and founder of the John Bell Institute, engages in a fascinating discussion about the philosophy of time. He tackles misconceptions surrounding simultaneity and explores the relativity of duration. The conversation delves into whether time is fundamental, its behavior at quantum scales, and the philosophical implications of time travel and black holes. With humor and depth, Maudlin and Robinson challenge traditional views, inviting listeners to rethink their understanding of this elusive dimension.

Michael Hudson, Distinguished Research Professor of Economics, delves into fascinating historical insights connecting the Crusades to modern economic systems. He discusses how the Church shaped financial structures and explores the implications of AI on labor and social security. Hudson critiques the U.S. debt cycle and contrasts American and Chinese economic strategies, revealing a complex interplay between finance and political power. His latest work, 'Temples of Enterprise,' underpins how history influences today's economic challenges, urging a reevaluation of entrenched financial narratives.

Richard Wolff, a Marxist economist, critiques modern capitalism and its inherent challenges, while Yannis Varoufakis delves into Europe's strategic role amid US-China tensions. Yascha Mounk discusses the ideological battles shaping global perceptions of democracy versus authoritarianism. Daniel Mattingly analyzes the rise of China and its impact on international politics. With insights from Robin Visser and Pei Wang on cultural dynamics, the conversation weaves a rich tapestry of economic, political, and philosophical themes in understanding the evolving US-China relationship.

Peter Zeihan, a savvy geopolitical analyst and best-selling author, dives into the shifting global landscape. He discusses how China’s declining birth rate threatens its economic stability and the implications for global power dynamics. Zeihan also highlights the necessity for U.S. immigration reform to bolster economic growth. The conversation touches on the rise of AI, the limitations of traditional military tech like the F-35, and the fragility of globalization. With Trump’s tariffs at the forefront, Zeihan predicts deepening tensions around the world.

David Kipping, a Professor of Astronomy at Columbia University and head of Cool Worlds Lab, explores the depths of extraterrestrial life. He shares insights on the Kardashev Scale, discussing how civilizations can be categorized by their energy consumption. The conversation dives into UFO phenomena and the fascinating idea of artificial intelligence's impact on humanity. Kipping also unravels the mysteries of Oumuamua and speculates about ancient alien civilizations, all while highlighting the importance of scientific integrity in understanding the cosmos.

Eliezer Yudkowsky, a decision theorist and co-founder of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, dives into the grave implications of artificial intelligence. He discusses the alignment problem, stressing the importance of ensuring AI reflects human values to prevent potential catastrophe. The conversation touches on superintelligent AI's unpredictable behavior and the necessity for rigorous ethical considerations. Topics like cyborgs, gradient descent, and the risks of indifferent AI make clear the urgency of addressing these challenges as humanity navigates this precarious frontier.