The Orthogonal Bet

In this episode, Samuel Arbesman speaks with Stuart Buck, executive director of the Good Science Project—a think tank devoted to better understanding how science is done and funded. Stuart previously served as a vice president at Arnold Ventures, where he focused (among other things) on scientific practice and reproducibility, and he holds a PhD in education policy and a JD. Stuart also wrote a fascinating essay last year for Palladium Magazine titled “The Case for Crazy Philanthropy,” and Samuel wanted to explore the idea with him.Together, they discuss the nature and history of “crazy philanthropy,” why we don’t see more of it, and how to incentivize everything from risk-taking to new—and genuinely weird—types of research institutions. They also dig into metascience, neglected research, and federal science funding more broadly, including potential scenarios for where U.S. science might head next. This conversation was recorded in September 2025, so a few references may be slightly dated.

Tinkered Thinking, a pseudonymous author of the optimistic collection White Mirror, chats with Samuel Arbesman about his evolution from Luddism to embracing tech. They explore how his writing began as a coding exercise and led to a publishing deal. The duo debates society's role in shaping technology and the implications of AI-focused narratives. Tinkered Thinking warns against doomer perspectives, advocating for a future filled with curiosity and hope—where extended lifespans and understanding technology can lead to more meaningful lives.

Alec Nevala-Lee, an author and historian of science, dives into the life of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Luis Alvarez. He explores Alvarez's knack for solving complex problems across various fields, including his role in the Manhattan Project and the asteroid theory of dinosaur extinction. Nevala-Lee reveals Alvarez's difficult personality and resistance to collaboration at times. He reflects on the evolution of big science and the need for small-team freedom, encouraging a fresh perspective on modern scientific challenges.

Nick Foster, a renowned designer and futurist who has shaped future-oriented design for major brands like Dyson and Google X, discusses his book, *Could Should Might Don’t*. He explores how organizations engage with futures design and the common pitfalls in forecasting. Foster introduces his taxonomy of future-thinking, emphasizing the need for balance and intentionality. He shares insights on using science fiction effectively and advocates for a grounded approach to envisioning 'the future mundane'—making futures relatable and realistic.

In this engaging discussion, journalist David Edmonds delves into Peter Singer's shallow pond thought experiment, which challenges our moral obligations toward distant strangers. He explains how this concept paved the way for the Effective Altruism movement, designed to maximize charitable impact. Edmonds also addresses critiques of the movement, including its demandingness and the shift towards longtermism, stressing the importance of balancing individual aid with systemic change. Thought experiments, he argues, can significantly shape real-world ethics and actions.

Join Rohit Krishnan, a creative force behind the Strange Loop Canon newsletter and an AI practitioner, as he dives into the world of artificial intelligence and writing. He reveals the intriguing flaws of large language models in generating prose and discusses the role of reinforcement learning in training AI like his project, Walter. Rohit also explores how AI can reshape our future work dynamics, likening it to managing playful video games. Above all, he emphasizes the importance of experimentation and play in unlocking AI's full potential.

Linda Liukas, an author and educator known for her Hello Ruby series, dives into the joy of teaching kids coding through play. She shares insights from her unique playground design in Helsinki that incorporates computer science concepts. Liukas discusses the importance of nurturing curiosity in children versus adults and the role of generative AI in cultivating questioning skills. She emphasizes storytelling, historical connections to computing, and how play and curiosity are intertwined, ultimately advocating for a deeper understanding of learning through exploration.

Molly Mielke, an early-stage investor and founder of Moth Fund, has an impressive background with stints at Figma, Notion, and Stripe. She dives into her journey from tech intern to venture capitalist, emphasizing the importance of person-centered investment over sector focus. Molly discusses how early-stage bets reveal unique potential and the significance of supporting creative builders through grants. She also reflects on the tech culture in San Francisco, the risks of monoculture, and the importance of genuine values in startups.

Daniel Temkin, a writer and digital artist known for his pioneering work in esoteric programming languages, joins to explore the whimsical world of esolangs. They discuss how these unconventional languages challenge coding norms and stimulate creativity through playful constraints. Temkin highlights his unique creations, like Fatfinger—a tolerant dialect for code poetry—and shares surprising applications of esolangs, including their use in malware. The conversation dives into the intersection of art, programming, and human expression.

In this episode, Samuel Arbesman speaks with Parker Owens, whose passion for Lego has grown into something remarkable. In addition to working as an attorney, Parker runs Parker’s Brick Builds, a company where he designs and sells custom Lego creations. His sets range from vehicles and a siege tower to even a Lego “dumpster fire” that fans can build themselves.Arbesman and Owens explore Parker’s Lego journey—from childhood play, through a hiatus during his young adult years, to rediscovering the bricks and eventually becoming a Lego TikTok star. Their conversation covers the origins of Parker’s business, his win in a business competition, the broader Lego-adjacent ecosystem of creators and companies beyond the official Lego Group, how he approaches design, and the mission that guides his work, including the kind of customer he envisions for his sets.