Through Conversations
Alex Levy
We Explore The Truth Through Conversations With The Most Brilliant Minds - a podcast where we explore the world's most pressing questions through in-depth conversations with the brightest minds on the planet. Each week, I bring on leading experts from a variety of fields to discuss everything from politics to science to philosophy.
My goal is to uncover the truth and provide my listeners with a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Join me on our journey to discover the truth through conversations with the world's leading thinkers.
My goal is to uncover the truth and provide my listeners with a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Join me on our journey to discover the truth through conversations with the world's leading thinkers.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
Why Aesthetics Matter More Than Ever – Virginia Postrel
In this conversation, Virginia Postrel discusses the significance of aesthetics in communication, the evolving nature of glamour, and the impact of urban design on societal connections. She emphasizes the importance of dynamism in society and how creativity can flourish in the age of AI, ultimately advocating for a deeper understanding of beauty and culture in our rapidly changing world.Virginia Postrel is an American political and cultural writer. She is a recipient of the Bastiat Prize.Chapters00:00 Exploring Aesthetics in the Digital Age10:02 The Power of Glamour and Its Impact19:56 Urban Design and the American Dream29:59 Future Visions: Technology and Society31:01 Understanding Dynamism and Its Implications35:30 The Evolution of Sports and Media39:15 The Role of Humanities in a Tech-Driven World42:17 AI's Impact on Creativity and Aesthetics50:44 The Future of Art and Human ExpressionGrab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life - https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: https://throughconversations.comSubstack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: https://x.com/ThruConvPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
Jul 3, 2025 • 42min
Iran’s Nuclear Threat and the Future of the Middle East — Behnam Ben Taleblu
In this conversation, Benham Ben Taleblu discusses the recent military strikes in Iran, the implications for the regime, and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. He highlights the collapse of Iran's deterrent architecture, the regime's current vulnerabilities, and the potential for foreign powers to influence the region. The discussion also touches on the future of Iran's nuclear program and the ongoing struggle between the state and society within Iran.Download the full transcript for free - https://throughconversations.kit.com/981dae6846Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Current Situation in Iran02:53 The Recent Military Actions and Their Implications05:52 Domestic and International Reactions09:08 The Role of Foreign Powers in the Middle East12:09 The Impact of Information Fragmentation15:06 Evaluating the Success of Military Campaigns18:05 The Connection Between Nuclear Capabilities and Regime Survival21:10 The Future of the Iranian Regime23:54 Regional Dynamics: Saudi Arabia and Turkey's Influence27:12 Potential Scenarios Post-Ceasefire29:57 Conclusion and Future OutlookBehnam Ben Taleblu is senior director of FDD’s Iran Program, where he oversees the breadth and depth of FDD’s work on Iran in addition to serving as a senior fellow specializing in Iranian security and political issues.Grab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life - https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: https://throughconversations.comSubstack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: https://x.com/ThruConvPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
Jun 27, 2025 • 31min
Iran’s Nuclear Program Exposed – Full Breakdown in 30 Minutes (Emergency Episode)
In this emergency episode (unedited), Alex speaks with Andrea Stricker, an expert on nuclear energy and proliferation, about the recent developments in Iran's nuclear program following military strikes. They discuss the implications of these strikes, Iran's proximity to developing nuclear weapons, and the potential risks of nuclear accidents. The conversation also covers international reactions, the role of the IAEA, and the future dynamics between the US and Israel in addressing nuclear threats.Download full transcript here - https://throughconversations.kit.com/cc8d48aa87Andrea Stricker is deputy director of FDD’s Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program and an FDD research fellow. She is an expert on nuclear weapons proliferation and counterproliferation, open-source proliferation and policy analysis and strategic commodity trafficking.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Crisis in Iran02:47 Impact of Recent Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Program05:50 Iran's Proximity to Nuclear Weapons08:52 Concerns Over Future Nuclear Proliferation12:05 Risks of Nuclear Accidents15:06 International Reactions and Implications17:52 The Role of the IAEA and Future Monitoring21:03 Post-Ceasefire Dynamics and Red Flags23:50 Future Collaborations Between the US and Israel26:45 Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsGrab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life - https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: https://throughconversations.comSubstack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: https://x.com/ThruConvPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Truth Behind Protest Dynamics - Todd Kashdan
In this conversation, Todd Kashdan discusses the concept of 'soft eugenics' and how it manifests in various aspects of life, particularly in dating and social interactions. We explore the dynamics of social movements, the psychology behind protests, and the interactions between protesters and law enforcement.Download the full episode's transcript for free - https://throughconversations.kit.com/efa695ebf8Chapters00:00 Introduction to Soft Eugenics02:58 The Unconscious Nature of Dating Preferences05:50 Exploring the Big Five Personality Traits08:47 The Impact of Personality on Relationships12:09 Understanding Neuroticism and Emotional Management14:57 The Role of Emotions in Social Dynamics17:48 Guilt and Its Importance in Relationships29:07 The Art of Interbordination and Social Movements31:08 Challenging Outdated Norms and Authoritarian Regimes36:27 The Role of Protesters and Law Enforcement40:06 Navigating Tensions Between Protesters and Police45:23 Maintaining Moral Stamina in Activism49:31 Balancing Group Identity and Individual Thought55:50 Fostering Curiosity in ConversationsTodd's Substack - https://toddkashdan.substack.comGrab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life - https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: https://throughconversations.comSubstack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: https://x.com/ThruConvPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
May 19, 2025 • 49min
NFL Star Alec Ingold on Greatness, Purpose & Becoming Unstoppable
Download this episode's transcript for free - https://throughconversations.kit.com/5e6701687fGrab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life - https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/joinIn this episode of Through Conversations, Alec Ingold, a professional football player and author, joins us to discuss themes of greatness versus perfection, the importance of embracing failure, and the journey of pursuing dreams. Alec shares personal stories from his life, including his experiences with adversity, career decisions, and the significance of authenticity in both sports and life.Connect with Alec Ingold - https://alecingold.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Alec Ingold01:17 Chasing Greatness vs. Perfection03:47 Embracing Failure and Adversity07:32 Soul Searching and Career Decisions10:54 Draft Day Realities and Responses15:38 The Importance of Action and Urgency19:52 Authenticity and Versatility in Life and Sports23:25 Pushing Beyond Limits28:40 The Purpose Crucible34:58 Leadership and Responsibility38:35 Empowering Through the Ingalls Family Foundation43:25 Navigating Adversity and Support// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: https://throughconversations.comSubstack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: https://x.com/ThruConvPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
May 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
Dark Matter, Wormholes & The Search for Extraterrestrial Life – Katherine Freese
Katherine Freese is a German-born American theoretical astrophysicist. She is a professor of physics at the University of Texas at Austin. She is known for her work in theoretical cosmology at the interface of particle physics and astrophysics.In this episode, Katherine discusses the journey of the sun through the Milky Way, the impending merger with the Andromeda galaxy, and the vastness of the universe, possibility of life "out there," and the origins of the universe.Grab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life - https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/joinChapters00:00 Exploring the Cosmos: The Sun's Journey03:47 Galactic Mergers: The Milky Way and Andromeda06:53 The Vastness of the Universe: Understanding Scale and Time10:19 The Big Bang: Origins of the Universe20:34 Dark Matter and Dark Energy: The Invisible Universe30:10 Wormholes and the Fabric of Space-Time33:05 Theoretical Constructs of Black Holes34:51 Candidates for Dark Matter: WIMPs and Axions37:15 Detecting Dark Matter: Challenges and Experiments40:17 The Dark Matter and Dark Energy Dichotomy44:50 The Future of the Universe: Big Rip vs. Big Chill49:01 The Concept of Dark Stars54:24 The Search for Extraterrestrial Life// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: https://throughconversations.comSubstack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: https://x.com/ThruConvPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Hidden Forces Shaping Your Relationships – Bill von Hippel
Grab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life - https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oDownload the episode's full transcript for free - https://throughconversations.kit.com/8e95ce8c66In this conversation, Alex and Bill von Hippel explore the themes of evolutionary psychology, the tension between autonomy and cooperation, and the effects of modern society and technology on human connection and happiness. They discuss how social media and dating apps influence relationships and the paradox of wealth versus happiness in contemporary life.William von Hippel is a psychologist, professor, and author.The Social Paradox - https://a.co/d/3idGhNTChapters00:00 Introduction to The Social Paradox03:01 The Impact of Toxoplasma Gondii on Behavior05:59 Free Will and Evolutionary Psychology09:13 The Tension Between Autonomy and Cooperation12:01 The Modern Shift Towards Autonomy14:59 The Role of Social Media in Connection18:09 Happiness in Modern Society vs. Hunter-Gatherer Life21:04 The Paradox of Wealth and Happiness23:56 The Effects of Dating Apps on Relationships32:39 The Dynamics of Relationships in Urban vs Rural Settings33:35 Balancing Autonomy and Connection in Relationships35:14 Understanding Loyalty and Infidelity in Relationships38:22 The Mystery of Falling in Love41:22 Politics, Evolution, and Empathy44:40 The Role of Religion in Political Preferences48:13 The Decline of Religion and Its Impact on Connection50:34 The Connection Between Religion and Happiness52:23 The Importance of Loose Connections55:25 Rebalancing Autonomy and Connection in Modern LifeJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: https://throughconversations.comSubstack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: https://x.com/ThruConvPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
Apr 11, 2025 • 39min
Anne-Laure Le Cunff: Rethinking Ambition, Time, and the Hero’s Journey
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, an author and neuroscience enthusiast, transitioned from a Google career to championing a more experimental approach to life. She discusses the pitfalls of the linear success path and introduces 'tiny experiments' to embrace uncertainty and personal growth. The conversation explores the balance between ambition and curiosity while redefining time with concepts like chronos and kairos. Le Cunff also emphasizes personal experimentation as a means to navigate challenges in our rapidly changing world.
17 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 31min
The Truth About Dopamine, Screens & Raising Resilient Kids – Aaron Stupple
In this engaging conversation, Aaron Stupple, a practicing physician and co-founder of the Conjecture Institute, dives into the themes of his book 'The Sovereign Child.' He challenges conventional parenting norms, advocating for children's autonomy while exploring the complexities of screen time and its cognitive impacts. Stupple emphasizes the importance of trust in parenting, how passions can foster resilience, and the interplay between technology and individuality. He reframes common misconceptions about parenting for a more liberating approach to raising kids.
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 16min
Work, Identity & Time: Are We Doing It All Wrong?
Grab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life - https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oIn this crossover episode of Living Lightly, Andrea engages in a conversation with Alex, exploring themes of self-discovery, the importance of time, and the quest for authenticity. Alex shares insights from his journey, including the release of his book 'The Time Is Now,' which serves as a guide for individuals seeking to honor their time on Earth. The discussion delves into the paradoxes of life, the impact of societal norms on personal fulfillment, and the significance of agency in navigating one's path.Get member access to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/joinChapters00:00 Introduction to Living Lightly Podcast02:22 Alex Journey and Book Release06:49 The Importance of Time and Self-Discovery12:50 Navigating Work and Personal Fulfillment20:14 The Power of Agency and Time Management26:48 Paradoxes in Life and Embracing Uncertainty39:04 The Quest for Authenticity and True Happiness41:58 The Journey of Healing and Transformation44:10 Societal Expectations vs. Personal Fulfillment49:03 Navigating Capitalism and Personal Agency51:32 The Impact of AI on Work and Creativity55:19 Intuition and the Role of Trauma01:01:02 The Power of Reflection and Healing01:06:05 Embracing Uncertainty and Taking Action01:11:21 The Illusion of Quick Fixes and True Change// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: https://throughconversations.comSubstack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: https://x.com/ThruConvPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
