Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Theories of Everything
Exploring theoretical physics, consciousness, Ai, and God in a technically rigorous manner. If you'd like to support this endeavor, then please visit the Patreon ( https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal ). Thank you for your charitable and kindhearted support. My name's Curt Jaimungal, a Torontonian with a degree in mathematical physics from the University of Toronto and I analyze various Theories of Everything from this analytic perspective, though more and more opening up to alternative approaches. The separating factor of TOE from other podcasts is its focus on depth even at the risk of limiting the audience due to how much detail we delve into subjects. Paralleling the intensity found in academic discourse, we're increasingly embracing a spectrum of unconventional ideas to conduct research during this podcast, rather than merely conveying existing information. Contact toe [at] indiefilmTO [dot] com for business inquiries / sponsorship.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ivette Fuentes: The Breakthrough We Can Test Right Now
Professor Ivette Fuentes, a leading mind in relativistic quantum information, dives into the testable predictions of the Casimir effect and her innovative 'third way' approach to quantum gravity. She discusses her journey in extending the Berry phase to quantum fields, highlighting its experimental verifications. Fuentes also debates the perceived stagnation in physics, arguing for experimental ingenuity. With a blend of quantum mechanics and relativity, she offers insights into entanglement, dynamical effects, and her vision for groundbreaking research in modern physics.
10 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 18min
Curt Jaimungal: Can Physics Explain Its Own Laws?
Dive into the philosophical knot of physical laws as the host poses why they exist in their specific forms. Explore Noether’s theorem and its connection to symmetries and conservation laws. Delve into the complexities of defining what counts as a law versus a rule. The discussion also tackles the challenge of explaining gravity and the self-referential nature of attempting to justify the foundations of physics. Can a system truly understand its own principles? This thought-provoking dialogue exposes the limits of explanation.
30 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 59min
Roger Penrose: Why The Big Bang Was Not The Beginning
In this engaging discussion, Nobel laureate Roger Penrose, a pioneer in mathematical physics and cosmology, challenges traditional views on the Big Bang, suggesting it wasn't the beginning at all. He explores conformal cyclic cosmology and the implications of gravitational wave function collapse for consciousness. Penrose critiques modern AI, arguing it lacks true understanding. He delves into Gödel's incompleteness and how it relates to human cognition, leaving listeners with profound questions about the nature of reality and consciousness.
4 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 32min
Aaron Schurger: "No. Neuroscience Does NOT Threaten Free Will."
In this conversation, neuroscientist Aaron Schurger debunks the notion that the brain's 'readiness potential' undermines free will, reinterpreting it as stochastic neural noise. He clarifies the differences between spontaneous and reactive actions while addressing the implications of the Libet experiment. Schurger also explores the role of consciousness in initiating movement and discusses theories like Attention Schema Theory, emphasizing how it reshapes our understanding of personal identity and consciousness mechanisms.
26 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 57min
Curt Jaimungal: Why I Don't Buy the Simulation Hypothesis (Nor Materialism)
Curt Jaimungal, a mathematical physicist and filmmaker, dives deep into the debates surrounding the simulation hypothesis and materialism. He examines why many arguments for being in a simulation falter, critiquing common beliefs and cognitive errors intellectuals often make. Jaimungal elaborates on the flaws of the Principle of Indifference and discusses nested consciousness issues. He ultimately advocates for a skeptical stance on both materialism and simulation theory, emphasizing the need for humility in metaphysics.
15 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 50min
Yakir Aharonov: The Future Propagates Backward in Quantum Theory
In this engaging discussion, Yakir Aharonov, a groundbreaking theoretical physicist known for his work on quantum mechanics, presents his revolutionary ideas on time-symmetry and the two-state vector formalism. He challenges the conventional understanding of quantum measurement and presents weak measurements as a way to gather information without collapsing wavefunctions. Aharonov elaborates on fascinating concepts like the quantum Cheshire Cat effect and the implications of past and future states on present reality, emphasizing that narrative clarity is essential in grasping quantum theory.
123 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 2h 19min
David Deutsch: Einstein Would Fail Modern Grant Applications
In this engaging discussion, David Deutsch, a quantum physicist and philosopher known for his groundbreaking ideas on quantum computation and constructor theory, explains why Einstein would struggle to secure modern research grants. He highlights the limitations of funding systems that favor incremental work over innovative ideas. The conversation also explores the implications of funding structures on creativity, the necessity of fundamental research for knowledge growth, and the intriguing connections between quantum theory and free will. David's unique perspective is both enlightening and thought-provoking.
26 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 2h 6min
Wayne Myrvold: A 2 Hour Deep Dive Into Entropy
Wayne Myrvold, a philosopher of physics specializing in thermodynamics, joins the discussion to challenge common misconceptions about entropy. He reframes thermodynamics as a resource theory and clarifies that the second law does not presuppose entropy. Myrvold delves into topics such as Maxwell’s demon, the role of information as a resource, and how fluctuations impact Carnot efficiency. He also addresses the misleading notion of entropy equating to disorder and explores the implications of heat death on available energy.
147 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 13min
Michael Levin Λ Anil Seth: Your Brain Isn’t a Computer and That Changes Everything
Anil Seth, a cognitive neuroscientist exploring consciousness, and Michael Levin, a biologist studying bioelectricity and xenobots, dive into the debate over whether the brain functions as a computer. Seth discusses the concept of 'islands of consciousness' and how understanding consciousness might rely on biological substrates. Levin counters with insights on nonstandard substrates and emergent agency. They also explore psychophysics, consciousness in xenobots, and how algorithms might fall short of capturing life and mind. Together, they challenge traditional views on cognition and emergence.
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
Lilian Dindo: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Coping with Obsessive Thoughts, and ACT Therapy
Lilian Dindo, a Professor of Medicine at Baylor College and a leading researcher in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), shares profound insights on managing obsessive thoughts. She emphasizes how embracing challenging emotions can facilitate personal growth. Dindo discusses the powerful connection between mindfulness and anxiety management, revealing techniques to transform anxiety into excitement. She also highlights the importance of aligning actions with core values over mere goal orientation, fostering a richer, more meaningful life.
