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
7 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.
142 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.
21 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 30min
Andrés Gómez-Emilsson: The Mathematics That Predicts Your DMT Trip
In this discussion, Andres Gomez-Emilsson, a co-founder of the Qualia Research Institute, delves into the fascinating intersection of mathematics and consciousness. He reveals how psychedelic experiences can be visualized through innovative modeling tools and explores the subjective nature of qualia, like color perception and synesthesia. The conversation also tackles the concepts of psychedelic thermodynamics and collective consciousness, making complex topics accessible to both psychedelic novices and enthusiasts alike.
11 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 10min
Curt Jaimungal (Me): Philosophers vs. Physicists
Dive into the intriguing clash between philosophy and physics! Discover how Bell's theorem and decoherence guide scientific thought while highlighting the philosophical assumptions physicists often overlook. John Norton critiques the tendency to treat information as fundamental, emphasizing the need for clarity in the philosophy of science. This discussion not only illustrates the intricate dance between disciplines but also invites listeners to reconsider the foundational ideas that underpin our understanding of reality.
151 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 2h 8min
Stephen Wolfram: Computation, Physics, Going Beyond "Evolution"
Stephen Wolfram dives into the intersection of computation, biology, and physics, positing the universe as a computational entity. He discusses the power of simple rules in cellular automata, akin to the principles of natural selection in biology. The conversation touches on the philosophy of science, the significance of historical context, and how human perception shapes scientific understanding. Wolfram also emphasizes the role of AI in research and encourages contributions from both professionals and enthusiasts in unraveling the complexities of science.
65 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 1h 50min
Max Tegmark: Physics Absorbed Artificial Intelligence & (Maybe) Consciousness
Max Tegmark, an MIT physicist and advocate for integrating AI into the realm of physics, explores the tantalizing link between AI, intelligence, and consciousness. He discusses whether consciousness is merely a product of intelligence and introduces intriguing experiments like the MEG Helmet. Delving into AI's motivations, he raises concerns about its alignment with human goals. Tegmark also touches on the evolution of AI, comparing it to past scientific revolutions, as well as the interplay of physics and cognition in our understanding of consciousness.
24 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 2h 51min
Matthieu Pageau: Christian Symbolism, Heaven, Earth, Femininity, & Satan
Matthieu Pageau, author of The Language of Creation, dives deep into Christian symbolism and the nature of Satan. He presents a radical view of Satan as a functional figure—a tester rather than a mere villain. Pageau discusses the significance of biblical characters like Abraham and Eve, exploring themes of secrecy, morality, and renewal. He unveils the feminine role in creation and traces narratives of exile and redemption, challenging listeners to rethink their understanding of good and evil. His unique insights promise a transformative experience.
28 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 2h 37min
Frederic Schuller: The Physicist Who Derived Gravity From Electromagnetism
Frederic Schuller, an award-winning theoretical physicist, dives into the groundbreaking idea of deriving gravity from electromagnetism. He challenges conventional wisdom about energy flow in quantum systems and discusses how modest ideas can ignite revolutions in spacetime theory. Schuller explores the connections between gravity and matter dynamics, proposing new ways to think about gravitational constructs. He also shares insights on teaching physics effectively, emphasizing clarity and rigorous mathematical foundations to engage students in complex concepts.
47 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 34min
Gerard ’t Hooft: The Nobel Laureate Who (Also) Says Quantum Theory Is "Totally Wrong"
Gerard 't Hooft, a Nobel laureate and theoretical physicist known for his work on the electroweak interaction, challenges traditional views of quantum mechanics. He argues that the universe operates like a deterministic cosmic pinball machine with no real randomness or superposition. Discussing hidden variables and cellular automata, he proposes a radical new framework for understanding reality and defies norms in physics. Delving into concepts like superdeterminism and the mysteries of black holes, 't Hooft offers thought-provoking insights into the nature of existence.
