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
17 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.
43 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 34min
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.
Aug 12, 2025 • 10min
Philosophers vs. Physicists
Explore how philosophy has shaped physics through intriguing concepts like Bell's theorem and the hole argument. Discover the hidden philosophical assumptions that scientists often overlook in their work. Delve into the tension between practical applications and philosophical reasoning in scientific pursuits, and reflect on the essential role of philosophical inquiry in deepening our understanding of the universe. This discussion sheds light on the oft-neglected interplay that can enrich both disciplines.
38 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 2h 12min
Dirac's 90-Year-Old "Mistake" Unifies All of Physics
Professor Felix Finster, a pioneer in reimagining physics foundations, joins to discuss his groundbreaking theory of causal fermion systems. He proposes that reality can emerge from quantum correlations, challenging traditional spacetime concepts. The conversation dives into the Dirac sea and insights on quantum mechanics, exploring how familiar laws might be rewritten. Finster also addresses the complexities of causation and the measurement problem, hinting at the next potential revolution in physics. This thought-provoking discussion emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness in scientific progress.
91 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 13min
The (Terrifying) Theory That Your Thoughts Were Never Your Own
Professors Elan Barenholtz and William Hahn dive deep into a radical idea: what if language shapes our thoughts and behavior like an autonomous software? Barenholtz argues that language operates independently in our minds, while Hahn extends this to virtual machines, suggesting consciousness is just one among many running programs. They discuss cognition as a dynamic output rather than mere storage, questioning how concepts like memory and even God could just be tokens in a vast informational system. Their insights challenge our understanding of self and reality.
10 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 49min
Why Physicists Say We Don't Understand Quantum Field Theory
Join Professor Nikita Nekrasov, a leading theoretical physicist known for his groundbreaking work, as he unpacks the mysteries of quantum field theory. He discusses why a complete understanding remains elusive despite its experimental success. Dive into his solutions to the Cyberg-Witten puzzle and the fascinating introduction of the Nekrasov partition function. Discover how exotic structures in four dimensions may relate to the very fabric of life, blending deep mathematics with the marvels of the universe.
51 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 2h 19min
The Physicist Who Proved Free Will Using Thermodynamics
Jenann Ismael, a physicist and philosopher, explains her groundbreaking perspective that free will is a tangible reality rooted in thermodynamics and relativity. She discusses the unpredictability that even the most advanced systems face, allowing for genuine agency. The conversation touches on the interplay of identity and memory, the enigmatic relationship between determinism and choice, and the existential challenges we all face. From personal loss to the essence of self, Ismael makes complex concepts accessible and relatable.
36 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 53min
Brand New Result Proving Penrose & Tao's Uncomputability in Physics!
Mathematician Eva Miranda shares her groundbreaking work proving that fluid motion can be Turing-complete, echoing the theories of legends like Roger Penrose and Terence Tao. She dives into the implications of chaos theory and the Navier-Stokes equations, revealing that certain fluid paths are logically undecidable. The discussion takes whimsical turns, featuring rubber ducks to illustrate complex concepts, and poses big questions about the limits of knowledge and predictability in nature.
15 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 2h 12min
The Mathematical Accident That Changes Everything
Harvard physicist Jacob Barandes shares revolutionary insights that could redefine quantum theory. He questions a crucial hidden assumption bridging classical probability and quantum mechanics, challenging the foundations of Bell's Theorem. Dive into the complexities of reality and the measurement problem, as well as the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics. Barandes discusses transformative stochastic processes, innovative teaching methods, and the evolving landscape of physics, offering a fresh perspective on timeless questions.
26 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 53min
The 300-Year-Old Physics Mistake No One Noticed
Professor John Norton, a leading voice in indeterminism and the history of science at the University of Pittsburgh, joins the discussion to challenge long-held physics assumptions. He reveals why causation may be an illusion and critiques the myths surrounding determinism and Landauer’s Principle. Norton dives into the implications for quantum mechanics, Einstein’s mistakes, and the role of thought experiments. His insights push us to rethink the foundations of scientific understanding and explore the intricate dance between classical physics and contemporary theories.
