Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

In this conversation, Jacob Shell, a geography professor at Temple University and author, addresses the urgent need for ideological diversity in academia. He argues that the current left-leaning dominance stifles intellectual discourse and suggests hiring more conservative scholars to enhance academic integrity. Shell critiques the politicization of academia and examines how informal screening mechanisms hinder conservative voices. He also discusses the challenges posed by the grant system and the need for a reformed approach to ensure inclusivity and rigorous scholarship.

Matt Welch, Editor-at-large of Reason magazine and co-host of The Fifth Column podcast, shares his insights on the chaotic shifts in Eastern Europe post-Communism. He discusses NATO's expansion and Russia's historical influence in the region. Welch reflects on his blogging journey, the rise of partisanship, and how media has evolved into podcasts. He also evaluates the Tea Party's roots in libertarianism and its ideological impacts, emphasizing the importance of humor and community in podcasting.

Dive into the fascinating world of ancient North African genetics as a new study reveals insights from the Green Sahara. Discover how this once-lush region supported human life and shaped pastoralist cultures. Learn about the distinct lineage of inhabitants diverging from sub-Saharan ancestors and the intricate migration patterns that influenced genetic diversity. Uncover the legacy of the Pleistocene-to-Holocene transition and the mysterious connections between early human populations across the continent.

In this engaging conversation, Andrew Song, co-founder of Make Sunsets and NYU economics graduate, dives into the urgent need for geoengineering to combat climate change. He argues that current emission-reduction strategies have failed and advocates for innovative solutions like injecting particulate matter into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight. The discussion also covers the economic feasibility of such projects and the importance of public trust in environmental interventions. Song challenges conventional views and highlights the potential of technology to address climate challenges.

In this discussion, Zineb Riboua, a research fellow at the Hudson Institute, brings her expertise on foreign policy and great power competition. She delves into Trump's use of tariffs as a foreign policy tool and challenges the notion of idealism in international relations, promoting a realist perspective akin to Henry Kissinger. Riboua also analyzes the Gaza crisis, U.S.-Russia relations amidst the Ukraine conflict, and geopolitical shifts in the Sahel, all while emphasizing the complex interplay of identity and cultural narratives in shaping policy.

Mark Lutter, an urban development expert and Founder of the Charter Cities Institute, dives into the transformative potential of charter cities. He discusses the challenges faced in the Prospera project in Honduras and envisions developing San Francisco's Presidio into a super-city. Lutter outlines the need for innovative governance in developing nations and explores successful models like Dubai and Singapore. He emphasizes how charter cities can act as bastions of liberty, sparking economic and cultural advancement akin to historic periods of transformation.

Graeme Wood, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author focusing on geopolitics, discusses alarming trends in Germany's politics. He analyzes the rise of the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AFD) party, exploring its shift from anti-EU to anti-migrant. Wood shares firsthand experiences of racism in both urban and rural settings, contrasting multicultural environments against the tighter-knit communities of Eastern Germany. He also touches on the complex demographic dynamics and how economic woes are further polarizing society.

Leighton Woodhouse, a journalist and documentarian from Oakland, critiques the anti-woke movement and the MAGA cultural hegemony. He discusses how Trump’s alliance with tech oligarchs like Elon Musk reflects a shift away from working-class politics towards corporate interests. Woodhouse highlights the cultural parallels between the Right's use of power and the woke Left's suppression of free speech. He emphasizes the challenges of navigating modern identity in a polarized society, while advocating for thoughtful dialogue and community engagement.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Klatt, a metabolism researcher and dietitian, dives into the cultural and political shifts in nutrition. He critiques the recent 'MAHA' movement, emphasizing the urgency for increased funding in nutritional research. Klatt also addresses the journey of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, highlighting their effects on appetite and the risks of unregulated use. The conversation sheds light on America's obesity crisis and the systemic changes needed in the food landscape, offering vital insights into health and policy.

Charles Murray, a distinguished public intellectual and scholar, reflects on his 50 years of insights into American society. He discusses the striking cultural and political shifts over the past two decades, particularly the influence of social media and evolving race relations. Murray also addresses the challenges facing the working class in the age of AI, critiques higher education's value, and discusses the complexities of immigration policy. He candidly explores the taboos surrounding discussions of group differences in cognitive performance and the potential future of America's demographic landscape.