Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

Ethan Strauss, a writer known for his sharp insights on sports and culture, joins the conversation to discuss the intersection of athletics and societal issues. He reflects on basketball talent disparities across regions, including the challenges of the NBA's attempts to engage Chinese fans. The dialogue also dives into the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports hiring practices, contrasting corporate pressures with meritocracy. Strauss shares candid takes on the impact of these dynamics on professional sports, balancing cultural commentary with humor.

Manvir Singh, an assistant professor of anthropology at UC Davis and a contributor to The New Yorker, discusses the primal nature of shamanism and its connection to modern religions. He argues that shamanism is a universal psychological phenomenon, seen in various cultures despite differing practices. Singh shares insights from his fieldwork with the Mentawai tribe, illustrating the richness of their shamanic traditions. The conversation delves into the blending of shamanic elements in Christianity and the growing appeal of shamanism in contemporary spiritual practices.

Bo Winegard and Noah Carl, editors of Aporia Magazine with backgrounds in social psychology and sociology, dive into the murky waters of controversial topics. They discuss their experiences with cancellations and media backlash, shedding light on the evolving landscape of free speech in academia. The duo delves into contentious issues like race and IQ, exploring public perception and the societal ramifications of these discussions. They also tackle the impact of artificial intelligence on academic integrity and the complexities surrounding identity politics today.

Tim Lee, a computer science master's graduate from Princeton and host of Understanding AI, dives deep into the fascinating world of self-driving cars. He discusses the ongoing safety debates surrounding autonomous vehicles and the surprising notion that Waymo's incidents may stem from human error. Lee contrasts major players like Waymo and Tesla, critiques the overhyping of self-driving tech, and examines the unique challenges of navigating diverse terrains. Tune in for insightful perspectives on the future of driverless transportation and the industry’s rapid evolution!

Delve into the fascinating genetic origins of Finnic and Germanic peoples. Discover recent scientific findings that unveil their linguistic connections. The discussion sheds light on the cultural and ethnic interplay shaping these groups. Prepare for insights that challenge misconceptions and expand your understanding of prehistoric mobility in Northern Eurasia.

Laura Spinney, a Paris-based British author and science journalist, dives into the fascinating origins of the Indo-European languages. She discusses the revolutionary role of paleogenetics in understanding these ancient people's migrations. Spinney explores the ongoing debates about the proto-Indo-European homeland, weighing archaeological versus linguistic perspectives. The conversation also touches on the unique journey of the Albanian language and the significance of storytelling in connecting cultures throughout history.

Delve into groundbreaking research on human ancestry and migration. A new genetic model reveals an extended history of two ancestral populations that diverged 1.5 million years ago, later merging in a significant admixture event. Discover how this hybridization shaped modern genomes, revealing insights into deleterious genetic variants. The discussion also highlights advancements in computational genomics, enhancing our understanding of genetic variation and population histories, shedding light on humanity's complex origins.

John Sailer, Director of Higher Education Policy at the Manhattan Institute, dives into the changing landscape of academia. He explores the rise of ideological capture and the backlash against woke politics, particularly under the Trump administration. Sailer reveals how universities have made discriminatory policies apparent and are now facing pressure to adjust or defend their DEI practices. The discussion highlights the growing distrust towards universities and the complexity of navigating political influence and academic freedom in current educational climates.

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.