Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

Delve into Europe's prehistoric past, tracing the journey of modern humans since 45,000 BC. Discover the intriguing Cro-Magnon legacy and their innovations during the Upper Paleolithic era. Uncover ancient migration patterns and the cultural landscapes shaped by human movements from Central Asia and Anatolia. Explore the complex interplay of Neanderthals and early humans, revealing their technological advancements and social structures. This captivating voyage through time showcases the foundation of European ancestry and cultural evolution.

Misha Saul, a first-generation Jewish Australian and host of the Kvetch Substack, shares insights on the contrasts between Australia and the US, especially around their cultural identities and socio-economic structures. He discusses the surprising bureaucratic nature of Australia, its welfare state, and the urban lifestyle that defies outback stereotypes. The conversation dives into immigration complexities, Australia's unique fauna, and even lighthearted cultural debates like the love for Vegemite, illustrating the vibrant and nuanced fabric of Australian society.

The conversation dives into 2024 election dynamics, revealing Trump's surprising support across diverse demographics. Insights on the shifting political landscape highlight the migration of Latino and Asian voters towards Republican candidates. They discuss the potential for policy shifts under a Trump administration, particularly involving figures like Vivek Ramaswamy. The impact of inflation on voter sentiment is critiqued, along with the challenges of engaging low-propensity voters. Lastly, recent political shifts on the West Coast signal significant changes in governance and public safety concerns.

Rachel Haywire, a cultural futurist and author of "Acidexia," shares her journey from the vibrant Bay Area transhumanist scene to founding an avant-garde art gallery in New York. She discusses the evolution of cultural movements, touching on the impact of cancel culture and the rise of Dimes Square. Haywire critiques the low artistic output of current scenes while advocating for a community that challenges mainstream narratives. The conversation also explores the influence of AI on creativity and the importance of human oversight in art.

On this episode of Unsupervised Learning Razib talks to Halie May, the host of the Substack The Sequence, and a genetic counselor at Natera. May has a B.S. in chemical biology from Stevens Institute of Technology and a M.S. in human genetics from Sarah Lawrence. Before working at Natera she was a researcher and instructor at Columbia University and designed testing panels at genetics start-up, Tomorrow’s Health. Razib and May discuss how much the field has changed even in her short career, in large part because genetic counseling is a 50-year-old profession that has been transformed in the last decade by the introduction of genome-wide datasets. May highlights the changes in the last ten years, and how they have impacted counselors and end users, in particular the ubiquity of noninvasive prenatal screening tests. Here, she mentions that whole-genome analysis isn’t quite where she had expected when she began studying these issues six years ago, and Razib brings up the fact that it’s already a decade ago he had his son whole-genome sequenced. They discuss the hold-ups in the progress of genetic testing and analysis, and May points out that a major issue is likely the utter lack of federal guidelines, with oversight of genetic healthcare mostly being left to the states. This lack of coordination means that there is no top-down signal, and localities and institutions are left to cobble together frameworks in an ad hoc manner. Razib also asks May about how private companies, like Natera, might fill the gap in what hospitals can provide, and the potential pathways and promise of the democratization of genetic results.

Inez Stepman, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Independent Women’s Forum and contributor to various publications, dives into the complex cultural landscape of Silicon Valley. She critiques its perceived liberalism, arguing it masks a culture of ambitious conformity. The conversation touches on the dissonance between tech elites’ self-image and the reality of their moral frameworks. Ethical concerns over genetic technology and the implications for future generations also emerge, alongside a call for deeper philosophical engagement to tackle the challenges posed by hyper-materialism.

In this discussion, Christina Buttons, a freelance journalist known for her nuanced critiques of gender medicine, dives into the gritty complexities of adolescent gender transitions. They cover medical procedures and the ethical dilemmas surrounding hormonal treatments for minors. Buttons shares her journey in navigating conflicts between ideologies and critiques the role of activist organizations. The conversation also emphasizes the growing mental health crisis among youth and the societal impacts of rapid shifts in gender identity discussions.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Haider, the former executive director of Ex-Muslims of North America and co-host of the podcast 'A Special Place in Hell,' dives deep into the gender dynamics of public discourse. She shares her transition from nonprofit work to becoming a full-time public intellectual. The conversation examines how motherhood and personal authenticity influence her work. Haider also uncovers the complex challenges women face in the podcasting world, addressing the divergent communication styles of men and women.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Aria Babu, a British think-tank professional with a chemistry background, dives into the pressing issue of population decline and pro-natalism. She highlights the economic consequences of crashing fertility rates and envisions a future where cultural diversity may be at risk. Babu shares insights on living in modern Britain, the real challenges around housing and immigration, and the societal implications of family dynamics. The conversation offers a fresh perspective on the urgency of promoting pro-natal values amidst changing demographics.

Louise Perry, a British journalist renowned for her insights on feminism and gender issues, dives into Britain's housing crisis and immigration challenges. She discusses the staggering population density in England, likening it to India. Perry emphasizes the impact of increased immigration flows since 2021 and critiqued legal frameworks that complicate housing development. The conversation also touches on identity politics in post-imperial Britain and reflects on how these socio-economic dynamics shape contemporary life.