Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

Megan McArdle, a Washington Post columnist and author of "The Upside of Down," explores the intricate relationship between food culture and economics. She discusses how tariffs function like taxes, impacting food production and cuisine evolution. McArdle delves into American culinary history, from the luxury of gelatin desserts to modern convenience cooking. With humor, she shares insights on how technology and diverse cuisines shape today’s dining experiences, while reflecting on societal trends and personal food journeys.

Nikolai Yakovenko, a former professional poker player and research scientist at Google, now CEO of DeepNewz, discusses the state of AI as of 2024. He highlights the seamless integration of AI into daily work, particularly in software development, and how this transformation counters fears of mass unemployment. Yakovenko reviews the evolution of large language models, touches on the potential of AI-driven news apps, and examines the competitive landscape in AI innovation, all while sharing insights on the public's shifting perceptions of technology.

Yascha Mounk, a political scientist and author known for his insightful works on democracy and identity, delves into the challenges facing the Democratic Party as it navigates the landscape leading up to the 2024 election. He discusses the implications of racial polarization and the shift towards affluent voters, questioning identity politics' role. Mounk reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on public trust and expertise, and he shares thoughts on the future of European nations amidst demographic changes and migration, highlighting the UK's precarious position.

  Today Razib talks to Russian commentator and transhumanist Anatoly Karlin. Karlin has a BA in political economy from U C Berkeley. For most of the 21st century he had positioned himself as part of the right wing of the transhumanist movement. He returned to Russia after living in California’s Bay Area for several years, and from there he promoted a nationalistic vision in opposition to American military and cultural power. With the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, he joined a chorus of Russian warbloggers cheering on the inevitable conquest. And then, like Richard Hanania, he did an about-face on the Russian invasion, reversing many of his views. Today Karlin is a digital nomad, and aligns firmly with American cultural and technological progressivism. He endorsed Kamala Harris and promotes what he terms a “Biosingularity.” His Substack is  “Elite Human Capital,” a term popularized by Hanania. Arguably Karlin has gone further than Hanania in endorsing the new American global order, underpinned both by the US’s technological and cultural dominance. Razib and Karlin talk about how he came to invert so many of his views, while at the same time remaining fundamentally committed to the transhumanist project, like combating aging. They discuss the contrast between Russia and the US, and how Karlin came to see Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine and stand against the West as folly. Karlin also discusses his peripatetic lifestyle,  the new friends made and those lost due to his conversion to what he would have previously called “globalism.”

Explore the fascinating journey of the horse from wild creature to indispensable companion. Discover how horses transformed trade and agriculture, and their critical roles in military history. Learn about the challenges faced in domesticating other equines, like zebras, while uncovering the horse's unique evolutionary adaptations. This discussion highlights the horse's impact on human civilization and its status as a dynamic player in our developmental narrative.

Wilfred Reilly, an associate professor at Kentucky State University and author of "Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me," discusses the troubling revisionism in American school curricula. He critiques dominant historical narratives about slavery and colonization, pointing out the oversights in contemporary education. Reilly argues for a balanced view of historical morality, examining complex legacies like the Red Scare and the 1960s cultural revolution. He emphasizes the importance of accessible writing to convey intricate topics effectively.

Leighton Woodhouse, a freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Oakland, delves into the chaotic urban landscapes of America. He discusses the consequences of crime and disorder, particularly in Oakland, and pinpoints the judicial system's role in rising petty crime. Woodhouse examines the political elite's impact on public safety, contrasting West Coast and East Coast liberalism. He also highlights how homelessness is a unique crisis tied to specific political conditions, making for a compelling exploration of urban dynamics and governance.

Lyman Stone, a demographer and future PhD in sociology, discusses the pressing issue of declining fertility rates in the U.S. and worldwide. He highlights how increased ages for marriage and first birth since 2008 have contributed to a fertility crash, countering the myth that it solely results from decreasing teen births. Stone also examines global patterns, emphasizing the striking gap between desired and actual family sizes in Africa. The conversation sheds light on the interplay of economic factors, cultural beliefs, and the implications for future societal dynamics.

Peachy Keenan, a pseudonymous commentator and author of 'Domestic Extremist,' shares her fascinating journey from a liberal Los Angeles upbringing to becoming a conservative Catholic housewife. She discusses reclaiming traditional family values amidst modern pressures and critiques the current state of conservative arts. Keenan examines the shortcomings of evangelical media, explores the rich themes in Tolkien's works, and highlights the influence of social justice ideologies on art and culture. Her insights offer a unique perspective on navigating today’s cultural landscape.

Jesse Singal, a journalist and author known for his insights into social science, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about the replication crisis in social psychology and its implications. He critiques the reliability of findings from the early 2010s, including the controversies surrounding implicit bias and power posing. The discussion takes a turn to youth gender medicine, where Singal delves into the complexities of gender transitions and the need for rigorous research. His reflections challenge prevailing narratives and spotlight the urgent need for reform in both journalism and research.