Closer To Truth cover image

Closer To Truth

Latest episodes

undefined
7 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 27min

What is Extended Mind?

This engaging discussion features philosopher Andy Clark, a pioneer in the study of the extended mind and embodied cognition. He explores the intriguing concept of the mind extending beyond the brain, influenced by our environment and technology. Clark highlights how tools like smartphones reshape our memories and identities, raising questions about ownership and consciousness. He challenges traditional views on cognition, advocating for a holistic understanding that incorporates our social interactions and external artifacts.
undefined
Mar 26, 2025 • 27min

Does a Fine-Tuned Universe Lead to God?

Join physicist Michio Kaku, who blends a background in Buddhism and Christianity with cutting-edge science, as he tackles the mind-boggling concept of a fine-tuned universe. They delve into whether this precisely calibrated cosmos points to a divine creator or if multiverse theories provide a more plausible explanation. Kaku critiques five arguments against fine-tuning as evidence for God and explores the potential for alternate life forms. Tune in for a discussion that intertwines philosophy, science, and the cosmic quest for meaning!
undefined
6 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 33min

Annaka Harria on Consciousness and the Cosmos

Annaka Harris, New York Times bestselling author of "Conscious" and creator of the "Lights On" audio documentary series, delves deep into the mysteries of consciousness. She discusses its potential as a fundamental aspect of the universe and challenges traditional views in physics. Topics include the relationship between consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the illusion of self. Harris invites listeners to question identity, explore ethical concerns surrounding consciousness, and consider the implications of consciousness in both a scientific and philosophical context.
undefined
Mar 12, 2025 • 27min

Do Human Brains Have Free Will?

Donate to Closer To Truth and help us keep our content free and without paywalls.   Free will seems the simplest of notions. Why then is free will so vexing to philosophers? Here's why: no one knows how free will works! Science, seemingly, permits no "gaps" in which free will can operate.   This episode features interviews with John Searle, Rodolfo Llinas, Eran Zaidel, Roger Walsh, Mike Merzenich, Henry Stapp, Colin McGinn, and Christof Koch.
undefined
Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 14min

Janna Levin on Cosmology: Black Holes, the Big Bang, and More

Help Closer To Truth continue exploring the world's biggest questions with a donation of any amount.   Astrophysicist and science visionary Janna Levin discusses all things cosmology: black holes, gravitational waves, the James Webb Space Telescope discoveries, early galaxies, and more.   Janna J. Levin is a theoretical cosmologist and a professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College. She researches black holes, the cosmology of extra dimensions, and gravitational waves in the shape of spacetime. In addition she is the director of sciences at Pioneer Works. Her books include Black Hole Survival Guide, Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space, and How the Universe Got Its Spots.
undefined
8 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 27min

Implications of Cosmology?

The podcast dives into the mysteries of the universe, exploring its vastness and humanity's role within it. It discusses groundbreaking concepts like dark matter, cosmic inflation, and the intriguing possibility of multiple universes. The episode emphasizes awe in the cosmos through stunning imagery and the shared human experience of exploration. Philosophical inquiries about the universe's purpose and life’s origins are examined, alongside the implications of universal constants for existence itself, sparking reflections about extraterrestrial intelligence.
undefined
Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 15min

Philip Goff and Helen De Cruz on Finding (and Losing) Their Religion

Two notable Closer To Truth contributors—and two good friends—discuss their intellectual and spiritual journeys in what seems to be opposite directions: one toward a form of Christianity and the other away from it.   Philip Goff is a British author, idealist philosopher, and professor at Durham University whose research focuses on philosophy of mind and consciousness. Specifically, it focuses on how consciousness can be part of the scientific worldview. He is the author most recently of the book Why? The Purpose of the Universe.     Helen De Cruz is a Belgian philosopher and Danforth Chair of Philosophy at Saint Louis University who specializes in philosophy of religion, experimental philosophy, and philosophy of cognitive science. She is also an activist supporting the rights of EU citizens in the context of Brexit. Her most recent book is Wonderstruck: How Wonder and Awe Shape the Way We Think.
undefined
Feb 12, 2025 • 27min

Why Explore Consciousness and Cosmos?

Donate to Closer To Truth and help us keep our content free and without paywalls.   Cosmos and consciousness seem utterly different, the former encompassing the vast universe, the latter emerging from tiny brains. Yet consciousness founds most religions, and some cosmologists speak quietly, profoundly, about consciousness.   Featuring interviews with David Chalmers, Alexander Vilenkin, David Brin, Colin McGinn, and Paul Davies.
undefined
Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 30min

Nathan Lents on The Sexual Evolution

Nathan Lents, an evolutionary biologist and author at John Jay College, explores how our understanding of sexuality and gender is deeply rooted in animal behavior over the past 500 million years. He discusses the fluidity of sexual identities like pansexuality and non-binary, emphasizing the importance of rejecting rigid definitions. Lents also unpacks the evolution of asexuality and the term 'queer,' advocating for inclusivity. He argues for recognizing the complexity of sexuality in both humans and animals, challenging traditional views and societal norms.
undefined
7 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 27min

The Ultimate Questions of Existence

Dive deep into the ultimate questions of existence, grappling with the cosmos, consciousness, and reality. Discover how the universe's nature blends science with philosophy, revealing the delicate balance between inquiry and belief. Delve into the origins of the universe and the limits of verification, while exploring how mathematics shapes our understanding of existence. Engage with the evolving perceptions of reality through the eyes of physicists, connecting the dots between the tangible and intangible aspects of life.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode