Join Steven Dick, NASA's chief historian, as he uncovers the historical views on extraterrestrial life. Award-winning scientist Russell Stannard shares his belief that intelligent aliens align with a divine plan. Cosmologist Paul Davies argues that the universe has deeper significance, while philosopher Robin Collins suggests that aliens could exemplify God's creativity. Psychologist Douglas Vakoch explores how cultural perceptions of E.T. challenge our understanding of faith and humanity's place in an evolving cosmos.

Greg Epstein, the Humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT, explores the intersection of technology, morality, and religion. He discusses his book, Tech Agnostic, proposing that technology has become a powerful modern religion requiring reformation. Epstein examines how tech influences identity and behavior, comparing tech leaders to prophetic figures. He emphasizes the need for critical distance from technology while advocating for a humanist approach to ethics. The conversation delves into AI, consciousness, and the importance of community values in shaping a better future.

In this insightful discussion, Edward Witten, a leading string theorist and Fields Medalist, shares his views on the essence of scientific breakthroughs. Karen Uhlenbeck, the first woman to win the Abel Prize, emphasizes the interplay between analysis and creativity in mathematics. Gregory Chaitin delves into complexity theory, revealing the hidden sources of creativity. Robbert Dijkgraaf offers perspectives on collaboration versus isolation, highlighting how emotional journeys are integral to scientific discovery and the imaginative processes that drive physics forward.

Join stellar minds like Lawrence Krauss, a cosmology expert, and Michio Kaku, a string theory advocate. They delve into revolutionary physics discoveries, discussing dark energy and the melding of physics and biology. Rupert Sheldrake brings his unique take on morphic resonance, exploring nature’s collective memory. Paul Davies raises questions about the universe's origins, while David Chalmers challenges perceptions of reality, highlighting consciousness as a core component. This captivating dialogue seeks to uncover the mysteries beyond our current understanding.

Quayshawn Spencer, a philosopher of science, joins computational biologist Joshua Swamidass, evolutionary biologist Massimo Pigliucci, and philosopher Alexander Rosenberg to dive into the complexities of race. They explore whether race is a biological reality or a social construct. The discussion delves into how skin color relates to race, the lack of genetic differences among humans, and the implications for healthcare. Each guest offers a unique perspective, emphasizing the critical need to understand race's role in societies while challenging common misconceptions.

This engaging discussion features Frank Wilczek, a Nobel-winning physicist, J. Gott, an innovative astrophysicist, Stephen Wolfram, a computer scientist and entrepreneur, philosopher Bas van Fraassen, and astronomer Owen Gingerich. Together, they tackle the profound limits of science in understanding the universe and human existence. Topics include the tension between empirical evidence and spiritual beliefs, the unpredictability of evolution, and the philosophical implications of scientific models versus personal truths. They explore whether real truths exist beyond what science can uncover.

Donate to Closer To Truth to help us continue exploring the world's deepest questions.   When we speak about the future of the universe, we mean when the sun burns out, when galaxies collide, when everything flies apart and ultimately evaporates. Do the untold billions and trillions of years from now make it irrelevant for us today? No. The far far future of the universe conveys meaning now.   Featuring interviews with Martin Rees, Wendy Freedman, Abraham Loeb, Alexander Vilenkin, and Robert Russell.

David Papineau, a British academic philosopher and Professor of Philosophy of Science, dives into the fascinating relationship between consciousness and reality. He critiques traditional dualism, advocating for a materialist perspective that links consciousness with physical processes. The discussion also ventures into moral considerations for animals and AI, questioning what it means to be conscious. With engaging explorations of teleo semantics and the complexities of belief formation, Papineau sheds light on the intricate interplay between mind and matter.

Join renowned neuroscientists Rodolfo Llinas, John Mazziotta, Joseph LeDoux, Mike Merzenich, and Eran Zaidel as they dive into the fascinating workings of the human brain. Discover how brain functions underpin our thoughts, movements, and emotions. Delve into the amygdala's role in processing fear and the impact of neuroplasticity on human experience. Explore the complexity of consciousness and how our brains adapt through learning, shaping both individual identity and perception. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the mind!

Join Deepak Chopra, a leader in alternative medicine, Donald Hoffman, a cognitive scientist, and other guests like Neil Theise and Fred Alan Wolf as they dive into the compelling question of whether consciousness is the ultimate reality. They explore the idea that our perceptions may be illusions and discuss how consciousness might unfold in relation to physical laws. Touching on everything from quantum physics to the boundaries of body and soul, they challenge traditional beliefs and ponder the cosmic significance of consciousness.