
Mind Matters
On the Mind Matters podcast, Discovery Institute’s Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence considers the implications and misconceptions, the opportunities and limitations, and the applications and challenges presented by intelligent agents and their algorithms. Episode notes and archives available at mindmatters.ai/podcast.
Latest episodes

Jan 16, 2025 • 30sec
The Hype and Limitations of Generative AI
On this episode, host Robert J. Marks concludes his conversation with economics professor and author Gary Smith about the hype and limitations of generative AI. Smith is the Fletcher Jones Professor of Economics at Ponoma College and a frequent contributor to Mind Matters News. In this portion of the conversation, Smith and Marks explore the hype around artificial general intelligence Read More ›
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Jan 9, 2025 • 41sec
The AI Bubble: Lessons from Past Financial Bubbles
In this installment of the Mind Matters News podcast, host Robert J. Marks begins a conversation with economics professor and author Gary Smith about the hype of generative AI and its impact on the market. Smith is the Fletcher Jones Professor of Economics at Ponoma College and a frequent contributor to Mind Matters News. Smith argues that generative AI, embodied Read More ›
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Jan 2, 2025 • 29sec
Semper Fi: A Marine’s Perspective on Faith, Duty, and Service
In this episode, host Robert J. Marks continues his conversation with retired major general Bobby Hollingsworth about his experiences in the U.S. Marines and his work advocating for reservists at the Pentagon. Hollingsworth unpacks the meaning of “Semper Fi” in the Marine Corps and the importance of supporting his fellow marines as riflemen on the pointed end of the spear. Read More ›
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Dec 26, 2024 • 1sec
The Radio Frequency Spectrum as a Finite Natural Resource
On this episode of Mind Matters News from the archive, hosts Robert J. Marks and Austin Egbert welcome Andrew Clegg to the show to discuss the radio spectrum as a finite natural resource and how to best manage it. The conversation kicks off with an overview of the electromagnetic spectrum and the different frequency bands used for various wireless technologies. Read More ›
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Dec 19, 2024 • 43sec
From Dairy Farm to Fighter Pilot: More With Veteran Bobby Hollingsworth
Retired Major General Bobby Hollingsworth shares his impressive journey from a dairy farm to becoming a U.S. Marine fighter pilot. He reflects on how farm life instilled discipline and work ethic that fueled his passion for aviation. Bobby recounts childhood inspirations from WWII pilots and discusses the evolution of military aviation, touching on drone technology and AI. With humor, he contrasts nostalgic simpler times with today’s high-tech world, highlighting the unique cultures of military pilots while reminiscing about the vital skills learned along the way.

Dec 12, 2024 • 46sec
Military Preparedness and the Path to Peace: An Interview with Veteran Bobby Hollingsworth
Major General Bobby Hollingsworth had a distinguished 38-year career as a U.S. Marine fighter pilot and in leadership roles including commanding the Marine Corps Reserve Support Command and serving as vice commander of Marine forces in the Pacific. After retiring, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to lead the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Read More ›
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Dec 5, 2024 • 1sec
Flashes of Genius: An Interview with Touch Screen Inventor Hal Philipp
On this episode of Mind Matters News out of the archive, we share a memorable conversation with Hal Philipp, an inventor and entrepreneur who pioneered the capacitive touch screen technology that is now used in billions of devices worldwide. Philipp shares the story of his early work on optical sensors for automatic doors and faucets and how it led to Read More ›
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Nov 28, 2024 • 1sec
A Case for the Soul: An Interview with Joshua Farris
Is the mind the same thing as the brain? Recently, we’ve been tackling this question known as the mind-brain problem with several of the contributing authors to our recent book Minding the Brain. In a similar fashion, we can also ask if there’s more to the human person than just our bodies. This week we have neurosurgeon Michael Egnor talking about Read More ›
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Nov 21, 2024 • 45sec
The Significance of Mirror Neurons: More With Dr. Mihretu Guta
On this episode, host Dr. Robert J. Marks continues his chat with Dr. Mihretu Guta about exploring the philosophical challenges surrounding the neuroscientific research on mirror neurons. What the heck is a mirror neuron you ask? As described in Part 1, it’s a type of brain cell that fires when a person observes an action being performed, as well as Read More ›
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Nov 14, 2024 • 47sec
Mirror Neurons, Consciousness, and the Bearer Question
In this engaging discussion, Moretu Guta, an analytic philosophy teacher and associate fellow at the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, dives deep into the connection between mirror neurons and consciousness. They explore the role of mirror neurons in fostering empathy and emotional responses, questioning the nuances of personal perspectives in understanding others. Guta also critiques the current debates surrounding these concepts, emphasizing the importance of subjective experiences in cognitive science.