80k After Hours

Elizabeth Cox, founder of Should We Studio, argues that storytelling can change the world. She shares empirical evidence on how narratives shape societal issues like mental health and climate change. Cox also discusses the challenge of engaging audiences with complex themes and the importance of prioritizing universal truths in storytelling. Additionally, she explores the potential of animation and the impact of AI on creative writing, debating the future of human artistry in a tech-driven landscape.

In this conversation, Sarah Eustis-Guthrie, co-founder of the Maternal Health Initiative, shares her journey of establishing a charity focused on maternal health. She discusses the emotional toll of leadership and the often unseen challenges founders face. Sarah emphasizes why more charity founders should consider shutting down their organizations if they aren't making the expected impact. The discussion delves into the dynamics between donors and beneficiaries, questioning the effectiveness of long-standing charities and the need for strategic pivots.

Neuroscientist Anil Seth, director of the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science, dives deep into the intriguing world of consciousness. He discusses how our brains interpret reality and generate perceptions, shaping our emotional states. Seth also explores the fascinating relationship between psychedelics and consciousness, suggesting they distort rather than reveal deeper truths. He sheds light on the physical footprint of consciousness in the brain and how to study its neural correlates, making for a captivating discussion on the essence of being.

Sébastien Moro, a science writer and video blogger focused on animal cognition, reveals the astonishing intelligence of fish. He discusses the problem-solving skills of Atlantic cod and the mirror test success of cleaner wrasses, indicating self-awareness. Moro shares how archerfish excel in accuracy and gobies exhibit remarkable memory. He highlights the cooperative hunting strategies of groupers and moray eels and dives into the social dynamics of guppies, ultimately challenging our understanding of fish consciousness and emotional complexity.

Nate Silver, the founder of FiveThirtyEight and a prominent election forecaster, discusses the intricacies of effective altruism and its potential shortcomings. He evaluates how better decision-making could enhance charitable efforts. Silver also reflects on the significant tradeoffs faced during COVID and critiques the so-called '13 Keys to the White House.' Additionally, he delves into the nuances of election prediction reliability and questions the true nature of risk undertaken by venture capitalists compared to founders.

Explore the intriguing idea that free will might be an illusion and how this perspective impacts personal guilt and shame. Delve into 'jerk syndrome,' highlighting the need for compassion towards those who hurt others. The conversation emphasizes the role of empathy in understanding individual struggles, challenging traditional views on accountability. Discover a transformative approach to justice that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, advocating for a more empathetic and preventative criminal justice system.

Peter Godfrey-Smith, a philosophy professor at the University of Sydney and author on animal consciousness, dives deep into the intersection of life, death, and nature's complexities. He explores the philosophical implications of death as part of an ecological narrative and questions the ethics of intervening in wild nature. Godfrey-Smith reflects on personal struggles linked to existence and discusses the unique adaptations of various animal groups, unraveling what it means to be truly conscious amid life's harsh realities.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/yncw2T77OAcMatt, Bella, and Huon sit down with Conor Barnes to discuss unlikely journeys, EA criticism, discipline, timeless decision theory, and how to do the most good with a degree in classics. Check out:Conor’s 100 Tips for a Better Life: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/7hFeMWC6Y5eaSixbD/100-tips-for-a-better-lifeConor’s writing: https://parhelia.conorbarnes.com/Zvi on timeless decision theory: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/scwoBEju75C45W5n3/how-i-lost-100-pounds-using-tdt

Venki Ramakrishnan, a Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist and author of 'Why We Die', takes a deep dive into anti-aging science. He challenges the idea of death as an unavoidable aspect of evolution, suggesting that future research could significantly extend healthspan. The discussion touches on the potential social implications of life extension, including rising inequality. Ramakrishnan also examines controversial practices like young blood transfusions and the ethical dilemmas surrounding these radical methods.

Ken Goldberg, a leading expert in robotics and AI, dives into why we still don't have our robot butlers. He explains Moravec's Paradox, revealing the surprising complexities robots face compared to humans. The conversation touches on the remarkable advancements in drone and quadruped technology, yet emphasizes the ongoing challenges in robot perception and control. Goldberg also discusses how automation could reshape the job market, particularly in sectors requiring high fault tolerance, like surgery and cooking, highlighting the enduring need for human expertise.