

The DemystifySci Podcast
DemystifySci
Support Us! https://www.patreon.com/DemystifySci
DemystifySci is Dr. Michael Shilo DeLay and Dr. Anastasia Bendebury. Together they untangle complex theories of nature, making analysis accessible through conversations with exceptional thinkers. Each week they interview a new theorist about the ideas that are going to rewrite our understanding of the world. Power them via Patreon: @demystifysci
DemystifySci is Dr. Michael Shilo DeLay and Dr. Anastasia Bendebury. Together they untangle complex theories of nature, making analysis accessible through conversations with exceptional thinkers. Each week they interview a new theorist about the ideas that are going to rewrite our understanding of the world. Power them via Patreon: @demystifysci
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2025 • 58min
Mathematical Rigor v. Reality - SOLO! Drs. M.S. DeLay & A.V. Bendebury, DemystifySci #375
The conversation dives into the hidden variables that impact success beyond mere intelligence. They discuss how mathematically rigorous theories can lead to misconceptions, using historical examples. Mysticism in modern physics is critiqued, questioning when simplicity gives way to complex explanations. The hosts highlight the measurement dilemmas in quantum physics and how social incentives can skew scientific direction. Finally, they explore why brilliant minds sometimes cling to nonsensical theories and the vital role of discernment in avoiding pseudoscience.

Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 54min
Physics’ Deepest Mystery - Dr. Emily Adlam, DemystifySci #374
Dr. Emily Adlam, a philosopher of physics and researcher at Chapman University, dives into the perplexing measurement problem in quantum physics. She illuminates the controversy surrounding wavefunction collapse and the Many-Worlds interpretation, questioning our understanding of probability and empirical evidence. Adlam explores observer-dependent views and the complexities of communication in scientific practice. With a focus on how quantum concepts impact culture and the future of research, she challenges listeners to rethink the foundations of reality.

Oct 15, 2025 • 2h 44min
What Your Face Says About You - Taylor Northcutt, DemystifySci #373
Taylor Northcutt, creator of the ProSopa YouTube channel, explores the fascinating world of physiognomy, the idea that our faces reflect our inner selves. He discusses how ancient cultures read faces for clues about health and temperament. The conversation delves into the modern implications of face-reading, including how personal development can alter our appearance. Taylor also addresses the societal rejection of physiognomy, its potential in relationships, and even its connections to genetics and trauma. A live face reading demonstration adds an interactive twist!

Oct 12, 2025 • 2h 47min
Teleportation, Time, and Rabbit Hole Physics - Dr. Ivette Fuentes, DemystifySci #372
Dr. Ivette Fuentes, a quantum physicist at the University of Southampton, delves into the bizarre world of quantum mechanics and its interplay with relativity. She discusses the intriguing concept of quantum teleportation, revealing that it transmits information rather than matter. The conversation explores the evolution of consciousness, including its relationship with life and unique experiences during sleep and anesthesia. Ivette also touches on physicists' historical fascination with consciousness, and how spirituality intersects with scientific rigor in understanding reality.

Oct 8, 2025 • 2h 42min
Jung, Pauli, and the Mathematical Atom - James P. Dowling, DemystifySci #371
In this episode James P. Dowling talks us through the unlikely friendship between physicist Wolfgang Pauli and psychologist Carl Jung. Their dialogue on quantum mechanics and archetypes pulled science and myth into the same room, forcing each to reckon with the other’s language. Out of their exchanges came visions of atoms haunted by the unconscious, and shadows that reached into equations. We follow their conversation to ask what happens when reason and dream try to share the same desk.PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/demystifysciPARADIGM DRIFThttps://demystifysci.com/paradigm-drift-showHOMEBREW MUSIC - Check out our new album!Hard Copies (Vinyl): FREE SHIPPING https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/products/vinyl-lp-secretary-of-nature-everything-is-so-good-hereStreaming:https://secretaryofnature.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-so-good-hereJames' website: https://jungtoliveby.com/00:00 Go! 00:08:00 The Trickster Archetype and Personal Development00:12:00 Intuition and Rationality in Model Making00:16:00 Consequences of the Enlightenment and Modernity00:20:00 Historical Lessons from the French Revolution00:22:23 Discussion of Instinct vs. Rationality in Human Behavior00:24:12 The Role of Dopamine in Human Decision Making00:26:18 The Impact of Abandoning Symbolism in Modernity00:29:00 Motivation in Physics and the Pursuit of Glory00:33:26 The Dichotomy between Science and the Human Experience00:39:11 Integrating Jungian Concepts with Biology00:44:58 Discussing Jung's Word Association Test and Complexes00:50:12 Understanding Affect, Emotion, and Archetypes00:57:32 Jung's Methodology and Interpretation of Complexes01:05:12 Approaching Jungian Concepts in Personal Development01:07:33 The Quest for Identity and Self-Reflection01:09:37 Generational Differences in Self-Concept01:16:52 Life Stages and the Search for Meaning01:19:10 The Duality of Growth and Identity01:25:09 The Healing Power of Creativity01:28:31 Creative Participation as a Human Experience01:32:06 Internet's Dual Role in Creativity01:36:23 Understanding Creativity and Instinct01:39:51 Renaissance vs. Revolution in Institutions01:41:53 Engaging with the Unconscious Mind01:46:47 Shifting Perspectives on Artistic Process01:48:52 Discussion on Competing Teams in Science01:52:34 The Tradition and Lineage in Science01:56:12 Creativity and Glory in Scientific Pursuits02:04:36 The Nature of Truth and Scientific Frameworks02:09:43 Cultural Narratives in Science and AI Development02:10:29 Exploration of Myth and Reality02:12:06 Darwin’s Legacy and Evolutionary Theory02:16:52 Archetypes and Scientific Paradigms02:19:14 The Role of Mathematics in Physics02:23:39 Understanding the Limits of Rational Inquiry02:27:24 Simulation Theory and Metaphysical Speculation02:32:05 The Interplay of Mathematics and Experience02:33:00 Exploration of Human Psyche and Evolutionary Perspectives02:36:12 Jung’s Insights on Individual Calling and Collective Responsibility02:39:01 Invitation to Further Exploration and Collaborative Learning#jungianpsychology, #quantummechanics, #carljung, #archetypes, #depthpsychology, #unconsciousmind, #psychoanalysis, #philosophypodcast , #sciencepodcast, #longformpodcastMERCH: Rock some DemystifySci gear : https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/AMAZON: Do your shopping through this link: https://amzn.to/3YyoT98DONATE: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaDSUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@UCqV4_7i9h1_V7hY48eZZSLw@demystifysci RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rssMAILING LIST: https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySciMUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671

Oct 5, 2025 • 2h 12min
We Need to Delete 500 Years of Fake History - Lance Weaver, DemystifySci #370
Geologist Lance Weaver steps back into the circle, carrying a wild heresy: that five centuries in the Egyptian record are ghosts, smoke, a trick of the scribes. Strip them away, he says, and the Bible and the Pharaohs suddenly stare eye to eye, like two old enemies who’ve just remembered they were brothers. We walk with him through the obscurely sourced Kolbrin Bible, through the rubble of forgotten empires, through the hush of timelines cracking open. What if the past is not what we’ve been told, but a fever dream waiting to be woken from?PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/demystifysciPARADIGM DRIFThttps://demystifysci.com/paradigm-drift-showHOMEBREW MUSIC - Check out our new album!Hard Copies (Vinyl): FREE SHIPPING https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/products/vinyl-lp-secretary-of-nature-everything-is-so-good-hereStreaming:https://secretaryofnature.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-so-good-here00:00 Go! 00:08:00 The Kolbrin Bible and Its Significance00:16:00 Problems with Mainstream Chronology00:20:27 King David and the Archaeological Record00:23:01 Analysis of Biblical and Egyptian Chronologies00:24:11 Connection Between Egyptian Rulers and the Kolbrin00:27:39 Trans-Oceanic Connections and the Kolbrin00:31:06 Genetic Evidence and Ancient Migrations00:36:12 Cultural Heritage and Historical Narratives00:39:32 Reevaluating Historical Assertions in Archaeology00:42:52 Discussion on Rational Wiki and Kolbrin00:46:56 Analysis of the Kolbrin's Origins00:52:21 Understanding the Kolbrin's Historical Context00:56:06 Cultural Connections and Dispersal of Myths00:58:31 Architectural and Historical Parallels01:02:05 Discussion of Drug Experiences and Cultural Constructs01:04:39 Exploration of Ancient Civilizations and Potential Connections01:06:15 Examination of Historical Texts and DNA Evidence in Egyptian Chronology01:12:58 Timeline Integration of Ancient History and Scientific Dating01:17:59 Investigation of the Hyksos and Biblical Narratives01:25:00 Exploration of the Hyksos and Biblical Correlation01:30:00 Revising Egyptian Chronology01:35:00 The Amarna Letters and Historical Context01:36:02 Understanding the Bronze Age Collapse01:40:00 Discussion on Radiocarbon Dating and Volcanic Eruptions01:46:00 The Importance of Egyptian Chronology in Historical Accuracy01:51:00 Trustworthiness of the Bible as a Historical Document01:55:08 Perspectives on the Flood Narrative01:57:41 The Intersection of History and Mythology02:00:01 Importance of Historical Context in Religious Texts02:02:01 Exploring Altered States in Historical Texts02:06:26 Challenging Established Historical Narratives02:09:02 The Importance of Questioning Established Dates#althistory, #ancientmysteries, #forbiddenhistory, #ancientcivilizations, #losthistory, #historypodcast, #ancienthistory #historicalmystery #philosophypodcast , #sciencepodcast, #longformpodcastMERCH: Rock some DemystifySci gear : https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/AMAZON: Do your shopping through this link: https://amzn.to/3YyoT98DONATE: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaDSUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@UCqV4_7i9h1_V7hY48eZZSLw@demystifysci RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rssMAILING LIST: https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySciMUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671

5 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 6min
Where Biology Goes Off the Rails - Dr. Michael Levin, DemystifySci #369
Dr. Michael Levin, a synthetic biologist from Tufts University, challenges traditional notions of life. He argues that cognition emerges far before cellular structures, suggesting a continuum rather than binary definitions of life. Levin discusses how simple networks exhibit behaviors like habituation and learning, revealing insights about biological systems. He emphasizes the importance of operational definitions and how understanding cognition can reshape our interactions with nature, suggesting that higher causal emergence can even enhance learning in molecular systems.

Sep 29, 2025 • 2h 56min
Electrons, LENR, & Ancient High Tech - Dr. Max Fomitchev-Zamilov, DemystifySci #368
Max Fomitchev Zamilov is a nuclear physicist, inventor, and bubble fusion reactor builder who has also been a central figure in the characterization of the predynastic vases from ancient Egypt. We sit down with him for a conversation that can only happen with an experimental physicist - about overlooked electrical phenomena that diverge from theory, how all the reports of successful low energy nuclear fusion reactions fall apart under close scrutiny, and a wild theory about where these weird vases are coming from. PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/demystifysciPARADIGM DRIFThttps://demystifysci.com/paradigm-drift-showHOMEBREW MUSIC - Check out our new album!Hard Copies (Vinyl): FREE SHIPPING https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/products/vinyl-lp-secretary-of-nature-everything-is-so-good-hereStreaming:https://secretaryofnature.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-so-good-hereMax's paper on bubble fusion: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-62055-600:00 Go! 00:06:07 The Role of Experimentation in Physics00:10:14 Observations of Electrostatics and Experimental Findings00:17:06 Ken Shoulders and Exotic Vacuum Objects00:23:39 Analysis of Experimental Controls00:27:11 Evaluation of Ken Shoulders' Work00:29:01 Paradigm Shift in Understanding Electrons00:31:45 Critique of Traditional Physics Models00:36:46 Evolution of Scientific Description00:40:00 Mathematics and Scientific Progress00:43:49 The Engineer's Perspective00:47:24 Ambiguity in Scientific Language00:51:00 Challenges in Nuclear Science00:55:00 Max's Journey as an Amateur Researcher00:59:00 Measurement Standards in Nuclear Research01:10:16 Rapid Nuclear Experimentation Techniques01:14:09 Exploring Lattice Confinement Reactions01:17:06 Importance of Measurement Techniques in Research01:19:53 Analogy of Heat and Electricity01:25:40 Experimenting with Charge Separation01:30:01 Acceptance of New Ideas in Physics01:31:52 Electron Theory Evolution01:39:00 Continuous Nature of Electrons01:44:00 Changing Concepts of Charge01:50:03 Low Energy Nuclear Reactions Challenges01:54:00 Importance of Measurement in Experiments02:00:00 Journey in Bubble Fusion Research02:06:00 New Insights into Fusion Mechanisms02:12:00 Challenges of Collaboration in Research02:15:22 Challenges in Skill and Collaboration02:17:02 Inquiry into Ancient Technologies02:19:35 Theories of Advanced Machining Techniques02:23:30 Measurement Challenges in Archaeology02:25:09 Speculations on Advanced Civilizations02:29:16 Reflections on Ancient Beliefs and Civilizations02:35:15 The Search for Extraterrestrial Life02:35:43 Discussion on Human DNA Anomalies02:52:43 The Role of Amateur Scientists in Progress#physics, #quantumphysics, #electromagnetism , #nuclearphysics , #fusion , #ancienttechnology, #innovations , #physicscommunity, #criticalthinking, #historyofscience, #electricity, #ancientmysteries, #philosophypodcast , #sciencepodcast, #longformpodcastMERCH: Rock some DemystifySci gear : https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/AMAZON: Do your shopping through this link: https://amzn.to/3YyoT98DONATE: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaDSUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@UCqV4_7i9h1_V7hY48eZZSLw@demystifysci RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rssMAILING LIST: https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySciMUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 50min
Why You Shouldn't Fear Bad Ideas - SOLO! Drs. A.V. Bendebury & M.S. DeLay, DemystifySci #367
Shilo and Nastia sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about engaging with controversial thinkers, the role of skepticism in uncovering truth, and the cultural resistance to uncomfortable ideas. We cover the limits of philosophy and science, the prevalence of propaganda on all corners of the internet, and the sacred cow ideas that shape our understanding of reality. PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/demystifysciPARADIGM DRIFThttps://demystifysci.com/paradigm-drift-showHOMEBREW MUSIC - Check out our new album!Hard Copies (Vinyl): FREE SHIPPING https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/products/vinyl-lp-secretary-of-nature-everything-is-so-good-hereStreaming:https://secretaryofnature.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-so-good-here00:00 Go! 00:04:36 Exploring Disinformation and Evidence00:10:13 Analyzing Claims of Magic and Skepticism00:15:00 Diving into Mindsets of Unconventional Thinkers00:20:00 The Nature of Energy and Reality00:22:10 Exploring Unconventional Ideas00:24:59 Science vs. Philosophy Debate00:30:11 Perspectives on Heretical Ideas00:35:39 Historical Context in Modern Theories00:39:08 Navigating Controversial Ideas00:43:43 Exploration of Intellectual Comfort and Discomfort00:48:07 The Nature of Uncomfortable Ideas00:50:43 The Consequences of Challenging Established Theories00:56:00 Shifts in Cultural and Political Discourse01:00:00 The Importance of Engaging with Contradictory Ideas01:05:23 Navigating Challenging Conversations01:07:12 Balancing Truth and Sensitivity01:09:27 The Challenge of Countering Mainstream Narratives01:15:01 Dissecting Medical Myths and Narratives01:23:17 The Complexity of Global Conflicts01:26:17 The Dynamics of Propaganda and Conflict01:30:55 Lessons from History and Current Strategies01:34:39 Cultural Conflicts and Ideological Extremism01:39:05 Mental Health and Societal Responsibilities01:40:34 The Paradigm Drift Initiative: Community and Idea Exchange01:48:00 Feedback and Direction01:49:00 Encouraging Dialogue and Conversations #intellectual , #rational , #criticalthinking , #discourse , #futurism , #society, #culture, #politics, #skepticism, #consciousness, #bigquestions, #thoughtprovoking #philosophypodcast , #sciencepodcast, #longformpodcastMERCH: Rock some DemystifySci gear : https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/AMAZON: Do your shopping through this link: https://amzn.to/3YyoT98DONATE: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaDSUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@UCqV4_7i9h1_V7hY48eZZSLw@demystifysci RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rssMAILING LIST: https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySciMUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671

Sep 24, 2025 • 3h 6min
1000 Year Plan to Crush Thought - Michael Vassar, DemystifySci #366
Michael Vassar is a futurist philosopher who believes that our civilization has lost the ability to think clearly, as the result of a silent project to destroy education that has been running in the background for generations. At the core of his argument is that the modern world has been shaped by elites interested in taking over the world. Interestingly, he seems to think that this multi-generational plan has backfired, and produced a society where there is a vanishingly small number of people even capable of formulating such grand ambitions, let alone possess the cognitive abilities to execute on their plans. We talk through his argument, and start to unpack some lore about the Rationalists, an online community that openly pursues the ideals of the enlightenment but can’t stop spawning cults for some reason. PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/demystifysciPARADIGM DRIFThttps://demystifysci.com/paradigm-drift-showHOMEBREW MUSIC - Check out our new album!Hard Copies (Vinyl) FREE SHIPPING: https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/products/vinyl-lp-secretary-of-nature-everything-is-so-good-hereStreaming:https://secretaryofnature.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-so-good-here00:00 Go!00:07:30 Intentionality in Modern Social Structures00:10:00 Media and Perception of Disasters00:12:00 The Roller Coaster Metaphor for Society00:15:00 Erosion of Critical Thinking Abilities00:21:00 Historical Perspectives on Independent Thought00:24:43 Understanding Literature and Its Interpretation00:27:02 Institutional Influence on Thought00:28:35 Market Influence on Power Dynamics00:30:40 Rise of Constitutional Monarchy00:32:17 Comparison of French and English Systems00:37:34 Education and Governance in Germany00:40:11 Historical Context of Education Systems00:42:12 Power Dynamics in Thought and Organization00:46:04 Democracy and Its Challenges00:50:55 Displacement of Romanticism and Specialness00:55:36 Modernism and Institutional Hierarchies01:00:06 The Erosion of Common Law Principles01:05:50 Discretion in the American Legal System01:10:03 Pragmatism's Influence on Legal Thought01:13:10 Bureaucracy versus Common Law01:16:01 The Mythos of American Governance01:17:12 Discussion on Interpretation and Unintended Consequences01:21:25 Cultural Narratives and Their Influence01:29:51 Education and Its Role in Society01:37:03 Historical Context of Educational Systems01:40:54 The Role of Institutional Thinking01:42:30 Economic Control and Marketing Narratives01:44:06 The Rationalist Movement01:52:17 Mistake Theory vs. Conflict Theory01:59:04 Conspiracy Theories and Truth02:07:54 Whistleblowing vs. Conspiracy Theory02:12:03 The Nature of Evidence and Conspiracy Theories02:18:34 Cultural Dynamics of Belief and Inquiry02:23:43 Justice, Honor, and Social Dynamics02:30:58 Rationalism and the Quest for Truth02:33:37 Rationality and Accountability in the Community02:36:40 Justice and Honor in Rational Discourse02:46:10 Power Dynamics and Rationality02:54:00 The Nature of Power and the Human Condition02:59:45 Insights on Ideology and Courage in Pursuit03:02:03 Pursuit of Radical Life Extension#philosophy , #futuristic , #rational , #idw , #criticalthinking , #society , #aistory , #historyfacts , #cultures , #economics , #historyoflaw #legal #powerful , #innovations #philosophypodcast , #sciencepodcast, #longformpodcastMERCH: Rock some DemystifySci gear : https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/AMAZON: Do your shopping through this link: https://amzn.to/3YyoT98DONATE: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaDSUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@UCqV4_7i9h1_V7hY48eZZSLw@demystifysci RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rssMAILING LIST: https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySciMUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671


