Smart Girl Dumb Questions

Mark Cuban, billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, dives into the complex relationship society has with the ultra-rich. He discusses his journey from earning his first paycheck to managing billions, revealing how wealth reshaped his priorities. Cuban critiques the broken healthcare system and his mission to introduce transparency with Cost Plus Drugs, which aims to lower prices. He also explores the potential of market forces to drive change in healthcare and defends billionaires' ability to disrupt entrenched industries for the greater good.

Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, a Turing Award-winning pioneer in AI, delves into the intriguing question of whether AI is alive. He discusses concepts of consciousness and the potential for AI to become sentient, probing the implications of autonomy and emotional insight in machines. Hinton warns of AI misuse risks, such as job displacement and existential threats, while also advocating for designing AI systems that genuinely care for humanity. The conversation balances urgent safety warnings with the fascinating possibilities of human-AI collaboration.

Join Geoffrey Hinton, the 'Godfather of AI' and Nobel Prize winner, as he dives into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. He discusses how AI compares to the industrial revolution, the differences between neural networks and logic-based AI, and the potential risks associated with powerful systems. Hinton explains how AIs learn and adapt, questioning whether they could possess self-preservation instincts. He even tackles the tantalizing idea of whether we can simply shut them down, revealing the complexities of modern technology.

In this lively discussion, Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier dives into the essence of music and creativity. He explores the concept of rhythm as a relationship to time and explains how emotional expression can be conveyed through sound. Jacob shares his innovative method of turning audiences into choir-like instruments and reflects on the power of creative constraints in his work. He also discusses the potential impact of AI on music, advocating for emotional resonance over sterile precision. Plus, don’t miss his whimsical thoughts on the anatomy of the 'weenus'!

Maria Avgitidis, a fourth-generation matchmaker and founder of Agape Match, dives into the fascinating economics of love. She explores the 12 Date Rule and why texting falls short in dating. Maria discusses the real costs of matchmaking, revealing insights into client expectations and power dynamics. She emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution and even suggests an unusual IKEA test for couples. With a rich family history in matchmaking, Maria shares her thoughts on modern dating—including the best matchmakers being community members rather than friends.

Olympian Alexi Pappas, also a filmmaker and author of "Bravey", explores the motivations behind running—from the emotional benefits to the communal experience of marathons. She shares insights about her post-Olympic depression and the importance of running toward curiosity rather than away from fears. Alexi also offers practical running tips and discusses her creative projects that inspire a beginner's mindset. Plus, she humorously addresses the unexpected reality of urinary leakage among runners—because let’s face it, running can be complicated!

Get ready for a peek behind the doorman's curtain! Daryl and Joe share outrageous stories, from wild resident antics to deep emotional labor. They discuss how they read body language to predict relationship drama and even assess danger. The duo debates whether they should blend in or stay present, and what tipping reveals about us. Plus, they rank delivery services and contemplate the changing landscape of New York's safety. It's a fascinating look at the unsung heroes keeping our buildings—and secrets—secure!

Bill Nye, the celebrated engineer and CEO of the Planetary Society, dives into the state of science today. He discusses the dangers of skepticism turning into cynicism and the need for critical thinking. Bill shares insights on upcoming breakthroughs in fusion and the role of AI in accelerating science. He reflects on the cultural shifts affecting scientific literacy and advocates for climate action. Finally, he ponders the existence of extraterrestrial life and his enduring curiosity about human origins.

In this engaging chat, Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at the Planetary Society, dives deep into the societal impacts of NASA’s $25 billion budget. He discusses how space exploration fuels innovation, from GPS to solar panels, and the importance of funding space science over human spaceflight. Casey also addresses the politicization of NASA funding, highlighting bipartisan resistance to budget cuts. With a nod to the historical significance of the Apollo era, he emphasizes that private companies like SpaceX can’t replace the essential work of public-funded science.

Do actually successful Grammy-winning DJs sleep? What do music producers do? Should they date the musicians they produce? And is Diplo ever getting back together with Skrillex for Jack U? Nayeema turns her curiosity (and flirt) onto Diplo, aka Thomas Wesley Pentz, the Grammy-winning musician and DJ whose hits range from house to country and Bollywood to Brazilian favelas, and who has collaborated with everyone from Madonna to M.I.A. and Rihanna.  They discuss why he’s becoming obsessed with running and all things abs, how he balances his electronic and country personalities, why he’s over Burning Man and doubling down on Major Lazer and whether he is the Forrest Gump of music. Also: how Diplo approaches his craft, his kids and, yes, his dating life. Plus, he shares what dating famous people has taught him about relationships. And fact checks: Brian Epstein (no relation) was the Beatles manager, George Martin was the Beatles producer, and Fidel Castro is not Justin Trudeau's dad. Make sure you’re following Nayeema and the show on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, as well as wherever you get your podcasts. Also: help Diplo out: do you know how manatees drink water? Or have other dumb Qs? Email nayeema.raza101@gmail.com or leave us a review!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices