EA Forum Podcast (Curated & popular)

Crosspost from my blog. Content warning: this article will discuss extreme agony. This is deliberate; I think it's important to get a glimpse of the horror that fills the world and that you can do something about. I think this is one of my most important articles so I’d really appreciate if you could share and restack it! The world is filled with extreme agony. We go through our daily life mostly ignoring its unfathomably shocking dreadfulness because if we didn’t, we could barely focus on anything else. But those going through it cannot ignore it. Imagine that you were placed in a pot of water that was slowly brought to a boil until it boiled you to death. Take a moment to really imagine the scenario as fully as you can. Don’t just acknowledge at an intellectual level that it would be bad—really seriously think about just [...] --- First published: June 2nd, 2025 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/rtZuWbsTA7GdsbpAM/the-horror-of-unfathomable-pain --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

This is a link post. I am deeply saddened to share that Gabrielle Young, a much-loved member of the EA NZ community and personal friend, died last month. This is an absolutely devastating loss, and our hearts go out to Gabby's friends and family, including her parents and her sister Brigette. While most of us knew her through EA, Gabby was an incredibly vibrant person with a diverse range of interests. She brought an infectious enthusiasm to everything she did, from software development to parkour and meditation. Music was also a huge part of Gabby's life. She performed with multiple groups— including ACAPOLLiNATiONS, the Medena ensemble and Gamelan— and enjoyed recording original music with friends. Though EA was just one part of Gabby's life, it was an important one. Like many of us, she cared deeply about alleviating suffering. And in her short life, Gabby had an amazing impact [...] The original text contained 2 footnotes which were omitted from this narration. --- First published: June 6th, 2025 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/5DvenF2RjFM7QQLtK/gabrielle-young-1995-2025 Linkpost URL:https://effectivealtruism.nz/blog/gabrielle-young --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO. ---Images from the article:Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.

Crosspost from my blog. I just got back from Effective Altruism Global London—a conference that brought together lots of different people trying to do good with their money and careers. It was an inspiring experience. When you write about factory farming, insect suffering, global poverty, and the torment of shrimp, it can, as I’ve mentioned before, feel like screaming into the void. When you try to explain why it's important that we don’t torture insects by the trillions in insect farms, most people look at you like you’ve grown a third head (after the second head that they look at you like you’ve grown when you started talking about shrimp welfare). But at effective altruism conferences, people actually care. They’re not indifferent to most of the world's suffering. They don’t think I’m crazy! There are other people who think the suffering of animals matters—even the suffering of small [...] --- First published: June 9th, 2025 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/rZKqrRQGesLctkz8d/the-unparalleled-awesomeness-of-effective-altruism --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO. ---Images from the article:Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.

Explore the intriguing dynamics between computational resources and cognitive labor in AI research. The discussion highlights the compute bottleneck's influence on AI advancements. A new model is introduced to estimate the elasticity of substitution between these two inputs, sparking debates about their relationship. With a healthy dose of guesswork, the conversation navigates the uncertainties in the underlying data, making for a thought-provoking examination of future AI development.

Exploring the unexpected influence of advocating for shrimp welfare, the discussion reveals how a blog post can lead to significant media attention. It emphasizes the ripple effects of spreading positive ideas and the role of activism in funding animal rights. Delving into ethical dilemmas, the dialogue underscores the gradual shift in public perception regarding suffering, particularly for animals. Listeners are encouraged to engage actively in discussions that promote transformative ideas and proactive change.

The discussion highlights the surprising mental health benefits of engaging with Effective Altruism. Most participants report feelings of neutrality or even positivity regarding their mental well-being from EA involvement. The podcast delves into why EA can be good for mental health, along with acknowledging potential drawbacks. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual experiences and tailoring support within the community. The conversation underscores that effective altruism isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.

Charlie Harrison, author and researcher, discusses the Easterlin Paradox, which reveals that economic growth doesn't always equate to increased life satisfaction. He explores the concept of 'rescaling,' suggesting that true happiness may be underestimated in traditional measures. In collaboration with academics Caspar Kaiser and Andrew Oswald, he examines how life events might appear less significant on an extended scale, opening up intriguing implications for how we perceive well-being and happiness over time.

Discover the recent redesign of effectivealtruism.org aimed at clarifying and promoting the principles of effective altruism. The speaker discusses the motivation behind simplifying the language and addressing misconceptions to attract a wider audience. They highlight a new user-friendly layout and features, including an engaging 'Take Action' page. Insights from user feedback reveal early results and improve engagement opportunities. Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on the revitalized platform.

Exploring the dynamics of the Effective Altruism community, the discussion highlights the importance of vetting potential collaborators. Just because someone has been around for a while doesn't mean they’re the best fit for your goals. Listeners are urged to engage thoughtfully and take time to build trust. The conversation also touches on the need for careful consideration before joining established organizations, reinforcing the idea that longevity doesn’t guarantee quality. Critical thinking is essential in navigating these connections.

Alfredo Parra, an advocate and author on cluster headaches, sheds light on this excruciating condition often dubbed the 'most painful' known to humankind. He discusses key insights from the first international research symposium, emphasizing urgent needs for improved treatments. Parra explores the controversial use of psychedelics for pain relief, presenting contrasting opinions and personal stories of suffering that reveal the emotional toll of cluster headaches. His passionate remarks reflect both skepticism and hope amid the quest for effective therapies.