Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

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11 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 42min

Ep124 "Why don't we notice gaps in time?"

Explore the fascinating concept of time with insights into why we don't notice eye movements during saccades. Discover how the brain constructs reality, editing our perception like a movie. Delve into the mysteries of sleep and anesthesia, where hours vanish and consciousness disconnects. Hear intriguing discussions on memory, amnesia, and how entire chapters of life can be erased. Plus, ponder the possibility of civilizations lost to deep time, reminding us how easily history might slip away.
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59 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 41min

Ep123 "Will AI cure loneliness?" with Paul Bloom

This week features Paul Bloom, a renowned psychology professor and author, who explores the complexities of loneliness and the role of AI companions. He discusses loneliness as a key biological signal that drives social connections and reveals the differing impacts of AI on the old versus the young. Bloom argues that while AI can provide comfort for isolated individuals, it might also hinder social growth by removing necessary challenges. The conversation tackles ethical implications of AI in human relationships, revealing both its promise and peril.
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11 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 44min

Ep122 "Why do we so rarely say what we mean?" (with Steven Pinker)

Cognitive scientist and linguist Steven Pinker dives into the nature of communication and common knowledge. He explores why people often use innuendo on dates and how it helps maintain relationships. Pinker discusses how shared beliefs shape society, touching on issues like cancel culture and mob behavior. He also explains how human emotions like blushing and laughter serve as crucial social signals. With insights from his book, he illuminates the complex interplay between language, awareness, and societal coordination.
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37 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 42min

Ep121 "What’s the secret to intelligence (in brains and AI)?" with Ramesh Raskar

In this engaging discussion, Ramesh Raskar, a professor at MIT Media Lab and an innovator in decentralized AI, shares fascinating insights about the evolution of intelligence in both humans and artificial systems. He explores the parallels between complex neural networks of the brain and decentralized AI, highlighting the transformative potential of small AI agents in healthcare. Raskar emphasizes the importance of ethical frameworks as these technologies develop and reflects on how cooperative and competitive dynamics shape both human cognition and AI advancements.
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43 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 34min

Ep120 "Will AI build us into better humans?"

What if AI could enhance our humanity? Dive into discussions about AI's transformative impact on communication, creativity, and even strategic games like chess and Go. The podcast explores the potential of AI to challenge our perceptions and push the boundaries of human talent. It raises thought-provoking questions about how technology influences debate and public opinion. Plus, the journey from personal computers to AI reveals ethical implications we all must consider as we integrate these innovations into our lives.
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14 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 37min

Ep119 "Why do brains believe in the unbelievable?" with Bruce Hood

In this conversation with Bruce Hood, a developmental psychologist and author of *Super Sense*, the exploration of why our brains embrace superstition is captivating. Hood discusses how humans assign meaning to objects, like wearing a murderer’s sweater, and the childhood roots of magical thinking. The interplay between rationality and cultural myths reveals deep psychological insights. Additionally, he delves into cognitive biases behind our belief in the unbelievable and how emotional attachments shape our identities, connecting all of this to everyday life.
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12 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 59min

Ep118 "Why has the brain always been our hardest puzzle?" with Matthew Cobb

Join Matthew Cobb, an evolutionary neurobiologist from the University of Manchester and author of The Idea of the Brain, as he delves into the mysteries of the human brain. Discover how historical theories have evolved alongside technology, from skull bumps to AI. He discusses the legacy of Frankenstein and the intricate relationship between brain function and our understanding of consciousness. Get insights into brain plasticity, the limitations of machine metaphors, and the evolving interplay between neuroscience and artificial intelligence.
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12 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h

Ep117 "What does brain science have to do with free speech? (with Greg Lukianoff)" (with Greg Lukianoff)

Greg Lukianoff, a constitutional lawyer and president of FIRE, passionately discusses the intricate relationship between brain science and free speech. He highlights the necessity of defending free expression to promote cognitive growth and societal safety. The conversation tackles the challenges faced on college campuses where free speech is increasingly suppressed. Lukianoff examines the implications of cancel culture and the role of literature in truth-seeking, along with the potential effects of AI on free dialogue and diverse perspectives.
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Aug 11, 2025 • 38min

Ep116 " What is Color? Part 2: Why royals wear purple"

Explore the fascinating connections between color perception and culture, including why purple became the royal color. Discover how the brain interprets color and the concept of 'impossible colors' that challenge our understanding. Delve into the intriguing effects of colorblindness and synesthesia on perception across different cultures. Uncover the historical significance of colors and their meanings, shaped by cultural narratives and technological advancements. Finally, ponder future possibilities in color perception through biotechnology.
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Aug 4, 2025 • 38min

Ep115 "What is color? Part 1: Why hunters wear orange"

Discover why hunters wear orange and how color influences animal behavior. Explore the intriguing ways birds and bees select flowers based on color and the evolution of human color vision. Delve into the psychological aspects of color perception and its role in social interactions. Uncover the significance of color in warning signals and camouflage in nature. Learn about the unique color vision capabilities of women and the fascinating relationship between flowers and their pollinators.

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