Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

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.

What if you could eat a burger made from human muscle cells? This topic raises fascinating questions about ethics, morality, and societal norms. The discussion delves into lab-grown meat's implications for animal conservation and how it may impact our views on endangered species. Listeners explore the emotional dimensions of disgust and how they shape our culinary choices. Cultural identity and ownership of biological material come into play, challenging long-held beliefs about what is acceptable to consume and the future of food.

Pablos Holman, a hacker, inventor, and venture capitalist at Deep Future, dives into the wild world of innovation. He discusses the unique human drive that fuels groundbreaking ideas—from self-driving ships to laser-proofing mosquitoes. The conversation also touches on the undervalued contributions of inventors compared to artists and the shift from science to entrepreneurship. Holman emphasizes the importance of collaboration in tech advancements and highlights revolutionary energy solutions like space-based solar farms, advocating for a cultural recognition of inventors in solving global challenges.

Sam Arbesman, a complexity scientist and author of 'The Magic of Code,' joins to explore the enchanting similarities between computer code and magic. He discusses how code influences our daily lives and the challenges posed by increasingly complex systems. Arbesman delves into AI-generated code, the historical context of language, and hidden connections in science. He also draws fascinating parallels between coding and biological systems, highlighting creativity in programming and envisioning a future where coding is revered like art.

Michael Levin, a Tufts University professor and expert in developmental biology, dives into the fascinating world of unconventional intelligences. He challenges conventional definitions by exploring how intelligence may manifest outside of traditional brains, from bipedal dogs to resilient cells. Levin suggests that even simple organisms showcase complex problem-solving abilities, urging listeners to rethink intelligence. The conversation probes philosophical questions about consciousness and the potential of recognizing the diverse minds that may exist around us.

Join mathematical physicist Roger Penrose, 2020 Nobel Prize winner, and anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff as they probe the mysterious ties between consciousness and quantum physics. They discuss whether consciousness could precede biology, explore the potential role of microtubules in brain function, and examine the implications of quantum coherence for decision-making and free will. This engaging conversation challenges listeners to rethink traditional neuroscience models and consider how quantum mechanics might reshape our understanding of awareness.

Explore the origins and physicality of thoughts, akin to a peach tree bearing its fruit. Discover how internal dialogue shapes your daily experiences and the complexities behind those thoughts. Delve into the wonders of nonverbal thinking and the challenges of obsessive-compulsive disorder, including the need for specialized therapy. Uncover how the brain uses mental rehearsals to navigate outcomes and enhance learning. Finally, reflect on the multifaceted nature of thoughts and how they contribute to your identity.

In this enlightening discussion, Jordan Peterson, a renowned psychologist and author known for his insights on personal development, explores the complexities of human consciousness. He delves into the idea of competing neural drives and how these shape our identities. The talk highlights the role of literature and religion in personal growth, the dynamics of individuality, and the importance of navigating aggression for success. Peterson reflects on the power of storytelling in community building and the significance of role models in moral decision-making.

In this engaging conversation, Bruce Hood, an experimental psychologist and author of 'The Science of Happiness,' explores the multi-faceted nature of happiness. He delves into how genetics, social ties, and individual mindsets shape our well-being. The discussion covers the influence of technology on our happiness and the importance of personal connections. Hood emphasizes actionable strategies like optimism, journaling, and altruism to enhance happiness. Ultimately, he presents happiness as a personal journey influenced by choices and relationships.

This week, David Eagleman is joined by Joshua Landy, a Stanford comparative literature scholar, who co-teaches 'Literature and the Brain.' They dive into the fascinating link between storytelling and brain function. Discover why narratives enchant us, the cognitive shortcuts they exploit, and how great authors resemble magicians. The discussion spans the psychological impacts of stories, from enhancing empathy to the nuances of cognitive biases and the importance of deep literary engagement in understanding ourselves and others.