

Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman
iHeartPodcasts
Neuroscientist and author David Eagleman discusses how our brain interprets the world and what that means for us. Through storytelling, research, interviews, and experiments, David Eagleman tackles wild questions that illuminate new facets of our lives and our realities.
Episodes
Mentioned books

16 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep43 "How do we remember?" (Time Traveling Part 1)
Explore the concept of memory storage and retrieval, and how it differs from computer memory. Learn about individuals with extraordinary memory abilities and their impact on research. Delve into explicit and implicit memories, and the role of the amygdala and hippocampus. Discover the connection between memory and spatial awareness. Also, experience podcast ads for shows and pizza deals.

6 snips
Jan 15, 2024 • 50min
Ep42 "Is there any such thing as true news?" (Truth Part 3: Artificial Intelligence)
This podcast explores the role of AI in the future of fake news and misinformation, discussing its connection to our brain's internal models and voice passwords. It delves into the impact of generative AI on disinformation and truth and highlights the potential dangers of AI voice generation. The podcast also discusses AI manipulation and social influence, as well as the challenges and potential issues of building AI oracles.

13 snips
Jan 8, 2024 • 49min
Ep41 "Is there any such thing as true news?" (Truth Part 2: the Internet)
The podcast explores the role of emotion and personal belief in shaping public opinion, the historical context of censorship and propaganda, the power of the internet in providing access to information, Chinese government's filtering of Google search results and advertisements, internet censorship and state control of information, and various podcast ads and call for listener engagement.

36 snips
Jan 1, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep40 "Is there any such thing as true news?" (Truth Part1)
Explore the illusion of truth and cognitive biases, the complexity of truth and multiple perspectives, and the power of storytelling in determining truth. Discuss the influence of photography and technology on the perception of truth and the challenges of seeking truth in a complex world. Delve into the impact of AI on the future of truth and the importance of intellectual humility and dialogue.

Dec 18, 2023 • 37min
Ep39 "What is the future of AI relationships?"
Explore the future of AI relationships and their impact on human connections. Discuss the potential benefits and downsides of AI avatars in relationships. Examine the limitations of AI partners in physical intimacy and touch. Dive into the emotional impact and potential of AI voices in relationships. Discover the perception of AI relationships as a threat and the importance of connections.

10 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 56min
Ep38 "Why is it hard to teach an old brain new tricks?"
This podcast explores the surprises of brain plasticity, from the trade-off between adaptability and efficiency, to the influence of sensitive periods on language acquisition. It also discusses the variability of the brain and the possibility of unlocking its plasticity at any age.

Dec 4, 2023 • 39min
Ep37 "What is Insanity?" Part 2
This podcast explores the intersection between the legal system and neuroscience. It discusses topics such as the insanity defense, the Twinkie Defense, and using premenstrual syndrome as a criminal defense. The podcast also delves into real-life cases, the challenges of determining insanity, and the evolution of the insanity defense. It concludes by emphasizing the complexity of society and available resources at eagelman.com/podcast.

Nov 30, 2023 • 11min
Inner Cosmos Inbox 2
Eagleman answers listener questions about the importance of connections, AT&T's specialization in connectivity, BarkBox's dog treats and toys delivery service, Operation Smile's free cleft surgery for children, the government hiding evidence of aliens, the likelihood of intelligent civilizations in the cosmos, the scientific mindset, the impact of neuroscience on personal experience, and the exploration of the concept of free will.

Nov 27, 2023 • 39min
Ep36 "What is Insanity?" Part 1
Exploring the insanity defense in the legal system and the difficulty in determining the boundaries of 'insanity'. The case of a mother killing her children to save them from eternal punishment. Examining guilt and intent in criminal liability and the creation of the McNaughton rule. The complexities of the insanity defense and the challenge of defining the line between sanity and insanity.

13 snips
Nov 20, 2023 • 58min
Ep35 "What sticks in your brain and what doesn’t? "
Explore the concept of brain plasticity and how the brain can change through practice and perception. Learn about the Polgar Sisters, world champion chess players, and how their extensive practice shaped their brains. Discover how neurotransmitters like acetylcholine modulate neural plasticity and the physical changes observed in the brains of London taxi drivers. Reflect on the modifiability of the brain and its importance in learning, as well as the challenges of studying the effects of growing up with the internet.


