Yuval Boger is one of the most recognised voices in quantum computing - Chief Commercial Officer at QuEra, host of 200+ episodes of the Superposition Guy or other podcast, violinist who once tuned the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and creator of Quantessa and Atomique, two fictional characters who say the things Yuval can't quite say as himself.
In this conversation we don't start where you'd expect.
We start with a photo. Violin raised. Back to the audience. A caption that says I'm just tuning. And a question about what it actually costs to stand in front of something extraordinary and tell yourself you're only there in a supporting role.
From there - four states of superposition: physicist, operator, communicator, creator. What a master's thesis in fibre optics has to do with the Poincaré sphere and the Bloch sphere. Why Shor's algorithm won't run on anything meaningful tomorrow - and why that's fine. What chronic uncertainty does to the person behind the CCO title. And what Quantessa and Atomique are really allowed to say.
Underneath all of it, one question: what does it actually cost to spend years positioning yourself as the support act?
One question was selected by a real quantum algorithm from the community. As always.
(We made it two, and have a featured Guest question, too)
What we cover:
- Why quantum computers are toys today — and why that's the honest answer
- Playing a violin solo with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra as an amateur
- The Kellogg School, a master's in physics, and the advisor who said "don't do the PhD"
- 200+ episodes of interviewing competitors — without asking for permission
- How Quantessa and Atomique were built, and what they're actually for
- The LEGO quantum computer (yes, you can buy one)
- What chronic uncertainty does to you — not the executive, you
Find Yuval:
🎙 Superposition Guy podcast - wherever you listen
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuvalboger/
🖼 Quantessa & Atomique comics - https://quantumbitscomics.com/
Hompage QuEra: https://www.quera.com/
Host & Guests
Thomas Ehmer - Host
Yuval Boger - Guest
Click here to watch a video of this episode.
We don't simplify for comfort. We entangle.
Submit your questions or propose a guest in the comments, or join the discussion on Substack: https://thomasehmer1.substack.com/
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Disclaimer:
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and guest speaking in their personal capacities and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of their respective employers, organizations, committees (including IEEE), or companies.
Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The discussion regarding lithium isotopes, biology, and mental health is based on theoretical quantum chemistry and physics, not clinical medical advice. Nothing in this episode should be taken as a recommendation to alter medication or treatment plans. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
- (00:00) - Cold open — "Quantum computers are toys"
