In this episode, I discuss with my friend and maths whiz Bradley the complex inner and outer workings of Artificial Intelligence. We examine how statistical learning can be used to “build a brain”, the relationship between computer science and neuroscience, how machine learning is leading to social media echo-chambers and (oh why not?) the possibility of this all going horribly wrong. Enjoy!

Today was quite different. I've been wanting to address this topic for a while as I believe it is important to state the purpose of this podcast and why I think in-depth conversation on science, philosophy and society is crucial along with promoting values of civility in discourse and free thought.

In this episode, I discuss with my friend Madeline our state of affairs as a global society. We delve into sustainable development and what it is, the puzzle of climate change, the arc of human progress as well as creative ways of alleviating poverty in both developed and developing nations.

In tackling perhaps the most fundamental question that has startled us for many millennia, I brought on my friend Syris to take a deep dive into this important topic. We look at why this may be an uncomfortable question for some people, early universe cosmology as well as the apparent struggle between Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity. Finally we examine the questions of whether or not there is a god and “what it all means” (if there is any meaning). Be ready for a serving of existential dread!

Today I bring on my friend Jessica to discuss human irrationality, and how it poisons culture and politics. We examine evolutionary bugs that are unhelpful in the 21st century, the influence of social media and how societies could be and have been organised in spite of these issues.

Today my friend TJ and I delve into the mystery of the mind. We analyse the the different philosophical and religious positions on the topic along with incorporating discoveries from neurobiology. Finally we look into what these theories mean for us as a species as we ask fundamentally who we even are...

In this episode I decide to don my pessimistic cap with my friend Kyran and discuss whether or not the days of liberal western democracy are numbered. We discussed the epidemic of misinformation, widespread irrationality, dogmatic politics as well as language games being played across the spectrum to ascertain an answer.

In this first episode, my friend Sam and I tackle the puzzle of how the world works. We cover a broad range of topics from the current political climate, to how it came to be that way, and whether or not human societies are fundamentally computational. For all the rest, sit back, relax, brew an Earl Grey, and enjoy the ride!