Lex Fridman Podcast

By Lex Fridman

Conversations that explore technology, history, philosophy, physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, engineering, AI, robotics, programming, music, film, art, sports, psychology, neuroscience, geopol... more

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The podcast currently has 607 episodes available.

Lex Fridman Podcast episodes:

November 17, 2025 #485 – David Kirtley: Nuclear Fusion, Plasma Physics, and the Future of Energy
David Kirtley is a nuclear fusion engineer and CEO of Helion Energy, a company working on building the world’s first commercial fusion power plant by 2028.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep485-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/david-kirtley-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
David’s X: https://x.com/dekirtley
David’s LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4qX0KXp
Helion: https://www.helionenergy.com/
Helion’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/HelionEnergy
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
UPLIFT Desk: Standing desks and office ergonomics.
Go to https://upliftdesk.com/lex
Fin: AI agent for customer service.
Go to https://fin.ai/lex
Miro: Online collaborative whiteboard platform.
Go to https://miro.com/
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
BetterHelp: Online therapy and counseling.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/lex
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://shopify.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(03:00) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(11:35) – Nuclear fission vs fusion
(21:35) – Physics of E=mc^2
(26:50) – Is nuclear fusion safe?
(32:11) – Chernobyl
(38:38) – Geopolitics
(40:33) – Extreme scenarios
(47:28) – How nuclear fusion works
(1:20:20) – Extreme temperatures
(1:25:21) – Fusion control and simulation
(1:37:15) – Electricity from fusion
(2:11:20) – First fusion power plant in 2028
(2:18:13) – Energy needs of GPU clusters
(2:28:38) – Kardashev scale
(2:36:33) – Fermi Paradox
PODCAST LINKS:
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
...more
2h 46min
October 31, 2025 #484 – Dan Houser: GTA, Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar, Absurd & Future of Gaming
Dan Houser is co-founder of Rockstar Games and is a legendary creative mind behind Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Red Dead Redemption series of video games.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep484-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/dan-houser-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Absurd Adventures: https://absurdventures.com
A Better Paradise: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0FCYSK8VD
American Caper: https://absurdventures.com/americancaper
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Box: Intelligent content management platform.
Go to https://box.com/ai
UPLIFT Desk: Standing desks and office ergonomics.
Go to https://upliftdesk.com/lex
CodeRabbit: AI-powered code reviews.
Go to https://coderabbit.ai/lex
Miro: Online collaborative whiteboard platform.
Go to https://miro.com/
Lindy: No-code AI agent builder.
Go to https://go.lindy.ai/lex
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://shopify.com/lex
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(01:29) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(11:32) – Greatest films of all time
(23:45) – Making video games
(26:36) – GTA 3
(29:55) – Open world video games
(32:42) – Character creation
(36:09) – Superintelligent AI in A Better Paradise
(45:21) – Can LLMs write video games?
(49:41) – Creating GTA 4 and GTA 5
(1:01:16) – Hard work and Rockstar’s culture of excellence
(1:04:56) – GTA 6
(1:21:46) – Red Dead Redemption 2
(2:01:39) – DLCs for GTA and Red Dead Redemption
(2:07:58) – Leaving Rockstar Games
(2:17:22) – Greatest game of all time
(2:22:10) – Life lessons from father
(2:24:29) – Mortality
(2:41:47) – Advice for young people
(2:47:49) – Future of video games
PODCAST LINKS:
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
...more
2h 55min
October 14, 2025 #483 – Julia Shaw: Criminal Psychology of Murder, Serial Killers, Memory & Sex
Julia Shaw is a criminal psychologist and author who in her books explores human nature, including psychopathy, violent crime, the psychology of evil, police interrogation, false memory manipulation, deception detection, and human sexuality.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep483-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/julia-shaw-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Julia’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/drjuliashaw
Julia’s Website: https://www.drjuliashaw.com/
Julia’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/drjuliashaw
Julia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjuliashaw/
Julia’s Books: https://amzn.to/4mQBnTV
Green Crime (US Book): https://amzn.to/4nLfSVE
Green Crime (Canadian Book): https://amzn.to/47lBAdc
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://shopify.com/lex
BetterHelp: Online therapy and counseling.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/lex
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
AG1: All-in-one daily nutrition drink.
Go to https://drinkag1.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(01:00) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(08:16) – Dark Tetrad – Psychopathy, Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Sadism
(29:23) – Serial killers
(43:59) – Murder
(51:51) – Lies and scams
(56:38) – Jealousy
(1:00:07) – Monogamy
(1:05:20) – Sexuality
(1:20:21) – Sexual fetishes
(1:35:56) – Criminal psychology
(1:39:04) – False memories
(2:25:01) – Criminals destroying the planet
(2:40:24) – Hope
PODCAST LINKS:
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
...more
2h 49min
October 01, 2025 #482 – Pavel Durov: Telegram, Freedom, Censorship, Money, Power & Human Nature
Pavel Durov is the founder and CEO of Telegram.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep482-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/pavel-durov-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Pavel’s Telegram: https://t.me/durov
Pavel’s X: https://x.com/durov
Telegram: https://telegram.org/
Telegram Contests: https://contest.com/
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Miro: Online collaborative whiteboard platform.
Go to https://miro.com/
UPLIFT Desk: Standing desks and office ergonomics.
Go to https://upliftdesk.com/lex
Fin: AI agent for customer service.
Go to https://fin.ai/lex
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://shopify.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(02:46) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(11:29) – Philosophy of freedom
(14:37) – No alcohol
(22:42) – No phone
(28:38) – Discipline
(49:50) – Telegram: Lean philosophy, privacy, and geopolitics
(1:05:12) – Arrest in France
(1:21:23) – Romanian elections
(1:32:18) – Power and corruption
(1:41:50) – Intense education
(1:53:51) – Nikolai Durov
(1:58:19) – Programming and video games
(2:02:33) – VK origins & engineering
(2:19:46) – Hiring a great team
(2:29:02) – Telegram engineering & design
(2:48:04) – Encryption
(2:53:01) – Open source
(2:57:48) – Edward Snowden
(3:00:20) – Intelligence agencies
(3:01:32) – Iran and Russia government pressure
(3:04:41) – Apple
(3:11:38) – Poisoning
(3:43:53) – Money
(3:52:45) – TON
(4:02:35) – Bitcoin
(4:05:34) – Two chairs dilemma
(4:12:14) – Children
(4:23:24) – Father
(4:27:55) – Quantum immortality
(4:34:27) – Kafka
PODCAST LINKS:
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
...more
4h 43min
September 19, 2025 #481 – Norman Ohler: Hitler, Nazis, Drugs, WW2, Blitzkrieg, LSD, MKUltra & CIA
Norman Ohler is a historian and author of “Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich,” a book that investigates the role of psychoactive drugs, particularly stimulants such as methamphetamine, in the military history of World War II. It is a book that two legendary historians Ian Kershaw and Antony Beevor give very high praise for its depth of research. Norman also wrote “Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age”, and he is working on a new book “Stoned Sapiens” looking at the history of human civilization through the lens of drugs.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep481-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/norman-ohler-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Stoned Sapiens Substack: https://substack.com/@stonedsapiens
Norman’s X: https://x.com/normanohler
Norman’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normanohler
Norman’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Norman-Ohler
Norman’s Website: https://www.normanohler.de
Norman’s books: https://amzn.to/46uNS18
Blitzed: https://amzn.to/4mmY2XC
The Bohemians: https://amzn.to/3KubPhK
Tripped: https://amzn.to/4nEy7eX
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
UPLIFT Desk: Standing desks and office ergonomics.
Go to https://upliftdesk.com/lex
Fin: AI agent for customer service.
Go to https://fin.ai/lex
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://shopify.com/lex
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
Hampton: Community for high-growth founders and CEOs.
Go to https://joinhampton.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(01:09) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(09:00) – Drugs in post-WWI Germany
(19:18) – Nazi rise to power
(23:45) – Hitler’s drug use
(29:37) – Response to historian criticism
(46:16) – Pervitin
(1:00:15) – Blitzkrieg and meth
(1:18:52) – Erwin Rommel (Crystal Fox)
(1:23:02) – Dunkirk
(1:31:06) – Hitler’s drug addiction
(1:47:03) – Methamphetamine
(1:48:57) – Invasion of Soviet Union
(2:07:54) – Cocaine
(2:16:49) – Hitler’s last days
(2:36:48) – German resistance against Nazis
(2:58:59) – Totalitarianism
(3:04:09) – Stoned Sapiens – Drugs in human history
(3:19:20) – Religion
(3:30:09) – LSD, CIA, and MKUltra
(3:55:39) – Writing on drugs
(4:08:40) – Berlin night clubs
(4:19:14) – Greatest book ever written
...more
4h 32min
September 04, 2025 #480 – Dave Hone: T-Rex, Dinosaurs, Extinction, Evolution, and Jurassic Park
Dave Hone is a paleontologist, expert on dinosaurs, co-host of the Terrible Lizards podcast, and author of numerous scientific papers and books on the behavior and ecology of dinosaurs. He lectures at Queen Mary University of London on topics of Ecology, Zoology, Biology, and Evolution.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep480-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/dave-hone-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Dave’s Website: https://www.davehone.co.uk/
Dave’s Books: https://amzn.to/4pbk828
Terrible Lizards Podcast: https://terriblelizards.libsyn.com/
Dave’s Blog: https://archosaurmusings.wordpress.com/
Dave’s Academic Website: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbbs/staff/davidhone.html
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Lindy: No-code AI agent builder.
Go to https://go.lindy.ai/lex
BetterHelp: Online therapy and counseling.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/lex
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://shopify.com/lex
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
AG1: All-in-one daily nutrition drink.
Go to https://drinkag1.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(00:22) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(07:18) – T-Rex’s size & biomechanics
(31:00) – T-Rex’s hunting strategies
(44:07) – History of dinosaurs on Earth
(1:04:38) – $31.8 million T-Rex fossil
(1:17:44) – T-Rex’s skull and bone-crushing bite force
(1:36:33) – What Jurassic Park got wrong
(1:54:52) – Evolution and sexual selection
(2:15:26) – Spinosaurus
(2:26:02) – What Jurassic Park got right
(2:33:35) – T-Rex’s intelligence
(2:43:34) – Cannibalism among T-Rex
(2:49:05) – Extinction of the dinosaurs
(3:06:15) – Dragons
(3:22:39) – Birds are dinosaurs
(3:33:23) – Future of paleontology
PODCAST LINKS:
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
...more
3h 42min
August 29, 2025 #479 – Dave Plummer: Programming, Autism, and Old-School Microsoft Stories
Dave Plummer is a programmer, former Microsoft software engineer (Windows 95, NT, XP), creator of Task Manager, author of two books on autism, and host of the Dave’s Garage YouTube channel, where he shares stories from his career, insights on software development, and deep dives into technology.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep479-sc
See below for timestamps, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Dave’s X: https://x.com/davepl1968
Dave’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavesGarage
Dave’s Secondary YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davepl
Dave’s GitHub: https://github.com/PlummersSoftwareLLC
Dave’s Books: https://amzn.to/41qd5IB
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
UPLIFT Desk: Standing desks and office ergonomics.
Go to https://upliftdesk.com/lex
ZocDoc: App that helps patients find healthcare providers.
Go to https://zocdoc.com/lex
Fin: AI agent for customer service.
Go to https://fin.ai/lex
Allio Capital: AI-powered investment app that uses global macroeconomic trends.
Go to https://alliocapital.com/
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://shopify.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(01:14) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(10:16) – First computer
(15:54) – Dropping out of high-school
(23:35) – Joining Microsoft
(25:47) – MS-DOS
(28:59) – Windows 95
(35:46) – The man behind Windows
(40:42) – Debugging
(45:59) – Task Manager
(51:08) – 3D Pinball: Space Cadet
(56:07) – Start menu and taskbar
(1:07:06) – Blue Screen of Death
(1:09:15) – Best programmers
(1:17:16) – Scariest time of Dave’s life
(1:24:44) – Best Windows version
(1:26:34) – Slot machines
(1:30:17) – Autism and ADHD
(1:49:37) – Fastest programming language
(1:53:42) – Future of programming
PODCAST LINKS:
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
...more
1h 60min
August 24, 2025 #478 – Scott Horton: The Case Against War and the Military Industrial Complex
Scott Horton is the director of the Libertarian Institute, editorial director of Antiwar.com, host of The Scott Horton Show, co-host of Provoked, and for the past three decades a staunch critic of U.S. military interventionism.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep478-sc
See below for timestamps, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Supplemental Notes & Corrections: https://lexfridman.com/scott-horton-links-and-notes/
Scott’s X: https://x.com/scotthortonshow
Scott Horton Show: https://youtube.com/@scotthortonshow
Provoked Show: https://youtube.com/@Provoked_Show
Scott’s Substack: https://scotthortonshow.com/
Scott’s Website: https://scotthorton.org/
Scott’s Books: https://amzn.to/3T9Qg7y
Libertarian Institute: https://libertarianinstitute.org/
Antiwar.com: https://antiwar.com/
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Allio Capital: AI-powered investment app that uses global macroeconomic trends.
Go to https://alliocapital.com/
Hampton: Community for high-growth founders and CEOs.
Go to https://joinhampton.com/lex
BetterHelp: Online therapy and counseling.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/lex
AG1: All-in-one daily nutrition drink.
Go to https://drinkag1.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(00:35) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(09:14) – From the Cold War to the War on Terror
(1:02:13) – Iraq War 1
(1:30:17) – Bin Laden
(2:29:39) – Afghanistan War
(2:44:35) – Iraq War 2
(3:10:59) – Military Industrial Complex
(3:50:25) – Scott’s life story
(4:20:15) – Iraq War 2 (continued)
(5:11:43) – Syria
(6:05:01) – Iraq War 3
(6:17:28) – Somalia
(6:22:56) – Iran
(7:12:41) – Israel-Palestine
(9:02:19) – Cold War 2.0
PODCAST LINKS:
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
...more
10h 36min
August 13, 2025 #477 – Keyu Jin: China’s Economy, Tariffs, Trade, Trump, Communism & Capitalism
Keyu Jin is an economist specializing in China’s economy, international macroeconomics, global trade imbalances, and financial policy. She is the author of The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep477-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/keyu-jin-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Keyu’s X: https://x.com/KeyuJin
Keyu’s Website: https://keyujin.com/
The New China Playbook (Book): https://amzn.to/4lpgmyK
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Allio Capital: AI-powered investment app that uses global macroeconomic trends.
Go to https://alliocapital.com/
UPLIFT Desk: Standing desks and office ergonomics.
Go to https://upliftdesk.com/lex
Hampton: Community for high-growth founders and CEOs.
Go to https://joinhampton.com/lex
Lindy: No-code AI agent builder.
Go to https://go.lindy.ai/lex
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(00:35) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(08:26) – Misconceptions about China
(12:57) – Education in China
(22:14) – Economic reforms of Deng Xiaoping
(27:33) – Mayor economy and GDP growth race
(41:20) – Growing up in China
(46:58) – First time in the US
(51:12) – China’s government vs business sector
(54:46) – Communism and capitalism
(58:25) – Jack Ma
(1:04:37) – China’s view on innovation and copying ideas
(1:11:15) – DeepSeek moment
(1:15:09) – CHIPS Act
(1:16:56) – Tariffs and Trade
(1:29:21) – Immigration
(1:34:08) – Taiwan
(1:39:54) – One-child policy
(1:47:51) – China’s economy collapse predictions
(1:52:34) – Advice for visiting China
PODCAST LINKS:
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
...more
1h 58min
August 01, 2025 #476 – Jack Weatherford: Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire
Jack Weatherford is an anthropologist and historian specializing in Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep476-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/jack-weatherford-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Jack’s Books: https://amzn.to/3ISziZr
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World: https://amzn.to/4l45LsY
The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: https://amzn.to/4l22uud
Genghis Khan and the Quest for God: https://amzn.to/4fpOQA4
Emperor of the Seas: Kublai Khan and the Making of China: https://amzn.to/40JEll1
SPONSORS:
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OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(00:44) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(10:44) – Origin story of Genghis Khan
(52:30) – Early battles & conquests
(1:05:11) – Power
(1:07:33) – Secret History
(1:20:58) – Mongolian steppe
(1:24:16) – Mounted archery and horse-riding
(1:32:36) – Genghis Khan’s army
(1:48:49) – Military tactics and strategy
(2:01:13) – Wars of conquest
(2:05:37) – Dan Carlin
(2:15:37) – Religious freedom
(2:31:24) – Trade and the Silk Road
(2:40:10) – Weapons innovation
(2:41:40) – Kublai Khan and conquering China
(3:23:31) – Fall of the Mongol Empire
(3:50:26) – Genetic legacy
(4:00:20) – Lessons from Genghis Khan
(4:10:36) – Human nature
(4:13:47) – Visiting Mongolia
(4:33:15) – Lex: Dan Carlin
(4:36:06) – Lex: Gaza
PODCAST LINKS:
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
...more
4h 40min

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