Best Molecular Machines Podcasts (2025)

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The Future of Physics: Portals to a New Reality 48:44

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2d ago48:44

48:44

In this conversation, Dr.Vlatko Vedral discusses the complexities of quantum mechanics and its implications for our understanding of reality. He explores the stagnation in physics, the importance of thought experiments, and the potential for new discoveries through technological advancements. Vlatko emphasizes the need for adventurous research and …

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AI vs Human Intelligence: The Emergent Mind 50:25

6d ago50:25

50:25

In this conversation, Drs. Gaurav Suri and Jay Mcclelland delves into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and human cognition, exploring similarities and differences, the evolution of AI from rule-based systems to learning models, and the concept of emergence in both fields. The discussion also touches on the efficiency of hu…

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The Giant Leap 56:57

10d ago56:57

56:57

In this conversation, Dr. Caleb Scharf discusses the evolution of space exploration, drawing parallels to historical figures like Darwin. He explores the implications of humanity's expansion into space, the challenges of microgravity, and the allure of Mars as a potential habitat. Scharf emphasizes the interconnectedness of space exploration with o…

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Dinosaurs with Rachel Ignotofsky 30:30

17d ago30:30

30:30

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Ignotofski discusses her new book Dinosaurs, exploring the fascination with these ancient creatures, the impact of mass extinctions, and the evolution of life on Earth. She highlights the importance of paleontology, the legacy of Mary Anning, and the artistic choices made in illustrating the book. The discussio…

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Charlatans with Quico Toro 39:52

24d ago39:52

39:52

By Breaking Math

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Economica with Victoria Bateman 1:04:48

1M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

In this conversation, economist Dr. Victoria Bateman discusses the critical role of women in shaping economic prosperity throughout history. She argues that women's choices, independence, and labor have been overlooked in traditional economic narratives. The discussion covers various themes, including the impact of women's marriage decisions on pop…

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Eliezer Yudkowsky vs Mark Miller | ASI Risks: Similar premises, opposite conclusions 4:12:32

1M ago4:12:32

4:12:32

What are the best strategies for addressing extreme risks from artificial superintelligence? In this 4-hour conversation, decision theorist Eliezer Yudkowsky and computer scientist Mark Miller discuss their cruxes for disagreement. They examine the future of AI, existential risk, and whether alignment is even possible. Topics include AI risk scenar…

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Blueprints with Marcus du Sautoy 59:39

2M ago59:39

59:39

In this conversation, Marcus Du Sautoy explores the intricate relationship between mathematics and various forms of art, including music, literature, and visual arts. He discusses how mathematical concepts such as prime numbers, symmetry, and randomness influence creative processes and artistic expressions. Through examples from renowned artists li…

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Unequal with Eugenia Cheng 46:49

2M ago46:49

46:49

In this conversation, Eugenia Cheng discusses the importance of making math accessible and engaging for everyone, particularly those who have been discouraged by traditional education methods. She emphasizes the intersection of math and art, the dangers of oversimplifying complex issues with numbers, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of…

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Breaking Math: When Math Meets a Technology Glitch 4:14

2M ago4:14

4:14

This week’s episode isn’t our usual deep dive—it’s a behind-the-scenes update. On Monday, Breaking Math vanished from Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and more without warning. After digging in, we discovered a strange RSS glitch that merged our feed with another podcast. In this quick update, Autumn shares: What happened behind the scenes when the show di…

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Hate the Game 34:25

2M ago34:25

34:25

In this conversation, Dr. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, discusses her book “Hate the Game,” that frames life and career decisions as strategic games. She emphasizes the importance of understanding economic principles to navigate personal and professional challenges, negotiate effectively, and reclaim agency in various aspects of lif…

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Dots and Lines: Hidden Networks 37:17

3M ago37:17

37:17

In this conversation, Autumn and Dr. Anthony Bonato explore the fascinating world of networks, discussing their significance in various fields, including mathematics, social interactions, and even the spread of diseases like COVID-19 in his new book Dots and Lines. Anthony shares his journey into network science, the importance of understanding net…

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Robin Hood Math 32:35

3M ago32:35

32:35

In this episode of Breaking Math, Dr. Noah Giansiracusa discusses his book 'Robin Hood Math', emphasizing the importance of mathematical literacy in navigating an algorithm-driven world. He explores how math can empower everyday people, the writing process behind his book, and practical applications of math in daily life, including social media alg…

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What are Swim Training Patterns? 45:54

3M ago45:54

45:54

In this conversation, Dr. Christoph Bartneck discusses the intersection of swimming and computer science, exploring how mathematical patterns can enhance swim training. He introduces the concept of a formal swim markup language to improve data exchange and training efficiency. The discussion also delves into the visualization of swimming techniques…

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AI Ethics: Algorithms Go To College 11:35

3M ago11:35

11:35

In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn explores the complex world of AI ethics, focusing on its implications in education, the accuracy of AI systems, the biases inherent in algorithms, and the challenges of data privacy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in mathematics and computer science, advocating for transpa…

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Random Shuffle Isn't Random At All 8:20

4M ago8:20

8:20

In this episode, we explore the intricate mathematics behind Sp0tify's (ok... and other's) shuffle feature, revealing how it is designed to feel random while actually being carefully curated. We discuss the psychological implications of randomness, the Fisher-Yates shuffle algorithm, and how engineers have created a system that respects human perce…

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Algorithms & AI Simplified - The Not So Mathy Version 9:19

4M ago9:19

9:19

This conversation explores the intricate relationship between mathematics and artificial intelligence (AI) for people who don't want to get too math heavy and want things simplified as much as possible. It delves into how algorithms, machine learning, and various mathematical tools like linear algebra, calculus, and statistics form the backbone of …

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What is Cryptography? 40:56

4M ago40:56

40:56

This conversation delves into the intersection of quantum computing and cryptography, focusing on the implications of quantum computers for current encryption methods and the necessity for post-quantum cryptography. Dr. Dustin Moody from NIST discusses the threats posed by quantum computing, particularly through Shor's algorithm, and the ongoing ef…

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We Live in a Radioactive World: What is Dosimetry? 32:10

5M ago32:10

32:10

In this episode, Autumn interviews Dr. Ileana Pazos, an expert in dosimetry, discussing the critical role of radiation measurement in various industries, including healthcare and food safety. They explore the science behind dosimetry, the applications of radiation, the challenges faced in accurate measurements, and the misconceptions surrounding fo…

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Nobel Laureate David Baker on Using AI for Science to Solve Humanity's Biggest Problems [TEASER] 4:52

5M ago4:52

4:52

This is a teaser episode of the Existential Hope Podcast with Nobel Laureate David Baker. David reveals how scientists are now inventing entirely new proteins—life's fundamental building blocks—to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges. David shares his journey and his vision for a future where custom-built "molecular machines," an ide…

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Welcome to Foresight Institute Radio 0:43

5M ago0:43

0:43

This feed is now Foresight Institute Radio—your place for standout talks on frontier technology: from AI and neurotech to nanotech, longevity, and space. You’ll hear highlights from Foresight’s global conferences and seminars featuring top scientists and builders. For long-form interviews, follow our sister show: The Existential Hope Podcast, with …

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Jonathan Anomaly | Embryo selection for health, longevity and intelligence 11:04

5M ago11:04

11:04

What happens when parents can choose their children's genetic traits, and which selections benefit society versus harm it? In this talk, Jonathan Anomaly explores the emerging field of embryo selection for intelligence, disease prevention, and longevity. He covers how polygenic risk scores work to predict complex traits and why most diseases involv…

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Mary Lou Jepsen | The handheld hospital 10:13

5M ago10:13

10:13

What if you could diagnose stroke, treat cancer, and cure depression with a smartphone-sized device that costs $1,000 instead of millions? In this talk, Mary Lou Jepsen demonstrates her revolutionary handheld medical devices that use ultrasound and infrared light to selectively target diseased cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. She covers…

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Jean Hebert | ARPA-H: Accelerate better health outcomes for everyone 8:53

5M ago8:53

8:53

What if a government agency could fund transformative health research with $200 million budgets and no bureaucratic committees? In this talk, Jean Hebert explores ARPA-H's – a research funding agency – unique mission to accelerate health breakthroughs, from 3D-printed organs to functional eye transplants. He covers how ARPA-H operates differently f…

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Irina Rish | AI & Scale 12:18

5M ago12:18

12:18

How has the history of AI been shaped by the "bitter lesson" that simple scaling beats complex algorithms, and what comes next? In this talk, Irina Rish traces AI's evolution from rule-based systems to today's foundation models, exploring how scaling laws predicted performance improvements and recent shifts toward more efficient approaches. She cov…

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What is Life? 41:32

5M ago41:32

41:32

In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Strychalski discusses the fascinating field of synthetic biology, particularly focusing on synthetic cells. She shares her journey into this research area, the challenges of defining life, and the ethical considerations surrounding synthetic biology. The conversation also explores the potential applications of sy…

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Fire Science: What are Photoacoustic Measurements? 49:49

5M ago49:49

49:49

In this episode of Breaking Math, hosts Autumn and Gabriel explore the innovative intersections of fire science and technology with experts Amy Mensch and Ryan Falkenstein-Smith who work at NIST. They discuss the groundbreaking photoacoustic technique for measuring soot deposition, its applications in fire safety and forensic investigations, and th…

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What history can teach us about doing better science – Eric Gilliam 1:06:39

5M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

Eric Gilliam studies how organizations like Bell Labs, early MIT, and the Rockefeller Foundation helped drive scientific progress — and what made them unusually effective. In this conversation, we explore how those models worked, why many of them disappeared, and what it would take to bring them back. Eric explains why fast-moving, engineering-driv…

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Existential Hope Podcast: Glen Weyl | Can we use AI to build a fairer society? 26:27

5M ago26:27

26:27

Most AI discussions focus on its risks to democracy – disinformation, surveillance, centralization of power. But what if AI could make governance better? Glen Weyl, political economist at Microsoft Research and founder of RadicalxChange, argues that AI could be used to create more participatory, decentralized, and democratic systems, if we design i…

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Existential Hope Podcast: Ada Palmer | The storytelling tools you need for worldbuilding 43:13

6M ago43:13

43:13

How can storytelling shape our visions of the future? Ada Palmer—historian, science fiction writer, and futurist—brings a unique perspective on how worldbuilding can be a powerful tool for exploring complex ideas. In this conversation with Beatrice Erkers, she shares her perspective on worldbuilding and storytelling, and her recommendations for how…

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Existential Hope Podcast: Anthony Aguirre | Will AI replace us or help us thrive? 26:35

6M ago26:35

26:35

How we develop AI will shape the future of society. In this interview, Anthony Aguirre explores the distinction between Tool AI and Replacement AI, and how this framing can inform AI policy, governance, and strategy. He shares insights on the risks and thresholds of AGI, the role of capability, agency, and autonomy in AI development, and what it me…

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Existential Hope Podcast: Helen Toner | Who gets to decide AI’s future? 20:49

6M ago20:49

20:49

Who makes the rules for AI? Right now, a handful of companies and governments are shaping its trajectory – but what happens behind closed doors? Helen Toner, Director of Strategy at Georgetown’s CSET and former OpenAI board member, has been inside some of the biggest AI governance conversations. In this conversation with Beatrice Erkers, she shares…

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Existential Hope Podcast: Aaron Stupple | Raising kids for an unknown future 56:05

6M ago56:05

56:05

What if parenting held the keys to civilization’s long-term flourishing? In this deeply personal and philosophically rich episode of the Existential Hope podcast, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Stupple – physician, thinker, and author of The Sovereign Child. Drawing from the rationalist traditions of David Deutsch and Karl Popper, and grounded in the p…

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Existential Hope Podcast: Hannah Ritchie | Climate Tech & How AI Can Help Solve Big Problems 27:04

7M ago27:04

27:04

The way we talk about the future of the planet often feels like a choice between denial and doomism. But what if we looked at the data? Hannah Ritchie, Deputy Editor at Our World in Data, has dedicated her work to making complex global challenges—like climate change, energy, and sustainability—more understandable and actionable. In this conversatio…

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Existential Hope podcast | Worldbuilding for a Hopeful AI Future 10:08

7M ago10:08

10:08

In this special “minisode” of the Existential Hope podcast, Allison and Beatrice from Foresight Institute sit down to discuss their newly launched, free worldbuilding course on Udemy: The AI Futures Worldbuilding course. This course—created in partnership with the Future of Life Institute—helps participants imagine and shape positive visions for AI…

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Zac Hatfield-Dodds | Anthropic’s Responsible Scaling Policy 10:34

7M ago10:34

10:34

Zac Hatfield-Dodds is a member of the technical staff at Anthropic. In this episode he talks about Anthropic's responsible scaling policy. About Foresight Institute Foresight Institute is a research organization and non-profit that supports the beneficial development of high-impact technologies. Since our founding in 1987 on a vision of guiding pow…

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Existential Hope podcast: Clay Routledge | Why Meaning and Agency Matter More Than Ever 1:02:39

7M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

In this episode of the Existential Hope Podcast, existential psychologist Clay Routledge explores how meaning and agency shape both individual well-being and societal progress. While material conditions have improved, many people—especially younger generations—report growing pessimism and disconnection. Clay argues that a lack of meaning, not just …

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Cate Hall | What Philanthropy Can Do That Others Can’t 10:53

7M ago10:53

10:53

Cate Hall is the CEO of Astera. She’s a former Supreme Court attorney and the ex-No. 1 female poker player in the world. Before joining Astera, she co-founded and served as COO and later co-CEO of Alvea, a pandemic medicine company that set the record for the fastest startup to take a drug candidate to Phase I clinical trial. She received a BS in b…

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Sam Rodriques | AI for Scientific Progress 14:06

8M ago14:06

14:06

Sam Rodriques is an inventor and entrepreneur. In 2023, he launched FutureHouse, a new research lab in San Francisco focused on building an AI Scientist. He previously ran the Applied Biotechnology Lab at the Francis Crick Institute. Before that, he did his PhD at MIT. Sam also proposed the Focused Research Organization model, which is now being us…

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Tom Kalil | Renaissance Philanthropy: Agenda Setting is Underrated 12:07

8M ago12:07

12:07

Tom Kalil is the CEO of Renaissance Philanthropy. Tom served in the White House for two presidents (Obama and Clinton) and in collaboration with his team worked with the Senate to give every federal agency the authority to support incentive prizes for up to $50 million. Tom also designed and launched dozens of White House science and technology ini…

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Existential Hope Podcast: Steven Pinker On Why the Future Looks Better Than You Think 39:14

8M ago39:14

39:14

In this episode of the Existential Hope Podcast, cognitive psychologist and bestselling author Steven Pinker explores why, despite massive gains in human progress, many people remain pessimistic about the future—and why that matters for shaping what comes next. Steven argues that while progress isn’t automatic, it is real. By tracking long-term tre…

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What is Time? 1:11:52

8M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

In this episode of Breaking Math, Autumn and Andrew Novick delve into the intricate world of timekeeping, exploring the significance of precise time measurement in modern technology. They discuss the evolution from traditional atomic clocks to cutting-edge optical clocks, the critical role of time in various industries, and the implications of time…

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Jennifer Garrison | Healthy Longevity for Women 9:46

8M ago9:46

9:46

Jennifer Garrison, PhD, is Co-Founder and Director of the Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (GCRLE) and an Assistant Professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. She also holds appointments in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Leonard…

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What is Measurement? 7:12

9M ago7:12

7:12

Summary This episode of Breaking Math explores the fundamental concept of measurement, its importance in daily life, and the necessity for standardized units. The discussion highlights the role of the International System of Units (SI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in maintaining measurement accuracy. It also touches…

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Existential Hope Special: Ada Palmer | On How Speculative Worlds Can Help Us Demand A Better Future 59:56

9M ago59:56

59:56

"We’ve saved the world so many times throughout history. Now we just have to do it again." What if speculative fiction could do more than entertain—what if it could reshape how we think about governance, technology, and societal progress? In this episode of the Existential Hope Podcast, historian and sci-fi author Ada Palmer discusses how we can ha…

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Abhishek Singh | Decentralizing Machine Learning 54:13

9M ago54:13

54:13

Abhishek Singh is a Ph.D. student at MIT Media Lab. His research interests include collective intelligence, self-organization, and decentralized machine learning. The central question guiding his research is --- how can we (algorithmically) engineer adaptive networks to build anti-fragile systems? He has co-authored multiple papers and built system…

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Zach Weinersmith | A City on Mars 52:00

10M ago52:00

52:00

Zach Weinersmith is the cartoonist behind the popular geek webcomic, Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal. He writes popular science books with his wife Kelly, including the recent Hugo award-winning A City on Mars. His work has been featured by The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, Slate, Forbes, Science Friday, Foreign Policy, PBS, Boingboing, the…

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Jason Crawford, Roots of Progress | Career Counselling 48:10

10M ago48:10

48:10

Jason Crawford is the founder of The Roots of Progress, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a new philosophy of progress for the 21st century. He writes and speaks about the history and philosophy of progress, especially in technology and industry. Key Highlights About Foresight Institute Foresight Institute is a research organization and non-pro…

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Allison Duettmann & Beatrice Erkers | A Vision of Existential Hope for the New Year 1:02:29

10M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Beatrice Erkers and Allison Duettmann What if we could reimagine the future from a place of hope instead of fear? In this special episode of the Existential Hope Podcast, Allison Duettmann and Beatrice Erkers turn the tables and interview each other instead of a guest, sharing insights into their journeys, hopes, and visions for humanity. Together,…

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Caleb Watney, Institute for Progress | Career Counselling 50:16

11M ago50:16

50:16

Caleb Watney is the co-founder and co-CEO of IFP. He manages the metascience, high-skilled immigration, and emerging technology policy teams at IFP. His research focuses on policy levers the U.S. could use to rebuild state capacity and increase long-term rates of innovation. Previously, Caleb worked as the director of innovation policy at the Progr…