Best Synthetic Population Podcasts (2025)

1
On whole-cell modeling of bacteria - with Markus Covert - #28 2:04:23

1h ago2:04:23

2:04:23

A future computational neuroscience project could be to model not only the signal processing properties of neurons, but also all processes that keep a neuron alive for, say, a 100-year life span. In 2012 the group of the guest published the first such whole-cell model for a very simple bacterium (M. genitalia). In 2020 a model of the larger E. coli…

1
Glory Days of Modeling: Dan Eichelsdoerfer on Building Macrocosm 41:25

14h ago41:25

41:25

In a world full of linear thinking, Dan Eichelsdoerfer is building a company grounded in complexity. In this episode, Dan joins The Flux to discuss why agent-based models are finally ready for prime time and how Macrocosm is creating tools to simulate economic and energy systems with more nuance, flexibility, and realism than ever before. Dan talks…

1
From Chaos to Clarity with Doyne Farmer: Why Agent-Based Models Matter Now 47:20

15d ago47:20

47:20

On this episode of The Flux, agent-based models (ABMs) have long lived on the fringes of mainstream economics but that’s changing. Doyne Farmer breaks down how advances in computing and data are fueling a new era of bottom-up modeling. He explains where ABMs outperform traditional models, why certain fields (like epidemiology and traffic systems) a…

1
On construction and clinical use of multipurpose neuron models - with Etay Hay - #27 1:13:21

24d ago1:13:21

1:13:21

Numerous neuron models have been made, but most of them are "single-purpose" in that they are made to address a single scientific question. In contrast, multipurpose neuron models are made to be used to address many scientific questions. In 2011, the guest published a multipurpose rodent pyramidal-cell model which has been actively used by the comm…

1
S11E11 - Anastasia Bodnar – NSCEB Report: Charting the Future of Biotechnology 58:40

26d ago58:40

58:40

NSCEB Report: Charting the Future of Biotechnology Zoom Only | Final Colloquium of the semester! Dr. Anastasia Bodnar will present an overview of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology’s recently published report, outlining key recommendations to accelerate biotechnology in the United States. Download seminar flyer Charting the …

1
Mining Meaning: Laura Sheppard on Gender, Academia, and the Power of Public Data 39:40

27d ago39:40

39:40

In this episode of The Flux, we talk with Laura Sheppard, a research fellow at University College London’s Centre for Longitudinal Studies, about how data mining can uncover powerful insights from unexpected sources. Laura shares her work using the British Library’s Ethos dataset, a comprehensive record of UK doctoral theses - to explore gender ine…

1
S11E10 - Todd Kuiken – AI in the Biological Sciences: Uses, Safety, Security, and Oversight 59:14

1M ago59:14

59:14

Artificial Intelligence in the Biological Sciences: Uses, Safety, Security, and Oversight Withers 331 + Zoom | Former GES Sr. Research Scholar Todd Kuiken returns from Washington, DC to explore the convergence of artificial intelligence with the biological sciences and the public policy issues addressing potential benefits and associated biosafety …

1
From Micro-Behaviors to Macro-Patterns: Exploring Agent-Based Models with Andrew Crooks 30:12

1M ago30:12

30:12

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier sits down with Andrew Crooks at the Complex Social Systems Society Conference in Santa Fe. They dive into the world of agent-based modeling (ABM) - what it is, why it matters, and how it helps us simulate and better understand human behavior in complex systems. From simulating traffic jams to modeling …

1
S11E9 - Michelle L. Johnson – Altering Traits and Fates of Wild Populations with Allele Sails 56:45

1M ago56:45

56:45

Altering Traits and Fates of Wild Populations with Mendelian DNA Modifying Allele Sails: Possible Contexts and Modeling Considerations Zoom Only | How can we use genetics to manage wild populations, and how do the bioengineers working on these projects predict their impact? Download seminar flyer Johnson, M.L., Hay, B.A. & Maselko, M. Altering trai…

1
S11E8 - Ritwick Ghosh - Questioning the Accounting Impulse in Environmental Policy 52:48

2M ago52:48

52:48

Questioning the Accounting Impulse in Environmental Policy Withers 331 + Zoom | Using a practice-centered approach to analyze the rise and implications of environmental accounting. Download seminar flyer Ritwick Ghosh, PhD Assistant Professor of Environmental Governance at NC State University | Profile | LinkedInDr. Ritwick Ghosh is an Assistant Pr…

1
On the population code in visual cortex - with Kenneth Harris - #26 1:24:49

2M ago1:24:49

1:24:49

With modern electrical and optical measurement techniques, we can now measure neural activity in hundreds or thousands of neurons simultaneously. This allows for the investigation of population codes, that is, of how groups of neurons together encode information. In 2019 today’s guest published a seminal paper with collaborators at UCL in London wh…

1
S11E7 - Katie Barnhill – Is the Spirit of Asilomar Still Haunting Biotechnology? 1:01:43

2M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Is the Spirit of Asilomar Still Haunting Biotechnology? Withers 331 + Zoom | An overview and analysis of my experience at the 2025 The Spirit of Asilomar and the Future of Biotechnology Summit Download seminar flyer Katie Barnhill, PhD Associate Director of Programs and Engagement, GES Center, NC State University | Profile | LinkedInDr. Katie Barnh…

1
S11E6 - Jory Weintraub – Telling Your Science Story 56:28

2M ago56:28

56:28

Telling Your Science Story: The Power of Narrative in Research Communication This short, interactive workshop will explore why and how to use storytelling to communicate your research and give you a chance to practice and receive feedback. Download seminar flyer Download presentation slides Jory Weintraub, PhD Director of Science Engagement in the …

1
From Neural Networks to Synthetic Populations: Hamdi Kavak’s Journey 25:59

2M ago25:59

25:59

What if we could predict the impact of a pandemic, a policy change, or even a war before it happens? Hamdi Kavak joins The Flux to discuss how agent-based modeling enables researchers to explore "what if" scenarios and simulate real-world behaviors at both small and massive scales. We dive into the applications of ABM in government-funded projects,…

1
S11E5 - Lirong Xiang - Integrating AI and Robotics for Precision Agriculture 56:23

3M ago56:23

56:23

Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Precision Agriculture Withers 331 + Zoom | Download seminar flyer Lirong Xiang, PhD Assistant Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at NC State University | Profile | XR LabDr. Xiang is the Principal Investigator of the Automation and Robotics Lab in the Department of Biological an…

1
From Curiosity to Complexity: Paul Amoruso’s Journey into Agent-Based Modeling 18:39

3M ago18:39

18:39

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier, CEO of Epistemix, sits down with Paul Amoruso to explore his unexpected journey into the world of agent-based modeling (ABM). What started as a course recommendation turned into a passion for understanding complex systems and using data to drive better decisions. Paul shares insights from his academic…

1
On growing synthetic dendrites – with Hermann Cuntz - #25 1:34:34

3M ago1:34:34

1:34:34

The observed variety of dendritic structures in the brains is striking. Why are they so different, and what determine the branching patterns? Following the dictum “if you understand it, you can build it”, the lab of the guest builds dendritic structures in a computer and explore the underlying principles. Two key principles seem to be to minimize (…

1
S11E4 - Mallory Choudoir - Microbiomes at the Roots of Environmental and Social Justice 57:40

3M ago57:40

57:40

Microbiomes at the Roots of Environmental and Social Justice Withers 331 + Zoom | Dr. Choudoir explores the role of soil microbiomes in sustainable agriculture and why their conservation is essential for environmental and social justice. Download seminar flyer Mallory Choudoir, PhD Assistant Professor & Soil Microbiome Extension Specialist at NC St…

1
Complexity in Government Contracting: Jim Malone's Journey into Computational Social Science 18:21

3M ago18:21

18:21

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier interviews Jim Malone at the Complex Social Systems Conference in Santa Fe. Jim, an experienced government acquisition professional, shares his fascinating journey from contracting to pursuing a PhD in Computational Social Science. He discusses the importance of understanding complexity in systems, par…

1
S11E3 - William Kimler – Eugenics before Genetics 1:02:08

4M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Eugenics before Genetics Withers 331 + Zoom | Historical examination of the societal concerns, current ideas and practices, and disciplines that created the context in the early 20th century for the enthusiastic engagement of geneticists in the eugenics movement. Download seminar flyer William Kimler, PhD Associate Professor of History at NC State …

1
On neuroscience foundation models - with Andreas Tolias - #24 1:31:43

4M ago1:31:43

1:31:43

The term “foundation model” refers to machine learning models that are trained on vast datasets and can be applied to a wide range of situations. The large language model GPT-4 is an example. The group of the guest has recently presented a foundation model for optophysiological responses in mouse visual cortex trained on recordings from 135.000 neu…

1
S11E2 - Katie Sanders – Consumer Perceptions for Emerging Ag Tech 54:17

4M ago54:17

54:17

SPRING SEMINAR SERIES Navigating Consumer Perceptions for Emerging Ag Tech: Considerations for Outreach, Engagement, and Communication How agricultural science communication can move beyond traditional, deficit models to engage diverse audiences through dialogue-based strategies aligned with Cooperative Extension’s founding mission. Downlo…

1
Decision-Making in Complex Systems: Insights from Agent-Based Modeling with Aaron Frank 38:48

4M ago38:48

38:48

Welcome to The Flux! In this episode, host John Cordier, CEO at Epistemix, explores the intricacies of agent-based modeling and its impact on decision-making with Aaron Frank. Recorded live at the Complex Social System Society of America's conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Aaron shares his journey from traditional national security research to co…

1
S11E1 - Moussa Savadogo - Regulating genetic-based vector control towards malaria elimination in Africa 58:25

4M ago58:25

58:25

Regulating genetic-based vector control towards malaria elimination in Africa: Key considerations, challenges and opportunities Zoom | Genetic-based approaches offer promising solutions for malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Clear regulations and public acceptance are essential for their success. Download seminar flyer Moussa Savadogo, PhD Senior Resea…

1
Democracy 3.0: Bridging Policy and Technology with Tom Pike 24:04

4M ago24:04

24:04

In this episode of The Flux, hosted by John Cordier, CEO at Epistemix, we delve into the fascinating world of agent-based modeling (ABM) with Tom Pike, co-lead for MESA. Recorded live at the Complex Systems Society conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Tom shares insights on democratizing ABM through Python, its significance in decision-making, and i…

1
Randy Burgh: Insights from Economic Development and Complexity Economics 37:40

4M ago37:40

37:40

This episode explores the economic development potential of technology developed in New Mexico, focusing on industry-based research and the collaboration between companies, universities, and government labs. It delves into the evolution of technology, highlighting key insights from Dr. Brown of the Santa Fe Institute, whose work integrates the conc…

1
On human whole-brain models - with Viktor Jirsa - #23 1:55:21

5M ago1:55:21

1:55:21

A holy grail of the multiscale approach for physical brain modelling is to link the different scales from molecules, via cells and local neural networks, up to whole-brain models. The goal of the Virtual Brain Twin project, lead by today’s guest, is to use personalized human whole-brain models to aid clinicians in treating brain ailments. The podca…

1
Navigating Complexity: Timothy Clancy on Modeling and Policy-Making 32:58

5M ago32:58

32:58

In this episode of The Flux, hosted by John Cordier, CEO of Epistemix, we hear from Timothy Clancy, a researcher from the University of Maryland's START program. Recorded at the Complex Social Systems Society of the Americas Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Clancy shares insights from his career, which spans government work and applied studies o…

1
On 40 years with the Hopfield network model - with Wulfram Gerstner - #22 1:27:49

6M ago1:27:49

1:27:49

In 1982 John Hopfield published the paper "Neural networks and physical systems with emergent collective computational abilities" describing a simple network model functioning as an associative and content-addressable memory. The paper started a new subfield in computational neuroscience and led to the influx of numerous theoretical scientists, in …

1
S10E9 - GES 508 Project – Herding Cats: Responsible Innovation for Sterilizing Cats in New Zealand 59:51

6M ago59:51

59:51

Herding Cats: Responsible Innovation for Sterilizing Cats in New Zealand Hybrid | GES 508 students apply the Responsible Research and Innovation framework to a hypothetical gene therapy project for cat sterilization supporting New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 goal. Final GES Colloquium of the semester! Abstract Join us for a student-led presentatio…

1
Exploring Agent-Based Modeling for Complex Policy Challenges with Sherwin Brown 10:36

6M ago10:36

10:36

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier, CEO at Epistemix, interviews Sherwin Brown from MITRE. Sherwin shares his journey into agent-based modeling, starting from his background in health management and policy. He discusses the role of data science and analytics in solving complex problems, such as monitoring the impact of the Affordable Ca…

1
Exploring Data-Driven Decision Making with Bill Rand 40:22

6M ago40:22

40:22

In this episode of 'The Flux,' we dive deep into data-driven decision making with Bill Rand from NC State University. Join us as Bill discusses his work in agent-based modeling, social media misinformation, and various innovative projects. Discover how agent-based modeling can provide insights into human behavior, business analytics, and even inter…

1
S10E8 - Joeva Rock – GE and the Politics of Development in Ghana 35:30

6M ago35:30

35:30

Genetic Engineering and the Politics of Development in Ghana Joeva Sean Rock, PhD Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Stony Brook University | ProfileDr. Joeva Sean Rock is an assistant professor of anthropology at Stony Brook University. Her research utilizes ethnographic methods and interdisciplinary collaborations to examine agricultural biot…

1
On models for short-term memory - with Pawel Herman - #21 1:47:42

7M ago1:47:42

1:47:42

The leading theory for learning and memorization in the brain is that learning is provided by synaptic learning rules and memories stored in synaptic weights between neurons. But this is for long-term memory. What about short-term, or working, memory where objects are kept in memory for only a few seconds? The traditional theory held that here the …

1
S10E7 - Alice Cheng - AI for Crisis Communication 1:00:19

7M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

AI for crisis communication: Challenges and opportunities An exploration of AI’s role in managing organization-public relationships during crises, highlighting innovative applications and the challenges of implementation. Yang (Alice) Cheng, PhD Associate Professor and University Faculty Scholar in Communications, NC State University | Profile | Re…

1
Revolutionizing Engineering: The Power of AI and Simulation with Dave Freed 39:32

7M ago39:32

39:32

In this episode of The Flux, join Dave Freed, Senior Director at Ansys, as he delves into the transformative world of computer simulations. With a rich history from Exa Corporation to OnScale and Ansys, Dave explores the evolution and future of simulations, highlighting their pivotal role in automotive, aerospace, and nuclear engineering. Discover …

1
S10E6 - Sara Fitzsimmons - Counting GE Chestnuts Before They Ripen 1:04:26

7M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Fall Seminar Series GE American Chestnut: Counting Chestnuts Before They Ripen Hybrid | Explore the scientific, ethical, and environmental issues which have impacted research, release, and deregulation of a transgenic American chestnut. Sara Fern Fitzsimmons, MS Chief Conservation Officer at The American Chestnut Foundation / Penn State University …

1
S10E5 - Erika Szymanski - Crossing Kingdoms: An Experiment in (Ir)responsible Research? 1:00:09

7M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Crossing Kingdoms: An Experiment in (Ir)responsible Research? Zoom Only | An artist-led interdisciplinary experiment with risky science led to boundary-challenging conclusions about what responsibility looks like in responsible research. Erika Szymanski, PhD Associate Professor of Rhetoric of Science at Colorado State University | ProfileDr. Erika …

1
Transforming Data into Decisions: Insights from Matt Madden at BYU 44:47

7M ago44:47

44:47

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier interviews Matt Madden, Director of the BYU Marketing Lab, about his work in making complex statistics and marketing analytics accessible. Madden discusses the lab's unique approach, which allows students to apply their skills in real-world consulting projects. They delve into key topics like market re…

1
On neuro-AI on the boat - part 2 of 2 - with Cristina Savin, Tim Vogels, Mikkel Lepperød, Paul Middlebrooks - #20 1:21:03

7M ago1:21:03

1:21:03

In September Paul Middlebrooks, the producer of the podcast BrainInspired, and I were both on a neuro-AI workshop on a coast liner cruising the Norwegian fjords. We decided to make two joint podcasts with some of the participants where we discuss the role of AI in neuroscience. In this second part we discuss the topic with Cristina Savin and Tim Vo…

1
S10E4 - Nathan Crook - Engineering bacteria to remediate PET plastics 59:01

8M ago59:01

59:01

Engineering Vibrio natriegens for remediation of PET plastics Hybrid | This talk covers our recent efforts to engineer the saltwater microbe Vibrio natriegens to break down PET plastics and eat the breakdown products. Nathan Crook, PhD Assistant Professor at NC State University | ProfileDr. Crook received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the C…

1
On neuro-AI on the boat - part 1 of 2 - with Ken Harris, Andreas Tolias, Mikkel Lepperød, Paul Middlebrooks - #19 1:19:26

8M ago1:19:26

1:19:26

In September Paul Middlebrooks, the producer of the podcast BrainInspired, and I were both on a neuro-AI workshop on a coast liner cruising the Norwegian fjords. We decided to make two joint podcasts with some of the participants where we discuss the role of AI in neuroscience. In this first part we talk with Mikkel Lepperod, the main organizer abo…

1
Navigating Complex Systems with Don Burke: Epidemiology, AI, and Modeling 44:31

8M ago44:31

44:31

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier sits down with Don Burke, co-founder of Epistemix and a trailblazing epidemiologist, to explore the fascinating intersection of infectious disease research, artificial intelligence, and agent-based modeling (ABM). Burke shares his journey from a traditional career in infectious disease research to beco…

1
S10E3 - Sarah Hartley - Gene Drive Mosquitoes for Malaria Control in Uganda 1:00:59

8M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Gene Drive Mosquitoes for Malaria Control: The Governance Challenges Zoom Only | Gene Drive Mosquitoes for Malaria Control is a short documentary film beautifully shot in Uganda, exploring Ugandan stakeholders’ hopes for gene drive mosquitoes – a radical new tool potentially offering a way to eliminate or change the mosquitoes that cause malaria. S…

1
The Tipping Point for Agent-Based Modeling with Rob Axtell 40:00

8M ago40:00

40:00

In this episode of The Flux, John Cordier interviews Rob Axtell from George Mason University, where he leads the largest graduate program in agent-based modeling (ABM) globally. Axtell shares his journey into complex systems modeling and how the field has evolved since the 1990s. He explains how George Mason’s Ph.D. program in Computational Social …

1
S10E2 - Nourou Barry - Exploring Experts’ Uncertainties in Gene Drive Technology for Agricultural Pest Control in the U.S. 1:00:42

8M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Fall Seminar Series Exploring Experts’ Uncertainties in Gene Drive Technology for Agricultural Pest Control in the U.S.: A Qualitative Study Zoom Only | This qualitative study investigates the uncertainties and diverse perspectives of experts regarding the potential use of gene drive technology for agricultural pest control in the U.S., focusing on…

1
The Intersection of Science Fiction and Reality: A Conversation with Sam Arbesman 37:10

8M ago37:10

37:10

In The Intersection of Science Fiction and Reality episode of The Flux podcast, host John Cordier engages in a conversation with Sam Arbesman, Scientist-in-Residence at Lux Capital and Research Fellow at the Long Now Foundation. They explore how science fiction, video games, and computational social science intersect to influence real-world innovat…

1
On electric brain signals - solo episode - #18 1:48:22

8M ago1:48:22

1:48:22

Most of what we have learned about the functioning of the living brain has come from extracellular electrical recordings, like the measurement of spikes, LFP, ECoG and EEG signals. And most analysis of these recordings has been statistical, looking for correlations between the recorded signals and what the animal/human is doing or being exposed to.…

1
S10E1 - Jason Delborne – Science Policy, Soft Power, and Responsible Development 1:03:07

9M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Science Policy, Soft Power, and Responsible Development: Reflections on the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office Hybrid | Jason Delborne spent the 2023-24 academic year as an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow in Washington, DC, working at the National Nanotechnology Coordination Offi…

1
The Growing Impact of Agent-Based Modeling with Matt Kohler 32:21

9M ago32:21

32:21

In this episode of The Flux, John Cordier interviews Matt Kohler, Applied Complexity Scientist at MITRE and President of the Computational Social Science Society of the Americas, about the transformative power of agent-based modeling (ABM). Kohler explains how ABM simulates complex human systems and helps decision-makers understand the ripple effec…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Synthetic Population Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen