Best Synthetic Population Podcasts (2025)

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AI, Synthetic Populations, and the Future of Marketing: A Conversation with Arima CMO Ray Kong 25:30

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30d ago25:30

25:30

On this episode of AI: Machine-Made Marketing, we explore how synthetic populations—statistical reconstructions of entire societies—are reshaping the marketing landscape. Our guest, Ray Kong, Chief Marketing Officer at Arima, breaks down how Arima’s all-in-one analytics platform leverages AI to create privacy-safe, hyper-granular insights that riva…

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Big Data, Little Brain: Making Structural Components Known and Emergent Outcomes Clear with Paolo Gaudiano 35:40

10d ago35:40

35:40

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier, CEO of Epistemix, sits down with Paolo Gaudiano, a complexity scientist turned DEI innovator, whose journey spans neuroscience, agent-based modeling, and the business of inclusion. Together, they explore what happens when we stop treating diversity as a box to check and start understanding it as an em…

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On computational neurotechnology for the clinic - with Anthony Burkitt, Nada Yousif & Esra Neufeld - #33 1:00:36

12d ago1:00:36

1:00:36

How can computational neuroscience contribute to developing neurotechnology to help people with brain disorders and disabilities? This was the topic of a panel debate I hosted at the 34th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting in Florence in July this year. Electric or magnetic recording and/or stimulation are key clinical tools for helping pati…

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AI, Applied: How Making Science Is Redefining Marketing’s Next Frontier 24:02

22d ago24:02

24:02

Jason Downie, Global CRO at Making Science, reveals how applied AI is transforming marketing — from hyper-personalization and creative scale to building a culture of experimentation and preparing for the next wave of multimodal search.By AI: Machine-Made Marketing

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On IIT and adversarial testing of consciousness theories - with Christof Koch - #32 2:17:36

1M ago2:17:36

2:17:36

In an adversarial collaboration researchers with opposing theories jointly investigate a disputed topic by designing and implementing a study in a mutually agreed unbiased way. Results from adversarial testing of two well-known theories for consciousness, Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNWT) and Integrated Information Theory (IIT), were presente…

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AI: Machine-Made Marketing Trailer 1:10

2M ago1:10

1:10

Artificial Intelligence isn’t the future of marketing… it’s happening right now.From advanced algorithms to data-driven insights, AI is transforming the way brands connect, create, and grow. But what does that really mean for marketers today?Introducing AI: Machine-Made Marketing — a brand-new podcast from Advertising Week. Each episode, we’ll dive…

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On how to cure brain diseases - with Nicole Rust - #31 2:13:18

2M ago2:13:18

2:13:18

A promise of basic neuroscience research is that the new insights will lead to new cures for brain diseases. But has that happened so far? Today’s guest, an accomplished professor of neuroscience, decided to investigate. Her book “Elusive cures: why neuroscience hasn’t solved brain disorders - and how we can change that" came out this summer. Here …

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On co-dependent excitatory and inhibitory plasticity - with Tim Vogels - #30 1:30:54

3M ago1:30:54

1:30:54

Synaptic plasticity underlies several key brain functions including learning, information filtering and homeostatic regulation of overall neural activity. While several mathematical rules have been developed for plasticity both at excitatory and inhibitory synapses, it has been difficult to make such rules co-exist in network models. Recently the g…

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Strategic Innovation in Public Health with Les Craig 27:43

4M ago27:43

27:43

Les Craig joins us to discuss how simulation and synthetic data are changing the way organizations prepare for infectious disease outbreaks. From helping public health leaders visualize complex scenarios to enabling pharmaceutical companies to explore new R&D pathways, Les explains how advanced modeling technology empowers faster, smarter decisions…

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Designing for Uncertainty with Mickey McManus 51:43

4M ago51:43

51:43

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier sits down with innovation pioneer Mickey McManus to explore what it means to design for uncertainty in a world where complexity is the norm. Mickey draws on decades of experience from leading Maya Design and shaping decision-support tools for DARPA, to helping build the Future of Learning team at Autod…

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On the philosophy of simplification in computational neuroscience - with Mazviita Chirimuuta and Terrence Sejnowski - #29 1:24:14

4M ago1:24:14

1:24:14

Computational neuroscientists rely on simplification when they make their models. But what is the right level of simplification? When should we, for example, use a biophysically detailed model and when a simplified abstract model when modelling neural dynamics? What are the problems of simplifying too much, or too little? This was the topic of the …

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The Role of Sentiment and Social Dynamics in Public Health Models with Philippe Giabbanelli 42:28

5M ago42:28

42:28

In this episode of The Flux, we explore how modeling trust, belief, and social sentiment can unlock deeper insights in public health. Our guest, Philippe Giabbanelli, shares how agent-based models are evolving to capture not just behaviors, but the opinions and social dynamics that drive them like vaccine hesitancy or trust in institutions. We disc…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

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

7M 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 …

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

7M 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…

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

7M 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,…

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

8M 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…

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

8M 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 (…

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

8M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

10M 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…

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

10M 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…

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

11M 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 …

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

11M 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…

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

11M 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…

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

12M 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 …

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

12M 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 …

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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 …

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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.…

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The Nicotine Naivety 28:43

1y ago28:43

28:43

"Oh No! Nanobots:" https://t.me/powerofthepulse/271 On Authority: https://powerofthepulse.substack.com/p/on-authority Regarding smoking: https://t.me/powerofthepulse/295 --- Join the Telegram: https://t.me/powerofthepulse Tony links: https://powerofthepulse.com/tony/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PowerofthePulse Substack: https://powerofthepulse.sub…

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The 'Nature' Lie 25:50

1y ago25:50

25:50

Context: https://rumble.com/v5dr0zx-products-where-do-they-come-from.html Join the Telegram: https://t.me/powerofthepulse Tony links: https://powerofthepulse.com/tony/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PowerofthePulse Substack: https://powerofthepulse.substack.com/By independz

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

1y 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…

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Transhumanism is an umbrella? 12:57

1y ago12:57

12:57

Good to be back :) Vax shedding Transhumanism Synthetic biology Internet of Bodies, Internet of Bio Nano Things Bio-digital integration and bio-digital convergence Remote healthcare Pandemic/infectious disease monitoring. Tracking and monitoring people from inside their body. Electrification of the body Neuro-modulation Terraforming the species to …

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On dendritic function - with Yiota Poirazi - #17 1:27:39

1y ago1:27:39

1:27:39

The most prominent visual characteristic of neurons is their dendrites. Even more than 100 years after their first observation by Cajal, their function is not fully understood. Biophysical modeling based on cable theory is a key research tool for exploring putative functions, and today’s guest is one the leading researchers in this field. We talk a…

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The Future of Agent-Based Modeling: Insights from Josh Epstein 39:05

1y ago39:05

39:05

In the inaugural episode of The Flux, John Cordier, CEO of Epistemix, interviews Josh Epstein, Director of the Agent-Based Modeling Lab at NYU and a prominent figure at the Santa Fe Institute. The discussion revolves around the potential and progress of agent-based modeling (ABM), particularly in public health, economics, and beyond. Epstein shares…

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On consciousness - with Christof Koch - #16 2:04:59

1y ago2:04:59

2:04:59

The greatest mystery of all is why a group of atoms, like the ones constituting me, can feel anything. The mind-brain problem has puzzled philosophers for millennia. Thanks to pioneers like Christof Koch, consciousness studies have recently become a legitimate field of scientific inquiry. In this vintage episode, recorded in February 2021, we discu…

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#044 Die evolusie van die landbou in Suid Afrika | Schalk Geldenhuys 8:20

1+ y ago8:20

8:20

Schalk Geldenhuys, Hoof van Kommersiële Ontwikkeling en Strategy by AECI Plant Health praat oor die evolusie van die landbou in Suid Afrika. Connect with Schalk on LinkedIn · AECI Plant Health WebsiteBy Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard

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#043 Die veranderende landskap van landbouchemie | SB Coetzee 6:48

1+ y ago6:48

6:48

SB Coetzee gesels oor die toekoms van sekere chemiese plaagbeheer klasse en die alternatiewe vir die boer. AECI Plant Health WebsiteBy Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard