Best Dan Steinhart Podcasts (2025)

1
Ex-Anduril Green Beret: His ROBOT GUN Kills Drones in 2 SHOTS | ROP #34 32:24

11d ago32:24

32:24

He’s an Ex-Anduril Green Beret, and his new company's robotic gun can take down hostile drones with just two shots. In this episode, Peter Webb, Director of Mission Operations at Allen Control Systems, joins us to discuss the lightning-fast evolution of drone warfare, the tech behind their incredibly precise Bullfrog counter-drone system, and what …

1
He Could ONLY MOVE HIS EYES. Then Neuralink Let Him DO THIS | ROP #33 29:56

22d ago29:56

29:56

He was trapped, able to move only his eyes. Then Neuralink gave him an incredible new ability. In this episode, we dive into the astounding story of Brad Smith, Neuralink's third patient with ALS, who can now control computers, edit videos, and even speak with his own AI-cloned voice using just his thoughts. We explore how this brain-computer inter…

1
These Drones Were Banned (Now They're Saving Lives Faster Than You Think) | ROP #32 32:16

29d ago32:16

32:16

In this episode, we explore Zipline's incredible journey from delivering blood in Rwanda (slashing maternal mortality!) to partnering with Walmart in Dallas for 30-minute deliveries. Plus: why tariffs aren't the answer to reindustrializing America (innovation is), a look inside the cutting-edge factories rebuilding US manufacturing, and why the lat…

1
How CRISPR Is Defeating Genetic Disease Faster Than You Think | Rational Optimist #31 31:11

1M ago31:11

31:11

Discover why CRISPR technology is defeating genetic diseases faster than you think, restoring sight, hearing, and preventing conditions before birth. We explore the race for supersonic travel (Mach 9 jets?), share our real-world ride in Tesla & Waymo robotaxis, and check out AI drones preventing shark attacks.…

1
The Lawsuit That Could Unleash Limitless Energy | Rational Optimist #30 29:03

2M ago29:03

29:03

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we tackle the growing lawsuit against the NRC set to unleash nuclear innovation and dive into the invisible battlefield shaping modern conflict. Plus: why small modular reactors are the future (and safer than 100 bananas), Joe Lonsdale's plan to slash FDA red tape blocking life-saving cures, how Electronic …

1
Why El Segundo Is Building America's Future Faster Than You Think | Rational Optimist #29 24:28

2M ago24:28

24:28

In this episode of The Rational Optimist Podcast, we take you to El Segundo, California - ground zero for America's Hard Tech Renaissance. Discover why this small-town atmosphere 20 minutes from LA is becoming the epicenter of aerospace, defense, and nuclear innovation. We explore revolutionary technologies from self-replicating robots for Mars col…

1
AI Tutors, 2-Hour Learning & The Future of Education | Rational Optimist #28 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

In this episode of The Rational Optimist, we explore how AI tutors are revolutionizing education with remarkable results. See how Alpha School students learn 2.2X faster with just 2 hours of academics daily, kindergartners scoring in the top 1%, and how this technology isn't replacing teachers—it's empowering them. Plus: why regulatory obstacles ar…

1
SPACEX RESCUES NASA Astronauts | Phones DAMAGE Teen Brains | 200K Self-Driving Cars NOW | Ep. 27 30:04

2M ago30:04

30:04

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore SpaceX's dramatic rescue of NASA astronauts stranded in space for 9 months after Boeing's spacecraft failure. Plus: how smartphones are linked to declining intelligence and teen mental health crises, the exponential growth of self-driving cars reaching 200,000 weekly rides, and China's breakthrou…

1
AI Will Create Jobs Faster Than You Think | Ep. 26 29:28

3M ago29:28

29:28

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore why AI will create more jobs than it destroys. Plus: why the history of technology proves optimists right, how creative destruction transforms careers rather than eliminating them, the surprising ways Chinese AI is disrupting the market, and why being more human is your winning strategy in the AI…

1
Is This the End of NASA? Private Companies Are Taking Over Space? | Ep. 25 28:46

3M ago28:46

28:46

NASA hasn't returned to the Moon since 1972. Now private companies are doing what the government couldn't for over 53 years. In this eye-opening episode, we reveal how Firefly and Intuitive Machines just landed on the lunar surface while NASA watched from the sidelines. Discover how SpaceX slashed launch costs by 96%, why private companies are buil…

1
This Robot Learns By Watching (The Other One Will Give You Nightmares) | Ep.24 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore the rapidly advancing world of robotics. We compare Figure's groundbreaking Helix robot that learns by watching humans with Clone's nightmare-inducing twitching humanoid. Plus: why humanoid robots might be the wrong design approach, how Chinese robot dogs are outperforming American competitors at…

1
SUPERSONIC IS BACK! (No Boom Required) | Ep.23 29:45

3M ago29:45

29:45

Boom Supersonic just pulled off the impossible: they broke the sound barrier without making a sound. Wild, right? We dive into how they did it, expose the real reason supersonic flight was banned (spoiler: America was just salty about the Concorde), and why supersonic travel is about to make an epic comeback. Plus: the ridiculous story of how a few…

1
They Tried to Stop Innovation (It Backfired Spectacularly) | Ep. 22 30:17

4M ago30:17

30:17

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore how over-regulation is finally giving way to innovation. Plus: why Starlink's new T-Mobile deal changes everything, how drone delivery is revolutionizing cities despite the NIMBYs, JD Vance's game-changing speech on AI innovation, and why we're returning to the moon sooner than anyone realizes.…

1
Why Big Tech is Betting $300B on AI (And It's Moving Faster Than You Think) | Ep. 21 36:36

4M ago36:36

36:36

DeepSeek's training costs were much higher than reported ($1.6B, not $6M) - but that's not the real story. Big Tech is doubling down on AI investment despite rising efficiency, with Google alone pledging $75B. Plus: We explore ChatGPT's game-changing Deep Research feature, transforming everything from investment analysis to teaching your kids. The …

1
Why AI Just Got 93% Cheaper (And It Changes EVERYTHING) | Ep. 20 26:49

4M ago26:49

26:49

DeepSeek's AI breakthrough sent shockwaves through tech markets, wiping $600B in value. But beyond the "$6M model" headlines lies a bigger story – how AI efficiency gains are accelerating faster than anyone predicted. Plus: Boom Aerospace makes history with America's first independent supersonic flight, bringing NY-London in 3 hours closer to reali…

1
$500B Project Stargate Will Change Everything Faster Than You Think | Ep. 19 25:08

4M ago25:08

25:08

Is The AI Boom Overhyped? Project Stargate's $500 billion moonshot and why it signals a new era of American innovation. Plus: Trump's executive orders unleashing AI development, the World Bank study showing AI tutors delivering 2 years of learning in 6 weeks, and why top tech leaders are flocking back to work with government.…

1
Blue Origin Takes On SpaceX (The $10B Race for Space) | Ep. 18 27:22

4M ago27:22

27:22

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore how Blue Origin's historic first orbital launch signals a new era in the space race. Plus: Mark Zuckerberg's explosive revelations about government censorship on Joe Rogan, why the LA wildfire crisis could be solved by revolutionary cloud-seeding technology, and encouraging data showing a six-fol…

1
Zuck Won't Censor Your FB Posts Anymore (And He's Happy About It) | Ep. 17 27:32

5M ago27:32

27:32

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore Mark Zuckerberg's dramatic reversal on content moderation. Plus: why fact-checkers destroyed more trust than they created, how Europe and Canada are going the opposite direction on free speech, why Tim Urban thinks 2015-2025 will be remembered as a dark period, and how community notes are becomin…

1
WTF Happened in 2024: How AI Got 50X More Powerful | Ep. 16 34:12

5M ago34:12

34:12

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore why 2024 marked a watershed moment for technology and innovation. Plus: how OpenAI's O3 model requires 50X more computing power, why supersonic travel is finally coming back, how self-driving cars are hitting the streets faster than expected, SpaceX's incredible launch pace (outpacing NASA's enti…

1
America Has 5,000 Mystery Drones (And It's Actually Good News) | Ep.15 30:28

5M ago30:28

30:28

5,000 drone sightings in a month? In this episode, we explore why mysterious drones over the East Coast signal the start of a technological revolution, not a threat. In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we dive into America's drone awakening and why it's a sign of incredible progress. Plus: how Amazon and Walmart are revolutionizing delivery, …

1
Why Quantum Computing Will Change Everything Faster Than You Think | Ep.14 33:55

6M ago33:55

33:55

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore Google's quantum breakthrough, the dawn of real quantum computing, and what it means for the future of technology. Plus: why Europe has zero trillion-dollar companies while America has eight, how self-driving cars are becoming mainstream faster than expected, and how AI is making air travel safer…

1
4 Ways American Innovation is Winning (Despite the Red Tape) | Ep.13 33:50

6M ago33:50

33:50

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore how American innovation is thriving despite regulatory headwinds. Plus: how Anduril is revolutionizing military tech in 12 months vs. 15 years, why Bitcoin hit $100k after years of bureaucratic resistance, how cargo airships could slash global shipping costs by 75%, and why American healthcare re…

1
Free Speech Universities Are Winning (And It's Happening Fast) | Ep.12 32:27

6M ago32:27

32:27

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore why America's future is brighter than the headlines suggest. A look at how the University of Austin (UATX) is revolutionizing higher education by prioritizing merit and free speech over ideology. Plus: Argentina's remarkable economic turnaround under President Mile, w…

1
Why America's Energy Revolution Is Happening Faster Than You Think | Ep.11 29:24

6M ago29:24

29:24

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore why America's energy revolution is about to accelerate. Chris Wright, the fracking pioneer turned Energy Secretary nominee, wants to boost nuclear production by 150% while slashing regulatory roadblocks. Plus: how fracking secretly became America's biggest climate success, why the richest countri…

1
Why Bureaucracy Will Die Faster Than You Think | Ep.10 32:59

7M ago32:59

32:59

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore why America's bureaucratic stranglehold is about to end. Plus: how a bridge rebuild in 12 days exposed government inefficiency, why environmental reviews are blocking clean energy, the absurdity of testing sonic booms on seals, and how Operation Warp Speed could revolutionize innovation across ev…

1
Dose of Optimism: 5 Game-Changing Innovations You Missed | Ep.09 31:35

7M ago31:35

31:35

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we explore the end of the innovation famine. Plus: SpaceX rescues Boeing's stranded astronauts, Texas leads America's clean energy revolution, how fracking transformed North Dakota, and breakthrough medical advances saving 22-week premature babies.

1
Mississippi Is Richer than Britain (the Data Is Clear) | Ep.08 39:21

7M ago39:21

39:21

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, we reveal surprising data about America's economic dominance. Plus: our visit to UATX, a revolutionary new college in Austin, a glimpse inside a nuclear reactor factory, and Steven Pinker's most eye-opening charts about human progress.

1
I Let a Robot Drive Me Around SF (Mind-Blowing) | Ep.07 30:58

7M ago30:58

30:58

In this week's Rational Optimist Podcast, Stephen shares his mind-blowing experience in a Waymo self-driving car. Plus: Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are betting big on nuclear, SpaceX catches the world's largest rocket, and surprising data shows capitalism might be our best bet for a cleaner planet.…

1
They Gave People $1000/Week. Here's Why It Failed | Ep.06 36:44

7M ago36:44

36:44

Biotech revolution is unlocking new cures, why your diamond ring is losing value, and what happens when you hand out free money—all on this week’s Rational Optimist Podcast.

1
Robot Dogs Saving Lives? And Why Ozempic Costs 5X More in America | Ep.05 32:29

7M ago32:29

32:29

Discover the tech that could be a game-changer; find out why Ozempic costs 5x more in America; and see how robot dogs are already saving lives. All this and more on this week’s Rational Optimist Podcast.

1
Can AI Really Make Every Kid a Straight-A Student? | Ep.04 33:56

7M ago33:56

33:56

Neuralink’s first patient: "I'm so freaking lucky"; mind-controlled chess; and how AI could turn every kid into a straight-A student—this week on the Rational Optimist Podcast.

1
The American Dream is Alive and Nuclear Power Could Save the World | Ep. 03 32:54

8M ago32:54

32:54

Is the American dream still alive? Also: why we need more nuclear energy and less bureaucrats… the future of space exploration… and more.

1
Made in USA is Back, Biden's Internet Failure, & Climate Myths | Ep. 02 26:55

8M ago26:55

26:55

America is experiencing a new manufacturing boom – wait until you see what these new factories are building, and where. Also: the government botches broadband… desalinization solves the water crisis… a breakthrough in ALS treatment… and more.

1
Ep 1: A new college for free speech, meritocracy, and truth finding opens 27:06

8M ago27:06

27:06

A new college in Texas is taking on bureaucracy and censorship… solar power is proving doubters wrong… a dangerous new AI law on the table in California … and more.

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Dan Steinhart Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Rational Optimist Podcast

Dan Steinhart

1
Ex-Anduril Green Beret: His ROBOT GUN Kills Drones in 2 SHOTS | ROP #34 32:24

1
He Could ONLY MOVE HIS EYES. Then Neuralink Let Him DO THIS | ROP #33 29:56

1
These Drones Were Banned (Now They're Saving Lives Faster Than You Think) | ROP #32 32:16

1
How CRISPR Is Defeating Genetic Disease Faster Than You Think | Rational Optimist #31 31:11

1
The Lawsuit That Could Unleash Limitless Energy | Rational Optimist #30 29:03

1
Why El Segundo Is Building America's Future Faster Than You Think | Rational Optimist #29 24:28

1
AI Tutors, 2-Hour Learning & The Future of Education | Rational Optimist #28 27:18

1
SPACEX RESCUES NASA Astronauts | Phones DAMAGE Teen Brains | 200K Self-Driving Cars NOW | Ep. 27 30:04

1
AI Will Create Jobs Faster Than You Think | Ep. 26 29:28

1
Is This the End of NASA? Private Companies Are Taking Over Space? | Ep. 25 28:46

1
This Robot Learns By Watching (The Other One Will Give You Nightmares) | Ep.24 25:38

1
SUPERSONIC IS BACK! (No Boom Required) | Ep.23 29:45

1
They Tried to Stop Innovation (It Backfired Spectacularly) | Ep. 22 30:17

1
Why Big Tech is Betting $300B on AI (And It's Moving Faster Than You Think) | Ep. 21 36:36

1
Why AI Just Got 93% Cheaper (And It Changes EVERYTHING) | Ep. 20 26:49

1
$500B Project Stargate Will Change Everything Faster Than You Think | Ep. 19 25:08

1
Blue Origin Takes On SpaceX (The $10B Race for Space) | Ep. 18 27:22

1
Zuck Won't Censor Your FB Posts Anymore (And He's Happy About It) | Ep. 17 27:32

1
WTF Happened in 2024: How AI Got 50X More Powerful | Ep. 16 34:12

1
America Has 5,000 Mystery Drones (And It's Actually Good News) | Ep.15 30:28

1
Why Quantum Computing Will Change Everything Faster Than You Think | Ep.14 33:55

1
4 Ways American Innovation is Winning (Despite the Red Tape) | Ep.13 33:50

1
Free Speech Universities Are Winning (And It's Happening Fast) | Ep.12 32:27

1
Why America's Energy Revolution Is Happening Faster Than You Think | Ep.11 29:24

1
Why Bureaucracy Will Die Faster Than You Think | Ep.10 32:59

1
Dose of Optimism: 5 Game-Changing Innovations You Missed | Ep.09 31:35

1
Mississippi Is Richer than Britain (the Data Is Clear) | Ep.08 39:21

1
I Let a Robot Drive Me Around SF (Mind-Blowing) | Ep.07 30:58

1
They Gave People $1000/Week. Here's Why It Failed | Ep.06 36:44

1
Robot Dogs Saving Lives? And Why Ozempic Costs 5X More in America | Ep.05 32:29

1
Can AI Really Make Every Kid a Straight-A Student? | Ep.04 33:56

1
The American Dream is Alive and Nuclear Power Could Save the World | Ep. 03 32:54

1
Made in USA is Back, Biden's Internet Failure, & Climate Myths | Ep. 02 26:55

1
Ep 1: A new college for free speech, meritocracy, and truth finding opens 27:06