Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

Big Bang Productions Inc.
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Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

A podcast about how we understand the world, scientifically and as humans. Each conversation brings together visionaries from the worlds of arts, sciences, humanities, and technology discussing the nature of reality and how we collaborate to create the future. Hosted by Dr Brian Keating, Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego. For show notes go to: https://briankeating.com/podcast

  1. Neil deGrasse Tyson Delivers a Harsh Reality Check on Elon Musk’s Mars Plan

    2 DAYS AGO

    Neil deGrasse Tyson Delivers a Harsh Reality Check on Elon Musk’s Mars Plan

    Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 Is Elon Musk’s plan to colonize Mars realistic? How does cosmic insignificance shape our understanding of humanity? And why do science and astrology clash so fundamentally? Here to dive deep into some of humanity's most profound questions is none other than Neil deGrasse Tyson! Tyson, of course, needs no introduction. He’s a renowned astrophysicist, author, and science communicator who frequently appears in the media to discuss topics ranging from the universe to the intersection of science and culture. His charismatic style and passion for education have made him one of the most recognizable figures in the scientific community. In this in-depth interview, we explore cosmic insignificance, Elon Musk’s Mars ambitions, astrology, our obsession with politics, social media, AI, journalistic integrity, and much more. Tune in to discover what Neil really thinks about some of the most pressing questions of our time! — Key Takeaways:  00:00:00 Intro 00:16:38 Cosmic insignificance therapy  00:27:39 Judging a book by its cover 00:49:04 Debunking astrology  00:55:15 Life on Mars and panspermia  01:02:55 The giant-impact hypothesis  01:09:04 Elon Musk’s plan to colonize Mars 01:23:45 Journalism, social media, and our obsession with politics 01:40:10 Audience questions  01:45:02 The impact of AI on education  01:51:02 Fusion ignition and its implications  01:56:25 The great filter 02:02:03 Outro  Additional resources:  ➡️ VVisit Consensus.app and Enter code KEATING at checkout for 40% off Consensus Premium for 2 Years or visit this link https://bit.ly/ConsensusApp ➡️ Learn more about Neil deGrasse Tyson: 📱 Website: https://neildegrassetyson.com/  🔔 StarTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarTalk  📚 Merlin’s Tour of the Universe Revised: https://a.co/d/3cBz3m8  ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating  🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1  📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list  ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/  🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast  — Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known. Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 7m
  2. How Poetry Can Enhance Our Knowledge of Cosmology with Joseph Conlon

    15 DEC

    How Poetry Can Enhance Our Knowledge of Cosmology with Joseph Conlon

    Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 How should we communicate big ideas? How do science and poetry differ in their communication of knowledge? And can poetry enhance our understanding of cosmology?  Today, I’m joined by the renowned theoretical physicist and author of the thought-provoking book “Origins,” Joseph Conlon. In his book, Joseph reveals the origins of our universe through two long-form poems. With his extensive expertise in cosmology and philosophical thought, he sheds light on how the language of science not only explains the cosmos but also inspires us to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the laws that govern it. We also dive deep into string theory, string theory alternatives, and the current state of physics.  Tune in to learn more about the intersection of poetry and science! Key Takeaways:  00:00 Intro 00:50 How science and poetry communicate 04:10 Judging a book by its cover 07:04 How can poetry enhance our understanding of cosmology? 08:26 Why are physicists condescending to art?  10:35 Elements and structures in Origins  15:27 String theory and string theory alternatives  22:27 String theory, extra dimensions, and dark matter 28:12 The philosophy of science and science communication  32:16 How AI is changing education and art 34:30 Whitman or Feynman?  38:40 Joseph’s personal journey with physics and poetry  40:49 Outro Additional resources:  ➡️ Learn more about Joseph Conlon: 📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-conlon-338aaa23/  📚 Origins: https://amzn.eu/d/2hybmbq ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating  🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1  📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list  ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/  🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast  Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known. Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  3. 10 DEC

    How Kepler Found One Planet Every Day: Jason Steffen [Ep. 470]

    Get ready to embark on a cosmic journey with Jason Steffen, author of Hidden in the Heavens and one of the brilliant minds behind the groundbreaking Kepler Mission. This live episode of The INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE Podcast promises to be an unmissable masterclass in exoplanet science, filled with awe-inspiring discoveries, behind-the-scenes stories, and lessons that redefine our place in the cosmos. What You’ll Discover: 🚀 The Kepler Mission’s Epic Journey: Learn how a team of visionaries overcame two decades of challenges to launch a space telescope that revolutionized planetary science. 🌍 Earth’s Place in the Universe: What have 5,000+ exoplanets taught us about the possibility of finding Earth-like worlds—and the uniqueness of our own planet? 💡 Breakthroughs That Changed Science Forever: From “hot Jupiters” to the unexpected diversity of planetary systems, explore how Kepler rewrote the rulebook on planetary formation. 👩‍🔬 Inspiration for Aspiring Scientists: Hear Jason’s advice for navigating uncertainty, thriving in collaborative missions, and turning curiosity into impactful discoveries. 🔭 The Future of Exoplanet Research: With the James Webb Space Telescope building on Kepler’s legacy, what’s next in the search for life beyond Earth? Why You Can’t Miss This: This isn’t just a podcast—it’s an educational experience for anyone fascinated by the cosmos, science, or humanity’s eternal quest to answer the biggest questions. Whether you’re a seasoned scientist, a student of the stars, or simply curious about our place in the universe, this episode will leave you inspired and enlightened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 30m
  4. Max Tegmark: Will AI Surpass Human Intelligence?

    9 DEC

    Max Tegmark: Will AI Surpass Human Intelligence?

    Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 Will AI ever surpass human intelligence, discover new laws of physics, and solve the greatest mysteries of our universe?  This week on Into the Impossible, I explore the potential and dangers of artificial intelligence with none other than Max Tegmark!  Max Tegmark is a renowned physicist and machine learning expert who dedicated his career to uncovering the mathematical fabric of reality, proposing that our universe itself might be a vast mathematical structure and that we could be living in a multiverse of endless possibilities. His work goes beyond physics to tackle the transformative power and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, an area where he believes humanity must tread carefully. In the second part of our fascinating interview, we discuss the development of AI, the impact it will have on science, and our role in all of this.  Tune in to discover if AI will ever surpass human intelligence! Check out the first part of our interview, where we discuss his mathematical universe hypothesis, the search for extraterrestrial life, and AI’s role in science: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFO5lzA_0Og  Key Takeaways:  00:00 Intro 00:28 Is AI limited by embodiment?  10:52 The challenges in AI research  14:53 The role of regulation in AI development  29:53 How AI is going to impact education and science 39:20 Do we need quantum computation for human intelligence?  44:50 Fantastic final four 50:45 Outro Additional resources:  📚 Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark: https://a.co/d/d08r0FJ  ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating  🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1  📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list  ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/  🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast  Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known. Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  5. What is Time? Stephen Wolfram’s Groundbreaking New Theory

    2 DEC

    What is Time? Stephen Wolfram’s Groundbreaking New Theory

    Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 What is time? Is it just a ticking clock, or is it something more profound?  In this thought-provoking episode of Into the Impossible, Stephen Wolfram challenges everything we know about time, offering a revolutionary computational perspective that could forever change how we understand the universe. Stephen Wolfram is a computer scientist, physicist, and businessman. He is the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research and the creator of Mathematica, Wolfram Alpha, and Wolfram Language. Over the course of 4 decades, he has pioneered the development & application of computational thinking. He has been responsible for many discoveries, inventions & innovations in science, technology, and business. He argues that time is the inevitable progress of computation in the universe, where simple rules can lead to complex behaviors. This concept, termed computational irreducibility, implies that time has a rigid structure and that our perception of it is limited by our computational capabilities. Wolfram also explores the relationship between time, space, and gravity, suggesting that dark matter might be a feature of the structure of space.  Tune in to discover the true nature of time. Key Takeaways:  00:00:00 Intro 00:01:06 The true nature of time  00:24:57 The role of computational irreducibility in thermodynamics  00:30:07 The Ruliad and the nature of observers  00:53:40 The role of gravity in the computational universe 01:06:27 Dark matter and the discreteness of space  01:13:06 Paradigm shifts in science and technology 01:20:33 Exploring the cosmic microwave background (CMB)  01:31:47 Outro Additional resources:  ➡️ Check out Stephen Wolfram: 💻 Website: https://www.stephenwolfram.com/  ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephen_wolfram ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating  🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1  📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list  ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/  🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast  Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known. Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 35m
  6. Kelsey Johnson: My Quest to Decode the Cosmos

    24 NOV

    Kelsey Johnson: My Quest to Decode the Cosmos

    Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 Can science, philosophy, and religion work together to address humanity's biggest questions? What lessons can the cosmos teach us about our place in the universe and the future of humanity? And how do we bring back that sense of curiosity that seems to have faded among professionals? Here today to invite us into her daring quest to decode the universe’s secrets is the brilliant Kelsey Johnson. Kelsey is an accomplished astronomer, professor, and science communicator known for her groundbreaking work in astrophysics and her unique approach to blending science with philosophy and existential inquiry. She is a faculty member at the University of Virginia, where she has made significant contributions to the understanding of starburst galaxies, molecular clouds, and magnetic fields in the universe. Kelsey also founded the Dark Skies, Bright Kids program, which introduces rural communities to the wonders of astronomy.  Tune in to learn more about curiosity, the intersection of science and philosophy, and the universe’s mysteries.  Key Takeaways:  00:00:00 Intro 00:13:06 What inspired Kelsey to write Into the Unknown  00:16:23 Why scientists lose their curiosity  00:18:33 Judging a book by its cover 00:24:18 Balancing science and philosophy  00:31:55 The role of religion in understanding science 00:37:21 The cosmic marshmallow test  00:47:04 Dark Skies, Bright Kids 00:50:53 The Fermi paradox and the search for extraterrestrial life 01:00:55 Changing perspectives in cosmology  01:05:48 Starburst galaxies 01:08:03 Molecular clouds and feedback  01:10:38 Magnetic fields  01:12:59 Arthur C Clarke’s three laws 01:19:31 Outro Additional resources:  ➡️ Learn more about Kelsey Johnson:  📚 Get Into the Unknown on Amazon: https://a.co/d/5XW0bmG  ✖️ Follow Kelsey on Twitter: https://x.com/ProfKelsey ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating  🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1  📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list  ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/  🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast  Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known. Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 21m
  7. Is the Universe a Simulation? Andrew Pontzen

    17 NOV

    Is the Universe a Simulation? Andrew Pontzen

    Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 Simulations today are powerful tools for exploring the mysteries of our universe, but how close can they come to replicating reality? Can we recreate everything through simulations, or are there limits we can’t overcome? And how do today’s powerful simulations shape our understanding of everything from galaxies to climate change? Here today, to answer all of these questions and more, is none other than Andrew Pontzen. Andrew is a cosmologist and professor known for his expertise in using computer simulations to understand the universe. He’s the author of The Universe in a Box, where he unpacks the complexities of cosmic simulations and their surprising limitations. Pontzen’s work is at the cutting edge of how we model and predict phenomena ranging from galaxy formation to climate change, bridging theoretical physics with practical, big-picture questions about reality. As we head toward an era where simulations and AI are central to scientific discovery, these questions are more important than ever.  Tune in to learn about the power and limitations of simulation!  Key Takeaways:  00:00 Intro 00:44 Is it possible to simulate reality?  04:49 Early simulation experiments  10:30 Fluid dynamics and weather simulations  13:51 Judging a book by its cover  16:01 End of the universe 19:13 Cosmic microwave background and spinning universes 24:11 Verification and validation 27:34 Big Bang controversy and the JWST 31:35 Galaxy simulations  42:23 Multiverse and quantum computing  48:58 Ethics and energy impact of high-performance computing 55:34 Outro Additional resources:  ➡️ Learn more about Andrew:  📚 Get The Universe in a Box: https://a.co/d/2V7vuFR  ✖️ Follow Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/apontzen ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating  🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1  📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list  ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/  🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast  Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known. Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 16m
  8. Our Universe Is A Math Problem! Max Tegmark’s Brilliant Theory of Reality

    11 NOV

    Our Universe Is A Math Problem! Max Tegmark’s Brilliant Theory of Reality

    Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 Is reality fundamentally mathematical? Is our universe just one of many? And will we ever discover extraterrestrial life?  This week on Into the Impossible, I sit down with renowned physicist and machine learning expert Max Tegmark to discuss some of the most fundamental questions of our time! Tegmark has dedicated his career to uncovering the mathematical fabric of reality, proposing that our universe itself might be a vast mathematical structure and that we could be living in a multiverse of endless possibilities. His work goes beyond physics to tackle the transformative power and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, an area where he believes humanity must tread carefully. In the first part of this mind-bending interview, we discuss his mathematical universe hypothesis, the search for extraterrestrial life, and AI’s role in science. Tune in! Key Takeaways:  00:00 Intro 00:49 The multiverse and mathematical structures  02:33 Theory of inflation and the multiverse 06:52 Levels of multiverses and mathematical structures  11:19 Quantum mechanics and classical mechanics 14:21 The relationship between theory and experiment   21:48 The search for extraterrestrial life  37:15 UFOs and military surveillance technology  41:19 Outro Additional resources:  📚 Our Mathematical Universe by Max Tegmark: https://a.co/d/03qjhLD  ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating  🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1  📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list  ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/  🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast  Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known. Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
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A podcast about how we understand the world, scientifically and as humans. Each conversation brings together visionaries from the worlds of arts, sciences, humanities, and technology discussing the nature of reality and how we collaborate to create the future. Hosted by Dr Brian Keating, Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego. For show notes go to: https://briankeating.com/podcast

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