88 episodes

Nontrivial is a podcast that looks to uncover deep patterns in life, discussing them at the intersection of science, complexity, and philosophy.

NonTrivial Sean McClure

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 14 Ratings

Nontrivial is a podcast that looks to uncover deep patterns in life, discussing them at the intersection of science, complexity, and philosophy.

    What You Read Doesn't Matter

    What You Read Doesn't Matter

    In this episode I look at the online judgement directed at those who post reading lists. I argue that what really matters is not so much what you read, but how you read, since the information you are after can only be gleaned by reading many different books.Support the Show.Check out the video version: https://www.youtube.com/@nontrivialpodcast

    • 20 min
    Diversity Works if You Don't Force It

    Diversity Works if You Don't Force It

    In this episode, I discuss the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and the ongoing criticism regarding the performance of the Secret Service. I argue that while diversity is critically important, when forced, it ends up creating more problems than solutions. I show how both the Left and the Right are in fact committing the same transgression, assuming they know what diversity is supposed to look like. I argue that diversity must be allowed to emerge naturally, using proper definitio...

    • 24 min
    Is Music Only for Dumb People?

    Is Music Only for Dumb People?

    In this episode I talk about a study that says smarter people listen to less music.Support the Show.Check out the video version: https://www.youtube.com/@nontrivialpodcast

    • 26 min
    What Does "Smart" Look Like?

    What Does "Smart" Look Like?

    In this episode I discuss the problem with thinking we know what smart looks like.Support the Show.Check out the video version: https://www.youtube.com/@nontrivialpodcast

    • 29 min
    You Can't Learn from Scratch

    You Can't Learn from Scratch

    In this episode, I challenge the idea that we can learn effectively by "learning from scratch." I discuss how starting with the basics runs learning in the wrong direction, and how genuine learning only happens when we embed ourselves inside real environments. I use the difference in strength between bodybuilders and naturally strong individuals to highlight the problem with trying to design our learning artificially.You can find my published book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D84YCH...

    • 33 min
    The Difference Between Real and Polished

    The Difference Between Real and Polished

    Society has become a little too enamoured with analysis and explanation, at the cost of building real things. Nature only validates by making things that work. This is what true validation looks like; less talking, more pointing (at what has been made). In this episode I use Mike Tyson as an example of the difference between real and polished. Support the Show.Check out the video version: https://www.youtube.com/@nontrivialpodcast

    • 19 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
14 Ratings

14 Ratings

juwanplatt ,

All signal, no noise

One of the most refreshing podcasts I’ve listened to in the last few years.

Jmardam ,

Keep them coming

Liking the content. Gives me the language to what I see in life.

kalistowe ,

A wise mentor whispering in your ear...

spinning tales of curiousity, invention, spontaneity applied on top of that solid foindation of rigorous thought and study. This is how the magic happens.

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Hysterical
Wondery | Pineapple Street Studios
Politickin' with Gavin Newsom, Marshawn Lynch, and Doug Hendrickson
iHeartPodcasts
The Ezra Klein Show
New York Times Opinion
The Viall Files
Nick Viall
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)
Team Coco & Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson

You Might Also Like

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg
Erik Torenberg
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
All-In Podcast, LLC
The Rest Is History
Goalhanger Podcasts
Darknet Diaries
Jack Rhysider
Deconstructed
The Intercept
System Update with Glenn Greenwald
Rumble