Episodes
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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:
β‘οΈ Learn more about Neil deGrasse Tyson:
π± Website: https://neildegrassetyson.com/
π StarTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarTalk
π Merlin’s Tour of the Universe Revised: https://a.co/d/3cBz3m8
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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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:
β‘οΈ Learn more about Joseph Conlon:
π± LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-conlon-338aaa23/
π Origins: https://amzn.eu/d/2hybmbq
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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Missing episodes?
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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:
π 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.
π 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?
π‘ Breakthroughs That Changed Science Forever: From “hot Jupiters” to the unexpected diversity of planetary systems, explore how Kepler rewrote the rulebook on planetary formation.
π©π¬ Inspiration for Aspiring Scientists: Hear Jason’s advice for navigating uncertainty, thriving in collaborative missions, and turning curiosity into impactful discoveries.
π 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.
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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:
π Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark: https://a.co/d/d08r0FJ
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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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:
β‘οΈ Check out Stephen Wolfram:
π» Website: https://www.stephenwolfram.com/
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephen_wolfram
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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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:
β‘οΈ Learn more about Kelsey Johnson:
π Get Into the Unknown on Amazon: https://a.co/d/5XW0bmG
βοΈ Follow Kelsey on Twitter: https://x.com/ProfKelsey
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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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:
β‘οΈ Learn more about Andrew:
π Get The Universe in a Box: https://a.co/d/2V7vuFR
βοΈ Follow Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/apontzen
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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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:
π Our Mathematical Universe by Max Tegmark: https://a.co/d/03qjhLD
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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Please join my mailing list here π https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite π₯
What if the secret to saving millions of lives was hidden for years—overlooked, dismissed, and even rejected?
That’s the story behind the groundbreaking mRNA technology used in COVID-19 vaccines.
Today’s remarkable guest, Dr. Katalin Karikó—a Nobel laureate whose persistence and vision changed the course of medical history—shares how she overcame countless setbacks to drive one of the biggest breakthroughs in modern medicine.
Discover how a humble butcher’s daughter from Hungary developed the foundation for the COVID-19 vaccine and why mRNA could hold the key to curing cancer and other deadly diseases.
Tune in to learn more about the mRNA revolution that almost didn’t happen!
Key Takeaways:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:06 Origin of the Hungarian phrase “Marslahok”
00:02:11 Judging a book by its cover
00:05:40 The definition of life and extraterrestrial life
00:09:28 Katalin’s early life and scientific curiosity
00:18:00 Understanding RNA and mRNA
00:24:43 Development of the COVID vaccine
00:28:44 The COVID vaccine controversy
00:35:41 Overcoming adversity and advice for young scientists
00:54:10 The future of mRNA research and dealing with pandemics
01:01:08 What was Katalin wrong about?
01:02:15 Outro
Additional resources:
π Get “Breaking Through: My Life in Science” by Dr. Katalin Karikó: https://a.co/d/cZjaFCw
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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Is Earth truly one of a kind?
This question has fascinated humans for decades, and with today's advanced technology, we're finally able to explore it scientifically. In this episode, renowned astrophysicist Josh Winn joins us to discuss the fascinating world of exoplanets, planetary systems, and the quest to discover other habitable planets.
Josh shares the latest breakthroughs in exoplanet research, from unexpected discoveries like hot Jupiters to the ongoing efforts to detect Earth-like planets around distant stars. He also explores the challenges of studying planets light-years away and the exciting future missions that could reveal more about the universe beyond our solar system.
Tune in to learn more about exoplanets and life beyond our solar system!
Key Takeaways:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:34 Rare Earth Hypothesis
00:06:04 The role of stars in exoplanet habitability
00:13:23 Judging a book by its cover
00:16:50 Could aliens detect Tokyo?
00:19:42 The Habitable Worlds Observatory
00:22:06 Methods for detecting exoplanets
00:25:21 The lazy method
00:30:03 Avi Loeb and Oumuamua
00:36:08 The nuts and bolts of Josh's work
00:44:29 The role of technology in detecting exoplanets
00:52:48 Why should young people be interested in exoplanets?
00:57:22 Outro
Additional resources:
π Get The Little Book of Exoplanets by Josh Winn: https://a.co/d/9PK4XFV
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered if your eyes were enough to capture all it has to offer? Spoiler alert: They’re not!
While our eyes are absolutely amazing, they are also full of flaws. Nearsightedness, astigmatism, and even pesky floaters! But did you know these same flaws are mirrored in the world’s most advanced telescopes?
In this episode, I discuss common eye deficiencies and explain how they affect our ability to observe the stars. I compare them to the optical imperfections in telescopes, such as chromatic and spherical aberration.
Tune in to learn more about nature’s first telescopes!
This episode is part 2 of a series where we’ll uncover even more intriguing insights about the connections between our eyes and telescopes, so stay tuned!
Check out part 1: https://youtu.be/lSbyohV1XSE
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Intro
01:29 Deficiencies of the human eye
05:42 Deficiencies in telescopes
13:59 Conclusion
15:37 Outro
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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What are the leading theories of everything, and are we any closer to discovering the one true theory of everything?
In this 90-minute summit, some of the world’s top physicists—Max Tegmark, James Beacham, Stephon Alexander—go beyond the hype to explore the very heart of physics.
Einstein began the monumental task of unifying quantum mechanics with general relativity, but will we ever succeed in unifying all the forces of the universe? Can it be done? If so, when?
Join us for this thought-provoking discussion and find out!
Key Takeaways:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:45 What is a theory of everything?
00:05:25 State of the field and personal perspectives
00:20:42 Experimental challenges
00:34:13 Mathematical foundations, the multiverse, and theoretical beauty
01:05:12 Where do we go from here?
01:14:23 Audience questions
01:25:35 Outro
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://x.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast
β¨ Member's only playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw
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 subscribe so you never miss an episode!
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How can embracing mistakes, challenging common assumptions, and daring to be wrong lead to groundbreaking discoveries in cosmology?
Here to talk about why being wrong might actually be a good thing is the legendary astrophysicist Rocky Kolb. Rocky, a professor at the University of Chicago, is known for his work on the early universe and dark matter.
With decades of experience under his belt, Rocky explains the tricky balance between confidence and humility in science.
Tune in to learn more about the interplay of ego, humility, and science!
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Intro
01:55 Judging a book by its cover
04:29 Humility, ego and science
14:50 Controversies in cosmology
21:06 Neutrinos and dark matter
24:26 The role of data in cosmology
35:46 Ethics and responsibility in science
43:48 Arthur C Clarke questions
48:01 Outro
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Learn more about Rocky Kolb:
π Blind Watcher Of The Sky: https://a.co/d/aw0qZDt
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
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βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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Have you ever wondered how your eyes compare to a telescope?
The answer is more surprising than you might think! Today, we will look at the fascinating parallels between the human eye and one of the most powerful astronomical instruments - the telescope.
From lenses and apertures to light detection and color vision, we will explore how these two systems, one biological and the other mechanical, have strikingly similar properties.
Tune in to learn more about how nature's best telescope matches up with cutting-edge technology.
This episode is part 1 of a series where we’ll uncover even more intriguing insights about the connections between our eyes and telescopes, so stay tuned!
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Intro
01:29 How telescopes inspired me as a kid
06:24 Comparing the anatomy of the human eye to a telescope
12:51 Light sensitivity and resolution in the human eye
17:23 Color vision and polarization
21:03 Historical contributions and confirmation bias
25:41 How to improve our astronomical observations
28:39 Outro
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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!
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Can science and religion be reconciled to provide a deeper understanding of the universe? How do modern scientific discoveries, like quantum mechanics and cosmology, relate to ancient religious texts? And what role do consciousness and language play in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and spiritual belief?
Here today, to challenge conventional narratives about the relationship between science and religion is host of the Young Heretics podcast, Spencer Klavan! Spencer is an acclaimed author and scholar specializing in classics and literature. He is known for his work on cultural and political commentary, often focusing on the intersection of Western civilization, literature, and contemporary issues.
Tune in to discover ancient wisdom, modern science, and the long-lost link between the two!
Key Takeaways:
00:00:00 Audio essay
00:24:31 Interview introduction
00:26:10 Judging a book by its cover
00:37:25 Reconciling the material with the immaterial
00:43:31 The cosmological argument
00:55:05 Is faith immune to falsifiability?
01:05:31 Aristotle and modern science
01:23:57 Audience questions
01:34:26 Masculinity, conservatism and homosexuality
01:41:16 Transgendarism, alchemy, and astrology
01:52:44 Outro
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Learn more about Spencer:
βοΈ Twitter: https://x.com/SpencerKlavan/
π Light of the Mind, Light of the World: https://a.co/d/fam2Tx5
π Young Heretics: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungHereticsShow
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
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βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ 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.
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In 2022, I had the honor of delivering the commencement address at Brown University.
I used this incredible opportunity to talk about a personal hero of mine: Galileo Galilei. Galileo was a scientist like no other. He boldly challenged the status quo through his discoveries and relentlessly pursued the truth, even when persecuted for doing so. His journey offers timeless lessons for scientists today, especially for graduate students who will shape the future of science.
My goal with this lecture was to inspire the next generation of thinkers, and I hope it does the same for you.
Tune in to learn more about how Galileo set the gold standard for scientists.
Key Takeaways:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:06 My early days at Brown University
00:08:08 Galileo’s legacy
00:24:18 Losing the Nobel Prize
00:40:48 Interstellar dust and mistakes
00:46:48 My motto
00:48:29 Audience questions
01:03:39 Outro
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://x.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast
β¨ Member's only playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw
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 subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
What is the cosmic microwave background (CMB), and why is it essential in cosmology? What role do instruments like BICEP and the Simons Observatory play in studying the early universe? And is the multiverse real?
I had the absolute pleasure of discussing these questions with Dr. Hugh Ross, astrophysicist and founder of Reasons to Believe.
In our conversation, Hugh and I discuss my research on polarization signals in the cosmic microwave background (CMB), focusing on my work with the BICEP, POLARBEAR2, and Simons Array telescopes. These signals are key to understanding the inflationary event that shaped the early universe. We explore how ongoing data collection helps us learn more about the universe’s origins. I also share a brief overview of my spiritual journey, from a Catholic upbringing to atheism and now being a practicing Jew with agnostic beliefs.
Tune in to learn about the infant universe!
Key Takeaways:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:40 Understanding the cosmic microwave background (CMB)
00:11:30 Cutting-edge technology, precision cosmology, and the inflation hypothesis
00:33:36 The biggest challenge with inflation
00:45:58 The role of the Simons Observatory
01:00:15 Presenting our data
01:02:47 Neutrinos
01:07:43 Outro
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Check out Reason to Believe:
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RTB_official
ποΈ Website: https://reasons.org/
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://x.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast
β¨ Member's only playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw
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 subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
A few weeks ago, I released a video about whether string theory’s biggest competitor, Loop Quantum Gravity, might have suffered a fatal blow.
The video sparked a lively debate across YouTube, with creators like Sabine Hossenfelder and Phil Halpern making reaction videos and Carlo Rovelli even reaching out to me personally, asking me to take it down.
Now, I want to clarify the situation and share my perspective on whether Loop Quantum Gravity is truly on its last legs—or if there’s more to the story.
Tune in to the Loop Quantum Gravity War!
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Intro
01:02 My initial video on loop quantum gravity
03:42 Quick recap of my correspondence with Carlo Rovelli
04:32 The problem with string theory and loop quantum gravity
09:25 Reacting to Sabine’s video
13:11 My final thoughts
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Check out the videos referenced:
π Sabine’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlHvW6k2bcM
ποΈ Phil’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CzrLuCRS4
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://x.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast
β¨ Member's only playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw
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 subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Discrepancies between different measurements of the Hubble constant have caused a major crisis in cosmology.
Our guest today, the incredible Wendy Freedman, is at the forefront of efforts to resolve this tension. Known for her pioneering work on the Hubble Key Project and her important contributions to the measurement of the Hubble constant, Wendy is now using the James Webb Space Telescope to bring clarity to this debate.
With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexity of cosmic measurements, there is no one better to shed light on this issue.
So, can the James Webb Space Telescope help solve one of the biggest puzzles in cosmology?
Tune in to this episode of Into the Impossible to find out!—
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Intro
01:18 The role of JWST in solving the Hubble tension
04:01 Comparing different distance indicators
20:45 Standard sirens
34:05 Accurate cosmology vs. precision cosmology
36:35 Vera C. Rubin Observatory and Giant Magellan Telescope
42:50 Wendy’s take on dark energy
45:32 Outro
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Learn more about Wendy Freedman:
π» Uni website: https://astro.uchicago.edu/people/wendy-l-freedman.php
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://x.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast
β¨ Member's only playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw
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 subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Is string theory actually science?
Many argue that string theory cannot be proven and should therefore be abandoned. For them, string theory is not science at all. But are they right?
I had the pleasure of discussing this with none other than Cumrun Vafa! Cumrun is a Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the Department of Physics at Harvard University, where he has been researching and teaching theoretical physics since 1985. His primary area of research is string theory.
In our interview, we discussed whether we should trust string theory, fine-tuning, and the message he'd put into a billion-year time capsule. We also talked about his book Puzzles to Unravel the Universe.
Tune in to learn about string theory!
Key Takeaways:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:20 Judging a book by its cover
00:03:35 What is a puzzle versus a mystery?
00:06:06 Black hole entropy
00:08:12 Godel's Theorem: Are some puzzles not solvable?
00:12:04 Is string theory actually science?
00:17:15 Dimensional analysis
00:21:15 Singularities
00:28:31 ADS and 5 dimensions
00:30:48 String theory
00:34:49 Supersymmetry
00:40:22 On religion
00:52:45 A scorecard for physics
00:55:21 What would your "ethical will" be?
01:02:50 What have you accomplished that once seemed impossible?
01:06:30 Outro
Additional resources:
β‘οΈ Learn more about Cumrun Vafa:
π Puzzles to Unravel the Universe: https://a.co/d/iWnNDup
π» Cumrun’s website: https://www.cumrunvafa.org/
β‘οΈ Follow me on your fav platforms:
βοΈ Twitter: https://x.com/DrBrianKeating
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1
π Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list
βοΈ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/
ποΈ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast
β¨ Member's only playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw
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 subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices - Show more
