Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

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**Into the Impossible With Brian Keating**

Think like a physicist. Wonder like a human. Into the Impossible is where Cosmic Conversations happen — uniting Nobel Prize winners, iconoclasts, authors, and technologists to explore reality’s deepest questions. From AI to aliens, from biophysics to the brain, from the cosmos to the multiverse, Brian Keating, Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego covers it all.
If you’ve ever asked What’s out there? or What’s next?, this is where curiosity meets clarity.
Learn to think like this. 🎙 Full episodes, notes & more: briankeating.com/podcast

Latest Episodes:

Into The Impossible: Unleash Your Curiosity Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

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Can you be a "real" scientist and believe in God? Brian Keating & Michael Dennin Debate Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Can a "real" scientist believe in God? Physics professors Brian Keating and Michael Dennin engage in a fascinating discussion about the existence of God, exploring the intersection of science and faith. From cosmic origins to the nature of miracles, these two accomplished scientists examine different perspectives on religion, including insights from Judaism and Catholicism. They tackle challenging questions about the Big Bang theory, multiple universes, and whether scientific evidence can prove or disprove God's existence. The conversation features reactions to arguments from both William Lane Craig and Neil deGrasse Tyson, offering a balanced and nuanced exploration of one of humanity's most fundamental questions.

This inaugural episode of The God Question brings together scientific expertise and personal faith journeys, demonstrating how two physicists with similar backgrounds can arrive at different but respectful conclusions about the divine.

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How to train ChatGPT to serve you | AI Legend Terry Sejnowski [Ep. 475] Jan 19, 2025

Show notes

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Can AI tools like ChatGPT actually "think," or is it just really good at mimicking human conversation? How much of what AI spits out is a reflection of our own ideas and intentions? And where's all this tech headed in the future?

Today, I’m joined by Terry Sejnowski, a renowned computational neuroscientist and pioneer in AI and deep learning. Based at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the University of California, San Diego, he bridges neuroscience and AI to explore how biological brains and artificial systems learn and process information.

Terry is also the co-creator of the Boltzmann Machine, a game-changing algorithm that has shaped today’s AI and is a foundation for modern neural networks. He has also written some incredible books, including The Deep Learning Revolution” and “ChatGPT and the Future of AI.

In our conversation, we discuss the current state of AI, what’s next, the ins and outs of prompt engineering, the mirror hypothesis (how AI reflects us), its impact on productivity, and the ethical challenges we must tackle.

Tune in to discover the truth about AI!

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Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro
00:36 Judging a book by its cover
07:05 The impact of AI on human capabilities
12:32 Einstein's happiest thought and can AI think?
16:51 Can AI come up with something novel?
24:20 The role of learning and neural networks in AI
32:37 The future of AI and its potential impact
46:43 The mirroring effect
50:52 Practical applications of AI
54:00 Outro

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Additional resources:

➡️ Learn more about Terry Sejnowski:

📚 ChatGPT and the Future of AI: https://a.co/d/cZnuZbs

➡️ 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!

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An Astronomer and a Philosopher Search for Truth in the Infinite | Jordan B. Peterson Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

Jordan Peterson sits down with experimental cosmologist Dr. Brian Keating. They discuss the importance of awe for the human spirit, the fundamental ethos behind all true science, the idea of the useless genius, and the necessity of sacrifice for improvement of the self and the broader community.

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Alien Civilizations, Exomoons, and Cool, Habitable Worlds | David Kipping [Ep. 474] Jan 05, 2025

Show notes

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Could life exist on moons orbiting distant planets? Are We Alone? What if the key to understanding life's origins lies in the moons of distant worlds?

Exoplanetary scientist David Kipping is here to answer these big questions. He is a professor at Columbia University, the leading mind behind exomoons, and also the host of the Cool Worlds Lab.

He shares his groundbreaking research, including the discovery of Kepler-1708 b-i, a potential exomoon candidate. He explains why moons, like Earth’s, might be the unsung heroes in stabilizing conditions for life and how the latest tools, like the James Webb Space Telescope, are changing the game for astronomers.

But that’s not all. You’ll hear about the role of panspermia (yes, life traveling between planets!), the fine-tuning of our universe, and what it takes to push the boundaries of scientific communication.

If you’ve ever pondered the question, “Are we alone?” or simply love a good cosmic mystery, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in now for an eye-opening journey through the cosmos and beyond!

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Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro
01:58 David Kipping's background and motivation
05:09 The role of moons in the origin of life
10:59 Bayesian frameworks and panspermia
19:30 Exomoon detection and research strategy
32:40 JWST observations and data analysis
41:14 Balancing scientific communication and public engagement
50:48 Future missions and their impact on exomoon research
54:49 Advice for young scientists and final thoughts
57:32 Outro

—

Additional resources:

➡️ Learn more about David Kipping:

📱 Website: https://www.coolworldslab.com/

✖️ Twitter: https://x.com/david_kipping

🔔 YouTube Channel: Cool Worlds Lab

✍️ Kepler-1708 b-i Study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-021-01539-1

➡️ 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

Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun: The Path Toward Human-Level Intelligence in AI [Ep. 473] Dec 29, 2024

Show notes

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What are the current limitations of AI? What advancements do we need to achieve human-like intelligence? And how can we develop AI safely to align with our values?

Here today to offer us an astounding look behind the scenes of AI development is Meta’s chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun! Yann is a pioneer in AI and a Turing Award winner who has been at the forefront of major breakthroughs in machine learning and neural networks. As the architect behind transformative AI technologies, Yann joins us to demystify the path toward human-level intelligence and the challenges that lie ahead. He also introduces the Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture (JEPA), a potential game-changer for enabling AI to model and predict complex real-world scenarios.

Tune in for a look into the future of AI!

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Key Takeaways:

00:00:00 Intro
00:04:11 Is AI barely as smart as a cat?
00:08:50 Joint-Embedding Predictive Architecture (JEPA)
00:30:25 Comparing self-supervised learning and dark matter
00:39:23 AGI and human-level intelligence
00:51:50 Preventing loss of control over powerful AI
01:02:45 Future of AI and education
01:10:56 What was Yann wrong about?
01:12:14 Outro

Additional resources:

➡️ Learn more about Yann LeCun:

📱 Website: https://yann.lecun.com/

✖️ Twitter: https://x.com/ylecun

➡️ 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

Neil deGrasse Tyson Delivers a Harsh Reality Check on Elon Musk’s Mars Plan [Ep. 472] Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

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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!

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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

How Poetry Can Enhance Our Knowledge of Cosmology with Joseph Conlon [Ep. 471] Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

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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:

➡️ 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

How Kepler Found One Planet Every Day: Jason Steffen [Ep. 470] Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Max Tegmark: Will AI Surpass Human Intelligence? [Ep. 469] Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

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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: