Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 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! — 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

Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 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! — 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 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: 📚 Get “Breaking Through: My Life in Science” by Dr. Katalin Karikó: https://a.co/d/cZjaFCw ➡️ 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

Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 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: 📚 Get The Little Book of Exoplanets by Josh Winn: https://a.co/d/9PK4XFV ➡️ 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

Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 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: ➡️ 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

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: ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://x.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 ✨ 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

Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥 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: ➡️ Learn more about Rocky Kolb: 📚 Blind Watcher Of The Sky: https://a.co/d/aw0qZDt ➡️ 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

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: ➡️ 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

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: ➡️ Learn more about Spencer: ✖️ Twitter: https://x.com/SpencerKlavan/ 📚 Light of the Mind, Light of the World: https://a.co/d/fam2Tx5 🔔 Young Heretics: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungHereticsShow ➡️ 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

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: ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://x.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 ✨ 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: ➡️ Check out Reason to Believe: 🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RTB_official 🎙️ Website: https://reasons.org/ ➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://x.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 ✨ 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