Into The Impossible

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

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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 observati

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

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

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 Cutti

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:  ➡️ Check out the videos referenced: 

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 dar

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

Have we been completely wrong about the Higgs boson? What if it’s not what we think but something far more elusive? And what does the origin of mass in the universe have to do with music? Here today to explore these mind-bending questions is theoretical physicist Matt Strassler. Matt is known for his work in particle physics, particularly in the context of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and quantum field theory. He has been involved in research on the Higgs boson, supersymmetry, and other topics in high-energy physics.  In our insightful interview, we dive into the mysteries of quantum physics, the nature of space, and how waves—not just particles—form the building blocks of reality.  Tune in to find out how the Higgs field gives mass to everything in the universe!  Key Takeaways: 00:00:00 Intro  00:01:24 Deepak or Matt?  00:03:18 Judging a book by its cover  00:06:27 Energy, frequency, and vibration  00:11:53 What is a phib, and why should the reader care?  00:16:15 Galileo’s impact  00:20:51 The H

Are we alone in the universe? I had the great pleasure of discussing this fundamental existential question with astrophysicist Dr. Luke Barnes and philosopher Dr. Jay Richards!  In this exciting discussion, we dove headfirst into the implications of the SETI project, the Rare Earth hypothesis, and the possibility of habitable planets in other solar systems. Together, we explored the probabilities and challenges of the search for extraterrestrial life, taking into account the vastness of the universe and the fine-tuning required for life to exist.  Tune in to find out more about the search for extraterrestrial life! This debate was hosted by the Hoover Institution. Key Takeaways: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:50 Cosmic fine-tuning 00:12:13 The Privileged Planet  00:21:09 When did the fine-tuning take place? 00:28:05 The SETI project  00:30:59 The lack of life on Mars 00:39:40 Why we’re so fascinated by this question  00:57:28 Quantum mechanics and Einstein’s relativity  01:02:01 Human exceptionalism  01:08:

Is the universe hiding extra dimensions we can’t see? Could a graviton – a particle we haven’t even proven to exist – change everything we know about the cosmos? And what does the future of physics hold if the standard model fails? Today, I sit down with the renowned cosmologist Dan Hooper to discuss some of the most complex and exciting theories in modern cosmology. Dan is a leading theoretical physicist at Fermilab and a professor at the University of Chicago, specializing in the mysteries of dark matter, the early universe, and extra dimensions.  In this thrilling episode, Dan and I explore how hidden dimensions and mysterious particles could fundamentally challenge our understanding of the universe!  Tune in! Key Takeaways: 00:00 Intro  01:12 Judging a book by its cover 03:00 The Kaluza–Klein theory  06:29 Extra dimensions and gravitons  14:05 Supersymmetry and spin-3/2 particles  19:16 The Desi experiment and neutrino mass  24:58 What has Dan been wrong about? 27:40 Outro Additional resources

Will we ever find the theory of everything? What’s the real difference between artificial intelligence and artificial wisdom? And do experimental physicists really need a deeper understanding of theory than the theorists themselves? I had the incredible pleasure of diving into these profound questions with Curt Jaimungal, host of the popular podcast and YouTube channel Theories of Everything. In our insightful conversation, we explored the nature of theoretical physics, the role of experimental science, and the ongoing quest to understand the origins of the universe, from the Big Bang to the possibility of a cyclical cosmos. Tune in. Key Takeaways: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:34 My goals in life  00:02:44 Artificial intelligence vs. artificial wisdom  00:09:20 Gödel's incompleteness theorem 00:19:55 Theoretical vs. experimental physics 00:27:00 What textbooks are there for experimental physics? 00:36:50 What's needed for a Theory of Everything?  00:40:56 What are the limits of experimental physics? 00:4

What are tardigrades, and how did they end up on the moon?  I had the pleasure of exploring the evolution, resilience, and potential use cases of these microscopic creatures that can survive in extreme environments with Daniel Whiteson and Jorge Cham from Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe.  Enjoy! — Key Takeaways:  00:00 Intro  01:52 Are tardigrades colonizing the moon?  04:12 A little bit about myself 08:37 Ask the wrong expert 15:03 Why are tardigrades so terrifying? 16:50 Their extreme survival abilities   26:18 How they ended up on the moon  28:29 Can they survive on the moon?  33:41 Outro — Additional resources:  ➡️ Check out Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe:

I’m a scientist.  But every time someone says to “follow the science,” I worry.  Why? Find out in my conversation with Georgia Howe from The Daily Wire. The Daily Wire is a news website and media company founded in 2015 by political commentator Ben Shapiro and film director Jeremy Boreing.  Enjoy! Key Takeaways: 00:00 Intro 01:08 Knowledge vs. wisdom  02:42 Follow the science 08:42 Politics and science  11:23 Integrity in science  14:07 Outro Additional resources: ➡️ Check out PragerU:

What if everything you know is just a simulation?  In 2022, I was joined by the one and only Nick Bostrom to discuss the simulation hypothesis and the prospects of superintelligence.  Nick is a Professor at Oxford University, where he heads the Future of Humanity Institute as its founding director. He is the most-cited professional philosopher in the world aged 50 or under and is the author of some 200 publications, including Anthropic Bias (2002), Global Catastrophic Risks (2008), Human Enhancement (2009), and Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies (2014), a New York Times bestseller. With a background in theoretical physics, computational neuroscience, logic, and artificial intelligence, there is no one better to answer this question than him! Tune in.  — Key Takeaways:  00:00:00 Intro 00:00:44 Judging a book by its cover 00:05:22 How could an AI have emotions and be creative? 00:08:22 How could a computing device / AI feel pain? 00:13:09 The Turing test  00:20:02 The simulation hypothesis 

What do our genes reveal about our past?  Richard Dawkins, one of the world’s most influential and thought-provoking scientists, explored the most profound principles of evolutionary history in his new book, The Genetic Book of the Dead.  Dawkins is a renowned evolutionary biologist, zoologist, and author. He is also a prominent figure in New Atheism alongside Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens and is well known for his criticisms of creationism and intelligent design.  I had the extraordinary privilege of discussing his new book in our two-part interview. In addition to judging his book, we explored the evolution of sex drive and aesthetic appreciation, genetics, the intersection of theoretical and experimental science, the potential of artificial intelligence, and more.  Tune in to learn about genes from one of the most prominent evolutionary biologists of our time! P.S. Don’t forget to check out part one of our interview: https://youtu.be/BdiOFaMUASU Key Takeaways: 00:00 Intro 01:30 J

I was recently invited on Coast to Coast AM to discuss topics ranging from cosmic origins and the simulation hypothesis to religion and the Nobel Prize. Enjoy!  Coast to Coast AM is a late-night radio talk show covering various topics. Most often, the topics relate to paranormal phenomena or conspiracy theories. It was hosted by its creator, Art Bell, from its inception in 1988 until 2003 and is now hosted by George Noory. — Key Takeaways:  00:00 Intro 01:02 Simulation hypothesis  05:36 The multiverse theory  08:56 How I lost the Nobel Prize 17:28 Discussing the Big Bang  20:03 Giant telescopes and observatories 25:56 Science vs. religion  28:18 Audience questions 47:00 Outro — Additional resources:  ➡️ Check out Coast to Coast AM:

Does life exist beyond Earth, or is our planet genuinely unique? Can we recreate the origins of life in a lab? And what role does Mars play in the quest for cosmic life? I had the extraordinary honor of discussing this with two outstanding scientists, Mario Livio and Jack Szostak. Mario and Jack just released their new book, Is Earth Exceptional?, which seeks to answer whether life is a freak accident or a chemical inevitability. Tune in and join us for this mesmerizing exploration! Mario Livio is an astrophysicist and author known for his work in cosmology and his popular science books. Livio has significantly contributed to our understanding of dark energy, black holes, and other cosmic phenomena.  Jack Szostak is a prominent biologist and Nobel Laureate known for his significant contributions to understanding life's fundamental processes. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009, along with Elizabeth Blackburn and Carol Greider, for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by

What is the connection between the origin of life on Earth and the search for extraterrestrial life? Could a revolutionary new theory guide us in our search for aliens? And is consciousness an inevitable outcome of life’s complexity, or is it something more mysterious? I had the pleasure of discussing these fascinating issues with the incredible astrobiologist and theoretical physicist Sara Walker. Sara has greatly contributed to our understanding of how life emerges from non-living matter and how information processing in biological systems differs from that in non-living systems. Her work often explores the intersections of physics, biology, and information theory, seeking to uncover the fundamental principles that govern the transition from chemistry to biology.  In this episode, we dive deep into the mysteries of life, assembly theory, consciousness, and life beyond Earth.  Tune in! — Key Takeaways:  00:00:00 Intro  00:01:40 The origin of life and our search for aliens  00:05:31 Judging a book by its