Zappable

⁠Read an abridged transcript here. Bryan Caplan argues that roughly 80% of schooling is wasted time, and that the primary value of a degree comes from signaling - demonstrating intelligence, conscientiousness, and conformity to employers rather than building useful skills. In this conversation, we discuss the evidence behind that claim, what "conformity" really means, why the system is s...

Ariel speaks with Mike Todasco about practical AI usage strategies and broader implications of AI adoption. Mike shares his "Borg Chart" framework for organizing AI tools, explains how he uses multiple AI subscriptions, and discusses his recent research on LLMs and prediction markets. The conversation covers where to draw the line with AI assistance, the risks of over-reliance on AI comp...

In this conversation, Ariel interviews Dr. Orin Davis to explore the science of "Flow" - the state of complete immersion and energized focus often described as "being in the zone". Orin breaks down the characteristics of flow, its relationship with happiness, and how to identify the activities that help you cultivate it. They discuss the differences between flow and meditation...

In this wide-ranging conversation, Ariel interviews economist Robin Hanson about the hidden motives that drive human behavior, the central theme of his book The Elephant in the Brain. Hanson argues that much of what we do is not for the reasons we consciously believe, but rather for signaling our value as allies, mates, and group members. Our conscious mind acts as a "press secretary," c...

In this conversation, Ariel speaks with Matthew Immergut, an associate professor of sociology and co-author of the acclaimed guide to meditation "The Mind Illuminated'. They dive deep into the nature of meditation, moving beyond the pop-culture view of it as a simple tool for relaxation. Matthew shares his journey into meditation, discussing its nature, goals, and the challenges faced by practitio...

In this episode Ariel explores Stoic philosophy and ethics with Jula Wildberger, Professor Emerita of Classics at the American University of Paris. Professor Wildberger discusses: •⁠ ⁠The core Stoic idea of human agency and what is truly good •⁠ ⁠⁠The Stoic belief in living according to one's own nature •⁠ ⁠⁠The Stoic view on emotions: distinguishing between involuntary reactions, harmful &quo...

In this inaugural episode, Ariel sits down with Toviah Moldwin, PhD, to explore computational neuroscience. They discuss the similarities and differences between how biological brains and current AI models function and learn. They tackle the question of brain efficiency, particularly in language acquisition, debating the roles of innate biological structures versus learning from data, comparing it...