Author Archives: Lex Fridman

#209 – Luís and João Batalha: Fermat’s Library and the Art of Studying Papers

Luis and Joao Batalha are co-founders of Fermat’s Library. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Skiff: https://skiff.org/lex to get early access
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– NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour
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EPISODE LINKS:
Fermat’s Library Twitter: https://twitter.com/fermatslibrary
Luis’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/luismbat
Joao’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/joao_batalha
Fermat’s Library Website: https://fermatslibrary.com

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman
YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips

SUPPORT & CONNECT:
– Check out the sponsors above, it’s the best way to support this podcast
– Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman
– Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(10:18) – Backstories to research papers
(25:09) – Fermat’s Library
(45:10) – Scientific publishing
(1:08:50) – How to read a paper
(1:14:44) – Taking good notes
(1:23:23) – Favorite papers on Fermat’s Library
(2:04:14) – Fermat’s Library on Twitter
(2:13:46) – What it takes to build a successful startup
(2:22:43) – Game of Thrones
(2:25:30) – Realism in science fiction movies
(2:31:29) – Greatest soccer player of all time
(2:54:18) – Advice for young people

#208 – Jeff Hawkins: The Thousand Brains Theory of Intelligence

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Jeff Hawkins is a neuroscientist and cofounder of Numenta, a neuroscience research company. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Codecademy: https://codecademy.com and use code LEX to get 15% off
– BiOptimizers: http://www.magbreakthrough.com/lex to get 10% off
– ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free
– Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get special savings
– Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium

EPISODE LINKS:
A Thousand Brain (book): https://amzn.to/3AmxJt7
Numenta’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Numenta
Numenta’s Website: https://numenta.com/

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(10:35) – Collective intelligence
(17:17) – The origin of intelligence in the human brain
(30:31) – How intelligent life evolved on Earth
(41:30) – Why humans are special in the universe
(44:48) – Neurons
(49:02) – A Thousand Brains theory of intelligence
(57:42) – How to build superintelligent AI
(1:15:41) – Sam Harris and existential risk of AI
(1:27:43) – Neuralink
(1:34:34) – Will AI prevent the self-destruction of human civilization?
(1:40:05) – Communicating human knowledge to alien civilizations
(1:50:22) – Devil’s advocate
(1:55:16) – Human nature
(2:03:39) – Hardware for AI
(2:10:18) – Advice for young people

#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength

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Chris Duffin is a strength athlete, coach, and engineer, setting multiple strength world records including squatting and deadlifting 1000 lbs for multiple reps. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Headspace: https://headspace.com/lex to get free 1 month trial
– Magic Spoon: https://magicspoon.com/lex and use code LEX to get $5 off
– Sun Basket: https://sunbasket.com/lex and use code LEX to get $35 off
– Ladder: https://ladderlife.com/lex

EPISODE LINKS:
Chris’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mad_scientist_duffin
The Eagle and the Dragon (book): https://amzn.to/3Ckpfoj
Chris’s Website: https://christopherduffin.com
Kabuki Strength: https://kabukistrength.com

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:10) – Performing feats of strength
(13:52) – What does it take to lift 1000 lbs for reps?
(16:43) – From 500 to 1000lb
(17:15) – The mechanics of heavy lifting
(28:32) – What did it feel like to do 1000lbs for reps?
(30:26) – Achieving peak performance
(35:16) – Importance of singular focus
(37:48) – Chris’s childhood
(50:37) – The Eagle and the Dragon: A Story of Strength and Reinvention
(58:21) – Lex on business
(1:04:52) – The Disciplines of Strength
(1:09:33) – Powerlifting
(1:22:37) – Role of strength in MMA, BJJ… and baseball
(1:32:38) – What is Kabuki Strength?
(1:38:55) – Equipment
(1:50:09) – The importance of strong feet
(1:59:15) – Chris’s diet
(2:05:37) – Lex on moderation in food
(2:06:11) – Steroids and PED’s
(2:24:14) – Whiskey and deadlifts
(2:33:03) – Is it better to work hard or smart?
(2:41:52) – Advice for young people
(2:45:02) – Fear of death

#206 – Ishan Misra: Self-Supervised Deep Learning in Computer Vision

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Ishan Misra is a research scientist at FAIR working on self-supervised visual learning. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off
– The Information: https://theinformation.com/lex to get 75% off first month
– Grammarly: https://grammarly.com/lex to get 20% off premium
– Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil

EPISODE LINKS:
Ishan’s twitter: https://twitter.com/imisra_
Ishan’s website: https://imisra.github.io
Ishan’s FAIR page: https://ai.facebook.com/people/ishan-misra/

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:49) – Self-supervised learning
(16:24) – Self-supervised learning is the dark matter of intelligence
(20:17) – Categorization
(28:50) – Is computer vision still really hard?
(32:35) – Understanding Language
(42:14) – Harder to solve: vision or language
(48:59) – Contrastive learning & energy-based models
(52:59) – Data augmentation
(57:19) – Fixed audio spike by lowering sound with pen tool
(1:05:33) – Real data vs. augmented data
(1:09:16) – Non-contrastive learning energy based self supervised learning methods
(1:12:54) – Unsupervised learning (SwAV)
(1:15:37) – Self-supervised Pretraining (SEER)
(1:20:44) – Self-supervised learning (SSL) architectures
(1:26:43) – VISSL pytorch-based SSL library
(1:29:38) – Multi-modal
(1:37:06) – Active learning
(1:42:45) – Autonomous driving
(1:54:12) – Limits of deep learning
(1:58:19) – Difference between learning and reasoning
(2:03:26) – Building super-human AI
(2:11:14) – Most beautiful idea in self-supervised learning
(2:15:02) – Simulation for training AI
(2:18:27) – Video games replacing reality
(2:19:40) – How to write a good research paper
(2:24:08) – Best programming language for beginners
(2:25:01) – PyTorch vs TensorFlow
(2:28:26) – Advice for getting into machine learning
(2:30:31) – Advice for young people
(2:32:58) – Meaning of life

#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running

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Zach Bitter is an ultramarathon runner and coach. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Ladder: https://ladderlife.com/lex
– Belcampo: https://belcampo.com/lex and use code LEX to get 20% off first order
– Noom: https://trynoom.com/lex
– BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off

EPISODE LINKS:
Zach’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zbitter
Zach’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachbitter
Zach’s Website: https://zachbitter.com/

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:34) – The marathon mentality
(14:43) – The psychology of quitting
(25:49) – Variety in ultramarathons
(33:04) – What does it take to run 100 miles?
(38:27) – Leading ultramarathon events
(42:09) – Training and race strategy
(44:39) – 100 Mile world record
(48:41) – Foot strike variability and cadence
(51:29) – The 11 hour barrier
(54:57) – The most beautiful thing about running
(1:01:19) – Zach’s training regime
(1:06:06) – MAF 180 Formula
(1:16:31) – Training plans
(1:31:30) – Marathons vs. 100 miles
(1:40:31) – Zach’s diet philosophy
(1:55:19) – Fueling for race day
(2:02:34) – Training while fasted
(2:06:11) – Embracing the chaos
(2:07:41) – 100-Mile treadmill WR
(2:11:51) – The legend of Bert Kreischer
(2:16:16) – The Transcontinental Run across America
(2:33:51) – Who is the greatest endurance athlete of all time?
(2:41:04) – Shoe technology in running
(2:54:14) – Human limits
(2:56:49) – Zach’s biggest obstacles
(3:00:34) – Advice for young people

#204 – Cumrun Vafa: String Theory

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Cumrun Vafa is a theoretical physicist at Harvard. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Headspace: https://headspace.com/lex to get free 1 month trial
– The Jordan Harbinger Show: https://www.youtube.com/thejordanharbingershow
– Squarespace: https://lexfridman.com/squarespace and use code LEX to get 10% off
– Allform: https://allform.com/lex to get 20% off

EPISODE LINKS:
Cumrun’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/cumrunv
Cumrun’s Website: https://www.cumrunvafa.org
Puzzles to Unravel the Universe (book): https://amzn.to/3BFk5ms

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:08) – Difference between math and physics
(09:51) – Evolution of quantum mechanics
(13:09) – Can mathematics lead humanity off track
(14:07) – Beauty in mathematics
(19:27) – Philosophers using symmetry
(25:20) – How can ancient geometry be used to understand reality
(28:32) – Key ideas in the history of physics
(31:26) – Einstein’s special relativity
(35:03) – Physicists building intuition
(43:01) – Best work by Einstein
(44:45) – Quantum mechanics
(54:47) – Quantum gravity
(57:02) – String theory
(1:13:11) – 10th Dimension
(1:19:48) – Skepticism regarding string theory
(1:30:53) – Key figures in string theory
(1:35:13) – String Theory’s Nobel Prize
(1:38:18) – Edward Witten
(1:46:56) – String Theory Landscape & Swamplands
(1:55:46) – Theories of everything
(2:10:12) – Advice for young people
(2:13:14) – Death

#203 – Anya Fernald: Regenerative Farming and the Art of Cooking Meat

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Anya Fernald is the co-founder of Belcampo farms, chef, and regenerative agriculture expert. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Gala Games: https://gala.games/lex
– Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil
– Four Sigmatic: https://foursigmatic.com/lex and use code LexPod to get up to 60% off
– Fundrise: https://fundrise.com/lex

EPISODE LINKS:
Anya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyafernald
Belcampo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belcampomeatco
Belcampo’s Website: https://belcampo.com/

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(09:04) – Cooking is an art and a service
(10:43) – Food is health
(12:45) – Anticipation makes food taste better
(14:36) – Lex on breaking the 72 hour fast
(18:47) – Falling in love with cooking
(20:28) – Alienation during the diet
(23:09) – Cooking advice for minimalists
(29:14) – Complexity of coconut oil
(32:35) – Anya’s favorite meal
(39:17) – Sources of heat
(41:46) – Why do people freak out about barbecue
(44:58) – Does the origin of the meat itself make a difference?
(47:06) – What is regenerative farming?
(51:16) – AI will be a better farmer than humans
(55:17) – Carbon negative farming is possible right now
(57:04) – Certified Humane
(1:00:34) – Evolutionary diet of animals
(1:03:17) – Neuralink can help us understand animals
(1:07:13) – All grass-fed meat made the same?
(1:11:57) – Health benefits of grass-fed beef
(1:16:29) – What does it take to be a woman CEO of a meat company?
(1:23:57) – Making cheese for Italian mafia
(1:27:56) – How to judge a good meal?
(1:29:58) – The best meal in the world
(1:37:48) – Anya played oboe in the Sicily municipal band
(1:39:23) – Hunting has inspired regenerative farming
(1:44:07) – Meaning of life
(1:45:27) – Advice for young people: grow through discomfort

#202 – Rick Doblin: Psychedelics

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Rick Doblin is a psychedelics researcher and the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Theragun: https://therabody.com/lex to get 30 day trial
– ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free
– Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium
– Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get special savings

EPISODE LINKS:
Rick’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/RickDoblin
MAPS: https://maps.org

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:54) – Introduction to psychedelics
(11:09) – Psychedelics reveals the inner depths of humans
(23:43) – Differences between psychedelics
(31:08) – The future of psychedelics
(39:52) – Epigenetics
(45:49) – DMT
(53:16) – Ego dissolution
(56:33) – One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
(59:32) – Psychedelics and Creativity
(1:03:25) – MKUltra and the Grateful Dead
(1:08:04) – Ted Kaczynski
(1:13:46) – Timothy Leary
(1:21:10) – Good Friday Experiment
(1:25:46) – Forming of MAPS
(1:37:01) – Gaining access to psychedelics
(1:45:30) – MDMA Medical Trials
(2:17:00) – Clinical Trials for other substances
(2:21:43) – Future of society with psychedelics
(2:26:13) – Big Pharma
(2:32:32) – Advice for the younger generations
(2:38:17) – Meaning of life

#201 – Konstantin Batygin: Planet 9 and the Edge of Our Solar System

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Konstantin Batygin is a planetary astrophysicist at Caltech. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Squarespace: https://lexfridman.com/squarespace and use code LEX to get 10% off
– Literati: https://literati.com/lex
– Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off
– National Instruments (NI): https://www.ni.com/perspectives

EPISODE LINKS:
Konstantin’s Twitter https://twitter.com/kbatygin
Konstantin’s Website https://www.konstantinbatygin.com/

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:17) – Overview of our Solar System
(22:14) – What is the Oort Cloud?
(27:10) – Life in the interstellar medium
(28:42) – Are there aliens out there?
(31:22) – How unique is Earth?
(34:02) – Did Jupiter destroy early planets?
(40:16) – How hard is it to simulate the Universe?
(44:49) – Quantum mechanics in evolution of objects in the Solar system
(49:15) – Simulating the first formations around the Sun
(55:02) – Will it be possible to simulate the full history of the Solar System?
(57:23) – How far should we go with the simulation?
(59:43) – Increasing immersion in video games
(1:06:09) – What is Planet Nine?
(1:12:37) – The origin of life
(1:15:02) – Evidence of Planet Nine
(1:17:32) – Discovery of Neptune
(1:18:42) – When will we find Planet Nine?
(1:21:21) – Planet Nine throws rocks into the Kuiper Belt
(1:25:15) – Could Planet Nine be a primordial black hole?
(1:35:20) – Commercial space revolution boosts science and the human condition
(1:42:46) – Solving sex in space
(1:43:24) – Would humans evolve if we couldn’t see the stars?
(1:49:08) – Military funding and science
(1:53:11) – Is Oumuamua space junk from a distant alien civilization?
(2:06:33) – Wild ideas create the future
(2:14:22) – The perfect place to die
(2:16:03) – Greatest song of all time
(2:22:34) – Music enables science for Konstantin
(2:24:51) – Music practice tips for busy people
(2:28:41) – Memories of 1990s Russia
(2:35:14) – Advice for young people
(2:41:10) – Meaning of life

#200 – Michael Malice: Totalitarianism and Anarchy

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Michael Malice is a political thinker, podcaster, and author. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Gala Games: https://gala.games/lex
– Indeed: https://indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit
– BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off
– MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off

EPISODE LINKS:
Michael’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelmalice
Michael’s Community: https://malice.locals.com/
Michael’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5tj5QCpJKIl-KIa4Gib5Xw
Michael’s Website: http://michaelmalice.com/about/
Your Welcome podcast: https://bit.ly/30q8oz1
The Anarchist Handbook (book): https://amzn.to/3yUb2f0
The New Right (book): https://amzn.to/34gxLo3
Dear Reader (book): https://amzn.to/2HPPlHS
Podcast (Round 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIk1zUy8ehU

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(08:00) – Animal Farm
(11:02) – Emma Goldman
(14:07) – Albert Camus
(15:37) – How to be a hero in Nazi Germany
(22:43) – Camus on Existentialism vs Nihilism
(28:44) – Cynicism is a lie
(33:52) – Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union
(54:10) – Lex and Michael argue: can most people think on their own?
(1:05:48) – How Lex and Michael use Twitter
(1:15:11) – Life is beautiful
(1:18:13) – Returning to Ukraine
(1:20:07) – Michael is now an underwear model
(1:24:13) – The Anarchist Handbook
(1:25:59) – Tolstoy was an anarchist
(1:38:41) – Anarchy debate between Lex and Michael
(2:07:49) – Why Michael doesn’t vote
(2:25:04) – Austin and New York
(2:33:40) – Alex Jones