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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!

—

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 

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📝 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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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!

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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!

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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!

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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

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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: 

• 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 

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📝 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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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!

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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 

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📝 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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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.

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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 

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📝 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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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 

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📝 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