"How is it we want to talk about how the universe works? Life is the thing that generates the future on our planet. And if we understand that process, we understand that we have some agency and control in that process."
– philosopher Sara Walker (Season 5 Episode 8)
In our fifth season of the Templeton Ideas Podcast, we heard from author Andy Crouch, philosopher Shannon Vallor, author and podcast host Gretchen Rubin, and other thinkers on topics such as effortless power, artificial intelligence, and happiness.
If you’re new to the show, welcome! Our host, Tom Burnett, explores the most awe-inspiring ideas in our world with the people who investigate them–and we’d love for you to join us! These thoughtful conversations take listeners on a journey through psychology, philosophy, physics, and more. Become part of our community of 40,000+ listeners on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Read on to see everything we covered in Season 5:Â
Shep Doeleman (Black Holes)
Shep joins the podcast to discuss his adventures in Antarctica, how you produce an image of an invisible object, and how his international collaboration gives him hope for humanity.
Scott Shigeoka (Curiosity)
Scott joins the podcast to explain the difference between deep curiosity and shallow curiosity, how inward curiosity can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, and what the world may look like if we all became a little more curious.
Anil Seth (Consciousness)
Anil joins the podcast to explain why animals may be conscious, but artificial intelligence is not, and why, despite the potential for technological dystopias, he is optimistic about the future.
Andy Crouch (Effortless Power)
Andy joins the podcast to explain the concept of “effortless power,” and how we can enhance human dignity in the digital age.
Gretchen Rubin (Happiness)
In this special episode from the archive, Gretchen joins the podcast to discuss how she became a writer, the books and spiritual teachers that have inspired her, and how a case of pink eye led her to investigate the human senses.
Shannon Vallor (Artificial Intelligence)
Shannon joins the podcast to discuss artificial intelligence, both what it is and what it could be if we step back and rethink what technology is for.
Ann Merchant (Science & Entertainment)
Ann Merchant (Science & Entertainment)Ann joins the podcast to explain how Dune screenwriter Jon Spaihts and other film creators have integrated scientific inspiration with creative storytelling.
Sara Walker (Origins of Life)
Sara joins the podcast to explain how the search for alien life is related to the origins of life and whether we are more likely to find microbes on other planets or intelligent life.
