AWONDERJUNKIE
Exploring life and consciousness. Curiosity and wonder lead to an infinite path of discovery
I created this podcast because I love learning, connecting and sharing. We live in an incredible time where we have the technological means to learn, connect, and share like never before in history.
Join me on the journey as we learn from the hearts and minds of others.
Open your mind, stay curious and enjoy the ride!
“Those who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe are as good as dead; their eyes are closed”
Albert Einstein
Listen on:
Episodes
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Congressman Curt Weldon describes how he became a whistleblower for 9/11. He discusses the historical significance of the fire service, his personal experiences as a firefighter, and the critical elements he discovered about the 9/11 attacks. He emphasizes the need for accountability within intelligence agencies. . Weldon also critiques the 9/11 Commission and calls for a new, independent investigation into the events surrounding the attacks. He highlights the psychological warfare at play in society and the necessity for firefighters to unite and advocate for their needs and the safety of their communities.
Chapters
00:00 The Legacy of the Fire Service
02:19 Personal Journey in Firefighting
05:03 The Largest Fire in America
10:58 Political Advocacy for Firefighters
14:15 The 9/11 Tragedy and Its Aftermath
19:16 Intelligence Failures Leading to 9/11
25:53 The Cover-Up of Bin Laden's Location
32:23 The Role of the CIA and Accountability
42:01 Taking Back America
42:56 Accountability in Intelligence
45:24 The Fight for Interoperable Communications
47:46 Understanding 9/11 and Its Aftermath
51:53 The Role of Cognitive Warfare
01:00:41 The Need for a Real 9/11 Commission
01:05:48 The Power of Firefighters
01:11:12 Tucker Carlson's Upcoming Series on 9/11
01:22:25 Podcast exit terence -
Keywords
fire service, 9/11, accountability, intelligence agencies, psychological warfare, community, firefighters, Tucker Carlson, legislation, safety, conspiracy, inside job, terrorist, CIA, FBI, Whistleblower,
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
https://curtweldon.net/
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
A bit about Ryan Anderson- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Lynne McTaggart, one of the central authorities on the new science and consciousness, is the award-winning author of seven books, including the worldwide bestsellers The Field, The Intention Experiment and The Power of Eight. She is also cofounder of the international magazine What Doctors Don’t Tell You (www.WDDTY.com), and the architect of the Intention Experiments, a web based “global laboratory” to test the power of intention to heal the world. A highly sought after public speaker, Lynne is consistently listed as one of the world’s 100 most spiritually influential people.
Summary
Lynne McTaggart discusses the transformative power of intention and healing, emphasizing the importance of community, altruism, and gratitude in the healing process. She shares insights from her work on group intention experiments and the impact of positive thinking on health outcomes. The discussion also touches on the dangers of trauma culture and the need for connection in modern society.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Healing and Intention
08:51 The Power of Intention and Group Dynamics
18:20 Healing Through Altruism and Community
28:30 Transforming Trauma and the Role of Gratitude
38:31 The Impact of Community and Connection
49:43 Podcast exit terence
https://lynnemctaggart.com/
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
A bit about Ryan Anderson- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70
Keywords
healing, intention, community, trauma, gratitude, power of eight, energy, consciousness, self-help, altruism, trauma, trauma culture, victim culture, somatic, self help,
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Dr. John W. Price shares his journey through suffering and how it has shaped his work as a psychotherapist and co-owner of a wellness center. He emphasizes the importance of integrating spirituality into psychological practices and the role of community and relationships in healing. The discussion explores the transformative power of suffering, the need for a new hermeneutic in understanding spirituality, and the significance of gratitude and Awe in personal growth. John Price delves into the intersections of depth psychology, spirituality, and modern challenges. They explore the importance of curiosity and wonder in personal growth, the impact of technology on mental health, and the necessity of community in navigating life's complexities. John emphasizes the concept of 'sacred refusal' as a transformative process, advocating for practical tools like journaling and embodiment practices to foster new narratives. The discussion also highlights the dynamics of community, conflict resolution, and the influences that shape personal development.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Connection
03:21 Exploring Depth Psychology and Personal Journey
06:34 The Center for Healing Arts and Sciences
09:29 Understanding Suffering and Transformation
12:19 The Role of Personal Experience in Therapy
15:20 The Journey from Music to Psychology
18:30 The Influence of Buddhism and Spiritual Practices
21:25 The Wounded Healer and Community Impact
24:20 Therapeutic Relationships and Personal Growth
27:16 The Importance of Spirituality in Healing
33:43 Ego and Transformation
39:21 Reciprocity and Gratitude in Spirituality
47:14 The Nature of Reality and Surrender
53:23 Maps of Reality and Sacred Refusal
01:03:23 Embracing Serendipity and the Human Experience
01:06:20 The Courage to Slow Down and Let Go
01:09:23 Building New Maps: Practical Tools for Transformation
01:12:11 The Importance of Community and Navigating Conflict
01:18:29 Finding Inspiration and the Role of Mentorship
01:30:20 Gratitude and Final Reflections
01:33:58 Podcast exit terence
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
https://www.drjohnwprice.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
psychotherapy, spirituality, suffering, wellness, community, transformation, depth psychology, personal growth, healing, gratitude, depth psychology, spirituality, curiosity, wonder, AWE, Jungian, Jung, CarlJung, InnerSpace, Psychedelics, Psychedelic therapy,
technology, addiction, community, conflict resolution, personal growth, transformation
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Nick Lane (PhD, FRSB, FLS) is Professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry in the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at University College London.Prof Lane’s research is on the way that energy flow has shaped evolution over 4 billion years, using a mixture of theoretical and experimental work to address the origin of life, the evolution of complex cells and downright peculiar behaviour such as sex. He was a founding member of the UCL Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, and is Co-Director of the UCL Centre for Life’s Origin and Evolution (CLOE). He was awarded the 2009 UCL Provost’s Venture Research Prize, the 2011 BMC Research Award for Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics and Evolution, the 2015 Biochemical Society Award for his outstanding contribution to molecular life sciences and 2016 Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture, the UK’s premier award for excellence in communicating science.Nick Lane is the author of five acclaimed books on evolutionary biochemistry, which have sold more than 150,000 copies worldwide, and been translated into 25 languages.
Summary
Nick Lane discusses the pivotal role of mitochondria in biology, emphasizing their importance in energy flow and overall health. He reflects on the need to rekindle curiosity in science and improve communication between scientists and the public. Lane explores the origins of life, the complexity of biology, and the potential for life beyond Earth. He advocates for a holistic view of health that includes mitochondrial function and suggests that understanding energy flow could revolutionize medicine. Nick Lane discusses the importance of sustaining health changes, the complexities of consciousness and metabolism, and the nature of feelings as metabolic readouts. He reflects on the nature of truth and meaning in science and the role of imagination and creativity. Lane also shares insights on writing and shares exciting developments in biology, emphasizing the importance of having fun and enjoying the journey of discovery.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nick Lane and His Work
03:20 The Role of Mitochondria in Biology
06:18 Bridging the Gap: Science Communication and Curiosity
09:32 The Complexity of Life: Mitochondria and Evolution
12:26 Exploring the Origins of Life
15:34 Mitochondria: The Powerhouses of Cells
18:33 Health Implications of Mitochondrial Function
21:23 The Interconnectedness of Life and Energy
24:12 The Beauty of Proteins and Cellular Machinery
27:27 Photosynthesis: The Miracle of Life
30:30 Conclusion and Reflections on Science and Life
35:43 The Ubiquity of Life in the Universe
40:36 The Complexity of Eukaryotic Cells
44:47 Mitochondria and Health Paradigms
49:58 The Role of Energy in Medicine
52:58 Consciousness and Metabolism
01:04:29 Truth, Meaning, and Human Connection
01:06:25 The Nature of Truth in Science
01:09:48 Imagination and Creativity in Scientific Discovery
01:12:46 Psychedelics and the Mind's Exploration
01:16:58 Writing and Inspiring Future Generations
01:21:54 The Future of mRNA Technology and Scientific Integrity
01:26:38 Interdisciplinary Approaches in Science and AI
01:31:18 Podcast exit terence
https://nick-lane.net/
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
A bit about Ryan Anderson- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70
Keywords
Nick Lane, mitochondria, biology, consciousness, energy flow, origins of life, health, science communication, proteins, evolution, health, supplements, consciousness, metabolism, feelings, truth, imagination, science, psychedelics, mRNA technology, quantum, quantum biology, quantum health, decentralized Medicine, Circadian Biology, Circadian health, Psychedelics, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Physics, wonderjunkie, AWONDERJUNKIE, MKULTRA,
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Exploring the Intersection of Science and Spirituality. James Cooke PhD trained as a neuroscientist after a spontaneous shift in consciousness as a teenager that led to profound relief from burdensome, ruminative thought. He holds three degrees from Oxford University (a PhD and Masters in Neuroscience & a BA in Experimental Psychology).He has conducted scientific research for over a decade at institutions such as Oxford University, University of California, Berkeley, University College London, Trinity College Dublin, and Riken Brain Sciences Institute in Tokyo. James is the author of The Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive (coming December 2024), which synthesizes science and contemplative insight to offer a radical solution to the Hard Problem of Consciousness.
Dr. James Cooke shares his personal journey of awakening and the insights he has gained about consciousness, suffering, and the nature of reality. He emphasizes the importance of community, integration, and trauma-informed approaches in spiritual practices, while also addressing the challenges of spiritual bypassing and ego amplification. Dr. Cooke advocates for a responsible navigation of the psychedelic landscape and highlights the need for empowerment and openness in our interactions with technology and each other. He reflects on the wisdom of ancient civilizations and the potential for a more integrated future for humanity, ultimately concluding with a message of love and connection.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. James Cooke and His Work
03:29 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality
06:37 Personal Journey: From Catholicism to Consciousness
09:21 The Role of Psychedelics and Meditation in Understanding Suffering
12:17 Defining Consciousness and Awareness
15:15 The Nature of Reality and Interconnectedness
18:14 Practices for Surrender and Openness
21:33 Addressing Spiritual Bypassing and Ego Amplification
24:24 Navigating the Challenges of the Psychedelic Community
27:36 Empowerment and Trauma-Informed Approaches
30:19 The Future of Consciousness Exploration and Integration
41:50 Curiosity and Playfulness in Exploration
42:45 Empowerment Through Breathwork
44:54 Embodied Wisdom and Spiritual Humility
47:12 The Role of Faith and Surrender
49:10 Gratitude and Presence in Everyday Life
52:00 The Power of Poetry and Expression
52:54 Awareness Practices and Letting Go of Problems
56:51 Contentment and the Journey of Life
01:00:52 Integrating Technology and Humanity
01:03:06 Lessons from Ancient Civilizations
01:04:59 Inspirations and the Call to Love
01:08:28 Podcast exit terence -
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
https://www.drjamescooke.com/about
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
A bit about Ryan Anderson- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70
Keywords
science, spirituality, consciousness, meditation, psychedelics, integration, community, awareness, non-duality, trauma-informed, innerspace, float tank, sensory deprivation, floating, psychedelic healing, psychedelic medicine, MAPS, Trauma, Trauma therapy, Jung, Depth psychology, Exploring consciousness, neuroscience, Breathwork, Breathe, Breath, Holotropic, Grof,
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Researching articles, films, and her 38 books for adults and children, nationally bestselling author Sy Montgomery has been chased by an angry silverback gorilla in Rwanda, hunted by a tiger in India, and swum with piranhas, electric eels and pink dolphins in the Amazon. Her work has taken her from the cloud forest of Papua New Guinea (for a book on tree kangaroos) to the Altai Mountains of the Gobi (for another on snow leopards.) For THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS (a National Book Award finalist) she befriended octopuses at the New England aquarium and scuba dived and snorkeled with wild octopuses in Mexico and French Polynesia; next she drew on her scuba skills to cage dive with great white sharksand swim freely with giant oceanic manta rays .
For her most recent national bestseller for adults, Of Time and Turtles, she befriended a 42-pound wild snapping turtle named Fire Chief, who shows his extraordinary trust by allowing her to feed him by hand.
She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, the writer Howard Mansfield, and their border collie Thurber.
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Sy Montgomery shares her profound love for animals and nature, recounting her experiences with various creatures, including turtles, octopuses, and hummingbirds. She discusses her journey as a writer, the importance of connecting children to the natural world, and the lessons she has learned from her animal companions. Montgomery emphasizes the significance of animal consciousness and the magic of the natural world, inspiring listeners to appreciate and protect the environment. Her reflections on life, death, and gratitude resonate deeply, making this conversation a heartfelt exploration of the bond between humans and animals.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sy Montgomery
03:21 The Journey of Fire Chief the Turtle
06:20 Friendship and Collaboration with Matt
09:19 Early Connections with Animals
11:28 The Impact of Pets on Life
14:11 Pursuing a Passion for Nature
17:13 The Octopus Experience
20:14 The Importance of Connection to Nature
33:03 The Delicate World of Hummingbirds
39:25 The Connection Between Humans and Hummingbirds
46:34 The Journey of Christopher Hogwood, the Pig
51:21 Lessons from Animals: How to Be a Good Creature
01:00:14 The Mystical Nature of Dolphins
01:11:52 Gratitude and Connection to the Natural World
01:12:25 Podcast exit terence -
https://symontgomery.com/
Photo of Sy by Michael Sterling
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
A bit about Ryan Anderson- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70
Keywords
Sy Montgomery, animal consciousness, nature writing, turtles, octopuses, hummingbirds, pink dolphins, animal rescue, environmentalism, children's literature
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
What is consciousness? Can we tell if other animals experience subjectivity, or whether there will be conscious machines or robots? These fundamental philosophical questions are now being explored by neuroscientist and Professor Nao Tsuchiya and his team. Nao Tsuchiya discusses his research on consciousness, qualia, and the subjective experience of individuals. He shares his personal journey into the field, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and questioning in scientific inquiry. The discussion covers various aspects of consciousness, including its levels, the role of the amygdala in fear recognition, and the significance of flow states. Tsuchiya also highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding consciousness and the potential impact of transformative experiences on individual. They delve into the complexities of suffering, growth, and the role of stress in personal development. They explore the concepts of free will and narrative in consciousness, discussing how habits and intentions shape our experiences. The dialogue also touches on the significance of openness in understanding consciousness, the influence of language on experience, and the exploration of non-ordinary states of consciousness. They express curiosity about the nature of reality and the importance of skepticism and openness in exploring phenomena like telepathy. Nao speaks about the importance of staying curios and remaining skeptical, yet open minded.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Consciousness: An Introduction
06:14 Personal Journey into Consciousness
12:21 The Intersection of Science and Consciousness
18:10 The Debate on Neuromania
21:29 Causality in Consciousness
24:16 Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Science
27:17 The Future of Consciousness Studies
30:19 Flow States and Their Importance
33:14 Fear and the Amygdala
36:15 Current Research on Qualia
45:01 Exploring Empathy and Psychopathy
45:54 Quantum Theory and Psychological Measurement
48:19 Challenges in Psychedelic Research
50:09 The Complexity of Flow States
51:29 Discussions on Free Energy Theories
54:06 Subjective Experience vs. Scientific Objectivity
56:59 The Role of Poetry and Meaning in Experience
01:00:55 Integrated Information Theory and Consciousness
01:03:57 The Value of Suffering and Stress
01:07:39 Free Will and Narrative Choices
01:20:52 Language and Experience: A Cultural Perspective
01:23:39 Meditation and the Experiential Quality of Consciousness
01:25:45 Exploring Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness
01:27:14 Contradictions in Philosophy and Reality
01:29:14 Locally Consistent, Globally Inconsistent: Understanding Reality
01:31:41 The Nature of Consciousness and the Limits of Understanding
01:32:58 Curiosity and the Exploration of Self
01:33:07 Skepticism and Openness in Telepathy Research
01:38:42 The Nature of Reality and Social Engineering
01:41:59 The Importance of Openness and Attention
01:47:27 Influences and Inspirations in Thought
01:51:09 Final Thoughts: The Dawn of Everything
01:52:56 Podcast exit terence -
https://sites.google.com/monash.edu/tlab/home?authuser=0
https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/nao-tsuchiya
W: homepage: Tw: @conscious_tlab @naotsuchiyaBlsk: @qualiastructure.bsky.social @naotsuchiya YouTube : neural basis of consciousnessORCID LinkedIn
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
A bit about Ryan Anderson- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70
Keywords
consciousness, qualia, subjective experience, neuroscience, flow states, amygdala, interdisciplinary research, personal journey, scientific inquiry, integrated information theory, suffering, growth, stress, free will, narrative, consciousness, habits, openness, language, telepathy, neuroscience, mindfulness, haiku, Float tank, sensory deprivation, innerspace,
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Professor of Philosophy (Ph.D., U.C. Berkeley, 1997) Areas of interest: philosophy of psychology, philosophy of mind, moral psychology, classical Chinese philosophy, epistemology, metaphilosophy, metaphysics, science fiction
Summary
Eric Schwitzgebel explores the challenges of attention in the digital age, the cultural influences on morality, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI. The dialogue also delves into simulation theory and the complexity of existence, emphasizing the importance of embracing uncertainty and wonder in our understanding of life. Eric Schwitzgebel and Ryan discuss a range of topics including the Tao of Pooh, skepticism towards paranormal phenomena, the Copernican argument for alien consciousness, the role of death in human creativity, the nature of suffering, ethics in philosophy, and the disconnect between moral beliefs and actions. Eric emphasizes the importance of diverse forms of being and the complexity of human experience, while also recommending influential books and writers that inspire philosophical thought.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Consciousness and Philosophy
02:56 The Intersection of AI and Consciousness
05:56 The Role of Attention and Awareness
08:58 Ethics, Morality, and AI
11:59 Cultural Perspectives on Morality
14:57 Transhumanism and Its Implications
18:02 The Nature of Reality and Simulation Theory
21:08 The Complexity of Existence
24:03 Philosophy of Opening vs. Closing
26:58 Embracing Uncertainty and Wonder
38:31 Exploring the Tao of Pooh and Telepathy
39:23 Skepticism Towards Paranormal Phenomena
41:39 The Copernican Argument for Alien Consciousness
44:39 The Role of Death in Human Creativity
46:59 The Nature of Suffering and Meaning
50:25 Ethics and Moral Behavior in Philosophy
54:01 The Disconnect Between Moral Beliefs and Actions
58:39 Aiming for Moral Mediocrity
01:01:34 Influential Philosophers and Writers
01:05:11 Recommended Reads for the Next Generation
01:08:59 The Nature of Meaning in Life
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
Eric
http://schwitzsplinters.blogspot.com/
https://faculty.ucr.edu/~eschwitz/
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
A bit about Ryan Anderson- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70
Keywords
consciousness, philosophy, AI, ethics, morality, transhumanism, simulation theory, attention, awareness, cultural perspectives, Tao of Pooh, telepathy, skepticism, consciousness, death, suffering, ethics, moral behavior, philosophy, recommended books
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Gunnar O Babcock is a lecturer in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. His research is primarily in the philosophy of biology and it appears in journals such as Philosophy of Science, Synthese and the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. He previously managed a non-profit domestication project in Alaska aimed at creating a sustainable form of northern agriculture.
Summary
Professor Gunnar Babcock discusses his unique perspective on consciousness, cognition, and the intersection of philosophy and biology. He explores the concept of agency in non-living systems, the implications of synthetic biology and AI, and the challenges of defining life and goal-directedness. The conversation also delves into the ethical considerations of scientific advancements and the importance of critical thinking in navigating the complexities of modern society.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Consciousness and Cognition
03:15 Teleology vs. Mechanistic Thinking
06:31 Microbial Agency and Biological Systems
07:23 Synthetic Biology and Artificial Agency
12:53 The Nature of Life and Goal-Directedness
19:01 Conceptual Revisions in Understanding Life
24:52 Influences and Inspirations in Modern Science
29:06 Exploring Ancient Philosophy and Its Relevance Today
31:44 Technological Advancements and Ethical Dilemmas
35:53 The Role of Values in Science
38:28 Funding Research: Balancing Practicality and Exploration
40:58 A Day in the Life of a Philosopher
44:01 The Intersection of Fitness and Consciousness
49:31 Instilling Critical Thinking in Students
51:42 Future Prospects: Excitement and Concerns
55:04 Navigating Free Speech and Censorship
59:06 Final Thoughts: The Importance of Inquiry
01:00:13 Podcast exit terence -
Gunnar Babcock
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HSI2IBgAAAAJ&hl=en
https://aeon.co/users/gunnar-o-babcock
https://aeon.co/essays/we-need-to-stop-thinking-about-sex-when-it-comes-to-reproduction
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
A bit about Ryan Anderson- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70
Keywords
consciousness, cognition, agency, synthetic biology, AI, ethics, life, goal-directedness, philosophy, science
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Professor at the Santa Fe Institute renowned for his groundbreaking work across multiple disciplines—from physics and computer science to game theory and complexity.
David Wolpert is one of the modern era's true polymaths. He received his PhD in physics from UC Santa Barbara but has made seminal contributions across numerous fields. His research spans machine learning (where he formulated the "No Free Lunch" theorems), statistical physics, game theory, distributed intelligence, and the foundations of inference and computation. Before joining SFI, Wolpert held positions at NASA, Stanford, and the Santa Fe Institute as a professor. His work consistently bridges disciplinary boundaries to address fundamental questions about complex systems, computation, and the nature of intelligence.
Summary
Professor David Wolpert discusses his interdisciplinary approach to understanding computation in dynamic systems, the role of memory and prediction in human cognition, and the limitations of human understanding. He explores the implications of these themes for history, mathematics, and the future of scientific inquiry, particularly in relation to AI and the environmental costs of information processing. David Wolpert discusses his journey through academia, the challenges of pursuing a career in science, and the philosophical implications of mathematics. The dialogue explores the complexities of human motivation, the evolution of scientific practice, and the fundamental role of mathematics in understanding reality.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to David Wolpert's Work
01:12 Understanding Computation in Dynamic Systems
04:06 The Role of Bias in Inference and Prediction
09:20 Memory, Prediction, and Human Limitations
14:25 The Limits of Human Understanding
19:51 The Ineffable Nature of Reality
23:19 Mathematics and History: A New Perspective
26:15 Human Societies and Computational Growth
28:23 AI and the Future of Scientific Inquiry
31:55 The Decision to Engage with Society
36:02 Navigating Academia and Career Choices
41:29 The Pursuit of Impact and Fulfillment
46:40 The Role of Science and Trust in Society
47:31 Mathematics: Discovery vs. Creation
59:41 The Paradox of Mathematics and Reality
David Wolpert
https://davidwolpert.weebly.com/self-indulgences.html
https://davidwolpert.weebly.com/
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=PRjgI8kAAAAJ&hl=en
A sliver of reality https://aeon.co/essays/ten-questions-about-the-hard-limits-of-human-intelligence
. His latest book is The Energetics of Computing in Life and Machines (2019).
Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic
Connect with Ryan Anderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/
awonderjunkie.com
Breathe4Flow.com
Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0
A bit about Ryan Anderson- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70
Keywords
David Wolpert, computation, dynamic systems, memory, prediction, human limitations, AI, history, mathematics, scientific inquiry, machine learning, academia, impact, mathematics, science, trust, philosophy, consciousness, reality, artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, transhumanism,