Brian Keating: Cosmology, Astrophysics, Aliens & Losing the Nobel Prize | Lex Fridman Podcast

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0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
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0:27 - Telescope
5:51 - Beginning of the universe
26:04 - Science and the Soviet Union
31:30 - What it's like to be a scientist
50:26 - Age of the universe
53:17 - Expansion of the universe
1:01:18 - Gravitational waves
1:04:30 - BICEP
1:29:45 - Nobel prize
1:52:47 - Joe Rogan
2:00:02 - Recognition in science
2:08:11 - Curiosity
2:15:59 - Losing the Nobel Prize
2:28:53 - Galileo Galilei
2:47:41 - Eric Weinstein
3:06:01 - Scientific community
3:23:42 - James Webb telescope
3:28:42 - Panspermia
3:32:12 - Origin of life
3:37:40 - Aliens
3:43:22 - Death and purpose
3:47:34 - God
3:53:30 - Power

Thanks Lex. This is a bucket list interview for me. I hope the bucket doesn’t get kicked for many years however. I loved the opportunity to share time with you and bask in your unique blend of humanity, humility, and curiosity. Thrive my brother AD ASTRA!

Great episode Lex. Brian is fantastic and getting to see him in a one on one in person discussion is a real treat.

Brian is like this charismatic and funny science teacher who makes you love science . Thank you for this great episode . Probably on my top ten lex episodes thank u

Many nights I fall asleep re-listening to your previous podcasts. I’ve often had the most incredible and hyper realistic dreams into which I’m obviously going in and out of listening and dreaming and, invariably part of what is being discussed becomes part of my dream. Some of the scenes and characters that have plaid out have been amazing… from childhood to current concerns to the possibilities of the future. I love your podcasts.

Man this flows so well, Brian came with no fixed intentions, just flows between topics effortlessly and engages in return

Man, many of Lex's interview are just timeless. He almost unfailingly finds the right chemistry and humour with the guest, as with the depth and uniqueness of questions he asks them

The only way you're going to get anywhere in life is surround yourself with people smarter than you. this podcast helps a lot. Thank you for this interview it's been so enlightening. I ain't saying I understand everything you are talking about. But I am 100% grateful for it!

I was a huge JRE fan, and watched about 80% of the episodes in full. The last two years I've lost interest to the point of only watching 1 in 30 episodes very rarely. I'm not sure if it's because of Joe, because of the guests, or that I've changed, or even as simple as you can only listen to the same person talk for so long. I always enjoyed the episodes with Lex, and while I knew this podcast existed, I never sought it out. It came across my feed, and I've watched a couple episodes including one with his father Alexander Fridman, Elon Musk, and Sam Harris. I'm so happy I did, as I now have a wonderful backlog of episodes to watch of my new favorite podcast. Keep up the awesome work Lex! Cheers!

casually browsing through KRplus and Lex's new podcast pops up. CLICK!

I’m a new subscriber- going through old episodes. Each one is such a delight. Thanks Lex for sharing all these beautiful and sublime guests with the world.

This episode in particular is peak Lex Fridman podcast.

Thank you for making the internet so amazing. These podcasts are incredible!!!

Brian Keatings podcast is awesome!

I didnt know Keating, but after this podcast I believe he is one of the most incredible scientists of our time. i appreciate how he avoids totally blowing off Faith and theology. This is rare in high level scientists. This guy, like Lex has an incredible humility despite their obvious talent. This is so refreshing. It really gives me hope for mankind. The fact these guys do podcasts tell me it is very important to them to share their wonder and excitement with the rest of us. Thank u Lex. Thank u Brian.

Brian Keating is a treat! So glad you had him on your show. You continue to get the best. Thanks again Lex.

When you got to the Joe Rogan part and started talking about this... toxic competition in academic science, it really made me think of my journey in grad school. Everyone was very quick to tear down others achievements or diminish others. Like, I love competition but for whatever reason the environment felt like it lost the excitement for actual science, and was instead just about frustration, anger, and jealousy towards others all the time and it didnt really help my already horrible mental health.

This guy cracks me up! Lex is not appreciating his jokes enough. Great episode. We need a round 2!

Thank you for this amazing episode with the marvelous Dr. Keating, Lex! Your podcast, along with Jordan Peterson's, are what is keeping me sane and intellectually stimulated during an extended Covid isolation period. I especially appreciated your commentary about the misguided and myopic tendencies of those in academia when it comes to one-upmanship, the playing of zero-sum games, and knowledge-hoarding. It is one of the principal reasons I abandoned my PhD program in radio astronomy and took a job with a private engineering firm instead. Hearing you and Brian talk with authentic excitement about the true meaning and purpose of scientific inquiry as one of discovery for the betterment of mankind was the biggest breath of fresh air I've experienced in a long while. This is your greatest asset, in my opinion-- even more than your stunning intellect, it is your heart and your humanity that gives you the edge. Never, ever change!

"If you're a Pollock and you're painting chaos, it's much more comforting to see that they can paint an accurate picture" was so true, same reason I love aphex twin's piano pieces

I love this interview. Two great intellects just chatting.

This is one of the best science podcasts I have seen. I was totally absorbed. Brian has never been better. He was on his A game here. Bravo.

Best quote, "I'm just speaking as a human."
That really does sum it all up from our perspective.

Lex.....The scientists and intelligent and interesting people ARE the celebrities now with the popularity of many many podcasts just like this one its so nice to know we're not alone with what we cherish and prize in society.....I couldnt care less about Hollywood anymore but its all I had outside of talk radio for decades. And you are one of the pillars Lex . Bravo!

I didn’t think I was going to be in this podcast and this guy is amazing. I love how humble he is. He is not pretentious at all but extremely smart. If teachers were like this guy students would really learn.

I'm always impressed by the fact that your guests have a grasp of the history of science. They are very appreciative of those who came before.

Keating has a great personality.

surround yourself with the best people you can find. Lex is a gem and I know he will bring the best to me and thru his guests

Absolutely absorbing conversation between two people who have the words for each explanation and situation.

Lex this was possibly one of your greatest interviews ever. Truly a joy to listen to. Thank you sir

8 minutes 15 seconds in, and I'm grinning like an idiot. Got to love this podcast....

3 things why i love this podcast. His calm demeiner, voice, and guests/topics. Love ya Lex!

That was incredible ! Dr Keating is awesome , almost as Lex ! Thanks for this episode.

Brian Keating is a GOAT. Wish ur section on Aliens was a bit longer

This is the only interview-based podcast that I've found actually useful. I don't really understand how people survive in this space just by being empathic. Lex has depth on what he brings to the table and clearly it's not because he comes from a software development background, but because he tries to be something else and better. Keep going with the good work.

I saw this podcast in like ten chunks, due to density. The best episode, of the one I have seen. Also one of the best endings.

I love this interview. As an amateur cosmologist, I recognize the sheer brilliance with which the good Doctor speaks.
First multiple hour interview I was able to listen to in it's entirety and wish for more at its conclusion.
I think I have a new Post-Sagan hero/educator.

Hi Lex, Brian. I needed a filler for my morning cuppa joe, and tuned in to this amazing podcast. One of the most important lessons I ever got was that to do something without passion is just like not doing it at all. It was thus the opening lesson I gave to every new group of students I had the privilege of teaching. It doesn't resonate with everyone but for those in which it reverberates so beautifully, the change in confidence, hunger for more knowledge and the ability to pass that passion on throughout their careers and personal lives is what I call a real miracle. People from any walk of life, any corner of the earth, any educational level, financial situation and so on, can achieve great things with that essential ingredient, if you will, as part of their repertoire. Thank you for making my day.

This is nice. Enjoy the little nuggets of humor spread out. Thanks Lex and Brian

Fascinating, thought provoking, insightful…,thank you both! 👏👏👏👏

Brian, I love your enthusiasm! You’ve kept us engaged on a good chunk of our drive from DC to Ohio. Thanks, fellas!

I love how humorous Brian is

Watching now... Really enjoyable and informative, I love the free-wheeling nature of the interview/discussion.

For the experimentalists out there, some mugs get hot in a microwave so be careful. Apparently some ceramics / earthenware have polar components. In my experience it is mostly cheaper mugs

You guys are great together. Great discussion.

Lex - I’ve recently discovered you (in the last year). I really enjoy your style and your humor. This one with Dr Keating was superb. Both you guys are also really funny - keep it up.

4 hours of bliss, maybe ill save this for work tomorrow 😍😍

One of the most impressive (and likable) guests I have heard on this podcast. And that’s saying something, given the caliber of the guests Lex brings here.

3:49:20 ''...hedonic treadmill....''; This is the single greatest metaphor represented in this podcast. This treadmill epitomizes the striving of our two protagonists, Lex and Bran, in their quest for the great reward through simple pleasure seeking by the eating of beef jerky and krill.

This is maybe the fourth time I've tackled this conversation. It is so insanely dense, I keep having to come back to it in order to really take in the information. Fantastic talk.

Sometimes watching these podcast can trigger me to cry. I’m unsure if it’s related to the eloquence of the conversation, the fact that I understand so little about the world every time I’m presented with new information, or the fact that everyone else is listening with me. Besos

Love this… “Brian Keating ; teaching me about comedy” “ I have a simple question” haha. Being able to bring humour and humbleness to the table on such topics shows the calibre of the people speaking. The world needs more people like you guys in it. Thank you

Your podcasts are absolutely inspirational. I've over the last week began my amateur astrology with my boys. You make Difference. Thank you. N.j

This is the best podcast interview I have ever heard. I am hanging on every word

Awesome conversation! Keating’s positive energy is infectious. I totally appreciate his enthusiasm, humor, and humility. His attitude really welcomes plebs like myself to approach topics that are intimidating. Clearly, what a wonderful teacher. Thanks for the great content, Lex! 🙏🙏

I feel asleep 😴 listening to cello music on you tube and woke up to this I am SO glad I did
When I was listening 👂🏽 I was so impressed with the guest and it reminded me why I loved science etc.,

What a beautiful podcast, every time I listen to it I learn something new. So much precious info. Love your work and your guests. They always make a beautiful symphony to my understanding of life.

That was a great conversation that teaches you many things, that would take you many years touching each subject they touch upon in this segment.

Дорогой Lex
Хочется вас обнять крепко.
Вы знаете глубоко дьявольскую и прекрасную советскую жизнь, ежика в тумане и лагеря…
Вижу вас и слушаю с самого начала подкастов. Наслаждение видеть рост. Всё очень важно.Многое нужно слушать ещё и ещё. Смелости вам не занимать. Всегда вам поддержка. Вперёд, дальше 🎈

It’s so great that you finally interviewed Randy from Trailer Park Boys!

Dude! Brian is so smart, quick and articulate! Incredible

Hour and a half in and this has already been my favorite episode.

This deep pondering of the universe and concepts like infinity always bring me to this level of spirituality because as far as you take it - how was it created and what put this process into effect or even just the possibility for existence. Fantastic convo Lex!

I literally always end up here if I fall asleep with auto play on. It's like my account is magnetically attracted to this one video.

Also I’m new to Lex; EXCELLENT interviewer (you actually listen to your guests and don’t constantly interrupt them like many KUDOS)

At 1:14:20 Brian says the first man to measure the cicrumference of the Earth was Aristophanes and we are shown a picture of his bust. Aristophanes was a comedy writer. The mathematician who measured the circumference of the Earth was Eratosthenes and he lived. He and Aristoteles were separated by about half a century.

Always enjoy the Simplicity yet Intriguing Podcasts with Lex

Brian seems like such a fun guy to hang out with. I laughed out loud so hard at his joke: "We would go to synagog twice a year: on Christmas and Easter."

i am in awe of this . WHAT a conversation! thankyou.

This dude has a very interesting mind and has a tremendously vibrant intellect. His problem seems to be that his focus on himself causes him to get in his own way. Even if portrayed ironically, he cannot help but bring back all of this fascination to his own musings and how he believes he is or ought to be interpreted.

What an interesting conversation!
Every second of it was incredible!
I love Lex's humor 👌

Seriously. Don't know if it's the algorithm but everytime I fall asleep I end up waking to this channel

You never disappoint, Lex. Thanks bro, for every episode

Looking forward to this one! Also, I hope you're having Jim Keller on soon for round 3. Thanks for the work you put in, Lex.

I can’t wait to listen to this! I love Brian.

Always. Always ends up on Lex Fridstein when I fall asleep playing something

Thank you so much for making such difficult subjects kind of understandable to us :)

I am recently a new listener of Lex. This episode is an incredible conversation, I am sold.

Two of my favorites on one podcast!!😍😍🥰🥰
Much thanks, to both of you for all you do! Keep feeding my brain Fellas!! 🤘🤘

There is something about Brian as a guest that’s really good. I like listening to his perspective

IDk, is it me or is Brain very skilled at not only making complex topics easy to understand, but he ties scientific principles back to humanity, hes like a philospher or modern sage, except of the Techno cast , or something , again, IDk but I really like listening and learnig from him more than almost anyone I think. Dude, has to be an excellent professor.

UCSD computational physics alumni here , I remember seeing his course offerings for lower and upper div physics! What a small world

Brian, you are an awesome guest! It's interesting how you come across slightly differently as a guest compared to as a host on your own podcast. I feel I know you better as a human after listening to you as a guest!

This was an illuminating conversation. As someone who dropped their career of 15+ years to pursue a new career in science, it appears I'm quite ignorant to this ego-driven side of academia and science. For me, I'd always had a relatively equal interest and aptitude for both art and science, but the random chaos of life made a career in art more achievable for me early on. It wasn't until many years later, when my uncle (a critical positive influence for me as a troubled kid) lost his life to Alzheimer's that I felt compelled to hit the books hard in order to pursue a career in neuroscience. I was so moved by grief, coupled with an overwhelmingly profound sense of responsibility in some way, (because I had the aptitude, I could learn the material), that I felt driven to become the sort of person who could help push the research forward in some way, directly or indirectly.
This has lead to re-learning a lot of math, brushing up on coding, learning about Ai, machine learning, etc... My point is; until now, the thought of pursuing a career or a field of research based on whether or not one could receive a Nobel Prize has never once crossed my mind. I'm a little disillusioned and disheartened to learn that this is apparently a pervasive attitude in science and academia. Dr. Keating (with all due respect) speaks as though the idea of there being more to life than Nobel prizes and fame is a novel idea that most people aren't aware of. This was surprising to me, and I'm not sure what to make of it. At the very least, I suppose I'll have to be wary of this as I continue my studies and move toward pursuing higher education, and ultimately employment in a scientific field.

Brilliant discussion. Blew me away thankyou.

Very nice. I was waiting for an episode like this!

I think this is one of my favorite episodes yet. I feel like you guys could have talked endlessly! What chemistry

Great interview, love both the host and the guest ❤

You two are fantastic.

Definitely one of my favorite episodes. You two have a synergy.

A Nobel prize-winning discussion. Thank you.

Awsome guest. I'd definitely like to see more from Keating!

This guy is delightful! Checking out his podcast, awesome chat!

Thank you for your guests and yourself. These conversations are entertaining, enlightening, and thought provoking. They make my time much more delightful. They add happiness to my life.

Please consider having Hamilton Morris on!

Fell asleep to old LEX Fridman podcasts. Woke up to a guy talking about competing with his father for the Nobel prize. What a way to start the day. Now, I'm ready to take on the laundry and dirty dishes.

Lex must only allow relaxing subliminals in his podcasts, the only time I get more than an hour of concurrent sleep is with this podcast on a loop.

I tremendously enjoyed this four hour long conversation

Whenever I see a new episode from one of my favorite podcasters that has a cosmology or astrophysics guest on I literally do the expression in my avatar.
So much fun to listen to even though I can barely grasp any of it. Thank you!

❤Prof Brian Keating is one of my favorite people! You too Lex! Loved it, thank you both!