Samir Varma is a physicist, investor, and author of the book: The Science of Free Will, How Determinism Affects Everything from the Future of AI to Traffic to God to Bees.' We discuss AI consciousness, the theoretical versus practical aspects of free will, and how determinism informs our understanding of human behaviour, moral philosophy, and even financial markets.

“Even though there is no free will in theory, because the laws of physics are deterministic… we don’t know what we’re going to do until we’ve done it.”

“The only way to find out how your life will end is to live it.”

Varma delves into the physics of free will, his insights on the applicability of chaos theory, and why certain financial and societal structures might need reevaluation.

The conversation touches on the evolution and mechanics of intellectual property, the intricacies of cricket, and the profound layers that make Pink Floyd's music a unique listening experience. Varma also shares his varied projects, including innovations in solar energy and traffic management.

The discussion culminates with practical life advice focused on pursuing meaningful and passionate work.

Transcript: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2025/4/11/samir-varma-free-will-physics-traffic-bees-emotions-chaos-theory-cricket-finance-podcast

Contents

• 00:23 Will AI Gain Consciousness?

• 02:11 The Concept of Free Will in Theory and Practice

• 04:19 Quantum Theory and Determinism

• 18:58 Chaos Theory and Free Will

• 23:20 Death and the Reorganization of Atoms

• 25:37 Animal Consciousness and Communication

• 30:23 Implications for Society and Justice

• 37:48 Emotions and Rationality

• 41:08 Misunderstandings in Finance

• 44:39 Debunking Market Value Myths

• 47:43 The Momentum Factor Explained

• 57:14 The Unique Appeal of Pink Floyd

• 01:02:40 Understanding Cricket's Complexity

• 01:09:58 Overrated or Underrated?

• 01:19:28 Insights on Writing and Creativity

• 01:23:11 Final Thoughts and Life Advice

Mary-Ann Ochota is a broadcaster, anthropologist, and writer known for her work on Time Team and books on archaeology and the British landscape.

“Archaeology is ultimately about people – the stories of people in the past and how they lived their lives.”

Mary-Ann discusses her visits to Chernobyl, British henges and the Australian Simpson Desert; exploring themes of resilience and environmental recovery.

“One of the big misconceptions is that archaeology is just about digging things up.”

She shares insights on ancient British sites and the broader implications of sustainable development and access to nature. We discuss her role as president of the Countryside Charity and her thoughts on the future of rural development are highlighted, along with her creative writing process and advice for connecting with nature.

“We’re all living on top of layers of history, whether we realise it or not.”

Transcript and links: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/4/4/mary-ann-ochota-adventure-resilience-unveiling-hidden-histories-archeology-and-the-ancient-world-podcast

Summary Contents:

• 00:31 Exploring Chernobyl's Impact

• 04:59 The Resilience of Nature

• 05:55 Adventures in the Simpson Desert

• 13:56 Ancient Sites in the UK

• 17:10 Access to Nature and Social Barriers

• 31:56 The Ridgeway National Trail

• 38:33 Exploring the Purpose of Henges

• 39:29 Ancient Feasts and Food Waste

• 40:15 Reevaluating Ancient Civilizations

• 44:32 Imagination and Environmental Crisis

• 47:53 Balancing Hope and Realism

• 50:06 Writing Process and Creative Challenges

• 01:04:24 Sustainable Development and Land Use

• 01:11:32 Life Advice

Political philosopher Rebecca Lowe discusses her views on freedom, equality, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Currently writing a book titled 'Freedom in Utopia,' Rebecca delves into philosophical debates concerning obligations to extinct animals, the ethics of eating meat, and the future potential of lab-grown meat.

On questioning norms and making choices:
“Think hard about what the norms are that you follow unthinkingly. There are many ways to live a good life, and it’s for you to work that out for yourself, because you’re the only person who can have any systemic access to that.”

On fiction and its philosophical role:
“I feel quite strongly that people who don’t spend time reading fiction are really missing out on one of the great things about being human—the capacity to separate out from your daily life, think about other worlds, imagine.”

She also touches on the moral considerations surrounding artificial wombs, the possible role of ChatGPT as a tool for philosophical inquiry, and her disillusioning experience running for political office. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of decentralization, freedom, and respect in society while also sharing her creative process and insights into leading a fulfilling life.

Transcript and video available here.

Contents

• 00:22 Reviving Extinct Animals

• 02:29 Moral Implications of Eating Meat

• 07:47 Future Moral Consensus

• 11:25 Consequentialism in Healthcare

• 19:21 ChatGPT as a Philosopher

• 25:28 Artificial Wombs and Ethical Questions

• 30:33 Rebecca's Political Journey

• 34:43 Creative Process and Philosophy

• 37:50 The Importance of Reading Fiction

• 41:03 Imagining the Best Possible Society

• 42:19 The Role of Prisons in Utopia

• 46:01 Education in an Ideal Society

• 49:05 Cultural Goods and Utopia

• 52:18 Healthcare and Resource Allocation

• 55:11 Under rated / Over rated

• 58:55 Final Thoughts and Advice

Daisy Christodoulou is an acclaimed author in the field of education. Daisy has also written a book on video assisted refereeing (VAR) in football.

We discuss being a football fan, VAR's impact on the sport, and the controversial decision-making processes involved. We speak about how VAR might have improved other sports but has mixed results in football. We suggest what technology should spring to football and sport. We debate on how this potentially reflects the limits of rationality in human endeavours.

"We need to get away from the search for perfection. Whether in education or VAR, it’s about striking the right balance between accuracy, simplicity, and consistency to avoid ending up with the worst of both worlds."

"When you apply a very precise, letter-of-the-law system, it sometimes tramples over the qualities that make the game what it is. VAR has unintentionally highlighted the limits of rationalism."

Transitioning to education, Daisy shares insights from her research and books on the importance of knowledge-rich curriculums, cognitive science, and the challenges of modern educational systems. The conversation delves into the history of self-education, the role of physical school environments, and strategies to enhance learning outcomes. We touch upon the relevance of English literature, fiction reading, and Daisy's innovative projects at No More Marking, utilizing AI for better educational assessments.

“A written sentence is an incredibly efficient way of communicating information. It can do things that video, audio, or computer code cannot. That utility alone makes reading irreplaceable."

Transcript: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/1/12/daisy-christodoulou-a-deep-dive-into-var-football-education-and-the-art-of-learning-podcast

Contents:

• The Joys and Struggles of Supporting West Ham

• Controversial VAR Decisions

• Problems with VAR in Football

• Objective vs Subjective Decisions in VAR

• Comparing VAR Across Different Sports

• Proposed Solutions for VAR Issues

• Historical Context and Evolution of Football Rules

• Impact of VAR on the Spirit of the Game

• In-Game Experience and Fan Reactions to VAR

• Broader Implications of VAR and Rationalism

• Potential Reforms in Education

• Path Dependency in Education Systems

• Emphasis on Knowledge in Education

• The Myth of 'Just Look It Up'

• Cognitive Science and Learning Techniques

• The Importance of School Buildings

• Historical Perspectives on Self-Education

• Balancing Educational Trade-offs

• The Decline of English Literature Studies

• Final Thoughts and Life Advice

Peter Gray is a psychologist and author of Free to Learn. For many years, he has been studying the importance of play.

Gray discusses his perspective on the ideal education system, which he believes should be a bottom-up movement rather than a top-down imposition. He emphasizes the importance of self-directed education where children have the freedom to follow their curiosity and interests. Gray explains how traditional schooling stifles curiosity and playfulness, and traces the historical roots of the current education system. He also highlights the sociopolitical factors that have contributed to the decline of children's mental health, arguing against the popular notion that social media is the primary cause. Additionally, the conversation touches on the impact of economic inequality on parenting styles and child freedom. Gray shares his current projects, including initiatives aimed at encouraging more free play in schools and educating pediatricians on the importance of play, while offering practical advice for parents to support their children's independence and curiosity.

Transcript and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/11/1/peter-gray-transforming-education-play-self-directed-learning-parenting-podcast

"If offered the opportunity to redesign the entire educational system as a top-down thing, me being the czar of education and telling everybody else what they should do, I would decline the offer...it really has to emerge from the bottom up."

"Education works best when the people being educated are in charge of it... Children are biologically designed to learn through exploration, through play."

"Our school system suppresses curiosity and playfulness...the two primary biological educative drives in children."

"Ask your child: 'What would you like to do that you haven’t done before that might be a little bit frightening but that you’d really like to try?' It’s how children build courage and how parents build trust."

Contents

• 00:19 Redesigning the Education System

• 01:41 The Role of Curiosity and Play in Learning

• 05:55 Historical Context of Traditional Schooling

• 08:26 Children's Rights and Freedom Over Time

• 12:11 Cultural Shifts and Parental Concerns

• 15:28 Impact of Economic Inequality on Parenting

• 18:53 Rise of Stranger Danger and Overprotectiveness

• 28:14 Common Core and the Mental Health Crisis

• 38:28 The Evolution of Reading and Technology

• 41:17 Balancing Screen Time and Real Life

• 43:12 Reflections on 'Free to Learn'

• 45:07 Evolutionary Psychology and Its Impact

• 50:28 Advice for a Fulfilling Retirement

• 01:00:04 Creative Processes and Inspirations

• 01:05:45 Current Projects and Parenting Advice

Julia Garayo Willemyns is a startup founder and co-director of the think tank UK Day One, which focuses on advancing UK policy for long-term growth and progress. Transcript and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2024/10/18/julia-garayo-willemyns-policy-ideas-progress-growth-ai-talent-podcast

Julia shares her thoughts on overlooked policies that could significantly benefit the UK, such as addressing lead poisoning in old housing stocks to improve public health, intelligence, and productivity.

Julia also advocates for prioritizing AI as part of the UK's industrial strategy. She emphasizes the need for strategic investments in AI talent, infrastructure, and safety, noting that while ethics and risk are critical, the nation should also consider AI's potential to enhance economic security and global competitiveness. The conversation explores the nuances of UK policy approaches to sustainability, talent development, and AI.

The narrative explores the dynamics of entrepreneurship across different cultural landscapes, reflecting on factors such as mentorship, venture capital, and societal attitudes towards failure. The conversation delves into the advantages of for-profit versus non-profit models and the philosophical trends shifting towards virtue ethics and human flourishing. Throughout, the discussion is underpinned by personal experiences, pragmatic policy recommendations, and a call for the UK to leverage its strengths for sustained global competitiveness.

We play over rated / under rated on:

Universal Basic Income (UBI), Net Zero, Carbon Taxes, alternative proteins, digital democracy, self-driving cars, nuclear power, museums and capitalism.

Julia encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, adaptability, and a proactive approach to growth.

On AI and economic strategy:

“I don’t think the UK is taking AI seriously enough as a core part of its industrial strategy. We should be focusing not just on AI ethics, but on economic security and national competitiveness. AI has the potential to change everything, and we need to be thinking about the bigger picture.”

On talent misallocation in the UK:

“One of the biggest problems the UK has is a misallocation of talent. I know incredibly intelligent people who end up in banking or consulting instead of tackling fundamental problems that could improve our quality of life. It’s a national issue that we need to address.”

Julian Gough is an award-winning writer and musician. We explore the breadth of his creative journey, from crafting the 'End Poem' in Minecraft to writing children's books and rock band experiences.

Transcript and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/9/20/julian-gough-minecraft-end-poem-evolution-of-the-universe-being-creative-podcast

We discuss his latest project 'The Egg and the Rock,' which investigates the universe's evolutionary complexity, paralleling biological evolution, and its implications on life, consciousness, and AI.

This conversation extends to a critical reflection on current scientific approaches, the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and writing in public and creative processes.

“…the universe does love us, and we are love, in a way. I think love is a kind of an interface with the universe. You can think of love as our interface with the universe. Love, if you are loving and loved, you're probably living correctly. The way in which you're aligned to the universe is good. It's a feedback mechanism."

Contents:

• The Creation and Impact of Minecraft's End Poem

• Julian's Rock Band Days

• Writing Children's Stories: Rabbit and Bear

• Julian's Writing Process

• The Goat Bubble: A Satirical Play

• Exploring the Universe's Evolution

• Building Complexity from Simplicity

• The Eternal Existence of Matter and Time

• The Fermi Paradox and Alien Life

• Darwinian Evolution of Universes

• The Role of Intelligent Life in the Universe

• Predicting the Early Universe

• Writing in Public and Creative Processes

• The Egg and the Rock: An Evolutionary Analogy

• Advice for Future Thinkers and Creatives

Ruth Chang is a prominent philosopher known for her work in decision theory, practical reason, and moral philosophy. She is currently a professor at the University of Oxford, holding the Chair of Jurisprudence. She is well known for her theory of "hard choices," where she argues that many choices are not determined by objective reasons but instead involve values that are incommensurable.

Transcript and links here: www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/8/2/ruth-chang-making-hard-choices-philosophy-agency-commitment-derek-parfit-podcast

The podcast discussion delves into the inadequacy of the traditional trichotomous framework—better, worse, or equal—in evaluating values and making decisions. Chang argues for recognizing 'hard choices' as situations where options are qualitatively different yet equally viable, introducing the concept of 'par'. This idea is applied to various scenarios, from career decisions to healthcare dilemmas, and even the design of AI systems. Chang highlights the importance of human agency in making commitments when faced with hard choices, offering a framework to help individuals become the authors of their own lives. Furthermore, Chang shares insights about her current projects aimed at rectifying fundamental misunderstandings about value in AI design, advocating for a more nuanced and human-aligned approach to machine learning. The episode also touches on the philosophical influences of Derek Parfit and explores concepts like effective altruism, transformative experiences, and the value of commitment in living a meaningful life.

• Understanding Hard Choices
• Applying Hard Choices to Careers
• Rational Agency and Commitment
• AI and Hard Choices
• Philosophical Influences and Effective Altruism
• Current Projects and Life Advice

"To become the author of your life, ascertain what matters, understand how alternatives relate to what matters, tally up pros and cons, and then open yourself up to the possibility of commitment. Realize yourself by making new reasons for your choice."