Jon Washburn: AI, Consciousness & the Theory of Reality

Jon Wubbushi is one of the most unconventional thinkers we've spoken to.After building companies, he became known for his AI-generated artworks before unexpectedly turning his attention to theoretical physics. Today he leads a research team working on what he believes is a new framework for understanding reality itself.In this conversation we discuss creativity, AI, quantum mechanics, consciousness, religion, death, morality, and why Jon believes the next decade could fundamentally change humanity.Whether you agree with his conclusions or not, it's a fascinating conversation about some of the biggest questions we can ask.Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:20 Why Jon keeps changing careers03:30 Becoming addicted to flow05:00 From entrepreneur to AI artist06:30 The trilogy of Jon's early AI artworks09:20 The question that led him into theoretical physics10:50 Quantum mechanics and the double slit experiment explained13:15 "We may have discovered how reality works"15:00 Information, consciousness and the foundations of reality18:10 Souls, consciousness and reincarnation22:20 Entering the world of science after becoming an artist26:40 Could this discovery change humanity?29:30 Spirituality, religion and why society feels more divided34:00 AI as a reflection of humanity35:40 Does the universe have an objective morality?38:15 What happens after death?41:40 Is God real?43:20 Are all religions describing the same thing?45:30 Why Jon stopped calling himself a Christian48:20 Aliens, consciousness and advanced civilizations50:15 Is Elon Musk human?51:15 Time travel, meditation and the Monroe Institute54:30 Are we living in a simulation?55:15 Jon's biggest lesson about life58:30 Why suffering gives life meaning1:00:30 The inspiration behind Jon's newest body of workEdit This EpisodeEpisode is Not LivePublish:Aug. 04, 2026 @ 5PMEditAdd a TranscriptAdd Chapter MarkersCreate a Visual SoundbiteMid-Roll PlacementsShare Link to EpisodeEpisode Share URLCopyView in websiteDirect Link to AudioCopyDownload MP3Embed Audio PlayerWhat's NewPlatform StatsRefer a FriendAbout