PODCAST · society
The Armen Show
by Armen Shirvanian
Science + Technology Podcast for the Lifelong Learner
Episodes
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469: AI, Journals, Research, and Better Systems
In episode 469, Armen Shirvanian explores using AI to analyze years of journals, organize research, improve personal systems, and understand patterns in how we remember the past.
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468: Sukun Chopra | Finding Your Way Again: Purpose, Connection, and Life After Momentum
Sukun Chopra returns to The Armen Show for a conversation about identity, purpose, connection, and rebuilding momentum after major life transitions. Since her first appearance on the show, Sukun has gotten married, moved from Delhi to London, stepped away from her podcast Epic Beings, and...
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467: Danny Bate | Why the Alphabet Endures: A Deep Dive into Language and Culture
Why did the alphabet become one of humanity’s most successful technologies? In this episode, Armen speaks with linguist and author Danny Bate about the hidden history of letters, writing systems, speech, and the strange relationship between language and civilization itself. The conversation…
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466: Jacob Mchangama | The Free Speech Recession: A Global Decline in Expression
In this episode, Armen speaks with legal scholar and free speech advocate Jacob Mchangama about the shifting global landscape of expression. Drawing on his new book The Future of Free Speech, Mchangama outlines a central claim: we are in the middle of a “free speech recession,” where both...
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465: Michael Gurven | The Seven-Decade Human Lifespan
A conversation with Professor Michael Gurven of UC Santa Barbara on the evolutionary structure of human lifespan and the misconceptions surrounding aging. The central claim of Gurven’s work is that humans were not “designed” for short lives that modern medicine has recently extended. Rather, the...
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464: Carey Gillam | How Industry Manipulates Science and Regulation
In this returning conversation, investigative journalist Carey Gillam examines how scientific evidence, corporate incentives, and regulatory systems interact in the modern agrochemical landscape. Drawing on more than three decades of reporting, she traces the evolution of glyphosate from a widely...
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463: Bronwyn Williams | Surviving the AI Apocalypse: A Solutionist’s Guide
Bronwyn Williams discusses the concept of the ‘AI apocalypse’ and the broader technological and geopolitical shifts impacting society. The conversation explores how globalization, automation, and the concentration of wealth influence individual value, job security, and societal structures…
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462: Caleb Scharf | The Biological Imperative of Space Exploration In “The Giant Leap”
In this episode, Dr. Caleb Scharf returns to the show, where we discuss his book The Giant Leap: Why Space Is the Next Frontier in the Evolution of Life, exploring the intersection of biology, technology, and space exploration. He argues that space travel is not merely a technological endeavor…
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461: Rebecca Newberger Goldstein | Exploring the Nature of Mattering In “The Mattering Instinct”
In this conversation, Armen Shirvanian and Dr. Rebecca Newberger Goldstein explore the concept of ‘mattering’, the intrinsic human desire to feel significant and valued, from her book The Mattering Instinct. They discuss the challenges of self-identity in a commodified world, the importance of...
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460: Where Trust Goes When Institutions Fail
In this episode, Armen Shirvanian explores the shifting landscape of trust as institutions face increasing scrutiny and failure. He discusses how trust is transitioning from traditional institutions to individuals and networks, emphasizing the importance of personal integrity, competence, and the...
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459: What 2025 Clarified (Not What It Added)
This isn’t a recap of episodes or a list of guests. It’s a look at what became clearer over the course of 2025. Across conversations on The Armen Show this year – covering AI, psychology, culture, biology, health, systems, and creativity – the same underlying patterns kept appearing. This episode...
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458: Creating in the Age of AI: Tools, Possibilities, and Expression
In this solo episode, I dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven content creation and the new possibilities it opens for creators. From image generation to quote cards, infographics, whiteboard breakdowns, and visual storytelling, the tools now available let anyone bring ideas to life in...
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457: Robin Hanson | Futarchy, Cultural Drift, and the Future of Adaptiveness
In this episode of The Armen Show, host Armen Shirvanian is joined by economist and author Dr. Robin Hanson for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on open discourse, prediction markets, futarchy, and the evolution of culture. They begin by examining the value of figuring things out together –…
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456: Kaleda Denton | Following the Majority – How Conformity Shapes Culture and AI
In this episode of the Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian interviews Dr. Kaleda Denton, a post-doctoral fellow at the Santa Fe Institute. They discuss the interdisciplinary nature of the Institute, the concept of niche construction in biology, and the dynamics of decision-making, particularly the...
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455: Brennan Spiegel | Gravity and Health: A Deep Dive In “Pull”
In this episode of The Armen Show Podcast, host Armen Shirvanian welcomes back Dr. Brennan Spiegel to discuss his new book, ‘Pull,’ which explores the profound impact of gravity on our health and well-being. The conversation delves into the intersection of gravity, consciousness, and health,...
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454: Nayan Patel | Unlocking the Secrets of Glutathione
In this episode, Dr. Nayan Patel discusses his journey from pharmacy to exploring the depths of health and wellness through glutathione. He emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine, the impact of aging on health, and the role of lifestyle choices in maintaining optimal health. The...
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453: Melissa Ilardo | Diving Into Human Potential Through Genetics, Communication, And Life Below The Surface
In this episode, Dr. Melissa A. Ilardo discusses her research on breath-hold diving populations and the genetic adaptations that allow them to thrive in extreme conditions. She emphasizes the importance of language in conducting research, the role of community engagement, and the potential...
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452: Bits On Writing A Book In 2025
In this episode of The Armen Show, host Armen Shirvanian discusses the evolving landscape of book writing in 2025. He emphasizes the abundance of resources and tools available to aspiring authors, including AI-assisted writing and editing, and the rise of self-publishing. Armen explores the...
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451: The Human Touch in AI Co-Creation
In this episode, Armen Shirvanian explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity, discussing how to co-create with AI while maintaining the human touch. He delves into copyright issues surrounding AI-generated content, the implications of the EU AI Act, and the dual nature of...
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450: The Status Layer Of Modern Life
In this episode of The Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian explores the complex dynamics of status in modern life, focusing on the distinction between earned and perceived status. He discusses how social media influences our understanding of status, the costs associated with maintaining an image, and…
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449: Harnessing AI For Personal Productivity
In this episode, Armen Shirvanian explores the practical applications of artificial intelligence in daily life, discussing how AI can enhance productivity, organization, and decision-making. He shares personal experiences and insights on using AI for tasks such as organizing files, automating...
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448: Harnessing AI For Personal Growth
In this episode of the Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian discusses the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for society. He explores the dual perspectives on AI, highlighting both the concerns and the opportunities it presents Armen shares practical applications of AI…
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447: Jennifer Jacquet & Becca Franks | The Future of Fish: Sustainability and Welfare
In this episode, Armen Shirvanian hosts Professors Jennifer Jacquet and Becca Franks to discuss the critical issues surrounding aquaculture, sustainability, and fish welfare. They explore the rapid expansion of aquaculture, its environmental impacts, and the need for a more nuanced understanding…
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446: Derek Sivers | Critical Thinking In Everyday Life And “Useful Not True”
In this episode of the Armen Show Podcast, host Armen Shirvanian welcomes Derek Sivers, a renowned author and entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of principles, the art of writing, and the significance of clarity in communication. Derek shares insights on how to prioritize opportunities…
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445: Various Examples And Uses Of AI
In this episode of the Armen Show, host Armen Shirvanian explores the various ways artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can enhance everyday life. He discusses practical applications for creators, problem-solving, data visualization, and personal planning, emphasizing…
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444: Sophie Scott-Brown | The Sociable Spirit Of Anarchy
In this conversation, Armen Shirvanian and Dr. Sophie Scott-Brown explore the concept of anarchy, its misconceptions, and its relevance in contemporary society. They discuss the difference between anarchy and chaos, the nature of human behavior in relation to law and order, and the importance of...
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443: Sandra Matz | The Intersection of Psychology and Data In “Mindmasters”
In this episode of The Armen Show Podcast, Dr. Sandra Matz discusses her book ‘Mind Masters’ and the intersection of psychology and data. She explores how algorithms can predict personality traits, the importance of storytelling in psychology, and the implications of data privacy. Dr. Matz...
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442: Helen Chandler-Wilde | Rebuilding Identity After Loss In “Lost & Found”
In this episode of The Armen Show Podcast, host Armen Shirvanian speaks with author Helen Chandler-Wilde about her book ‘Lost and Found,’ which explores the profound impact of losing possessions and the emotional journey that follows. Helen shares her personal experience of losing everything in a...
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441: Brian Jabarian | Exploring the Intersection of Economics and AI
In this episode of The Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian interviews Dr. Brian Jabarian, a fellow at Chicago Booth, who discusses his interdisciplinary research in economics, particularly focusing on the societal impacts of emerging technologies like AI. The conversation explores the connections…
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440: Reflecting On A Year Of Insight – 2024 In Review
In this episode, Armen Shirvanian reflects on the highlights of The Armen Show podcast throughout the year of 2024, discussing various themes such as travel, personal growth, beliefs, and the importance of critical thinking. He revisits conversations with guests on topics ranging from art and...
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439: Azra Raza | The Importance of Early Detection in Cancer Treatment
In this conversation, Dr. Azra Raza discusses the urgent need for revolutionizing cancer detection methods, emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving treatment outcomes. She highlights the challenges faced in cancer research, including the financial burdens on patients and the…
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438: Vince Beiser | The Geopolitics of Metal Resources In “Power Metal”
In this episode, Armen Shirvanian interviews Vince Beiser, author of ‘Power Metal’, discussing the critical role of metals in the energy transition and the environmental and geopolitical implications of resource extraction. The conversation explores the increasing demand for metals like copper…
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437: Aziz Rana | The Evolution of Constitutional Thought In “The Constitutional Bind”
In this episode of The Armen Show, host Armen Shirvanian engages with Professor Aziz Rana, author of The Constitutional Bind. They discuss Rana’s academic journey, the importance of writing in shaping thoughts, and the evolution of his book over time. The conversation delves into the historical...
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436: Robert Talisse | The Key To Democratic Engagement In “Civic Solitude”
In this episode, Armen Shirvanian engages with Professor Robert Talisse, author of Civic Solitude: Why Democracy Needs Distance. They explore the importance of reflective thinking in democracy, the role of passion in political discourse, and the dangers of social media in shaping political...
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435: Kat Fairaway | Film, Creative Collaboration, Roles, And Finding Meaning Through Art
In this episode of the Armen Show podcast, host Armen Shirvanian welcomes filmmaker and actress Kat Fairaway back for her third time on the program. They discuss the evolution of acting and filmmaking, personal stories of creative fulfillment, and the importance of collaboration in the industry....
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434: Michael Orkin | The Science of Luck and Skill In “The Story of Chance”
In this episode of the Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian Dr. Michael Orkin, author of “The Story of Chance”, an expert in statistics and probability, discussing the nuances of luck versus skill in games, the importance of long-term probability, and the implications of statistics in various fields such...
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433: Sophie Scott-Brown | Everyday Anarchy, Non-conformism, Hierarchies, And More
In this episode of The Armen Show, Professor Sophie Scott-Brown discusses her journey into anarchism, exploring its relevance in contemporary society. She emphasizes the importance of questioning authority, the role of individual agency, and the need for curiosity in human interactions. The...
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432: Emeran Mayer & Amanda Doubleday | Exploring The Mind-Gut-Immune Connection
How important is the link between the mind, gut, and our immunity? How does food impact the connection that these parts have? In this episode, endocrine and general surgeon Dr. Amanda Doubleday joins myself, host Armen Shirvanian, to discuss topics in relation to The Mind-Gut-Immune Connection:...
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431: Gwendolyn Dolske | The Joy Of Delving Into The Details
In this episode, Armen interviews Philosophy Professor Gwendolyn Dolske of Cal Poly Pomona, co-host of The Good Is In The Details podcast with Rudy Salo. They discuss the importance of delving into the details and nuances of life, the joy of philosophical conversations, and the pursuit of…
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430: Bronwyn Williams | Saving South Africa From Itself In “Rescuing Our Republic”
Returning guest Bronwyn Williams joins host Armen Shirvanian to discuss her book ‘Rescuing Our Republic’ and the specific challenges faced by South Africa. She explains the collaborative effort behind the book and how it addresses relevant issues in politics, economics, and society. One of the…
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429: Camilla Nord | Exploring Neuroscience And Mental Health In “The Balanced Brain”
In this episode with host Armen Shirvanian, the show is joined by Professor Camilla Nord, who leads the Mental Health Neuroscience Lab at the University of Cambridge, and is the author of “The Balanced Brain”, published by Princeton University Press. They discuss various topics related to mental...
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428: Amorina Kingdon | The World Of Underwater Sound In “Sing Like Fish”
Amorina Kingdon, author of “Sing Like Fish”, joins us to discuss the impact of sound on underwater life, the differences in sound transmission in air and water, and the effects of man-made noise on marine organisms. She also explores the unique communication methods of dolphins and the challenges...
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427: Kyla Scanlon | Finances And Global Markets “In This Economy?”
In this conversation, Kyla Scanlon, author of the book “In This Economy?”, is joined by host Armen Shirvanian, and discusses the direction of society, the importance of understanding the economy, the impact of different generations on change, the role of AI, wealth inequality, financial...
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426: Scott H. Young | 12 Maxims For Mastery in “Get Better at Anything”
Returning guest Scott H. Young is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. In this episode, Scott discusses his new book, “Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery”, which focuses on the process of learning and getting better at various...
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425: Indre Viskontas | The Bridge Between Neuroscience And Art
In this conversation, I speak with Indre Viskontas, a professor of psychology and a bridge between the worlds of art and neuroscience. We discuss the importance of creativity, the role of improvisation in opera, the impact of generative AI on creativity, and the connection between music and...
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424: Democratizing Good Health: The Vision of Thumos Care | Shan Rizvi & Dr. Maryam Baqir
Shan Rizvi and Dr. Maryam Baqir discuss their new venture, Thumos Care, an AI-powered health optimization platform. They aim to bridge the gap between the healthcare industry and the wellness industry by providing individuals with a clear understanding of their current health status and future...
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423: 8 Takeaways From Completion Of The 2024 LA Marathon
On this episode of the show, I go over 8 takeaways from my completion of the 2024 LA Marathon. It was a wonderful race across the various cities of the Los Angeles area, and involved a lot of people in the race and a lot of people watching the race. All the festivity was great […]
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422: Bianca Bosker | The Art World And Visual Literacy In “Get The Picture”
In this episode, author Bianca Bosker discusses her book ‘Get the Picture’ and her journey into the art world. She shares her frustration with art and her rediscovery of its importance in her life. Bosker explores the evolution and universality of art, highlighting its essential role in human...
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421: Cailin O’Connor | Philosophy of Science, Biology, Game Theory, And More
Professor Cailin O’Connor is philosopher of biology and behavioral sciences, philosopher of science, and evolutionary game theorist. She is a Professor in the Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science, and recently finished co-administering the NSF grant “Consensus, Democracy, and the Public...
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420: Bo Winegard | Psychology, Social Status, Human Variation, And More
Bo Winegard obtained a PhD in social psychology from Florida State University, under the tutelage of Roy Baumeister. He was a professor at a small college in the midwest. Now, he am an independent scholar. He is interested in human evolution, human variation, the rise of political order, and...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Armen Show have?
The Armen Show currently has 464 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Armen Show about?
Science + Technology Podcast for the Lifelong Learner
How often does The Armen Show release new episodes?
The Armen Show publishes regularly with 464 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Armen Show?
You can listen to The Armen Show on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Armen Show?
The Armen Show is created and hosted by Armen Shirvanian.
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