Best Andrew Lloyd Gordon Podcasts (2025)

1
338 | Ryan Patterson on the Physics of Neutrinos 1:26:21

Play Pause

13h ago1:26:21

1:26:21

The story goes that Wolfgang Pauli, who first proposed the existence of neutrinos, was embarrassed to have done so, as it was considered uncouth to hypothesize new particles that could not be detected. Modern physicists have no such scruples, of course, but more importantly neutrinos turn out to be very detectable, given sufficient resources and ex…

1
337 | Kevin Zollman on Game Theory, Signals, and Meaning 1:17:37

8d ago1:17:37

1:17:37

Game theory is a way of quantitatively describing what happens any time one thing interacts with another thing, when both things have goals and potential rewards. That's a pretty broad class of interesting events, so it is unsurprising that game theory is a useful way of thinking about everything from international relations to the evolution of pea…

1
336 | Anil Ananthaswamy on the Mathematics of Neural Nets and AI 1:14:11

15d ago1:14:11

1:14:11

Machine learning using neural networks has led to a remarkable leap forward in artificial intelligence, and the technological and social ramifications have been discussed at great length. To understand the origin and nature of this progress, it is useful to dig at least a little bit into the mathematical and algorithmic structures underlying these …

1
AMA | November 2025 3:34:18

22d ago3:34:18

3:34:18

Welcome to the November 2025 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the que…

1
335 | Andrew Jaffe on Models, Probability, and the Universe 1:17:38

29d ago1:17:38

1:17:38

Science has an incredibly impressive track record of uncovering nonintuitive ideas about the universe that turn out to be surprisingly accurate. It can be tempting to think of scientific discoveries as being carefully constructed atop a rock-solid foundation. In reality, scientific progress is tentative and fallible. Scientists propose models, assi…

1
334 | Daniel Whiteson on the Physics of and by Aliens 1:14:21

1M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

The universe as revealed by physics is objective: it's out there, existing and behaving in ways that are completely independent of human thought. But the process by which we learn about the universe, and the language with which we talk about it, is extremely human-dependent. Does that mean that aliens would do science differently, and even think di…

1
333 | Gordon Pennycook on Unthinkingness, Conspiracies, and What to Do About Them 1:10:20

1M ago1:10:20

1:10:20

Why are people wrong all the time, anyway? Is it because we human beings are too good at being irrational, using our biases and motivated reasoning to convince ourselves of something that isn't quite accurate? Or is it something different -- unmotivated reasoning, or "unthinkingness," an unwillingness to do the cognitive work that most of us are ac…

1
332 | Dmitri Tymoczko on the Mathematics Behind Music 1:21:11

2M ago1:21:11

1:21:11

Music is math that you can dance to. The fact that certain notes sound good when played together, or in succession, is related to the mathematical properties of the frequencies to which they correspond, an idea that goes back as far as Pythagoras himself. These days we have a much more intricate understanding of these relationships and how to manip…

1
AMA | October 2025 3:37:18

2M ago3:37:18

3:37:18

Welcome to the October 2025 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the ques…

1
331 | Solo: Fine-Tuning, God, and the Multiverse 1:54:45

2M ago1:54:45

1:54:45

Certain features of our universe seem unnatural to us. These include "constants of nature" such as the cosmological constant and the mass of the Higgs boson, as well as features of the initial conditions like the curvature of space and the initial entropy. But they can't truly be "unnatural" -- they are literally features of Nature itself. Some hav…

1
330 | Petter Törnberg on the Dynamics of (Mis)Information 1:12:01

2M ago1:12:01

1:12:01

A characteristic of complex systems is that individual components combine to exhibit large-scale emergent behavior even when the components were not specifically designed for any particular purpose within the collective. Sometimes those individual components are us -- people interacting within societies or online communities. Studying the dynamics …

1
329 | Steven Pinker on Rationality and Common Knowledge 1:16:32

3M ago1:16:32

1:16:32

Getting along in society requires that we mostly adhere to certainly shared norms and customs. Often it's not enough that we all know what the rules are, but also that everyone else knows the rules, and that they know that we know the rules, and so on. Philosophers and game theorists refer to this as common knowledge. In Steven Pinker's new book, W…

1
Work Unravelled: End of Season One Review 12:05

3M ago12:05

12:05

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we reflect on the wide range of topics covered in the first season. We discuss key issues like improving workplace meetings, job insecurity, productivity, and agility, with a focus on the most popular episode topic: work-life balance. We elaborate on the pressures brought about by AI, economic uncerta…

1
Forget Bonuses - Here’s What Actually Makes Employees Love Their Jobs! 20:14

3M ago20:14

20:14

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we delve into the topic of employee motivation, challenging the common perception that financial incentives are the primary driver. We Discuss: ✔️ The importance of intrinsic motivators such as recognition, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. ✔️ How factors like genuine recognition, autonomy, and…

1
328 | Mary Roach on Replacing Parts of Our Bodies 1:07:20

3M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Like any machine, bodies occasionally break down, and it's natural to go in search of a replacement part. Ancient societies featured simple prosthetics for teeth, noses, and limbs, while modern medicine pursues more advanced ways of replacing internal organs and microbiomes. But what is striking is not just the impressive ingenuity of our attempts …

1
Coaching Skills Every Manager Should Master 23:06

3M ago23:06

23:06

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we delve into the concept of 'Manager as Coach.' We discuss: ✔️ The pitfalls of traditional management styles that focus on micromanagement and providing direct answers ✔️ The GROW model—a framework for coaching conversations that helps employees develop problem-solving skills and autonomy. ✔️ The emo…

1
AMA | September 2025 3:30:04

3M ago3:30:04

3:30:04

Welcome to the September 2025 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the qu…

1
327 | Cass Sunstein on Liberalism 1:10:15

3M ago1:10:15

1:10:15

"Liberalism," divorced from its particular connotations in this or that modern political context, refers broadly to a philosophy of individual rights, liberties, and responsibilities, coupled with respect for institutions and rule of law over personalized power. As Cass Sunstein construes the term, liberalism encompasses a broad tent, from Ronald R…

1
Fix Workplace Meetings - Fast! 23:31

3M ago23:31

23:31

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we address the issue of unproductive meetings, which cost employees a significant amount of time each year. We discuss: ✔️ Why meetings often fail ✔️ Meeting fatigue ✔️The inefficiencies exacerbated by virtual meetings ✔️Key principles for improving meetings ✔️Creative meeting formats to keep meetings…

1
326 | Natalie Batalha on What We Know and Will Learn About Exoplanets 1:12:12

4M ago1:12:12

1:12:12

In a relatively short period of time, exoplanets (planets around stars other than our Sun) have gone from an intriguing conjecture to an active field of scientific study, with over 5,000 confirmed discoveries. The task now is to move beyond merely accumulating new examples, and embarking on systematic studies of their properties. What fraction of s…

1
AI in the Workplace, Friend or Foe? 28:58

4M ago28:58

28:58

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we discuss the profound changes AI is bringing to the workplace. We discuss: ✔️ Whether AI is a threat or an opportunity ✔️ The parallels between the advent of AI and the rise of the internet ✔️ How AI is being used, from chatbots like ChatGPT to advanced business applications. ✔️ The potential job di…

1
325 | Alvy Ray Smith on Pixar, Pixels, and the Great Digital Convergence 1:26:40

4M ago1:26:40

1:26:40

The world is becoming pixelated. As computers and other digital devices become ubiquitous, human knowledge and communication and information is gradually being converted into, and manipulated as, strings of bits. What does that really mean, and what are the ramifications going forward? Alvy Ray Smith is a computer scientist, co-founder of Pixar, an…

1
Navigating Job Insecurity & Redundancy Risk 27:18

4M ago27:18

27:18

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we tackle the highly relevant topics of job insecurity and redundancy. As the world of work constantly evolves, particularly with the rise of AI, more professionals find themselves anxious about their job stability. We discuss: ✔️ Practical advice, psychological insights, and agile strategies to help …

1
324 | Elizabeth Mynatt on Universities and the Importance of Basic Research 1:13:31

4M ago1:13:31

1:13:31

It is not manifestly obvious that universities should be where most scholarly research is performed. One could imagine systems that separated out the tasks of "teaching students" and "generating new knowledge." But it turns out that combining them yields spectacular synergies, both from letting students experience cutting-edge research and from kee…

1
Peak Performance: The Power of Strategic Work Breaks 29:48

4M ago29:48

29:48

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we examine the often-overlooked topic of taking breaks at work and how it impacts productivity, leadership, and overall well-being. We discuss: ✔️The science behind why breaks are essential ✔️Strategies for incorporating regular breaks into your workday ✔️The benefits of taking holidays. ✔️Practical t…

1
The New Rules of Workplace Etiquette 29:43

4M ago29:43

29:43

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we delve into modern workplace etiquette and the challenges of hybrid work environments. We discuss: ✔️ Common workplace annoyances like messy office kitchens and loud Zoom calls ✔️ The spike in office etiquette training post-pandemic. ✔️ The complexities of hybrid work setups, such as communication b…

1
AMA | August 2025 3:39:58

4M ago3:39:58

3:39:58

Welcome to the August 2025 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the quest…

1
323 | Jacob Barandes on Indivisible Stochastic Quantum Mechanics 2:58:21

4M ago2:58:21

2:58:21

The search for a foundational theory of quantum mechanics that all physicists can agree on remains active. Over the last century a number of contenders have emerged, including Many-Worlds, pilot-wave theories, and others, but all of them have aspects that many people object to. Jacob Barandes has taken up the challenge, proposing a new formulation …

1
Boosting Productivity with an Effective Morning Routine 27:23

4M ago27:23

27:23

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we explore the importance of establishing an effective morning routine to enhance work-life balance and productivity. We discuss: ✔️ Dismantling the myth of the '5:00 AM club' and advocating for personalised routines that suit individual needs. ✔️ The significance of taking time at the start of the da…

1
322 | Philip Pettit on Language, Agency, Politics, and Freedom 1:20:47

5M ago1:20:47

1:20:47

When we think of the capacities that distinguish humans from other species, we generally turn to intelligence and its byproducts, including our technological prowess. But our intelligence is highly connected to our ability to use language, which is in turn closely related to our capacities as social creatures. Philosopher Philip Pettit would encour…

1
The Big Reset: How and Why Work Has Changed 25:15

5M ago25:15

25:15

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we discuss the significant changes in the world of work, focusing on technology, hybrid working, and shifts in organisational culture. We discuss: ✔️ How COVID-19, the Great Resignation, and the advent of AI have transformed workplace dynamics and the challenges these changes pose. ✔️The need for reev…

1
The Art of Saying "No" - Assertive Communication 32:39

5M ago32:39

32:39

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we delve into the critical skill of saying "no" in the workplace. We discuss: ✔️ The challenges and importance of being assertive ✔️ The consequences of being a 'yes person.' ✔️ The DESC script method helps listeners say "no" respectfully and effectively. ✔️ The role of leaders in protecting their tea…

1
321 | David Tong on Open Questions in Quantum Field Theory 1:19:25

5M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

Quantum field theory is the basis for our most successful theories of fundamental physics. And yet, there are things we don't understand about it. Some of these puzzles are relatively well-known, while others are less celebrated. David Tong joins us to talk about some of the more interesting and perplexing aspects of quantum field theory. He also d…

1
AMA | July 2025 4:03:26

5M ago4:03:26

4:03:26

Welcome to the July 2025 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the questio…

1
Navigating Uncertainty: Leadership in a Turbulent World 32:54

5M ago32:54

32:54

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we explore the challenges of managing and leading in an ever-changing and chaotic environment. We discuss: ✔️ The inevitability of uncertainty and change in today's world ✔️ How to navigate through uncertainty with resilience ✔️ The importance of contingency planning and pre-mortems ✔️ Fostering a cul…

1
320 | Solo: Complexity and the Universe 2:14:44

5M ago2:14:44

2:14:44

Our universe started out looking very simple: hot, dense, smooth, rapidly expanding. According to our best current model, it will end up looking simple once again: cold, dark, empty. It's in between -- now, roughly speaking -- that things look complex. I have been working to understand the stages by which complexity comes into existence, thrives, a…

1
Innovation in the Workplace: Sparking Ideas that Stick 32:15

5M ago32:15

32:15

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we discuss the vital topic of embedding innovation into everyday business practices and organisational culture. We dissect the differences between creativity and systematic innovation, and emphasise the importance of leadership in fostering a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels empow…

1
319 | Bryan Van Norden on Philosophy From the Rest of the World 1:12:39

6M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

It is common to refer to philosophy as "a series of footnotes to Plato." But in the original quote, Alfred North Whitehead was more careful: he limited his characterization to "the European philosophical tradition." There are other traditions, both ancient and ongoing: Chinese philosophy, Indian philosophy, Africana philosophy, and various indigeno…

1
Agility at Work: Mastering Change and Growth 30:31

6M ago30:31

30:31

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, we explore the concept of workplace efficiency through the lens of an agile mindset. We discuss how agility, with its focus on flexibility, rapid feedback, and continuous improvement, can alleviate stress and boost productivity. We discuss: ✔️Agile's origins in software development and how its princip…

1
318 | Edward Miguel on the Developing Practice of Development Economics 1:20:39

6M ago1:20:39

1:20:39

Economics is seeing an upsurge in the importance of controlled, reproducible empirical studies. One area where this has had a great impact is on development economics, which studies the economies of low- and middle-income societies. Edward Miguel has been at the forefront of both the revolution in empirical methods, and in applying those techniques…

1
Emotional Intelligence - Your Workplace Superpower! 23:46

6M ago23:46

23:46

Understanding and Developing Emotional Intelligence for Personal and Professional Success In this episode of Work Unravelled, we explore the concept of emotional intelligence (EI), its importance in the workplace, and practical strategies for developing it. We discuss: ✔️Daniel Goleman's five components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, se…

1
317 | Nicole Rust on Why Neuroscience Hasn't Solved Brain Disorders 1:14:50

6M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

The human brain is extremely complicated, but decades of careful neuroscientific research have revealed quite a bit about how it works, including how certain genes affect particular brain behaviors. Nevertheless, this progress has not led to quite as much improvement in the treatment of brain disorders as we might expect. I talk with neuroscientist…

1
Work Life Balance - Get your time back! 27:23

6M ago27:23

27:23

In this episode of Work Unravelled, hosts Andrew and Scott discuss the challenges of hustle culture and its detrimental effects on work-life balance. They present alarming statistics on stress and burnout among UK employees and explore the psychological concept of locus of control. The discussion includes: ✔️ The blurring of work-home boundaries ✔️…

1
AMA | June 2025 3:23:07

6M ago3:23:07

3:23:07

Welcome to the June 2025 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the questio…

1
Career Crossroads: Stay or Go? 26:46

6M ago26:46

26:46

In this episode of the Work Unravelled podcast, hosts Andrew and Scott delve into the complexities of career satisfaction and the challenges of change. They offer practical advice on determining whether it's the right time to switch jobs or stay in your current position. The discussion includes: ✔️ Personal experiences ✔️ The importance of growth a…

1
316 | Niayesh Afshordi and Phil Halper 1:28:50

7M ago1:28:50

1:28:50

Einstein's general theory of relativity, plus some reasonable assumptions about the universe and what it's made of, has a remarkable implication: that as we trace cosmic evolution into the far past, we ultimately hit a singularity of infinite density and curvature, the Big Bang. Did that really happen? Einstein's theory is classical, after all, and…

1
Expert Strategies for Difficult Conversations at Work 29:51

7M ago29:51

29:51

Master every tough chat in the office Are you anxious about giving feedback, managing underperformance or resolving conflict? In this episode of Work Unravelled, hosts Andrew and Scott share five expert strategies that will help you prepare, communicate and follow up so you can: ✔ Build a culture of open dialogue ✔ Prevent minor issues from becomin…

1
315 | Branden Fitelson on the Logic and Use of Probability 1:28:55

7M ago1:28:55

1:28:55

Every time you see an apple spontaneously break away from a tree, it falls downward. You therefore claim that there is a law of physics: apples fall downward from trees. But how can you really know? After all, tomorrow you might see an apple that falls upward. How is science possible at all? Philosophers, as you might expect, have thought hard abou…

1
Workplace Burnout - It's not always inevitable 23:05

7M ago23:05

23:05

In this episode, we discuss the critical relationship between an individual's work attitude and the organisation's culture. We highlight how a lack of synergy between personal and organisational values can lead to burnout. Key points include the effects of burnout on both individuals, such as cynicism, detachment, and health issues, and on the orga…

1
314 | Karen Lloyd on the Deep Underground Biosphere 1:09:18

7M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

There are living creatures dwelling deep below the surface of the Earth, as deep as we are able to drill. These hearty microorganisms are related to more familiar life forms on land and under water, but the operate and survive in ways that are quite different from what we're familiar with. They live off of nutrients that have penetrated from the su…