Best Sean McClure Podcasts (2025)

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The Signal and the Symbol: Understanding the Government Shutdown 29:30

Play Pause

3d ago29:30

29:30

In this episode I discuss how the current government shutdown reveals a deeper systemic pattern—where real information flow (“the signal”) is replaced by performative politics (“the symbol”). I explore how this breakdown in channels leads to dysfunction not just in government, but across science, technology, and society, showing that when systems p…

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When Math Starts Creating Nature 41:26

5d ago41:26

41:26

In this video I discuss how three seemingly unrelated studies—from quantum time crystals to galactic vortices to heart rhythms—reveal the same underlying pattern of emergence, where mathematics itself generates new structures through feedback and interaction. Suggested Reading: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2503.16141 https://arxiv.org/pdf/2501.02297 https…

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LC Postgame Show: USC 46:29

7d ago46:29

46:29

Send us a text Mike, Sean and Bruce give their thoughts on the game. They also give their take on the coaching carousel. Support the show

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Lions and Scavengers by Ben Shapiro 1:01:23

10d ago1:01:23

1:01:23

In this episode I discuss Ben Shapiro’s Lions and Scavengers, exploring how morality, free markets, and ideology intertwine. I break down false consciousness, the moral roots of capitalism, and how losing moral anchors like family and faith leads to social decay. I argue that both left and right rely on narrow definitions of merit and morality—and …

1
Matchup Preview: USC 29:50

11d ago29:50

29:50

Send us a text Mike and Bruce talk about this upcoming matchup with the University of Spoiled Children. Support the show

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LC Post Game Show: NC St 38:04

14d ago38:04

38:04

Send us a text Mike, Sean and Bruce are back with their take on Saturday's game. Support the show

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Chip War by Chris Miller 50:46

15d ago50:46

50:46

In this episode, I discuss Chris Miller’s book Chip War, and use it to argue that the real lesson of the semiconductor race isn’t just about who controls the technology, but who possesses the tacit knowledge—the deeply embedded, experience-based know-how—that makes technology work, and why that makes global dependency far harder to escape than it s…

1
Matchup Preview Show: Boise State 17:00

25d ago17:00

17:00

Send us a text Support the showBy Mike, Sean and Bruce

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Unrigging Knowledge: Can Grokipedia Outsmart Wikipedia’s Bias? 30:04

25d ago30:04

30:04

In this episode I discuss how Wikipedia evolved from an open collective experiment into a curated institution accused of bias, why these biases emerge naturally in complex systems, the importance of collective intelligence for uncovering truth, Larry Sanger’s nine theses for reform, and the universal role of dynamism in sustaining objectivity acros…

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Cool the World, Wreck the System: The Illusion of Control 30:33

26d ago30:33

30:33

In this episode I discuss geoengineering, focusing on the UK’s proposed aerosol project to reflect sunlight and reduce global temperatures. I explain the greenhouse effect and why gases like CO₂ and methane trap heat, before turning to the deeper issue of naive intervention—our tendency to assume linear, one-to-one outcomes in inherently complex sy…

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Learn by Exposure: Immersing Yourself into Real Environments 26:51

27d ago26:51

26:51

In this episode I discuss the difference between learning rules and recognizing patterns, arguing that genuine understanding comes from immersing yourself in real environments rather than relying on isolated fundamentals. Through examples like chess, programming, language acquisition, and piano, I emphasize that patterns are felt and latent, not de…

1
LC Post Game Show: Arkansas 35:23

28d ago35:23

35:23

Send us a text Support the showBy Mike McClure, Sean Buck and Bruce Ruff

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Regulating the Complex: AI in Government 31:22

1M ago31:22

31:22

In this episode I discuss how governments are adopting AI, the tradeoff between predictability and creativity, and how debate-inspired meta structures could guide AI toward more reliable truth. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each e…

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Seeking Wisdom by Peter Bevelin 28:37

1M ago28:37

28:37

In this episode, I recall Seeking Wisdom by Peter Bevelin. But, rather than my usual chapter-by-chapter recall, I give my opinion on the book in general, referencing parts of the book throughout. Please let me know which approach you prefer. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Min…

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Fast Math Doesn’t Equal Deep Intelligence 25:33

1M ago25:33

25:33

In this episode I discuss how math’s usefulness often comes from our gamified world rather than nature’s complexity, and why real learning depends on memory and abstraction. True progress, I argue, comes from raising levels of abstraction and operating at higher layers of thought rather than focusing on low-level tricks. Support the show Become a p…

1
The Abuse of Vagueness: Why Not Everything Can Be Hate Speech 23:43

1M ago23:43

23:43

In this episode I discuss how the vague and expanding use of the term “hate speech” undermines freedom of expression, why precise definitions and falsifiability are essential for meaningful dialogue, and how constraints—rather than limiting us—are what actually create the space for freedom. Become a Member (More Quality Content + Learning Tools) re…

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Spend Before You’re Rich 34:15

1M ago34:15

34:15

In this episode I discuss the idea that attitude must come before action and results, and that true growth requires courage. I explore how mindset shapes behavior, why resilience emerges from maintaining the right outlook, and how stepping into uncertainty allows new patterns to form. By embracing risk and venturing into the unknown, we create the …

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The 2 Kinds of Speech: When it Makes Sense to Cancel 21:31

1M ago21:31

21:31

In this episode I discuss the crucial distinction between two kinds of speech: the normal level, where people share and debate specific opinions, and the meta level, which reflects on and safeguards the very process of speech itself. I explore how this difference shows up in politics and science, why criticism should be welcomed rather than mistake…

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Finding Peace in the How, Not the What 26:07

1M ago26:07

26:07

The episode is about how true peace of mind comes from discovering and practicing a personal process—the “how”—that aligns with who you are, rather than chasing external categories or “what” you do. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of e…

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The Two Faces of Resilience 30:28

2M ago30:28

30:28

In this episode I discuss two complementary forms of resilience: the delocalization that allows systems to spread out and resist noise, and the pattern formation that provides stability and meaning. Using random matrix theory as a lens, I show how both forms must work together across physics, biology, AI, and even daily life. Suggest Reading https:…

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Essence Generates Abundance 24:17

2M ago24:17

24:17

In this episode I discuss the importance of capturing the essence of things—the single core idea or statement that strips away noise and redundancy while anchoring creativity, learning, and performance. I explain how identifying this essence makes thought and action more efficient, portable across domains, and naturally generative, whether in writi…

1
LC Post Game Show: Miami 26:37

2M ago26:37

26:37

Send us a text Mike, Sean and Bruce discuss Sunday's matchup with Miami. Support the show

1
Matchup Preview Show: Miami 47:27

2M ago47:27

47:27

Send us a text Mike and Sean discuss this matchup with miami down at Hard rock stadium this Sunday. Support the showBy Mike and Sean

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Relentlessness is the Mother of all Skills 20:01

2M ago20:01

20:01

In this episode, I discuss why relentlessness is the mother of all skills, enabling us to push forward despite frustration and setbacks. I explore how techniques and mindsets serve as anchors but ultimately subsume into the higher-level purpose of relentlessness. Through examples from nature, engineering, and AI, I show how consistency of effort am…

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Hope by Pope Francis 36:29

2M ago36:29

36:29

In this episode, I recall Pope Francis’ autobiography Hope. Some of the themes are his belief that hope is not passive but an action—something lived through encounter, and his reflections on family, gratitude, peace, and his progressive vision for the Church. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the …

1
Dark Electrons: Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud 23:24

2M ago23:24

23:24

In this episode, I talk about the phenomenon of dark electrons in exotic materials, how they emerge from hidden states of matter, and why they may play a central role in superconductivity. I also explore the broader idea that much of nature operates in ways that remain hidden from our usual scientific tools. Suggested Reading: https://arxiv.org/pdf…

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Cantor, Gödel, Turing, AI: The Reachability of Truth 36:43

3M ago36:43

36:43

Suggested Reading https://arxiv.org/pdf/2411.11568 https://tinyurl.com/y2wdred5 Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode summary notes, episode transcripts, q&a/ama sessions, episode search, watch histo…

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Escape From Shadow Physics by Adam Forrest Kay 37:32

3M ago37:32

37:32

In this episode I recall Adam Forrest Kay's book Escape From Shadow Physics. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode summary notes, episode transcripts, q&a/ama sessions, episode search, watch history,…

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Chase Patterns, Not Your Reasons for Them 26:07

3M ago26:07

26:07

The extremely effective skill of recognizing and following the patterns that move us. And the detrimental, interfering behavior of attempting to explain those patterns. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, …

1
Scale by Geoffrey West 1:25:50

3M ago1:25:50

1:25:50

In this episode I recall Geoffrey West's book Scale. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode summary notes, episode transcripts, q&a/ama sessions, episode search, watch history, watch progress and supp…

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Maybe Gravity Isn't Fundamental, but Emergent 33:00

3M ago33:00

33:00

Suggested Reading https://arxiv.org/pdf/2502.17575 Become a Member science-in-perspective.com *My specific discussion of entropy as a mechanistic explanation for emergence is founded on my own theories. Similarly, gravity as a statistical byproduct. But all other talking points are standard accepted concepts and theories in theoretical and experime…

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Stop Prioritizing 29:58

3M ago29:58

29:58

In this episode I argue that we should choose to work on the first thing that comes to mind, rather than prioritize. While such behavior will cut into the time you would have spent on some other more prioritized task, it will be absolutely worth it. Choosing the non-prioritized action means much more movement, increasing the transition dynamics ins…

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Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari 1:09:40

4M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

In this episode I recall Yuval Noah Harari's book Nexus. *apologies for the audio quality in this episode Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433797/support Become a Member: thebookrecall.com Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries o…

1
Flow and Form: Creating Supersolids with Light 30:34

5M ago30:34

30:34

In this episode I discuss the science behind a recent paper on the creation of supersolids - a new form of matter that has both fluidic and structural properties. Suggested Reading https://tinyurl.com/2e2ym4u8 Become a Member science-in-perspective.com Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniq…

1
Doing It All in a Day: Nature’s Way 26:11

5M ago26:11

26:11

In this episode I discuss how doing everything in a day is almost always an impossibility, but is in fact possible if you learn to categorize your work in a fashion akin to how nature operates. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each e…

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Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen 59:38

5M ago59:38

59:38

In this episode I recall Annie Jacobsen's book Nuclear War. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode summary notes, episode transcripts, q&a/ama sessions, episode search, watch history, watch progress a…

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Balance is the Decision 36:08

5M ago36:08

36:08

In this episode I discuss how making decisions in an uncertain world is best handled, not through explicit weighing of choices, but by focusing on high level targets (like balance) that cut through the noise. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summ…

1
Reading as Mental Training, and More 44:10

5M ago44:10

44:10

In this episode I discuss how reading should be done for more than just entertainment and knowledge. Reading should be done every day to train the mind in extended concentration, maintaining a single thread of thought, and holding your attention deliberately. I discuss what I think it means to read well, and show how this skill goes well beyond jus…

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Build Your Life, Literally 17:46

7M ago17:46

17:46

In this episode I discuss the importance of creating a physical snapshot of your life, to add meaning and direction to your efforts. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode summary notes, episode trans…

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The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga 1:09:49

9M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

In this episode I recall and comment on Ichiro Kishimi's and Fumitake Koga's book The Courage to Be Disliked. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode summary notes, episode transcripts, q&a/ama session…

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Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned: The Myth of the Objective 58:09

10M ago58:09

58:09

In this episode I recall and comment on Kenneth O. Stanley's and Joel Lehman's book Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned: The Myth of the Objective. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode summary notes, ep…

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Let the Environment Build You 31:19

10M ago31:19

31:19

In this episode I discuss the idea that our environment should make the "decisions" for us, when it comes to crafting our lives and the things in it. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode summary not…

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Conspiracy by Michael Shermer 46:59

11M ago46:59

46:59

In this episode I recall and comment on Michael Shermer's book Conspiracy. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode summary notes, episode transcripts, q&a/ama sessions, episode search, watch history, w…

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Throw it In and See what Sticks: The New Engineering 33:12

11M ago33:12

33:12

In this episode I discuss the new direction engineering is headed, and why it sounds to many as unsophisticated. It's a "throw everything in a pot to see what happens" outlook on how to build things, which I argue is in fact a far more sophisticated approach than best-laid plans. Something we should learn to embrace in our creativity and life in ge…

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When the Ink Fades; Why (and How) We are Now the Media 42:11

11M ago42:11

42:11

In this episode I argue that platforms like X are in fact a better source of truth than mainstream news outlets, despite their errors and lack of expertise. I lay out the underlying mechanism behind how truth persists in large collectives, and show how natural dynamics in large complex systems effectively materialize truth. Support the show Become …

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Scale-Free Truth: Keeping AI Correct, Regardless its Power 45:45

11M ago45:45

45:45

How can we keep AI truthful, even if it knows more than we do? In this episode I discuss how AI might be kept aligned to human truth and values, despite superseding us in scale and capability. I argue that logic is a scale-free framework that is agnostic to size and complexity, and can serve as a self-regulating form of truth discernment, even for …

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AI, Creativity, and the Benefit of Being Chased by the Machine 40:47

11M ago40:47

40:47

In this episode I talk about a recent comment made by Ben Affleck, suggesting that AI does not currently create. I challenge this, outlining how AI follows the same overall approach to creativity as humans. Further, I argue that our creativity should be challenged by AI, as this ensures we challenge ourselves to be as humanly creative as possible. …

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Dynamics are Truer than Facts: How to "Win" Debates 56:54

12M ago56:54

56:54

In this episode I discuss what I believe is missing from almost all debates today; an understanding of the dynamics at play in the systems being discussed. I argue that knowledge of natural systems and their dynamics can land debates on something more rigorous and true than the mere swapping of facts. O'Connor / Shapiro Debate https://www.youtube.c…

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Scripting the Unscripted: The Fallacy of Trying to Design Life 50:00

12M ago50:00

50:00

In this episode I discuss a recent project initiative that looks to design a genome from scratch, and argue that such research motivations rely on a deeply flawed premise. Suggested Reading He’s Gleaning the Design Rules of Life to Re-Create It, Quanta Magazine Become a Member science-in-perspective.com Support the show Become a premium member to g…

1
Life Goes Better with Guarantees 27:35

12M ago27:35

27:35

In this episode I discuss the importance of placing guarantees in your life, to ensure you biggest realizations get folded into your processes going forward. Support the show Become a premium member to gain access to premium content, including the Techniques and Mindsets Videos, visual concept summaries of each episode, community forum, episode sum…