Indian Genes

The Science of Paranormal Belief - Chris French

What really drives our belief in the paranormal? Why do conspiracy theories and pseudoscience persist, even in the age of information?In this eye-opening episode of Indian Genes, we dive deep into the world of anomalistic psychology with Professor Chris French, Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London. A leading expert in the psychology of paranormal beliefs, Chris has spent decades exploring what makes people believe in ghosts, UFOs, psychic powers, and other unexplained phenomena.From false memories to sleep paralysis, from magical thinking to cognitive biases, Professor French breaks down the psychological mechanisms behind some of our most mysterious experiences. We also discuss how these beliefs relate to wider societal trends—like the rise in conspiracy theories and the danger of pseudoscience in public discourse. Whether you're a skeptic, believer, or somewhere in between—this episode challenges you to question what you think you know. Topics Covered:The psychology behind paranormal experiencesUFO & UAP latest SightingsWhy people believe in conspiracy theoriesSleep paralysis & shadow figuresFalse memories and how they formThe role of cognitive biases in magical thinkingThe dangers of pseudoscience and poor scientific literacyBook - The Science Of Weird ShitLink https://amzn.in/d/8mZcHUJ More on Professor Chris French:Fellow of the British Psychological Society & Committee for Skeptical InquiryPatron of the British Humanist AssociationAuthor of Anomalistic Psychology: Exploring Paranormal Belief and Experiencewww.gold.ac.uk/apru#ChrisFrench #IndianGenes #ParanormalBeliefs #AnomalisticPsychology #Skeptic #Pseudoscience #ConspiracyTheories #FalseMemories #CognitiveBias #SleepParalysis #GhostsExplained #HumanPsychology #CriticalThinking #PsychologyPodcast #RationalThinking #ScienceVsBelief

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The Sapient Cosmos - James Glattfelder

Sep 3001:11:31Tap to summarize

What if consciousness isn’t a mere byproduct of evolution—but a fundamental aspect of reality itself?In this Mind-Expanding & EXCLUSIVE episode, we sit down with physicist and complexity theorist Dr. James Glattfelder, author of the provocative & brilliant new book The Sapient Cosmos, to explore a revolutionary shift at the intersection of physics, philosophy, and consciousness.Ever since the human mind awoke to its own existence, it has wondered about its cosmic significance. By dispelling myths and religious convictions, science entered the arena of explanatory templates. A tectonic shift in understanding began when the mind started decoding the universe‘s mathematical language. To this day, the technological prowess unleashed by scientific knowledge remains awe-inspiring. However, science excluded two crucial domains from its field of inquiry. Firstly, the formation of complex systems--especially metabolic structures--appears to defy the physics of cosmic disorder and decay. Then, the nature of consciousness itself was deemed unworthy of academic discourse until not too long ago. Furthermore, the adoption of physicalism as a metaphysical foundation for science was an enormously consequential choice, erroneously seen today as integral to science. This book chronicles an ongoing paradigm shift affecting physics and philosophy. Consciousness is rediscovered at the core of existence, expressing an intrinsic yearning for cosmic complexity, while the fabric of reality is woven from threads of information.We trace humanity’s journey from myth to mathematics, from religious dogma to scientific dominance. Yet for all its breakthroughs, science has long ignored two profound mysteries:1. The spontaneous emergence of complex systems like life itself.2. The enigma of consciousness—our inner subjective experience.Dr. Glattfelder argues that these gaps reveal a deeper issue: the unexamined dominance of physicalism—the belief that everything is reducible to physical matter. In The Sapient Cosmos, he chronicles an emerging paradigm shift where information and awareness are seen not as side effects, but as the very fabric of reality.We discuss: The Idealistic view of Consciousness and Reality How consciousness is making a comeback in mainstream science The role of information as a foundational layer of existence Psychedelics and the Immersive Experience We also talk about the Idealistic views of Bernardo Kastrup and how he is able to clearly lead this new mind journey into Idealistic Idealism as well as the amazing work being done by Essentia Foundation - www.youtube.com/@UCHKZdDf09_8vVHm102fu0sg Whether you're into consciousness studies, systems theory, emergent complexity, or simply crave a fresh lens on reality—this episode is for you. Grab The Sapient Cosmos: https://amzn.in/d/bbedShP️ Subscribe for more deep dives into science, mind, and meaning.#JamesGlattfelder #TheSapientCosmos #Consciousness #ComplexityScience #PhysicsAndPhilosophy #InformationTheory #NonPhysicalism #Panpsychism #SystemsTheory #MindAndMatter #SciencePodcast #ParadigmShift #CosmicConsciousness #SapientUniverse #bernardokastrup #essentiafoundation

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Adam Zeman - Neurologist / Shape Of Things Unseen

Aug 1201:14:05Tap to summarize

What does it mean to see with the mind’s eye — or not see at all?Do YOU see pictures in your mind? What if you couldn’t? In this mind-blowing episode, we sit down with Professor Adam Zeman, the world-renowned neurologist who discovered and coined the term “aphantasia” — a condition where people cannot form mental images.Zeman shares the fascinating story behind the discovery of aphantasia, from the case of a patient known as “MX” to his global research into the limits and powers of human imagination. We dive deep into: What it really means to have aphantasia or hyperphantasia How imagination shapes our memories, creativity, emotions, and dreams Insights from his groundbreaking new book: The Shape of Things Unseen Why some people can succeed without mental imagery — and even thrive! What artists, writers, and thinkers can learn from the spectrum of imageryZeman’s work is a bridge between neuroscience, psychology, art, and philosophy, and in this conversation, you'll discover just how mysterious — and powerful — the human mind truly is.If you've ever asked, "Why can't I picture things in my head?" — this is the episode for you.Tune in for a journey into the unseen — and maybe discover something new about your own mind.In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Professor Adam Zeman, the neurologist and cognitive neuroscientist who coined the term “aphantasia” — the inability to create mental imagery. Zeman takes us deep into the uncharted territories of imagination, memory, and consciousness, drawing from decades of clinical research, personal stories, and the groundbreaking insights from his latest book, The Shape of Things Unseen: A New Science of Imagination.We explore:· The discovery of aphantasia through the now-famous case of “MX”· How people with aphantasia live, think, and remember without mental images· The surprising strengths and adaptations of minds at the far ends of the imagery spectrum· How aphantasia challenges long-held assumptions about creativity, memory, and the self· The intersection of art, neuroscience, and subjective experience through Zeman’s “The Eye’s Mind” projectAdam Zbynek James Zeman (born September 1957is a neurologist, who coined the term "aphantasia" for an inability to create mental images His latest book The Shape of Things Unseen: A New Science of Imagination is a briliant and must read of you want to know abojut the mysteries of the brain and the immaganitive and creative process Zeman first became aware that some people cannot form mental images when a man (known as "MX") reported that, after minor heart surgery, he had no mental image of people or places when he thought of them. The case was reported in 2010.After several people (responding to an article on the MX case by Carl Zimmer) reported that they had never been able to visualise, Zeman and his team (including Sergio Della Sala) conducted a survey of 21 people with a self-reported lifelong lack of visual imagery, using the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire developed by David Marks. They reported in 2015, finding that despite their inability to form mental images voluntarily, most of the respondents experienced involuntary imagery as "flashes" while awake or in dreams; that they have some difficulty recalling details of their own lives; that many have compensating verbal, mathematical and logical strengths; and that they successfully perform tasks that would normally involve visualisation, such as recalling visual details, by other strategies. One of the project's three strands studies individuals with visual imagery at the extremes of the vividness spectrum – both aphantasia and hyperphantasia (unusually vivid mental imagery). In 2019, the project organised the exhibition Extreme Imagination: Inside the Mind’s Eye, hosted at Tramway in Glasgow and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, which showcased works of art created by aphantasics and hyperphantasics. He appeared on the BBC Radio 4 science programme The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry in 2023, to discuss aphantasia He was educated at Westminster School, then at Magdalen College and Merton College, Oxford, where he took a first degree in philosophy and psychology then trained in medicine#Aphantasia #AdamZeman #MentalImagery #Imagination #Neuroscience #BrainScience #Creativity #CognitiveScience #Hyperphantasia #Memory #VisualThinking #PodcastInterview #MindBlown #TheShapeOfThingsUnseen #MXCaseUntitled

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Sara Seager - MIT/NASA In Search of New Worlds

Jul 1200:33:44Tap to summarize

Professor Sara Seager is an astrophysicist and a Professor of Physics, Professor of Planetary Science, and a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she holds the Class of 1941 Professor Chair. She has been a pioneer in the vast and unknown world of exoplanets, planets that orbit stars other than the sun. Her ground-breaking research ranges from the detection of exoplanet atmospheres to innovative theories about life on other worlds to development of novel space mission concepts.In space missions for planetary discovery and exploration, she was the Deputy Science Director of the MIT-led NASA Explorer-class mission TESS; she was PI of the JPL-MIT CubeSat ASTERIA; is a lead of the Starshade Rendezvous Mission (a space-based direct imaging exoplanet discovery concept under technology development) to find a true Earth analog orbiting a Sun-like star; and most recently has directed a mission concept study to find signs of life or life itself in the Venus atmosphere and is PI of a small mission to Venus targeted for launch in 2023.Her research earned her a MacArthur “genius” grant and other accolades including: membership in the US National Academy of Sciences; the Sackler Prize in the Physical Sciences, the Magellanic Premium Medal; and has been awarded one of Canada’s highest civilian honors, appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. Professor Seager is the author of, “The Smallest Lights in the Universe: A Memoir”.Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyProfessor of Planetary ScienceProfessor of PhysicsProfessor of Aerospace EngineeringClass of 1941 ProfessorThe Kavli Prize in Astrophysics

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MAAJHI - Empowering people to Humanize Loss, Grief, & find Meaning with Krittika Sharma

May 4, 202502:01:12Tap to summarize

Maajhi Link - www.maajhi.com Krittika’s passion for end-of-life care was sparked by a deeply personal experience & a lifelong relationship with loss. Driven by this profound connection, she is committed to bringing dignity, grace & wellbeing into aging, loss, end-of-life care, & the broader healthcare ecosystem.Krittika is a death meditation facilitation guide & is building her knowledge in the space of grief & yoga. She recently won a full scholarship for a grief educator program to learn under renowned grief expert, David Kessler.She has been recognized by Forbes (LEADERSHIP, FORBESWOMEN) on the importance of addressing grief & loss in the workplace. Krittika has worked with Fortune 100 companies in the space of wellbeing & purpose building through the lens of death & dying. Clients include Pfizer & Merck.She is the former director of Death Over Dinner (India) – the largest social campaign in the globe that has had over 200,000 dinners. She introduced the concept in India. As a senior strategist & engagement manager, she was a core team member who conceived, built, & launched the first global End of Life (EOL) Collective – a digital platform for caregivers, care seekers, & service providers.Krittika has presented her work on global platforms, she has authored a chapter on wellbeing in death & dying in the Handbook of Happiness commissioned by the Happiness Monk of Bhutan, & she mentors students who are interested in carving a path in the space of end-of-life care. She is currently a member of The Dying. Series Collective, Toronto. Her work has been featured in multiple global & Indian newspapers. (Upcoming features: Forbes & Indian Genes)Krittika was introduced to the world of applied behavioral economics & sciences infused with design thinking & research during her time at FinalMile. Her multidisciplinary portfolio of 15 years includes impactful work in healthcare, financial services, the social sector & organizational behavior across India, the US, Canada, the UK, France & Tanzania. Her expertise continues on this path today, driving progress for Fortune 250 companies, primarily in the space of Health & Life Sciences (HLS), with scaled solutions using AI, analytics & engineering. While her primary role was as a behavior design leader & mentor in the Experience team, she was a core team member in HLS at Fractal Analytics, responsible for developing the practice from its early days to one of the most thriving verticals in the company.Click here to view Krittika’s breadth of work www.maajhi.com

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Engineering & Prototyping - T-Works

Feb 16, 202500:25:02Tap to summarize

*A Special interview with Joginder Tanikella - CEO T-Works*Featuring a guided & detailed tour by Sahaj Sandhu - Start Up ManagerIndian Genes was proud to visit the T-Works space and here bring to you never before seen footage & insight into this amazing initiative. If You are an Engineer, Start Up of just a Curious Mind....this is the episode you youT-Works Impact - Over 35 Products Delivered, 300+ Startups & MSMEs supported, 6000= Parts & Protypes crested, 45000+ Community Members !!A truly visionary institution established by the Government of Telangana, T-Works works to foster a maker culture and reduce barriers to hardware prototyping and innovation. Founded on November 28, 2017, T-Works began its journey as a catalyst for hardware product innovation after recognizing the gaps in our journey towards the innovation era.In March 2022, T-Works opened its doors as India's largest prototyping centre with its Phase-I building spanning across 78,000 square feet, located in Raidurgam, Hyderabad.Equipped with industry-grade tools, T-Works offers an unparalleled experience for students, makers, innovators, corporates, and entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.*Indian Genes encourages you to watch this episode on Youtube as the visuals will provide a better understanding of scale and effort being put in at T-Works to drive Innovation.*Please share this with Students or Entrepreneurs that could benefit from this initiative !*Theme & Background Music by Crowed Studios

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Indian Space Conclave 2024

Nov 23, 202400:26:57Tap to summarize

An Indian Genes Podcast EXCLUSIVE !! Welcome to our exclusive coverage of the Indian Space Conclave 2024! In this video, we dive into the highlights of this groundbreaking event, where India emerged as the leading force in global space exploration. The conclave showcased India’s ambition to become a top space nation, emphasizing international collaboration for a brighter future. From discussions on space exploration for humanity's betterment to incredible pitches for technological innovations, this event truly set the stage for India's next giant leap in space. With a star-studded guest list featuring some of the most influential figures in the space industry, this conclave brought together thought leaders and visionaries from around the globe to discuss new frontiers, cutting-edge advancements, and global partnerships. Join us as we explore this historic gathering and its potential to shape the future of space. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on how India is leading the charge towards becoming a space superpower! #IndianSpaceConclave2024 #SpaceExploration #IndiaSpacePower #SpaceCollaboration #GlobalSpaceFuture #SpaceInnovation #IndiaSpaceMission #NextSpaceSuperpower #HumanityInSpace #SpaceTech #SpaceConclave #FutureOfSpace #SpaceIndustry #SpaceExplorationForGood #GlobalPartnership #IndianSpaceAgency #SpaceLeadershipUntitled

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Bill Mensch : The Man That Changed The World with Microprocessors & the 6502 Legacy

Nov 3, 202402:35:22Tap to summarize

In this fascinating Indian Genes EXCLUSIVE, Bill Mensch Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Western Design Center (WDC), shares his groundbreaking journey in the microprocessor industry. Recognized as one of the key figures in computer history, Mr. Mensch's inventions and patents played a foundational role in creating the modern PC and video game industries. From the iconic 6502 microprocessor used in legendary systems like the Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari, and Nintendo, to today’s W65C02S and W65C816S chips, his impact continues to drive advancements in technology, automotive, medical, and consumer electronics.Hear directly from the man whose contributions have shaped the world of microcomputing, honored at the Smithsonian Museum and recognized globally. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and technical innovations that made the 6502 a defining product of the information age.#KeyTopics:The evolution of 6502 microprocessor technologyFounding of The Western Design Center (WDC)Insights into Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari, NintendoLegacy of microprocessor innovation in tech, video games, and consumer electronicsBill holds twenty– two patents for microprocessors, microprocessor peripheral devices and microprocessor systems, and was recognized in both 1991 and 1996 at the Microprocessor Forum as a pioneer in the microprocessor industry. Mr. Mensch’s patents were used on Motorola’s original NMOS 6800 microprocessor and MOS Technology’s NMOS 6502 microprocessor families. The 6502 technology has been credited with creating the PC and video game industries. It was first used in the Commodore PET personal computer; Vic 20 consumer computer; Commodore 64 consumer computer (6510); Acorn personal computer; Apple I personal computer; Apple II personal computer; Atari video game system (6507) and personal computer (6502); and Nintendo video game system. The 6502 microprocessor is featured in a display in the Smithsonian Museum of Science and Technology in Washington DC.Mr. Mensch’s solely– owned patents are implemented in The Western Design Center’s proprietary CMOS 65xx Microprocessor family of chips and related systems. This technology is used today in an ever growing variety of products including medical life support, automotive, industrial, consumer and personal computers. The foundation for this widespread use of the technology began when two of WDC’s 65xx Microprocessor family members were used in the introduction of groundbreaking PC and video game products. The W65C02S 8–bit microprocessor was first used in the Apple IIc personal computer and the Apple IIe personal computer. The W65C816S 16–bit microprocessor was first used in the Apple IIgs personal computer and Super Nintendo video game system.In the fall of 1996, Mr. Mensch was honored for his outstanding contribution to the information technology industry at a ceremony during which the 6502 was recognized at COMDEX as the first of seven “defining” products in the twenty–five year history of the microprocessor. He has become recognized as the person most responsible for the continued success and proliferation of use of the 65xx technology which has been enhanced and expanded with the development of the WDC 65xx Microprocessor family products.Mr. Mensch was born in 1945 and grew up on a dairy farm in Bucks County, PA. He attended Pennridge High School in Perkasie, PA, and graduated in 1963. He graduated from Temple University (AEET 1966) in Philadelphia, PA, attendedVillanova (Spring/Summer 1968 & Spring 1969), graduated from the University of Arizona with High Distinction (BSEE 1971) in Tucson, AZ, and then attended Arizona State University graduate courses (1971–79).Mr. Mensch was employed at Philco Ford in Blue Bell, PA (1967–69), Motorola in Mesa, AZ (1971–74), MOS Technology in Norristown, PA (1974–77), and Integrated Circuit Engineering (ICE) in Scottsdale, AZ (1977–78), before founding The Western Design Center, Inc. in Mesa, AZ (1978–present).From 1985 to 1988, Mr. Mensch was a member of the Board of Directors for Mesa Bank, a local community bank. Mr. Mensch was also a member of the Board of Directors for TouchScape (1999–2001) and DotSafe (2000–2001), two Internet companies.In 1997, he was the keynote speaker at the world’s first IP (Intellectual Property) conference, IP Europe. He participated on a special panel discussion session concerning “Starting Up Companies to Commercialize University– Generated Technologies” at the ICEE– 2000 conference in Taiwan in August, 2000, which was attended by approximately 500 professors from all over the world.While attending the University of Arizona, he was awarded a scholarship by the Tucson Gas and Electric Company. In 1985, he received the Certificate of Honor from Temple University’s College of Engineering and Architecture and has been recognized at both Temple University and the University of Arizona as an outstanding alumnus. In 1994, Mr. Mensch was named to the College of Engineering Advisory Council at the University of Notre Dame. In 1995, he was appointed to the Industrial Advisory Board for the Electronic Computer Technology Department in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at Arizona State University . In 1996, he joined the Industrial Advisory Board for the newly created Center for Low Power Electronics (CLPE), of which WDC is a charter member. In 1999, in conjunction with the CLPE, the National Science Foundation (NSF) provided an SBIR grant to WDC and the University of Arizona for development of a low power mixed signal rapid prototype system designed around the 65xx technology. From 1994– to 2000, Mr. Mensch assisted in teaching a class in System–On–a–Chip (SOC) IC Design at Arizona State University. He was chosen to receive the Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award from Temple University in April 1998. In August of 1998, he received the Sigma Pi International Fraternity’s Founders’ Award its highest individual award. In May 2002, Mr. Mensch was inducted into the Pennridge High School “Wall of Fame” as an outstanding graduate. The Computer Museum of America inducted Mr. Mensch into its Hall of Fame in June of 2002. In 2004 Mr. Mensch was invited to be a charter member of two advisory boards for Temple University (1) the inaugural Board of Visitors for the College of Engineering and (2) the Inaugural President’s Advisory Board. On December 8, 2005, Mr. Mensch was recognized by the University of Arizona’s College of Engineering as the 2005 recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award at a luncheon to honor technology and business executives who have made a lasting contribution to Arizona’s economy. Here is a link to his acceptance speech. He became a member of the Industry Advisory Council for the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona in 2006.In January, 2004, the book Leaders of the Information Age identified Mr. Mensch as one of 250 individuals dating back to the 15th century who set the foundation of today’s Information Technology industry. (See<...

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Avi Loeb - Harvard

Oct 19, 202400:53:35Tap to summarize

Unti Dive into the cosmos with us in this exclusive interview with Avi Loeb, Harvard astrophysicist and renowned author of "Extraterrestrial." Join us as we explore groundbreaking insights into alien life, UFO phenomena, and the implications for humanity! In this eye-opening conversation, Avi shares his thoughts on:The evidence supporting the existence of extraterrestrial life His groundbreaking research on mysterious objects like 'Oumuamua The future of UFO studies and what it means for science How academia views the search for aliens and UFOs Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this interview will challenge your perceptions and spark your curiosity! Don’t miss out on this fascinating journey into the unknown! Subscribe for more incredible interviews and insights from leading scientists and researchers! Watch Now and Join the Discussion!#AviLoeb #Aliens #UFOResearch #Extraterrestrial #Harvard #Astrophysics #SpaceExploration #Oumuamua #Science #Conspiracy #MysteriesOfTheUniverse #Interviews #CosmicExploration #FutureOfScience #UFOs

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Nikol Koleva Space Psychologist

Oct 12, 202401:16:45Tap to summarize

Nikol Koleva is the Executive Director of Space Generation Advisory Council SGAC under United Nations, She also represented the organization in international forums, including the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Spring Meetings, where she delivered statements, technical presentations, and attended committee meetings on behalf of WSWA.Nikol has worked Astronauts, NASA, ESA among other organizations merging psychology and space exploration. She has conducted extensive research on the Overview Effect among astronauts using a qualitative approach and explored their experiences of this phenomenon. She continued this research for her Master’s thesis, looking into whether or not virtual reality (VR) can be used to replicate the Overview Effect and if it can simulate similar therapeutic benefits as those experienced by astronauts.#space #psychology #astronaught #sgac #inspiration

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All episodes

The Science of Paranormal Belief - Chris French

The Sapient Cosmos - James Glattfelder

Adam Zeman - Neurologist / Shape Of Things Unseen

Sara Seager - MIT/NASA In Search of New Worlds

MAAJHI - Empowering people to Humanize Loss, Grief, & find Meaning with Krittika Sharma

Engineering & Prototyping - T-Works

Indian Space Conclave 2024

Bill Mensch : The Man That Changed The World with Microprocessors & the 6502 Legacy

Avi Loeb - Harvard

Nikol Koleva Space Psychologist