Podcast
Thinking On Paper
Hosted by Mark Fielding and Jeremy Gilbertson · EN
The Human Story Of Technology: Conversations about the human impact of artificial intelligence, quantum computers, NASA, asteroid mining, coordination, trust, books, robotics, space technology, web3, physics, chemistry, sustainability, music, art, science, neuroscience, work, rest and play. New episodes every Thursday. Tech book club every month.
38episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Physics Of Moon Dust (And Why It's Bad For Space-X)
2d ago00:05:14Tap to summarizePlanetary scientist Philip Metzger joins Thinking on Paper to explain why lunar dust could become one of the biggest engineering and geopolitical problems in the modern space economy. One that NASA and Space-X must overcome if they are to really build on the moon. The conversation moves from Starship landings and rocket exhaust physics to Artemis, lunar infrastructure, orbital logistics, damaged hardware, and the growing challenge of building permanent infrastructure and habitations on the moon. Please enjoy the show.--Thinking on Paper is a technology podcast about AI, Space, quantum computing, science, and the systems shaping the future. 🏠 Buy us a beer on Substack: https://thinkingonpaperpodcast.substack.com/🎧 Take us with you on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00volKqMsQntToeho35W47🎧 Remember steve jobs on APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-on-paper/id1713227258📺 Get the clips and outtakes on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/toptechpodcast/
Transcribe →Why Are Harvard Economists Finally Taking Space Seriously? - Matthew Weinzierl & Brendan Rosseau
4d ago00:42:52Tap to summarizeHarvard economist Matt Weinzierl and Brendan Rosseau join Thinking on Paper to explore the future of the space economy, orbital infrastructure, commercial space stations, space-based data centres, lunar governance, and the economics shaping humanity’s expansion beyond Earth. We discuss SpaceX, Artemis, Starlink, microgravity manufacturing, asteroid resources, and why space may become the next great economic frontier.--Thinking on Paper is a technology podcast about AI, Space, quantum computing, science, and the systems shaping the future. Connect with us.🏠 Buy us a beer on Substack🎧 Watch us compete with Lex Fridman on YouTube 🎧 Remember Steve Jobs and listen on APPLE 📺 Watch the clips and shorts on InstagramWatch a random video from Rick Beato. Because we love him.--Chapters(00:00) The Balance of Government and Market in Space(03:35) The Role of Microgravity in Space Research(07:43) Economic Incentives and Long-term Investments in Space(12:14) Navigating Political Cycles in Space Policy(17:09) International Collaboration and Competition in Space(18:45) The Importance of Security in Space(21:36) The Power of Space Exploration(24:27) Space as an Invisible Backbone(28:49) The Debate on Space Investment(30:37) Challenges of Space-Based Data Centers(33:40) Exploring the Future of Space Resources(38:26) Governance in Space: A New Era(40:55) Minimum Viable Governance in Space
Transcribe →IBM And The Quantum Computer Isolated From The Universe
2w ago00:44:22Tap to summarizeIBM’s Scott Crowder joins Thinking on Paper to discuss the future of quantum computing, why the field remains so polarising, and how quantum systems could integrate with classical AI infrastructure. You'll learn about superconducting qubits, protein simulation, quantum-centric supercomputing, Nvidia, and why IBM believes useful fault-tolerant quantum computing could arrive by 2029.Please enjoy the show.-Thinking on Paper is a technology podcast about AI, computing, science, and the systems shaping the future.-🏠 HQ: www.thinkingonpaper.xyz📺 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingonpaperpodcast/🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00volKqMsQntToeho35W47🎧 APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-on-paper-technology-moves-fast-think-slower/id1713227258--Mark x: https://x.com/markfielding99Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremygilbertson/–Chapters(00:00) Trailer(01:20) Quantum computing: real, hyped, or both(02:40) Why reference architectures decide which technologies win(05:05) Superconducting vs. trapped ion vs. spin qubits(06:47) Why accessibility and algorithmic discovery are the real bottlenecks(12:34) Cleveland Clinic's 303-atom protein simulation(13:44) IBM's quantum-centric supercomputing architecture(16:07) What already runs on quantum computers today(17:58) how quantum and classical converge(22:28) What Richard Feynman would make of the field today(25:25) What quantum computing means for the future of data centers(32:01) Quantum computers in space(42:19) Qiskit, NVIDIA, and open source
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Longevity: Can Bryan Johnson Really Live Forever? - Anders Sandberg
3w ago01:54:12Tap to summarizeOxford futurist Anders Sandberg joins Thinking on Paper to explore AGI, brain emulation, AI agents, transhumanism, digital consciousness, and the future of human augmentation. We discuss uploaded minds, AI governance, space colonisation, orbital economies, and whether advanced AI makes war more or less likely.Thinking on Paper is a technology podcast about AI, computing, science, and the systems shaping the future. Connect with us. 🎧 Listen to every podcast📺 Follow us on Instagram🏠 Follow us on X🏠 Follow Jeremy on LinkedInTo suggest guests or sponsor the show, please email: hello@thinkingonpaper.xyz--Chapters(00:00) TRAILER(08:09) Mobile Technology on Humanity(11:51) Accountability in AI Agents(18:25) Empathy in Human-AI Interaction(25:35) AGI vs. Alien Life(27:36) Consciousness and Brain Emulation(35:52) Uploaded Minds(40:33) Parallel Realities and Memory Merging(45:16) Human Collaboration and Organizations(46:24) AGI(51:23) The Dual Economy(57:43) Space Ownership (01:05:18) Human Expansion(01:17:49) The Space Race (01:21:43) Space Exploration(01:24:22) New Forms of Governance(01:26:18) NASA(01:28:41) Breakaway Movements in Space(01:30:16) Space Governance(01:34:18) Fusion Energy(01:42:15) Time and Life Extension(01:48:06) Extended Lifespans(01:52:03) Technology
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How To Protect Yourself From AI Prophets - Carissa Veliz
3w ago00:59:50Tap to summarizeOxford philosopher Carissa Véliz joins Thinking on Paper to explore AI ethics, prediction algorithms, social media manipulation, self-fulfilling prophecies, and the growing power of tech platforms to shape human behaviour. As well as her new book Prophecy, we discuss TikTok, engagement algorithms, Silicon Valley futurism, predictive AI, democracy, and why the future becomes dangerous when predictions are mistaken for facts.Please enjoy the show.--Thinking on Paper is a technology podcast about AI, computing, science, and the systems shaping the future.📺 Watch On YouTube: 🎧 Listen to every podcast📺 Follow us on Instagram🏠 Follow us on X🏠 Follow Jeremy on LinkedInTo suggest guests or sponsor the show, please email: hello@thinkingonpaper.xyz--CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro(01:00) What is the good life? (02:00) Why knowing yourself matters more than strategy (04:44) The analog world vs the digital world (06:45) How prophecies exploit our need for security (08:47) Ancient Rome (10:11) The illusion of safety (12:27) When predictions work(15:00) Altman, Amodei, Huang(28:29) How to resist prophecies (29:53) Prediction markets(31:49) TikTok, algorithms, and the Molly Russell case (36:08) Engagement algorithms(40:54) Self-fulfilling prophecies (43:44) Comedy(46:59) Seinfeld (52:16) Karikó (53:40) Serendipity (56:13) Why Epicurus beats the Stoics
Transcribe →How America Lost The Information War With Iran In 3 Videos
4w ago00:15:11Tap to summarizeThe AI meme war between the US and Iran has evolved into an absolute shit show. If you thought it was awful a few weeks ago, you ain't seen nothing yet.AI-generated Lego propaganda videos were a curiosity. Sometimes funny, often violent, always troublesome and never diplomatic, they quickly gained millions of views across social media... because social media. The White House Twitter (X) account was responsible for the US videos. An Iranian media company called Explosive Media, the Iranian. America, either put off by the global consensus that it was losing the war, or bored, switched their AI models to tax season (with equal ineptitude).Iran, losing the guns and missiles part of the war, has changed tact. Explosive Media turned up the heat. And was duly banned from YouTube. Which could of unleashed the beast. Now Iranian embassies are posting them on Twitter (X) and US creators are using the same format to mock it all with Lego.. Just watch it yourself. And let us know what you think. --🎧 Listen to every podcast📺 Follow us on Instagram🏠 Follow us on X🏠 Follow Jeremy on LinkedInTo suggest guests or sponsor the show, please email: hello@thinkingonpaper.xyz----TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Explosive Media(00:38) US Bowling Iran(01:52) Trump's Mask(03:20) Blockade, Blockade(06:28) Drunken Hegseth(08:00) Truth
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Asteroid Mining And The Politics Of Space
Apr 1500:27:48Tap to summarizeSpace! The final frontier. Today we think on paper about the future of the space economy, asteroid mining, orbital infrastructure, and the geopolitical battle over who owns space. We discuss SpaceX, the Outer Space Treaty, lunar resources, military space strategy, satellite warfare, China’s growing space ambitions, and whether humanity can expand beyond Earth without exporting conflict into orbit.Please enjoy the show. --Thinking on paper is a technology podcast on The Social, Environmental, Cultural & Business Impacts Of Technology. --Chapters(00:00) Global Conflict and Space Resources(02:04) Human Nature and Space Exploration(03:28) The Economics of Asteroid Mining(05:53) Legal Frameworks for Space Mining(11:05) The Space Resource Exploration Act(13:01) International Reactions to Space Mining Legislation(17:19) Philosophical Perspectives on Space Ownership(20:14) The Role of National Security in Space(20:40) The Role of Government in Space Innovation(21:34) National Security and the Space Industry(23:10) Weaponization of Space: A New Era(24:47) The Prisoner's Dilemma in Space Cooperation(26:40) Humanity's Moral Compass in Space Exploration(27:03) The Future of Humanity in Space
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The Biggest Space Industry Raises of 2026
Apr 900:28:36Tap to summarizeTop of the space charts. Today we run down the biggest space tech funding rounds of 2026, including Axiom Space, Vast, Sierra Space, Stoke Space, Xona Space, and China’s iSpace. You'll learn about orbital infrastructure, reusable rockets, satellite communications, space stations, defence technology, asteroid mining, and why investors are betting billions on the future space economy.Please enjoy the show. --🎧 Listen to every podcast📺 Follow us on Instagram🏠 Follow us on X🏠 Follow Jeremy on LinkedInTo suggest guests or sponsor the show, please email: hello@thinkingonpaper.xyzChapters(00:00) Starcloud(00:52) Xona Space(03:27) Tomorrow IO(06:01) PLD Space(08:00) Stoke Space(10:18) Axiom Space(12:29) Cesium Astro(14:50) VAST Space(19:02) Sierra Space(21:47) I-Space (Beijing Interstellar Glory Space Technology Ltd.)
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The 1899 Law for 2026 Technology
Apr 700:27:49Tap to summarizeThis episode explores the Martens Clause, a 19th century principle of international law that could shape the future of AI governance, autonomous weapons, military technology, and human accountability in the age of AGI. We discuss the Nuremberg trials, AI safety, the black box problem, autonomous warfare, space governance, and whether humanity can build advanced technologies without losing moral control over them.Please enjoy the show. And keep the peace. --Thinking on Paper is a technology podcast about AI, computing, science, and the systems shaping the future.🎧 Listen to every podcast📺 Follow us on Instagram🏠 Follow us on X🏠 Follow Jeremy on LinkedInTo suggest guests or sponsor the show, please email: hello@thinkingonpaper.xyz--(00:00) The First Peace Conference: A Historical Perspective(07:37) The Martin's Clause: Implications for Modern Governance(10:05) Space Tech and the Outer Space Treaty(13:58) AI and the Need for Ethical Frameworks(17:21) Accountability in Technology Deployment(22:56) The Future of Humanity: Collaboration vs. Competition
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The Pentagon’s AI War Strategy
Apr 300:21:42Tap to summarizeThis episode explores the Pentagon’s AI strategy, America’s race for military AI dominance, and what happens when autonomous systems move from Silicon Valley into modern warfare. We discuss AI enabled targeting, Project Maven, Anthropic, OpenAI, AI alignment, surveillance systems, autonomous weapons, and whether the speed of AI development makes global conflict more likely or less likely.--🎧 Listen to every podcast📺 Follow us on Instagram🏠 Follow us on X🏠 Follow Jeremy on LinkedInTo suggest guests or sponsor the show, please email: hello@thinkingonpaper.xyz--Chapters(00:00) Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Department of War(00:58) Executive Order 14179: America's AI Military Dominance(01:59) China And AI Arms Race(04:36) Anthropic & Eliminating Bureaucratic Barriers(07:20) The 7 Pace Setting Projects (PSPs) In The Memo(08:28) 100% LLM Kill Chain Capability(10:22) Palmer Luckey(11:53) Intelligence & The AI Open Arsenal(13:57) The War Time Approach To Blockers(16:46) AI Talent Acquisition At The DOW(18:54) We must accept that the risks of not moving fast enough outweigh the risks of imperfect alignment
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