The Armen Show

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 that can enhance productivity and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of […]

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 of the diverse species involved. The conversation highlights the gaps in research and the […]

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, the role of luck in success, and the value of critical […]

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 the importance of dialogue with AI to gain insights and improve decision-making. 00:00 Harnessing AI for […]

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 individuality within community dynamics. Sophie emphasizes that anarchy is not […]

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 emphasizes the need for systemic changes to protect individuals’ data […]

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 storage unit fire, discussing the significance of both practical […]

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 between economics and philosophy, the importance of critical thinking, and the cognitive processes involved […]

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 visual literacy to health technology and neuroscience. The episode emphasizes […]

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 lack of public awareness regarding the realities of cancer treatment. Dr. Raza also introduces […]

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 and lithium, the destructive practices of mining, and the dominance of China in the […]

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 context of the Constitution, particularly its reception and interpretation […]

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 communication. Talisse emphasizes the need for civic solitude to foster better democratic […]

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. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of […]

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 as insurance and economics. They delve into the […]

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 conversation delves into the qualities of non-conformists, the influence of hierarchy, and the […]

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: Understanding How Food Impacts Our Mind, Our Microbiome, and […]

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 knowledge and intellectual growth. They also explore the […]

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 main themes discussed is the division and inequality in South […]

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 health, neuroscience, and the brain. Camilla shares her […]

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 of studying the impact of noise on […]

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 wherewithal, the vibe economy, and the vulnerability of supply chains. She […]

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 skills. He shares the story of Tetris […]

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 emotions. We also touch on the challenges of […]

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 trajectory. The platform offers personalized health analysis and recommendations based […]

On this episode of the show, I go over 8 takeaways from my completion of the 2024 LA Marathon.

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 experience. She also discusses the unique perspective […]

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 Understanding of Science” with philosopher of physics James Owen Weatherall (previous NSF grant Social Dynamics […]

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 political conservatism. He also loves literature, […]

“In this raw coming-of-age memoir, in the vein of The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, The Other Wes Moore, and Someone Has Led This Child to Believe, Rob Henderson vividly recounts growing up in foster care, enlisting in the US Air Force, attending elite universities, and pioneering the concept of “luxury beliefs”—ideas and opinions that confer […]

Cecilie Traberg is a Psychology PhD Candidate at University of Cambridge in the Social Decision-Making Lab and a Storytelling Fellow at University Arts London studying how social influence, identity and interaction impacts our judgements, beliefs and behaviors. She currently focuses on how these social processes influence misinformation susceptibility and how we can increase resistance to […]

Welcome attorney Karin Lang back to the show on episode 417, bringing back the in-person discussion after a year of her travels from 2022 to 2023. On this talk, we spoke about the countries that she explored in South America, some elements of dating and relationships that are impactful, her legal work defending victims of […]

Imagination is commonly thought to be the special province of youth—the natural companion of free play and the unrestrained vistas of childhood. Then come the deadening routines and stifling regimentation of the adult world, dulling our imaginative powers. In fact, Andrew Shtulman argues, the opposite is true. Imagination is not something we inherit at birth, […]

What are internal family systems in terms of therapy? How are shame and guilt different and meant to be worked on? What does it take to bring about tangible change in a person’s well-being? Guest therapist Dr. Martha Sweezy joins myself and co-host Rebecca Faith Lawson on episode 415 to discuss these topics and her […]

On episode 414, my guest University of Delaware Professor Dannagal Young, author of “Wrong”, joins myself and co-host Rebecca Faith Lawson. “In Wrong: How Media, Politics, and Identity Drive Our Appetite for Misinformation, expert in media and politics Dannagal Goldthwaite Young offers a comprehensive model that illustrates how political leaders and media organizations capitalize on our […]

Optimization is the driving principle of our modern world. We now can manufacture, transport, and organize things more cheaply and faster than ever. Optimized models underlie everything from airline schedules to dating site matches. We strive for efficiency in our daily lives, obsessed with productivity and optimal performance. How did a mathematical concept take on […]

Here are the 8 things I cover in this episode, from my experience through running the show:

The long history of China's relationship between stability, diversity, and prosperity, and how its current leadership threatens this delicate balance Chinese society has been shaped by the interplay of the EAST—exams, autocracy, stability, and technology—from ancient times through the present. Beginning with the Sui dynasty's introduction of the civil service exam, known as Keju, in 587 CE—and […]

Jessica Carew Kraft, journalist and author of “Why We Need To Be Wild: One Woman’s Quest For Ancient Human Answers To 21st Century Problems”, joins myself, Armen Shirvanian, and co-host Rebecca Faith Lawson on episode 410 of the show, where we discuss her book, rewilding, reconnecting with nature, how we survived in the past, and […]

“The effort to destroy facts and make America ungovernable didn’t come out of nowhere. It is the culmination of seventy years of strategic denialism. In On Disinformation, Lee McIntyre shows how the war on facts began, and how ordinary citizens can fight back against the scourge of disinformation that is now threatening the very fabric of […]

A “problem of twelve” arises when a small number of institutions acquire the means to exert outsized influence over the politics and economy of a nation. The Big Four index funds of Vanguard, State Street, Fidelity, and BlackRock control more than twenty percent of the votes of S&P 500 companies—a concentration of power that's unprecedented […]

When it comes to the dating landscape, you want to know what is happening and why it is happening. What causes attraction, and what makes for great relationships? What do internet shows on these topics say, and what messages are worth listening to? We cover this on episode 407 with returning guest Macken Murphy and […]

“In the scientific literature, I found confirmation of what I was hearing. In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And that was before the national lockdown cut off so many of us from friends, loved ones, and support systems, exacerbating loneliness and isolation Loneliness is far more than just a bad […]

There's an unspoken assumption when you go to see a doctor: the doctor knows your medical story and is making decisions based on that story. But the reality frequently falls short. Medical records vanish when we switch doctors. Critical details of life-saving treatment plans get lost in muddled electronic charts. The doctors we see change […]

The social internet landscape continues to change rapidly, and a lot of people’s time is involved in the various applications in use. Recently, Threads came out from Meta, while TikTok continues to grab lots of attention and Instagram is one of the most default applications for people meeting each other. Within these applications, there are […]

In this episode, we cover the topic of the big change in social media of the past decade, from a socially-based graph of our connections that is about familiarity, to an interest-based graph of our connections that is meant for discovery of novel creators and individuals. With guest cohost Rebecca Faith Lawson, we go into […]

Livestream on your unique nature Reuploaded here after being streamed as episode 402

Hello and welcome to episode 401 with Jeff Lawson, theologian and elder at Faith Sarasota. This talk covered a range of life messages, and was an in-person one that went into a few topics of understanding and growth. Jeff’s passion is to utilize his gifts that facilitate an atmosphere that seeks to promote the goal […]

We have made it into the 400s here on the show. On this one here, I do a brief recap of the past 100 episodes, picking out a few that were notable along the way, and give a little preview of things I would like to include in the 400s. This episode has a new […]

What does it take to do creative experimentation, and what can you get out of it? How does one build and work on their focus and motivation? What is required to build a newsletter, and what is in the Stretch Letter newsletter. Charlotte Grysolle joins on the show from Belgium in episode 399 to cover […]

Embrace the future of creativity with “The Artificially Intelligent Creative,” a groundbreaking guide that will redefine the way you approach your creative projects. This comprehensive book will introduce you to the incredible potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and reveal how you can harness its power to revolutionize your artistic endeavors. It was written by Srinivas […]