Written by Rufus

Some quick housekeeping: what this podcast is about and why it's going to be a good listen.Then we dive right into the first chapter of The Curve of Time, Unstuck In Time , where Saskia first slips in time.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode

Rufus gives a few hints on the topics that will be found in The Curve of Time. Then we dive into the second chapter of The Curve of Time, Newsworthy , in which Saskia meets Mica.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode

Rufus gives a few shout-outs to those who helped put this podcasat together. Then we dive into the third chapter of The Curve of Time, Newsworthy , in which Saskia meets Mica.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode

Rufus describes one element of The Curve of Time that is unusual within the time travel pantheon.Then we dive into the fourth chapter of The Curve of Time, A Second Beginning , in which Saskia improves the first impression she gave.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode

Rufus talks about his writing process. Then we dive into the fifth chapter of The Curve of Time, Saskia's Twin , in which Mica gets an intriguing surprise.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode

Rufus talks about his theory about questions, and specifically how it relates to writing. Then we dive into the sixth chapter of The Curve of Time, Horses for Courses , in which Saskia and Mica visit the Santa Anita racetrack. Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode

Rufus describes how time travel has arrived to this podcastThen we dive into the seventh chapter of The Curve of Time, Boo , in which Saskia returns to Mica who is none too happy.James Tanton's Exploding DotsExplore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus talks about the value of sharing. Then we dive into the eighth chapter of The Curve of Time, The First Dinner , in which Saskia treats Mica with their race winnings.Patrick O'Shaughnessy's podcast Invest Like the BestExplore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus examines the adage “writing is re-writing” in the context of Buddhist philosophy and time travel. Then we dive into the ninth chapter of The Curve of Time, Restaurant Restroom, Five Minutes Earlier, in which Saskia takes a second run at showing Mica time travel.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus confesses to being nervous. Then we dive into the tenth chapter of The Curve of Time, Seeing is Not Believing , in which Mica is surprised to find Saskia at their table.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus talks about his weekly sign-off. Then we dive into the eleventh chapter of The Curve of Time, Back To The Beginning , in which Saskia returns to the beginning to find a familiar stranger.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes the importance of faith in art. Then we dive into the twelfth chapter of The Curve of Time, The Monk , in which Saskia slips back into her distant past. Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus muses on the different potential outcomes of a system, given different starting points.Then we dive into the thirteenth chapter of The Curve of Time, The Other Winner , in which Mica meets an unpleasant fellow.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes his greatest hope for AI. Then we dive into the fourteenth chapter of The Curve of Time, Emergent Phenomena , in which Saskia returns to the present, and a disconcerting surprise.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes the connection between friends and time travel, and waxes lyrical about water. Then we dive into the fifteenth chapter of The Curve of Time, Cheat , in which one of the Saskia's answers the knock at the front door.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus talks about plot holes and where they fit into the reader-author relationship. Then we dive into the sixteenth chapter of The Curve of Time, Stop It , in which Saskia calls Mica out for telling Hugo about time travel.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes the genesis of Roshambo Careens Off Script, his second novel. Then we dive into the seventeenth chapter of The Curve of Time, Roshambo , in which the Saskia's grapple with who should get the date with Mica.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus waxes lyrical again about some of the prospects machine learning is likely to open up. Then we dive into the eighteenth chapter of The Curve of Time, Mica's Kitchen, in which Saskia explains to Mica how a neural net works.Referenced in Rufus' commentary were: — a blog post by Noah Smith— ChatGPT tutoring Sal Kahn's child in trig— a fascinating interview with Reid Hoffman— Grant Sanderson's lovely introduction to neural netsExplore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus examines the frailty of life. Then we dive into the nineteenth chapter of The Curve of Time, Cat Drop, in which Saskia tries taking another animal back through timeExplore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus considers the different natures of time. Then we dive into the twentieth chapter of The Curve of Time, Stuck in Bed, in which Mica grapples with the fact that Saskia really can slip in time, and Saskia grapples with how to get out of bed.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus muses on the value of following your dreams. Then we dive into the twenty-first chapter of The Curve of Time, Second Saskia, in which Saskia's double starts life anew.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes how mathematicians like to describe their work. Then we dive into the twenty second chapter of The Curve of Time, Descent on a Dish Towel , in which Saskia elaborates on her earlier description of neural nets while she and Mica have breakfast.To see the image in this chapter, check out Episode 22 on my website.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus takes a bit of a risk and describes what algebraic geometry is with the example that first delighted him.Then we dive into the twenty third chapter of The Curve of Time, Life on a Rope , in which Mica seeks outside expertise to make sense of time travel.Check out Episode 23 on my website to see the images and gif mentioned today.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus muses about provenance.Then we dive into the twenty fourth chapter of The Curve of Time, The Recycling Center, in which Saskia heads to her place of work, nervous about who she might find there.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.Barry's substack page

Rufus muses on what writers have in common with squirrels.Then we dive into the twenty fifth chapter of The Curve of Time, Up the Coast , in which Sienna steps out into her new life.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus relates cusp points to various aspects of life. Then we dive into the twenty sixth chapter of The Curve of Time, A Cusp Problem , in which Mica describes a new problem to Saskia.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can find the chapter images and join a discussion at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes a conundrum raised by the algebraic concept of dimension. Then we dive into the twenty seventh chapter of The Curve of Time, Clutch Move, in which Mica sees an analogy between Saskia's switching her flow through time and changing gears in a car.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus connects taking random walks in life with the value of exploring.Then we dive into the twenty eighth chapter of The Curve of Time, Coast-to-Coast Cabling, in which Saskia makes a grand gesture.David Epstein's book, Range.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus spends a few words on saying goodbye.Then we dive into the twenty ninth chapter of The Curve of Time, A Witness to Your Own Death? in which Saskia's double, Sienna, wrestles with some of the implications of time travel while heading back to LA to find her phone.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus muses about concurrently holding contradictory ideas in your head. Then we dive into the thirtieth chapter of The Curve of Time, A Bridge to Far in which Mica encourages Saskia to consider how else she can wield her superpower for good.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus mulls what it means to do research. Then we dive into the thirty first chapter of The Curve of Time, Blobs in a Box, in which Saskia and Mica spend time looking into Saskia's next steps.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus makes the case that iteration is crucially important to … everything. Then we dive into the thirty second chapter of The Curve of Time, To Texas, in which Saskia heads to Texas to change the past.Also, check out my aunt Ev Hales giving a gorgeous watercolor demonstration. And my friend Kalid's website Better Explained and his description of the Blurry to Sharp approach to learning.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes how a certain aspect of a book's structure can be a good metaphor for life and the world around us.Then we dive into the thirty third chapter of The Curve of Time, The Pen, n which Saskia wrestles with duplication from time travel.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus talks about chipping away at things. Then we dive into the thirty fourth chapter of The Curve of Time, Biased by What Had Yet to Happen, in which Saskia embraces her Dallas trip.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus compares audiobooks to written text. Then we dive into the thirty fifth chapter of The Curve of Time, The Weight of the Pen, in which Saskia makes a note of the lottery numbers.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus muses on the role of luck in our lives.Then we dive into the thirty sixth chapter of The Curve of Time, Five Out of Six, in which Saskia follows up on her plan to pay for her hotel with another lottery ticket.As promised here is a link to the splendid non-profit, BEAM (Bridge to Entering Advanced Mathematics).Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes his concept of negligent parenting.Then we dive into the thirty seventh chapter of The Curve of Time, Where Are You?, in which Mica waits for Saskia to return.Here's a link to Terry's book Mean Genes.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus considers the risks with implicit questions in his theory of questions. Then we dive into the thirty eighth chapter of The Curve of Time, Back to the Races, in which Saskia heads to Lone Star Park, the horse racetrack in Dallas.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes the first occurrence of meta time-traveling that he's been forced into, along with a couple of ways in which the real world has crept into The Curve of Time.Then we dive into the thirty ninth chapter of The Curve of Time, Priming the Pump, in which Saskia leaves the race track and sets up her encounter with Zeno.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus talks about mixing it up in life. Then we dive into the fortieth chapter of The Curve of Time, Zeno's Front Stoop, in which Saskia finally confronts Zeno.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes how WTF's are just a reframing of his theory of questions. Then we dive into the forty first chapter of The Curve of Time, The Missing Phone, in which Saskia deals with the aftermath of her pickpocket intervention.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes described a problem with AI model curation. Then we dive into the fourteenth chapter of The Curve of Time, 911 , in which Zeno calls for the paramedics.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus describes some of the dichotomies between being old and young.Then we dive into the forty third chapter of The Curve of Time, You Look Awful, in which we return to Saskia and her mother, Miranda, in the Dallas hospital in the aftermath of Saskia's accident.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus considers how AI will impact society and jobs. In that discussion he mentions a fascinating interview with Geoffrey Hinton.Then we dive into the forty fourth chapter of The Curve of Time, The Brain Specialist, in which Saskia talks to a brain specialist.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus talks about the way disparate elements slid into stories. Then we dive into the forty fifth chapter of The Curve of Time, The Paradox of Agency, in which Saskia and Mica wrestle with some paradoxes of time travel.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus contextualizes the racy chapter ahead, from the writer's perspective. Followed by Chapter 46 —— White Cotton Snow, in which Saskia and Mica share an intimate moment.Then we dive into the forty sixth chapter of The Curve of Time, White Cotton Snow, in which Saskia and Mica share an intimate moment.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus talk briefly about experiences and giving.Then we dive into the forty seventh chapter of The Curve of Time, The Mess of Being Out to Lunch, in which Saskia escapes the hospital.To donate to BEAM click here.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus muses on how stories make us feel.Then we dive into the forty eighth chapter of The Curve of Time, The Identity of Ms. Smith, in which Sienna wrestles with her dead double that she just left behind.Sign up for a weekly newsletter version of the podcast here.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus explores the concept of infinity. Then we dive into the forty ninth chapter of The Curve of Time, Measure Zero, in which Mica wonders if there might be other time travelers.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus gives a shout out to a Primed Minds, including the Möbius Cuts Exploration.Then we dive into the fiftieth chapter of The Curve of Time, Around the World and Back Again , in which Saskia sees Wassily for the first time in a decade.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

Rufus presages a change to the format of this podcast.Then we dive into the fifty first chapter of The Curve of Time, Gulf of Mexico, in which Zeno investigates how Saskia knew about the DBG rig spill.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 52 —— Teaching Wassily, in which Saskia takes on a student.Followed by Rufus' thoughts on machines learning.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 53 —— Second Chances, in which Sasakia and Mica talk about do-overs.Followed by Rufus musing on the importance of stopping to smell the flowers. Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 54 — The Lottery Test , in which Saskia and Mica put Saskia's ability to win the lottery to the test.Followed by Rufus musing on the value of apprenticeship, wherever you can find it.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 55 — Twiness Protection, in which Mica gives thought to how time travelers might hide.Followed by some reflections on possessions.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 56 — Evolutions , in which Saskia talks about the time travel of evolution.Rufus muses on some fun mathematical references, including 3Blue1Brown video on topology and an interview with Geoffrey HintonExplore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 57 — The Meditation Retreat, in which Zeno experiments with a new power.Followed by some thoughts on the importance of different ways of measuring experience.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 58 — Bubbles in SpaceTime, in which Saskia wonders about bubbles in the fabric of space-time.Followed a quick shout out for International Women's Day.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 59 — A True Superpower, in which Wassily posits a theory about Saskia's super strength.Followed by some musing on context. Including Grant Sanderson's video on Cosmic DistancesExplore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 60 — Attention Is All You Need, in which Saskia transfers her attention to Mica.Followed by a quick shout out to pi-day.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 61 — An Ephemeral Wind, in which Zeno experiments with his new power.Followed by musings on how examining logical extremes is helpful.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 62 — Atmospheric Diving Suits, in which Mica learns a little of Saskia's past.Followed by some musings on authenticity in writing.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 63 — Back On the Front Stoop, in which Saskia and Mica seek out Zeno.Followed by musings on evergreen content.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 64 — An Early Morning Visitor , in which Zeno shows up on Saskia's doorstep.Followed by some musings on dialogue tags.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 65 — Hotel—Early Morning , in which Saskia twists Zeno's arm.Followed by some musings on sleep during travels.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 66 — Smear Campaign, in which Saskia and Mica get some unexpected news about Zeno.Followed by some musings on how we can expanding moments of show.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 67 — Trust In Yourself, in which Saskia prepares for her dive.Followed by reflections from the garden.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 68 — In Seattle, in which Molly returns to Seattle from her yoga retreat.Followed by musings about the passage of time that we don't see.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 69 — Memories, in which Saskia dives to the seabed.Followed by some musings on the Koch snowflake.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 70 — The Temporal Frame, in which Wassily crashes a dinner.Followed by some musings on tribes.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 71 —— Smear Together, in which Mica learns about Zeno's death.Followed by Rufus musing on turning points in life.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 72 —— Another Lottery, in which Mica is given another lottery winner to write up.Followed by some musings on coincidence.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 73 — The Dangers Of Meditation , in which Saskia makes connections while flying to Seattle.Followed a short confession about where this project is at.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.

The Curve of Time, Chapter 74 — A Modern Day Buddhist, in which Mica interviews Amara, the meditation guru.Followed by reflections on double meaning.Explore more at www.writtenbyrufus.com where you can join in a discussion of this chapter at the bottom of the text version of this episode.