THE ARMEN SHOW · SINCE 2017
Podcast Archive
Long-form conversations across science, human behavior, technology, culture, philosophy, and related ideas. Browse the episodes below, newest first.
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469: AI, Journals, Research, and Better Systems
In episode 469, Armen Shirvanian explores using AI to analyze years of journals, organize research, improve personal systems, and understand patterns in how we remember the…
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468: Sukun Chopra | Finding Your Way Again: Purpose, Connection, and Life After Momentum
Sukun Chopra returns to The Armen Show for a conversation about identity, purpose, connection, and rebuilding momentum after major life transitions. Since her first appearance on…
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467: Danny Bate | Why the Alphabet Endures: A Deep Dive into Language and Culture
Why did the alphabet become one of humanity’s most successful technologies? In this episode, Armen speaks with linguist and author Danny Bate about the hidden history…
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466: Jacob Mchangama | The Free Speech Recession: A Global Decline in Expression
In this episode, Armen speaks with legal scholar and free speech advocate Jacob Mchangama about the shifting global landscape of expression. Drawing on his new book…
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465: Michael Gurven | The Seven-Decade Human Lifespan
A conversation with Professor Michael Gurven of UC Santa Barbara on the evolutionary structure of human lifespan and the misconceptions surrounding aging. The central claim of…
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464: Carey Gillam | How Industry Manipulates Science and Regulation
In this returning conversation, investigative journalist Carey Gillam examines how scientific evidence, corporate incentives, and regulatory systems interact in the modern agrochemical landscape. Drawing on more…
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463: Bronwyn Williams | Surviving the AI Apocalypse: A Solutionist’s Guide
Bronwyn Williams discusses the concept of the ‘AI apocalypse’ and the broader technological and geopolitical shifts impacting society. The conversation explores how globalization, automation, and the…
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462: Caleb Scharf | The Biological Imperative of Space Exploration In “The Giant Leap”
In this episode, Dr. Caleb Scharf returns to the show, where we discuss his book The Giant Leap: Why Space Is the Next Frontier in the…
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461: Rebecca Newberger Goldstein | Exploring the Nature of Mattering In “The Mattering Instinct”
In this conversation, Armen Shirvanian and Dr. Rebecca Newberger Goldstein explore the concept of ‘mattering’, the intrinsic human desire to feel significant and valued, from her…
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460: Where Trust Goes When Institutions Fail
In this episode, Armen Shirvanian explores the shifting landscape of trust as institutions face increasing scrutiny and failure. He discusses how trust is transitioning from traditional…
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459: What 2025 Clarified (Not What It Added)
This isn’t a recap of episodes or a list of guests. It’s a look at what became clearer over the course of 2025. Across conversations on…
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458: Creating in the Age of AI: Tools, Possibilities, and Expression
In this solo episode, I dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven content creation and the new possibilities it opens for creators. From image generation…