Charles Isbell: Computing, Interactive AI, and Race in America | Lex Fridman Podcast

[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Neuro: www.getneuro.com and use code LEX to get 15% off - Decoding Digital: appdirect.com/decoding-digital - MasterClass: masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off annual sub - Cash App: cash.app/ and use code LexPodcast to get $10 2:36 - Top 3 movies of all time 8:45 - People are easily predictable 14:27 - Breaking out of our bubbles 26:13 - Interactive AI 32:45 - Lifelong machine learning 41:12 - Faculty hiring 48:47 - University rankings 56:15 - Science communicators 1:05:39 - Hip hop 1:14:39 - Funk 1:16:03 - Computing 1:31:55 - Race 1:47:59 - Cop story 1:56:20 - Racial tensions 2:05:42 - MLK vs Malcolm X 2:09:03 - Will human civilization destroy itself? 2:13:34 - Fear of death and the passing of time

[@UnknownSend3r]

Lex, what's good bro. First commenter, who do you think Is the current P4P fighter (Jones or khabib) and whose your all time favourite fighter (MMA or boxing)

[@UnknownSend3r]

@@paulbryant8403 fully agree Izzy could/should be on that list, but atm the debate is between khabib & Jones.

[@Chase222s]

Lex thank you sir for all your hard work. You inspire me to better myself. Don’t let the trolls or negative energy bring you down while you do your thing. I believe the attempt to create positive impact can be measured by the trolls Trolls surface to stop you or crush your impact. you cannot get rid of them you should weaponize the negative energy. I’m 26 year old from Boise Idaho my brothers and I have your back 100% you have my support Boss.

[@jondoe8o]

@@UnknownSend3r im crying

[@UnknownSend3r]

@@jondoe8o first person to comment, so thought he might see and answer.

[@danielbarrows8224]

I rarely comment, but Lex, your podcast is quickly becoming an element of my morning ritual. Best list of guests in my opinion. I have a request also if you see this, Robert Sapolsky the Stanford Neuroendocrinologist would be my next pick. Keep it up man, you're doing fantastic work.

[@bartoszwielgos6850]

I second this. Potential for a great conversation

[@meeravinod7165]

I have been commenting for dr.sapolsky for quite some time. Pretty sure he's seen it. Hope he's trying to work it out !

[@aliyahsalomon48]

Dr. Sapolsky would be a good guest! So would Dr. Andrew Huberma from Stanford as well

[@ejohnstn]

I agreee. Lex sees all comments

[@BertramShord]

Sapolsky would be great! The man really scared me when he broke down basic motivations and the bio-chemical bases for pathological states. Like....fuck, how the hell can you talk about anyone, just your imaginary sample-person and still hit so close to things I had to accept for myself. It wasnt that surprising, (why should i be different?) but the clean force with which he made those statements shook my world to the core. Deep, to some extend fearfull, respect for the man. Let's hear from him!

[@morlyfe]

Very inspiring for me as a Black Computer Science student 🙌🏾

[@sid570]

What Charles said about objectiveness was really profound, honestly. Mans got an incredible perspective on life.

[@strangerwithscience3597]

Gotta time stamp

[@aditdamodaran]

For future visitors, it's around 54:00

[@jimpayne9545]

Lex, you comment toward the end that this is one of the best conversations you have ever had, and this is one of the best conversations I've ever heard. I truly enjoyed every moment of it, to the point that I listened to this particular podcast twice, and I never do that. I sincerely hope you have the opportunity to have Charles Isbell on your podcast again.

[@adwaitkulkarni3567]

Releasing the 3 interviews, that shed light upon the nature of good & evil, the present election scenario, & the successful way out for the US is incredible work on your behalf, Lex. To have discussions about human values & how they could be influential in deciding the president, without imprinting your own biases is such a genius move. The job of a master is not to show people what to look at, but where to look & make up their own conclusions. You're teaching people to think for themselves based on the facts, & draw conclusions accordingly, without interrupting or tampering their own decisions. For this, you deserve a special applause. Kudos!

[@MALI700]

This is one of the best episodes, an amazing communicator whose not trying to be profound not trying to troll just doing his best to tell his truth

[@kaytee3364]

This guy Lex keeps having the most interesting guests! Thanks so much for having some of the most interesting guests and convos i’ve seen on KZbin!

[@DomMcsweeney-DoomPlugs]

I'm really enjoying your podcast episodes Lex, you're enlightening and rewarding to listen to, whilst always bringing excellent subject matters to the fore, and it always seems to be an excellent interaction between yourself and your guests. Please continue. Also - if you ever get time to do another guitar episode that'd make me and many others very happy too! World peace = more guitar!

[@philiproach2537]

Every kid in the world should have a guitar.

[@musicalfringe]

I took a tumble a few years ago that resulted in a nasty injury. Charles's story about his surgery gave me chills because it's exactly what I say about my accident (not the surgery). My consciousness ran straight from the accident (my memory doesn't quite last until the moment of impact) to waking up without any hint of the passage of the 15-20 minutes that apparently passed before I was discovered. For the first time in my life, I became aware that the process of my awareness can just stop. It was a bit scary for a while, and I also had the thought that that must be what death is like.

[@nancycorbeil2666]

One of the best conversations I've watched on your channel. Please have him on again!

[@erinrennau1]

I’m not going to lie, I was hesitant to start listening as this is 2+ hours, but I was so disappointed when it was over. I could listen to the two of you talk all day. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in such a beautiful human way.

[@rickjaramillo8491]

I took his online course a few years ago. He lights people up in the comments, it’s super hilarious.

[@connorbeveridge2006]

I am in his class now, still lighting people up lol

[@Danielv775]

I was also in his ML and RL class. About to graduate from OMSCS this semester :)

[@mankypancakes]

@@connorbeveridge2006 got a good example? Just curious

[@connorbeveridge2006]

​@@mankypancakes I can't recall anything specific. He just knows when people are asking questions just for the hell of asking a question when the answer is obvious or freely available. He didn't get me luckily lol. It's not mean-spirited though, just more of like a Dad response to a dumb question.

[@brianwestphal]

Writing a paper for Dr Isbell’s class right now. Cheers!

[@petesburgher]

Crush that paper!

[@cmdtrigun]

Never had him as a prof at Gatech, but I did play summer league Ultimate with him. Great guy!

[@mlittman]

me too!

[@cmdtrigun]

@Ray Baker Adjusting for inflation, I'd hope to be worth a lot more by now!

[@SecretMarsupial]

Lex you should listen to MF DOOM. There’s so much you’ll appreciate about his work.

[@devynm5882]

I knew I would find this comment if I didn't I was gonna make it myself. I SECOND THIS

[@Bigohno0]

Third

[@oncedidactic]

oh heck yes, 4th

[@mankypancakes]

RIP

[@BertramShord]

Agreed!

[@MaxTraxOregon]

Lex you have become one of my favorite intellectuals ! Keep up the great work

[@erfrast7249]

Charles is super cool, such a down-to-earth guy! Thank you Lex for giving this man a platform. This is what podcasts are all about:)

[@ninadesianti9587]

Thank you for sharing inspiring stories Dr. Charles Isbell! I admire you that you can stay positive throughout your life and to have clarity of mind to deal with problems. This is what we need amid uncertainty and chaos in the world. Thank you Lex, for your excellent choice of guest on your podcast, as always!

[@cindyhernandez424]

I loved Isbell's perspective on language and understanding. We may all be using the same language and have total radical ideas. This is why I believe we must create spaces where people of different views can have constructive conversations. For example, I am apprehensive about social media as it allows people to cluster and not break out of their bubbles. I hope that as technology advances we don't lose our ability to have difficult conversations on a human level.

[@over7532]

Dr. Isbell's speaking style is downright captivating!

[@Tlicious04]

My boyfriend has that exact fascination with acronyms :) Lex, your content is as addicting as it is enriching! I find that I hold you close to my heart, and hope you know how important your role is in the precarious narrative of our time. Your emphasis on beauty, elegance, and love is underestimated, and perhaps misunderstood. Intentional or not, your honest, curious, soul seeking approach is invaluable to your guests and audience. Or at the very least, serendipitous for me😊

[@6ixpool520]

This interview was fantastic. The agility of Charles' mind and the insight he provides is truly awesome. So many of his quotes should be a t-shirt!

[@m123g]

Lex, if you still read comments - I just want to say...sup. But really, thank you for the mind expanding content. It has challenged me in multiple ways and I cant wait for the future of this podcast.

[@ccflan]

I click on ads sometimes just to find something i czn reward you for your contents... Thabk you so much ❤️

[@riochuong105]

Wow great. I am taking OMSCS from gatech. It's a must watch for me

[@tdlaustralia7791]

The introductions are really quite helpful. I don't necessarily know who some of these people are at the start.

[@primafacie5029]

Great intros, and yeah it helps

[@primafacie5029]

These podcasts are next level

[@danepaulstewart8464]

Yes! Great and USEFUL intros! Please don’t ever stop doing that. 👍

[@vule656]

I love this guys mannerism and body language. It's very energetic in a way

[@flutebasket4294]

I think you mean gay

[@dwindeyer]

21:20 I'm a "good at empathy bad a sympathy" person.. Possibly to an extreme. I can understand the motivations of almost any perspective in detail but on a grand scale I fail to give a shit about most things.

[@dwindeyer]

@1Energine1 It's been a veeeery long phase haha

[@UserName-ii1ce]

@1Energine1 (Dale Carnegie: How to make friends and influence people)

[@HH-ow7tz]

People show as much sympathy for others, as others have shown them. No one sympathized with you during the pain and struggles in your life. No one helped you through your tough times. When you asked for help, everyone said you're good, you don't need help. That's why you dgaf. Only people who have received a lot of sympathy feel a lot of sympathy

[@colinmaxwell4221]

Mr. Fridman, your podcast is so inspirational. I look at you as a role model. Thank you for all that you do.

[@dragonslayingelder]

I was a grad student in CSE at GaTech and ran into him at the racquetball courts all the time! So excited to see him on this podcast that I already love!

[@charlie10010]

Your range of guests is unmatched Lex. Keep doing what you do best!

[@thesillentt]

That Dan Carlin tweet was such a tease, every time a new podcast comes out I get excited hoping it's finally the Dan Carlin one

[@chriscurtis8850]

Thank you for everything you post Lex! I love the enlightenment

[@Dsksea]

Hmm I think it makes sense to listen to modern critically acclaimed rap albums. Like Good Kid MAAD City, To Pimp A Butterfly, Kids See Ghosts, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy etc... Rap has evolved and improved by leaps and bounds over the years. But I think that it could also be interesting to listen to older albums and then work towards modern albums to get a better appreciation of it.

[@bluemiles7860]

He got me to listen to Public Enemy and Junior Wells and i love it. I would agree, MBDTF is a must listen along w/ GKMC

[@TheAdrian1113]

1:11 am here in uk , uni starts in 8 hours , damn ....here we go ( gets popcorn ready )

[@ciarfah]

In a similar boat here, same timezone anyway, uni in the morning. Got any spare popcorn?

[@TheAdrian1113]

@@ciarfah of course matey

[@UnknownSend3r]

London here too, well worth it.

[@UnknownSend3r]

@@kiniwo00 look at mr discipline & patience here dropping wisdom.

[@johnwhiteman2665]

One of my favorite/first ML teachers. So nice!

[@faithfulalabi1522]

This was one of the best interview ever! Thank you Lex! I hope you can have him back on again.

[@Eiko286]

I love this guy he seems to be really respectful, down to earth and really interesting to listen to. I would love to have him here again.

[@Iron-Bridge]

With Joe Rogan moving over to Spotify I was initially concerned about the possible dearth of engaging ( to my interests) podcasts. I'm glad to say that Lex Fridman's podcasts are increasingly surpassing JRog's as my must haves. Only discovered him recently. A very intelligent multifaceted man with a genuine interest in putting together the puzzle of how our complex world works by engaging other very unique intelligent people from various domains. And doesn't talk over them. Guides the discussion in a way that's accessible to non domain familiar audiences. Big win 👍

[@jackbdimarco]

Go Jackets! Been following this podcast for a long time and it’s super awesome to see my worlds colliding and Dean Isbell appearing on an episode. Very impressive guy, and glad to see him represent GT well. Good stuff Lex!

[@andrewandersonbmx7009]

Love it bro. Please bring back MATT BOTVINICK for round 2. Much needed

[@theflyingcrud]

Man, this conversation is fascinating. Would absolutely love to talk to Charles, especially on the idea he was speaking on of framing our understanding based on what the most favored current understanding is. Truly believe that if we're being intellectually honest with ourselves this is not the best way to go. But so much nuance there and a fascinating topic

[@RITUVLOGSTODAY]

Charles speaks in a way that he has so much to say but he also doesn't wanna get bored with himself listening to his own voice

[@cesarramirez6147]

Lex can you bring Peter Thiel on the podcast? Would love to hear what he has to say ❤️

[@AlexKudryavtsev]

Charles and Lex, thanks for this refreshing and enlightening conversation!

[@Kim-SCUSA]

I’m constantly impressed by you and your intelligent guests.

[@mosca-tse-tse]

So profound, everything he says. Fantastic guest! 👍🏻

[@psycho2soundz]

I appreciate seeing this diversity of faces and perspectives.. thanks Lex

[@fluteminer]

Lex, I love both you and your podcasts! Thank you!

[@LukeJ4ckson]

Hey, Lex great podcast I just finished it. I found your channel when you made the podcast with Michael from Vsauce. I think it's cool that you did a podcast with Charles Isbell because I have been planning on going to Georgia Tech. Anyway just wanted to let you know you make a great and inspiring podcast that has changed me for the better.

[@whispro4646]

It appears lex has taken joes advice on not reading the comments, well done lex!

[@UnknownSend3r]

Why was he given that advice, and how do you know he listened to it.

[@whispro4646]

@@UnknownSend3r joe believes lex was stressing too much over negative comments and I don’t know but lex used to heart and respond to comments and he no longer does that so I can guess he may be no longer reading them

[@UnknownSend3r]

@@whispro4646 oh okay nice, thanks for taking the time to explain.

[@kidohchi]

I really enjoyed this talk!-

[@jacobkiefer3828]

Your podcast is becoming state of the art!

[@maggyfrog]

this podcast is very life affirming. as always, another inspiring episode. lex, don't worry about the trolls. they "cringe" at the mention of love because deep down, they are just incapable of admitting that they want/need it just as much as anybody else.

[@DKL997]

This is awesome! Chris' mooc at Udacity was one of my first introductions to AI.

[@galintorgalintor1580]

Lex Luthor 💪👍

[@justchaz.]

Multidisciplinary and very thoughtful. Matter of fact, has thought very deeply about a lot of relational things that scientists usually have a gaping hole in, seeing them as extra disciplinary. Immensely impressed with Charles.

[@studiospeets]

This podcast starts of talking about some of my favorite movies. Awesome! Can't wait for the Dan Carlin episode.

[@camillacalhoun1089]

This was great. I love his last comment about the universe made entirely of others. Inspiration for these intense days. Thanks for making my life richer with these conversations.

[@AUhelix]

Love the video is broke down into conversation segments.

[@BaldHeadBvb]

big fan here lex. started listening a few weeks ago and havent stopped. I enjoy hearing your views on alot of the different things that you cover. Im gonna be the guy you mentioned recommending music. haha Vinnie paz - you cant be neutral on a moving train. by the way love the positivity. These podcasts are great, I listen to them while I do my college school work. What is your favorite movie lex?

[@Greg400]

Charles Isbell is such a gentleman.

[@misskitty2808]

I feel better so thank you both..why would any person give this this wonderful insight a thumb down?

[@ugandaplayer]

Even tho I disagree with some of the ways Dr. Charles approached some issues, and I believe because of political reasons, I find it very interesting there are people disliking such high quality content videos

[@NeuroReview]

Rating: 7.0/10 In Short: Being a Black Academic (with a capital B) Notes: Lex asks charles a variety of questions, ranging from race to his classic meaning of life/death, to academics and rankings and then some computer science. I actually liked that it didn’t get too nerdy and in the weeds of comp sci, and Charles was able to be somewhat philosophical and big picture often. This is something I don’t always see with these nerdy comp sci guys. Then it felt kind of ballsy lex asking Charles about race, but he honestly answered it with humility and whitout a chip on his shoulder. A very elgant discussion there in the science realm that is often avoided and if discussed, just directly assumed what will be said without much thought. I liked Charles as a person, and actually didn’t get to see him much as a scientist. I think the convo with him and Michael littman will give more insight into that.

[@silakanveli]

Lex becoming one of favorite podcaster

[@abhilashasaroj204]

Great conversation once again! Thanks.

[@mlittman]

I think the pre-Rodney King story Charles mentioned was about Don Jackson's encounter in Long Beach. Most of the details match up.

[@dustydiglett]

This guy is so charismatic. Thanks for the great conversation :)

[@dracomorton4875]

This interview was eye opening and perspective setting. Thank you.

[@martinoz8282]

Yeah boy! It takes a nation of millions to hold is back ✊

[@gitstanfield2863]

Lex, I love you so much man. Please keep doing what you're doing.

[@RITUVLOGSTODAY]

Wow the interview was amazing it's so much fun

[@NicholasKay]

Thank you for this interview, Lex, I really enjoyed it.

[@diegotejera2742]

Great man. I needed his perspective.

[@jamal1493]

Your best interview imo. What an intresting man.

[@jzen1455]

One heavy hitter after another! Keep em' coming!

[@amahmoudtx]

Thanks!

[@Croviel]

Ka - I Wish (Death Poem) or Ka - Mourn at Night 2016, you might appreciate these songs Lex

[@KwameSomPimpong]

Artists to listen to: Chris Classic - SauceDripPercLitNoCapHappyNow? Jay-Z - 4:44 Statik Selektah - The Balancing Act On Disco, it wasn't a failure, just got coopted. Look at Detroit disco culture.

[@michaelschasteen2407]

Great Talk Gentlemen....Thank You always

[@williewillertom827]

thanks for the spoiler alert ive been saving the godfather movies for when im done procrastinating on school work

[@James-iz9qb]

People hate when you tell them if they are easily predictable- because they aren't. Charles is doing the typical thing that people in tech do where they extrapolate their very confined research to the remarkable complexity of human life. There is a certain range of things that of course are predictable- in a way which is very trivial. Like what preferences a person has for food, what they buy....what websites they visit etc. But for deeper things like how trustworthy they will be in particular situations....how resilient they will be in particular situations etc- those things are far more complex- and also the only things people really care about. People wince at statements like 'people are easily predictable' because they know it certainly is not true at a very deep level- the smart, often arrogant tech person will come in with assumed authority from their academic position and statistics that bear no real relation to the sweeping statement that has been made. I find that such people often harbour some form of resentment against human beings- and have a desire to minimise them/act like their technical research gives them an oracle-like level of insight that places them in a superior position to others. When it comes to complex questions about how humans are- statistical analysis is almost worthless. The only thing that can address those questions is wisdom from human experience.....and we all know very well that people are not predictable when it comes to non-trivial things- in fact we organise much of our lives and energy around the question of who we can and cannot trust....something we would not do if people were predictable.

[@stevek1456]

The idea of showing commonality online is brilliant. Even just knowing that someone lives in the same area, follows the same team, or even drinks the same drink would almost instantly lower hostility online.

[@TBOBrightonandHove]

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Congratulations, the both of you. Feel my brain has a bunch of new interesting connections to explore and ultimately enjoy...

[@NicholasKujawa]

Stay brilliant and never stop looking up.

[@adammilan7528]

There's a playlist on my KZbin page Lex. The Mix of music is random but the common thread is the depth in lyrics and movement within the songs. I made it to complement a long drive, workout, house cleaning, etc. With a primary focus on the audio aspect. At the forefront of the playlist is a feature of a podcast I was given a shout out on the former Church of What's Happening Now Podcast created by Joey CoCo Diaz. I had made the leap onto the Patreon page of Joey and he features an Album of the week experience on a five dollar tier. I mention this because I find the ride along with Joey in his interpretations with Music that he introduces to his audience entertaining and interesting. So 1. Playlist available that is just an audio mix of emotional depth lyrics by many artists. And 2. Joey does a great Music sharing experience featured on his Patreon page that illuminates strong music and has an appreciation of the art of performance. Take Care in these upcoming days Lex. Thanks for these Good Conversations. Big Fan. ✌

[@matthewgaffney1955]

I loved the little segment about hip hop. We do all get a bit conditioned by our little cultural subgroups, regarding what our minds are open to. But there's not much difference between Mozart and Mos Def, if you strip away the genre and theory and just feel the soul and truth and purity in both artists' efforts. I always urge people to use modern tech (playlists) to put seemingly contrasting styles back-to-back and listen! Eric Dolphy's heavenly instrumentals contain the same heart and truth and power as a modern rap flow. "Don't put music in BOXES!!" - Ginger Baker

[@VietnamVet74]

Loved hearing this conversation ❤

[@mattmarkowicz]

Lex, I'm a dual-MSW counselor, specifically working with persons who have addictions. Get me on your show so I can sort through these thoughts on humanity/recovery/healing.

[@alexanderhall1819]

Charles Isbell is the cool academic that has students going to his office hours just to hang out

[@runvnc208]

Around 1:31:48 is a highlight for me. But I think you might have to watch the beginning to get that.

[@bengianacakos3166]

The best movies intro section was all I needed to fall in love with Charles.

[@YouLookSoHappy]

I loved this conversation, Thank you.

[@AGirlofYesterday]

His Girl Friday is my favorite comedy too. I was not expecting that to be his answer though! A delightful surprise. Btw it's a 1940 Howard Hawks film. And he's right: the script/dialogue by Charles Lederer (based on the 1928 play by Ben Hecht & Charles MacArthur) is brilliant.

[@Zakihl]

Top podcasts 1.lex 2.Rogan . . . . . everyone else

[@RubbberRabbbit2]

A very enjoyable, reflective conversation!

[@tornadofdeth]

Nothing truer than "Hip Hop and Rap aren't the same thing"

[@GOAT-HRDRZ]

Rapping is just a small part of Hip-hop.

[@nyelshulialewis3711]

Great Conversation