Lisa Randall: Dark Matter, Theoretical Physics, and Extinction Events | Lex Fridman Podcast

Lisa Randall is a theoretical physicist at Harvard. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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TRANSCRIPT:
lexfridman.com/lisa-randall-t...
EPISODE LINKS:
Lisa's Twitter: / lirarandall
Lisa's Instagram: / proflisarandall
Lisa's Website: www.physics.harvard.edu/peopl...
Books:
Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs: amzn.to/417cKZJ
Knocking on Heaven's Door: amzn.to/3R4LjLC
Warped Passages: amzn.to/49Xcr85
Higgs Discovery: amzn.to/4a6sfWe
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Full episodes playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast
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OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
0:24 - Dark matter
19:16 - Extinction events
30:16 - Particle physics
45:30 - Physics vs mathematics
SOCIAL:
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[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. Transcript: lexfridman.com/lisa-randall-transcript 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Babbel: babbel.com/lexpod and use code Lexpod to get 55% off - Notion: notion.com - SimpliSafe: simplisafe.com/lex to get free security camera plus 20% off - LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/lex to get free sample pack - InsideTracker: insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off 0:24 - Dark matter 19:16 - Extinction events 30:16 - Particle physics 45:30 - Physics vs mathematics

[@alexisgarcia2458]

Amazing topics, thanks Lex ❤

[@eddox33]

When David Grusch?

[@realNormanSmith]

Your interviews are the best!

[@Okmanl]

If you end up interviewing Jeff Bezos please ask about his thoughts on AI. He has a lot of insight.

[@Ottee2]

Hi, Lex, please disregard my earlier suggestion, a few months ago, when I said you should try to get an interview with Henry Kissinger.

[@___ruthless]

She is a proper scientist. Humble, measured in her responses, full of caveats, and has respect for others who don’t think in the same way as her

[@Truffle_Pup]

I have to say, I was utterly blown away by this one Lex. I only wish we got another hour or two out of this discussion with Lisa, she is utterly fascinating and speaks so easily yet incredibly succinctly.

[@opurion]

there are a few clues she may have been under the weather and not been up for chatting for longer

[@DanielBro42]

never seen the word "succinctly" thanks

[@thomabow8949]

I think the romanticized questions Lex proffers aren't exactly proper questions to ask an empiricist, like a physicist - half of the time, you'll get a professional opinion, which seems bland, the other personal speculation@@opurion

[@dave4148]

utterly

[@stephenscharf6293]

Yes! Please have her back, Lex, for more discussion with Lisa. Outstanding interview.

[@Starship_X]

Who knew Jodie Foster took her role in the movie Contact seriously in real life.

[@summaryjudgment]

I've been waiting for an episode to actually be about science again

[@ShonMardani]

You need to wait forever, no science out of book writers (copy and pasters) or from science communicators, they are salvaged cars.

[@resevoirdog]

Just don't be critical or he will purge you. Lex is anti free speech. Look up his past actions from people who know him. Dude is a monster

[@charlesackman892]

summaryjudgment I totally agree with you. I get sick and tired of one way philosophy being dictated to me. I hear a lot of opinions on these presentations, but yet to see one person add 1+1=2 much less the intricacies of Jordan algebra.

[@nicholasward6203]

One of my favorite episodes to date! Lisa, speaks so brilliantly elegantly.

[@idatong976]

Thank you Lisa and Lex for this episode on science and physics. It certainly sparks an interest and my curiosity now wants more. For sure, I'm still in awe every time I look at a sunrise and a sunset. The beauty doesn't stop...

[@resevoirdog]

Watch out because he will block and purge you if you criticize him. He's crazy lol look at people's experiences with him. Dude is one of those "free speech for me but not for thee" types

[@NinjaofApathy]

Hey Lex, I'm glad you decided not to use a "teaser" intro clip of the conversation, I dislike starting a video and having direction of conversation and concepts spoiled, plus kinda a time waster since I now have to listen through that segment twice, once out of context. Thanks for all you do, love ya Lex :)

[@Spiralsinto]

Lex can we please get a couple more hours with her. This is not enough.

[@shanebruce3997]

I may be late to the game - just discovered your podcast - thank you! I love the Lisa Randall quote, "I probably don't believe in God. I think it's a problem that people are considered immoral if they're not religious. That's just not true. This might earn me some enemies, but in some ways they may be even more moral. If you do something for a religious reason, you do it because you'll be rewarded in an afterlife or in this world. That's not quite as good as something you do for purely generous reasons."

[@alexandernahan6768]

I think she's just saying how people instantly think your immoral for not believing in god. Shes not saying that its what others believe

[@Openmindallthetime143]

How wonderful now u can check all his timeless pieces he's done . They are really all wonderful lex is extremely open minded and so are his guess . Welcome to the crew!

[@phillipcook3430]

Sounds like she knows more about the physical world than the spiritual. I am part of the religious community and I am not aware of any of my community members believing that those that don’t believe in a religion are immoral or more immoral. In fact I know many religious people that are more immoral than some of my agnostic or atheist acquaintances. This lady needs to get out more if she wants to make such a generalization as she did.

[@etmerde]

Thanks for saving me the time

[@AECommonThread2137]

Not necessarily. I see your point - and I am pretty much non-theist/agnostic (I don't like to label it) - but many people's religious or non-religious attachments differ from one another. I can understand why many intellectuals, scientific types, and atheists hate religion - especially considering a lot of the historical attachment that has had such a dramatic impact on humanity and the earth - however, I believe that the approach most of them take is far too damning against those who follow. I find that if we push too hard to impose our ideologies on another only push them further. I think an analogy is how strict parents who are overbearing on their kids will only push them away or cause them to rebel - people want to have agency of their views whether right or wrong. If one has a point of view to impose, I find that leading by example, and finding a way to bring a common thread to the table can help homogenize the polarized ideologies. You can see this notion everywhere from polarized politics, wars, religion, academics, poor and rich, enlightened & ignorant, etc. My fiance is catholic, but she has her own interpretation of faith - she has her own walk with "god" However, doesn't subscribe to a lot of the bigotry, pseudoscience, and bastardization that idols, the Vatican, and abusive priests, popes, molesters, etc. That involves themselves. My fiance does good to others not for the afterlife, she is a true empath - she doesn't do it to please, but because she feels the common thread in us all and finds it a virtue to be kind. Faith can be great for a society, however, it has many flaws. Due to my antitheism, it is easy to fall nihilistic and I need to propagate meaning in my life - sometimes I am jealous of the will that those with faith have. I wouldn't have it any other way though - I enjoy finding out, being the tool to my own will and happiness, and I love my partner and her beliefs as we continue our 8-year relationship with our outlook on life. Sorry for the rant, I thoroughly enjoy writing.

[@PrajwalDSouzaCrazyTalks]

When are we getting Sabine on the podcast?

[@SomeoneStillLearning]

Yes!!!!!

[@madelinevicioso7980]

Yes please!!!

[@sarthakpatnaik714]

Thank you Lex for adding volumes to my reading list every week.

[@777ouivous]

much gratitude to both Lisa and Lex for giving your valuable time. I too wish it would have been longer, hope we get a round II. ). Peace and Love

[@TheRealStructurer]

Nice conversation. Wish it would have been longer!

[@vermeerasia]

I don't get it, a Lex podcast under an hour in duration...was this just the trailer for the soon-to-be released actual podcast with Lisa Randall?! I didn't even have time to get my popcorn ready before this one was over...

[@kinnaribhalerao8112]

Amazing one lex! Would have loved to hear her talk more! Hoping for a round 2!

[@ac-gp3kz]

A short and sweet conversation. Would like for it to have gone on longer.

[@billc7480]

Well this is an amazing surprise for me. I read Lisa's book Warped Passages when I was younger and she's been one of my favorite science writers ever since. I always look forward to her books. I wish you had more time with her but this was great!

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

The saddening thing about humans trying to 'define' the universe is that our own science and perceptions are very limited. Our limitations makes a sad realization that we don't know most of the existence around us.

[@peterk2735]

That’s why one of my favourite sci-fi books is Solaris by polish writer Stanislaw Lem. He shows how our human senses are not enough to comprehend the vastness of the universe.

[@346rt]

Lex.. great work. I’ll be tuned in regularly. Thank you very much.

[@lmelin1959]

Very interesting conversation. Thank you to both Lex and Lisa for sharing this with us.

[@KingsMom831]

Thanks for another FANTASTIC episode!

[@billybobinthehouse12]

You know. I've never met someone who's really into their physics to this level. I find they are very interesting people and want to hear more from them. Thanks Lex for finding alot of interesting people that I never get to see in real life 😊

[@peterk2735]

I used to attend a math class in in uni while studying informatics, the guy sitting next to me was an astrophysicist. He’s now in charge of one the biggest observatories in the EU. I’ve never met a more intelligent, knowledgeable and thoughtful individual in my life. People like that are one in a million

[@roelvoort]

Many a times I saw her in documentaries for minutes. Great to hear more on this field with good question. Thanks Lex.

[@tomalekrx]

Wish this was longer. Great conversation

[@maremare1655]

Lisa is a good teacher/speaker, great interview and she looks amazing at 61.

[@jannichi6431]

She's doing A LOT correctly. 61? TY, didn't know. I truly thank Lisa and Lex.

[@purplmnTTns]

You’re a total (dapper) bad ass, Lex! Thanks for all the mind-blowing, soul-illuminating, heart-expanding conversations. Grateful. ❤

[@Cgarmag]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 very much enjoyed Dr. Randall’s interview. Highly informative for sure. Thank you Dr. Fridman.

[@davenport8]

Truly wonderful conversation. Thank you.

[@computercrack]

Love the Intros /Outros with this calm voice! Could listen to this all day.

[@agrayday7816]

great interview wish it was longer, less than 1 hour is not enough time. :) you should have her sister on as well with her together. :)

[@user-hx4fk9lj1q]

Great interview... A great pleasure to have far more useful information than I had pre-watch. Plenty of useful questions to process going forward. Ms. Murray & you: 'centered'-balanced- productive

[@elmorganou]

As usual I had to watch this when I have time. This was a truly wonderful interview, with a truly amazing human being. Thank you both. 🇲🇫

[@BeyondTheTwo]

The depth of knowledge and the level humility from her is just impeccable 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@frozenfremen4949]

Dear Lex, I always enjoy your podcasts - and more often than not, it is your own input, your own wisdom, your own humanity, that interests and touches me more than that of the person being interviewed. For me the star of your podcasts is definitely the host himself 🙏

[@zyxmyk]

That was so good, I watched it twice. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them.

[@infamousprince88]

Definitely enjoy this conversation for the topic and content. But her speaking precision is fascinatingly impressive

[@user-qs4bs9ws9x]

Thank you Dr. Fridman. Lisa Randall is incredible.

[@y5mgisi]

Always excited for new Lex!

[@stephenscharf6293]

Just an outstanding interview with Lisa, Lex. I love her ability to be discuss very specific aspects of Dark Matter, Theoretical Physics and then "generalize" up to a higher "Level of Abstraction". As some who spent many years teaching "complex stuff" (DFSS) to my fellow PhD-level scientists & engineers in Biotech, I learned that the ability to move up the _Ladder of Abstraction_ helps drive true insight and understanding. Please have Lisa back for another interview. Cheers.

[@JollyRoger183]

I saw her live in 2006 at a science conference in Venice. Daniel Dannett, Steven Pinker and Peter Atkins were also there. Was really exciting to hear them discuss ideas after their presentations.

[@Mrbfgray]

She looks way old by now, time isn't kind to any of us. lol.

[@tallbudha]

Wow, What a lineup. Wish I could have been there.

[@jannichi6431]

Thought the opposite. She looks great. Remember the 'arm that talks'. She's beautiful.💕🎆🌌

[@JollyRoger183]

@@tallbudha Marc Hauser was also there. Fascinating talk about moral issues. He later got into hot waters with accusations about data manipulation at Harvard.

[@Koto137]

Finally some space/physics episode, thank you!

[@alvaroluffy1]

sad this only was 1 hour, hope she comes back

[@ebptube]

Very nice conversation to listen into, thank you both!

[@hapaart]

Lex glossed over a salient point, compression of mathematical theories into shorthand is beautiful, and, compressing particles into bits of information is too.

[@bendunaway8296]

Fantastic conversation, thank you!

[@jonathancamp7190]

At 24:25 Lisa stated that she toured the Museum of Nuclear Science in [Abluquerque, New Mexico, USA.] She further stated that the nuclear weapons "looked really cool." I've toured the museum myself, and from an aircraft mechanic point of view (both maintenance and assembly) I found it fascinating how wonderfully those things are put together. The panels all match up perfectly. The rivets and safety wiring are all done to perfection. I've never seen higher-quality workmanship on anything than I did observing those artifacts. My hat is off to the people who assembled them! I find it an interesting juxtaposition to think that so much quality workmanship went into something that's only going to fly once and blow itself up at the end. By the way, I really enjoyed this video, and think that Modified Gravity is the solution to Dark Matter/Energy.

[@dark_sunset]

This is a fantastic conversation and I learned a bunch. Awesome. Lisa Randall is great.

[@ExaltedMediaInc]

Can't wait to watch this. I love the nerdy stuff.

[@StarTreeNFT]

She is one of the most brilliant individuals I’ve yet encountered!

[@aloeiciouss1]

I love her statements about physics forcing us to question our immediate intuition and consider difference scales and distances...so beautiful. I'm using her statements in my high school class.

[@Bitchslapper316]

Interesting interview, thank you Lex and Lisa.

[@matthewprestifilippo7673]

She is great. Great interview.

[@bobbymah2682]

In keeping with your tradition it would be very helpful to hear the counter arguments about dark matter from Pavel Kroupa

[@drlohewitt1]

First time listener to this channel or podcast. The interviewer and author combine their unique gifts to bring a fun and inspiring view on big question, or unknowns, or worries. The conversation is relaxed and comfortable yet fascinating and exciting. For me, this interview brought a measure of hope and optimism to my day . Thanks to both of you!

[@carolineaguiar7393]

I have been waiting for this episode since the moment I discovered Lex' podcast. Thanks

[@johnwsimpson3153]

Fascinating interview, well done, Lex. I was hoping you would ask her about the recent findings from the James Webb telescope, apparently indicating galaxies older than the known universe. Regarding dark matter, could it be an error in interpreting the characteristics of space itself? Something that affects gravity but not the other forces?

[@jannichi6431]

Never forget the day when I learned Quantum thinking and multiple galaxies and possibilities of more senses👁️

[@resevoirdog]

Watch out though dont criticize lex in any way because he will block and purge you if you criticize him. He's crazy lol look at people's experiences with him. Dude is one of those "free speech for me but not for thee" types. Be very careful.

[@resevoirdog]

Watch out though dont criticize lex in any way because he will block and purge you if you criticize him. He's crazy lol look at people's experiences with him. Dude is one of those "free speech for me but not for thee" types. Be very careful.

[@TheSutov]

What an amazing human being, always being able to step out of the box with her mind, whow, love it.

[@techiheed1845]

That broadcast changed my outlook on DM. Inspirational talk.

[@Mark.Brindle]

Thanks Lex, awesome interview as usual.

[@cashdealer07]

Wow! Lisa Randall is incredible. Great conversation!

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Excellent video. Very interesting, informative and worthwhile video. A must see video for everyone.

[@Blonde111]

Loved this…she makes the unexplained simpler

[@pjflynn]

What a great chat, thank you, many times over!

[@mnrvaprjct]

Lisa Randall is hands down my favorite physicist - I want a doctorate with a thesis in brane cosmology because of her !

[@DrDeuteron]

Pls don’t waste your life on that

[@afz902k]

@@DrDeuteron can you elaborate on why, or what would be better doctorate choices in theoretical physics?

[@DrDeuteron]

@@afz902k I first learned of strings in 1987. I considered goin into them, which would have produced nothing useful in my career. Instead, I applied physics to mars exploration, quark science, deuterons , global radar cartography, and problems that we don’t talk about. Way more fun.

[@joshcrow777]

Thank you Lex for another fantastic episode! Love your show brother!

[@haseebahmed3262]

Literally been 2 minutes since the videos's posted and you already concluded the episode is fantastic. Dude, please watch this completely before commenting.

[@DrRussellMcConnell]

I greatly appreciate any scientist who can say, "We have no idea" to a question. This is where humility gives room for discovering new things.

[@117SympathyForTheDevil]

Only half way through & enjoying every minute

[@ericsolkamans-kj2fd]

I get bored very easily, but this totally captures my attention.

[@seanmccall7277]

I'd read a couple of her books and am a big fan, but during this interview, Dr. Lisa Randall became my spirit animal. 😂🙏 Amazing human.

[@AngelaSeifried-lr1hj]

Hi Lex love watching all your lectures & your guests are just as amazing as you are. Have a beautiful sunshiny day!

[@ZombieKilla2008]

Reading Lisa’s book “Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs” literally saved my life. Depressed as one could be, hurting myself and hating myself. I read that book out of pure attraction to the idea of two completely disparate things being connected in some way, even if it was in tragedy. The book completely reopened my eyes to the curiosity one could have about the world. That’s all it took.

[@exodusstar]

Great interview, wishing for 3 more hours.

[@javierjavier1429]

Great epsiode!! thank youu both

[@bozinoski]

I don’t know how I’ve never hear of Lisa. Her knowledge and her way of thinking is impressive.

[@user-kp7xg1yi6k]

Thanks Lex and Lisa this got me thinking!

[@galileo3431]

Can't remember a sub 1hr Lex Podcast 😱

[@0biwan77]

Thank you, Lex and Lisa. Right on.

[@dude9081]

Another great podcast lex!!! Thank you

[@atomoyoga]

These are the best three hour I have spent in a long time learning new things ❤

[@dark_sunset]

This episode was closer to 1 hour

[@lululafayette3880]

Thanks guys, so great. There's this awful shadow of war that seems to be hanging heavy over all our hearts ATM. With so many great minds, like u Lex & Lisa, why can't we just stop fighting and begin progressing onwards to the amazing world we're capable of building??? Love 2 all ❤

[@ZigSputnik]

Ask the psychopaths that start the wars - the likes of Putin and Hamas.

[@andysenadbajric]

Once again a Great Video!!! Thank You!!!

[@klarad3978]

She’s a fascinating person,y only complaint is that it was too short, a couple more hours would’ve been amazing. But regardless of that, it was truly inspiring and humbling to listen to Lisa talk about our wondrous universe and the underlying physics of it.

[@0_3_6_9_0]

54:12 Wow that sounds exciting! Thank you Lex and Lisa for such a hot steaming episode. Loved this.

[@aethelyon]

The best part of Lisa was the “nah, it’s more like this” moments. Very few people want to do this.

[@mariyadas727]

Best podcast so far to be honest! Good, keep on going.

[@Truffle_Pup]

I have to agree. This was superb.

[@PurnamadaPurnamidam]

Lisa Randall is a remarkable example of a brilliant and creative scientist who has advanced our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality. I admire her for Sakurai Award and her book Knocking on the Heaven's door. Thank you Lex. ❤❤❤

[@mattesla]

This is fascinating

[@garythomason5605]

Great thoughts and succint communications about the imponderables, love it !

[@SpankyK]

This is going to be amazing!

[@misteratoz]

Wished this was longer.

[@BrianFedirko]

Lisa is such a beautiful human being. She has a warm heart. Gr8! Peace ☮💜

[@CGFakaBigGoat]

The world is lucky to watch you learn and ponder. Thank you for changing the way I think every episode. 👍

[@jdhshs12]

Great one again!!!!

[@103SideProjects]

Super pleased this video has millions of views. Thanks man.

[@SirQuantization]

Candid and clever lady. Really great discussion.

[@overduetax]

Dude i used to watch Lisa talk on videos about physics/astronomy like 20 years ago! I had a crush on her and thought man, I’d love to have genius kids with her lol. Havent heard of her or seen her in a long time but i hope she’s happy and im grateful she exists.

[@Bitchslapper316]

I hear you but that's a weird comment.

[@overduetax]

I'll own it. lol@@Bitchslapper316

[@cybertronika]

She is so inspiring. Great conversation 👍🏻

[@samilucille1]

Just really appreciate & love your work so much Lex ,love this lady scientist 😍 😘💕

[@thomasfahey8763]

Way to go, Lex!