21: Bonus Episode: The fundamental nature of the universe, with Amanda Gefter

In this bonus episode, our host Ben Miller interviews a special guest, the science writer Amanda Gefter, to discuss some of the most intriguing and consistently mind-blowing ideas from her book about cutting-edge physics and cosmology, Trespassing on Einstein’s Lawn. Departing from Onward’s usual topics — the economy, what’s happening in the markets, and Fundrise — Ben asks Amanda to explore a few of the fundamental (but deeply unintuitive and surprising) ideas that underlie the architecture of quantum physics and the behavior of our universe. Over the course of their discussion, they touch on the importance of Einstein’s relativity; why “variance” is at the core of how we define "something" vs. "nothing"; the surprising nature of Hawking radiation; the balance of elegance and practicality in John Archibald Wheeler’s writings; the mechanics through which the universe may eventually "restart"; why perspective always matters; and much more. Join Ben to understand and celebrate the important ways that Amanda’s work has helped push knowledge forward, which is, ultimately, what Onward is all about.

Have questions or feedback about this episode? Drop us a note at [email protected].

Onward is hosted by Ben Miller, co-founder and CEO of Fundrise, and Cardiff Garcia, co-founder of Bazaar Audio and host of the economics-focused podcast The New Bazaar (after spending many years as the co-creator and co-host of NPR's The Indicator podcast).

Podcast production by The Podcast Consultant. Music by Seaplane Armada.

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