The Human Intelligence Podcast

Dr. Garett Jones, economist at George Mason University and author of Hive Mind, explores how a population’s average cognitive ability shapes prosperity. He discusses national IQ versus individual IQ, how immigration composition affects long-term growth, culture-transplant effects, productivity peer effects, and when diversity helps or hinders economic performance.

Dr. James J. Lee, a behavioral geneticist studying genetic influences on cognition, explains what IQ actually measures and common misconceptions. He discusses family and GWAS methods, how genetics informs causal claims, links between brain biology and intelligence, and why simplified IQ narratives fail. Short, clear, and science-focused.

Dr. Stephen Hsu, a physicist-turned-genomics researcher focused on polygenic scores and AI-assisted discovery. He discusses AI suggesting novel research formulations, using models for ideation and code, and risks of plausible but incorrect outputs. He also covers cultural views on genetic screening, training students in an AI world, and how nations can stay competitive in science and tech.

Dr. Richard Haier, neuroscientist known for brain imaging studies of intelligence and author of The Neuroscience of Intelligence. He explains why higher IQ often means more efficient brain activity. PET and fMRI milestones, the Parieto-Frontal Integration Theory, genetics and molecular approaches, and how large collaborations are changing intelligence research are all discussed.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Damien Morris, a behavioral genetics philosopher from King's College London, dives deep into the complexities of free will, genetics, and accountability. He discusses the often-misunderstood relationship between genes and behavior, introducing the concept of "free will by subtraction." Dr. Morris also critiques the idea that ignorance equates to freedom and explores how philosophical frameworks shape our understanding of moral responsibility and the societal implications of genetic research. Intriguing insights await!

Dr. Jonathan Anomaly, a philosopher and bioethics expert, dives into the intriguing world of embryo selection and its potential impact on intelligence. He discusses how polygenic scores are constructed and the realistic IQ gains from selecting embryos, revealing that many parents prioritize disease risk over IQ. Anomaly also tackles ethical concerns surrounding genetic choices, the limitations of current gene editing technologies, and potential societal effects of modest IQ shifts. Their conversation raises critical questions about voluntary selection versus state interventions in genetics.

If you want to test your own ability profile, you can take a free sample of the RIOT IQ test at https://riotiq.com.In this episode, Russell talks with Dr. Thomas Coyle about a surprising finding in modern intelligence research. There is an ability that predicts STEM success better than IQ, and most people never hear about it.Dr. Coyle explains what this ability is, how it develops during adolescence, and why schools rarely teach or measure it. They also cover spatial and mechanical skills, processing speed, sex differences, and why these patterns matter for future engineers and technical careers.This is a simple and clear conversation that shows how different abilities shape real outcomes beyond a single IQ score.Watch the full video version on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RiotIQTestLearn more about the RIOT IQ test: https://riotiq.com

Yujing Lin, a doctoral researcher at King’s College London specializing in behavioral genetics, dives into her latest findings on polygenic scores. She explains how these scores predict traits like IQ and education by examining differences between siblings and unrelated individuals. The conversation unveils how socioeconomic status affects genetic predictions, and why adding genetic and family-level factors can refine forecasts. Lin also highlights the significance of real effects over biases, making her research vital for understanding intelligence in a modern context.

Dr. Michael Woodley, an independent scholar in evolutionary analysis and behavior genetics, dives into how extreme environments, like prisons, reshape intelligence. He discusses Spearman's hypothesis and reveals surprising findings about IQ patterns in incarcerated populations. Woodley explains the role of harsh environments in activating hidden cognitive talents, emphasizes the importance of non-shared environments, and underscores the need for caution in forensic testing. His insights shed light on human adaptability and the potential for cognitive upregulation in unpredictable settings.

Dr. Karen Rambo-Hernandez, an education researcher and associate professor at Texas A&M University, dives into the complexities of grade-level designations in modern classrooms. She discusses how COVID-19 affected student achievement in reading and math, revealing significant variability among students of different ages. Dr. Rambo-Hernandez advocates for a shift from age-based grouping to one that considers students' readiness and ability, exploring practical strategies for teachers to address diverse needs and urging systemic changes to benefit all learners.