

Crazy Wisdom
Stewart Alsop
In his series "Crazy Wisdom," Stewart Alsop explores cutting-edge topics, particularly in the realm of technology, such as Urbit and artificial intelligence. Alsop embarks on a quest for meaning, engaging with others to expand his own understanding of reality and that of his audience. The topics covered in "Crazy Wisdom" are diverse, ranging from emerging technologies to spirituality, philosophy, and general life experiences. Alsop's unique approach aims to make connections between seemingly unrelated subjects, tying together ideas in unconventional ways.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 30min
Episode #480: The Patchwork Age and Why AI Can’t Grasp the Human Story
In this engaging discussion, Paul Spencer, a writer at Zeitville Media, delves into the unique crossroads of AI and astrology. He argues that while AI can process data, it falls short in grasping human narratives shaped by mortality and embodiment. Spencer contrasts the solar punk and cyberpunk visions, emphasizing collaboration amid rapid change. They also discuss the cultural shifts since 2020 and explore America's evolving identity, using raw milk symbolism to reflect deeper ideological divides. It's a thought-provoking journey into technology, culture, and human experience.

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 16min
Episode #479: From Bitcoin to Birdsong: Building Trust in a World of Fakes
Discover cutting-edge technologies aimed at ensuring authenticity in our digital age, tackling deepfakes with blockchain and proof of liveness systems. Explore the fascinating interplay between advanced cryptography and AI, as well as its implications for reality and misinformation. Delve into conservation initiatives that use AI to analyze birdsong for wildlife monitoring. Reflect on the future of technology, ecology, and the role of robotics in sustainable agriculture, all while navigating the complexities of trust in an increasingly digital world.

Aug 8, 2025 • 50min
Episode #478: Beyond Encyclopedias: Teaching History for the AI Era
Zachary Cote, Executive Director of Thinking Nation, champions critical thinking in history education. He elaborates on how memory shapes understanding and the ethics of curating historical narratives in a world of 'alternative facts.' The conversation highlights the importance of intellectual humility, advocating for a shift from memorization to inquiry. Cote warns about the misuse of AI in education, discussing its potential to diminish students' questioning skills. He encourages embracing diverse perspectives for richer historical understanding.

Aug 4, 2025 • 55min
Episode #477: Why Curiosity Isn’t Just a Virtue—It’s Our Oldest Technology
Edouard Machery, a Distinguished Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, dives into the intriguing roots of curiosity and question-asking. He explores how ancient Sumerian writing shaped societal norms and the evolution of curiosity from a vice to a celebrated virtue during the Renaissance. The discussion covers the cross-cultural perceptions of AI and how curiosity distinguishes humans from other species. Insightful links between early scientific practices and philosophical inquiry further illuminate our unique drive to ask 'why' and seek understanding in an ever-changing world.

13 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 10min
Episode #476: More Than Magic: Astrology as the Oldest Data Science
C.T. Lucero, an astrologer and researcher specializing in ancient astrology, joins to discuss the fascinating intersections of astrology, science, and mysticism. They delve into the historical roots of astrology from Hellenistic Greece to Persian advancements. Lucero reveals how AI is shaping contemporary astrological practices and debates Western versus Vedic astrology. They also explore the significance of the 2020 Saturn-Jupiter conjunction and its impact on societal events, offering a fresh perspective on understanding time cycles and astrological influences.

Jul 28, 2025 • 48min
Episode #475: The Illusion We Opt Into: VR, AI, and the Fractals of Reality
Ryan Estes, a Buddhist entrepreneur and host of AIforFounders, discusses the fascinating intersections of AI and ancient philosophy. He explores the evolution of communication and consciousness, stressing how technologies impact our realities. A deep dive into the illusion of VR reveals parallels to Buddhist insights. Ryan also tackles themes of data ownership and the tension between scientism and spirituality. The conversation touches on historical knowledge suppression and the fragility of democracy, prompting thoughts on the future structures of power in a tech-driven world.

Jul 25, 2025 • 58min
Episode #474: Truth Beams and Chaotic Solutions: Building Decentralized Futures
Join Cathal O’Broin, leader of the PoliePals, as he dives into a world where humans, nature, and machines are interconnected through groundbreaking tech. He discusses the fascinating concepts of neural and cryptographic projector-camera systems, known as the 'truth beam,' that redefine data authenticity. The conversation also highlights innovative tinkering, the shifting landscape of decentralized systems, and the vital role of collaboration in creative problem-solving. Get ready for a journey through art, technology, and the future of decentralized communication!

Jul 21, 2025 • 58min
Episode #473: Breaking the Parasite Spell: Metabolic Healing and Remembering Who We Are
Larry Diamond, co-founder of Healing with the Diamonds, shares his inspiring journey from severe metabolic illness to vibrant health. He discusses heart-brain coherence and the alchemical journey of self-discovery. Insightfully, he critiques modern dietary misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of ancestral eating. Larry introduces concepts like insulin resistance and the metaphorical 'parasites' feeding on fear, linking personal wellness to deeper spiritual truths and the wisdom of the divine feminine. His insights encourage a revolution in our approach to health.

Jul 19, 2025 • 57min
Episode #472: FarmBot and the Vision of a Distributed Food Future
Join Rory Aronson, CEO of FarmBot, as he shares his journey in revolutionizing home gardening with open-source technology. He explains how FarmBot operates like a CNC machine for gardens, detailing its evolution from basic electronics to sophisticated custom boards. Rory discusses the importance of closed-loop feedback systems for accuracy and the intricate nature of integrating hardware and software. They envision a solarpunk future, highlighting the role of local food systems and the ease of growing your own food, making sustainability accessible for everyone.

Jul 14, 2025 • 53min
Episode #471: Truth-Seeking Entrepreneurs and the Future of Innovation
Thamir Ali Al-Rahedi, host of the From First Principles podcast, dives deep into the art of questioning and its vital role in entrepreneurship. He discusses how effective questions can drive value while answers merely capture it, challenging the traditional views influenced by scientism. Thamir reflects on Steve Jobs' innovative mindset and spiritual practices as key to Apple’s success. The conversation also touches on the complexities of using AI in education and the generalist's struggle in balancing creativity and discernment.


