Author: Armen Shirvanian

In this solo episode, I dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven content creation and the new possibilities it opens for creators. From image generation to quote cards, infographics, whiteboard breakdowns, and visual storytelling, the tools now available let anyone bring ideas to life in ways that were nearly impossible just a few years ago. I walk through examples from my own workflow, showing how I create visual pieces from past interviews, books, and concepts – and how these tools let us represent people, ideas, and conversations with more depth than ever before.

We explore how images can amplify the message of a podcast episode, how visual summaries help with understanding, and how tailoring a background or aesthetic can make a quote or concept feel more alive. Whether you’re a creator, a thinker, or someone curious about the future of technology and expression, this episode offers a look at where digital creativity is heading.

Episode 458 is about embracing the moment we’re in – the most advanced creative era yet – and using these tools to express more, share more, and build more momentum moving forward.

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In this episode of The Armen Show, host Armen Shirvanian is joined by economist and author Dr. Robin Hanson for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on open discourse, prediction markets, futarchy, and the evolution of culture.

They begin by examining the value of figuring things out together – why true intellectual collaboration requires curiosity, humility, and non-attachment to one’s ideas. Robin explains how focusing on key questions, rather than defending positions, allows for genuine progress in understanding the world.

From there, the discussion moves into prediction markets and how conditional decision markets can help societies make better, evidence-based decisions. Robin elaborates on his governance model of futarchy, where nations “vote on values but bet on beliefs,” and explores how this framework could reshape politics, policy, and long-term coordination.

Later, they unpack cultural drift – the idea that our modern global monoculture is evolving maladaptively as selection pressures weaken. Robin connects this to shifts in human values, conformity, and our return to pre-agricultural instincts, and Armen links it to social dynamics, risk-taking, and the modern relationship landscape.

The episode closes with insights on adaptation vs. reinvention, institutional decay, and what it means to maintain agency and alignment with reality in a rapidly converging world.

If you’re interested in how humanity thinks, governs, and evolves – this episode offers an uncommon lens on the past, present, and future of human progress.

Check out Robin’s newsletter Overcoming Bias at https://www.overcomingbias.com/

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In this episode of the Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian interviews Dr. Kaleda Denton, a post-doctoral fellow at the Santa Fe Institute. They discuss the interdisciplinary nature of the Institute, the concept of niche construction in biology, and the dynamics of decision-making, particularly the differences between following the mean versus the majority.

The conversation also explores the limitations of game theory, the role of cultural evolution in cooperation, and the impact of AI on accessibility and learning. They delve into the importance of reducing polarization while maintaining diversity in viewpoints, emphasizing the need for mixing and collaboration across different fields and perspectives.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Kaleda Denton and Armen Shirvanian explore a variety of topics including the distinction between majority and mean opinions, the challenges of reading in the digital age, and the implications of large language models (LLMs) on culture. They discuss the importance of communication in society, the influence of close circles versus wider communities in learning, and the role of influential figures in personal development.

The conversation also delves into the concept of memes and cultural transmission, the impact of role models on cumulative culture, and the question of human uniqueness in the context of cultural evolution.

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In this episode of The Armen Show Podcast, host Armen Shirvanian welcomes back Dr. Brennan Spiegel to discuss his new book, ‘Pull,’ which explores the profound impact of gravity on our health and well-being. The conversation delves into the intersection of gravity, consciousness, and health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical resilience against the force of gravity.

Dr. Spiegel shares insights on the role of AI in healthcare, the gut-brain connection, and the significance of posture and balance. The discussion also introduces the concept of ‘gravitypes,’ a framework for understanding individual relationships with gravity and how they affect mental and physical health. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to engage with gravity positively to enhance their overall well-being.

Check out The Gravity Doctors Podcast – Dr. Brennan Spiegel and Dr Lachlan Kent introduce you to the world of Biogravitational Medicine and how gravity shapes our bodies and minds for better or worse – https://thegravitydoctors.com/

Take the Gravitype Quiz to find out your Gravitype:
https://www.brennanspiegelmd.com/pull#gravitypequiz

We hope you learn from this episode, and feel free to check out Dr. Spiegel’s past time on the show on episode 291.

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In this episode, Dr. Nayan Patel discusses his journey from pharmacy to exploring the depths of health and wellness through glutathione. He emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine, the impact of aging on health, and the role of lifestyle choices in maintaining optimal health.

The conversation delves into the significance of glutathione in detoxification and healing, the relationship between stress and hormones, and the growing interest in longevity medicine. Dr. Patel advocates for listening to the body’s signals and empowering it to heal itself, while also addressing the challenges faced in the pharmaceutical landscape.

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In this episode, Dr. Melissa A. Ilardo discusses her research on breath-hold diving populations and the genetic adaptations that allow them to thrive in extreme conditions. She emphasizes the importance of language in conducting research, the role of community engagement, and the potential therapeutic applications of her findings.

The conversation also touches on the significance of clear communication in science and the celebration of resilience in human populations.

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In this episode of The Armen Show, host Armen Shirvanian discusses the evolving landscape of book writing in 2025. He emphasizes the abundance of resources and tools available to aspiring authors, including AI-assisted writing and editing, and the rise of self-publishing.

Armen explores the importance of maintaining a creative flow while utilizing digital tools, and highlights the significance of clarity in the writing process. He also provides insights into effective writing practices, research management, and the value of community support for writers.

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In this episode, Armen Shirvanian explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity, discussing how to co-create with AI while maintaining the human touch. He delves into copyright issues surrounding AI-generated content, the implications of the EU AI Act, and the dual nature of AI as both a tool for enhancing creativity and a potential flattening force.

The conversation also touches on the rise of AI companions and virtual influencers, emphasizing the importance of human connection and the ethical considerations of emotional AI.

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In this episode of The Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian explores the complex dynamics of status in modern life, focusing on the distinction between earned and perceived status. He discusses how social media influences our understanding of status, the costs associated with maintaining an image, and the importance of reclaiming real value in our lives. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in status signaling and emphasizes the need to build a strong foundation of earned status for long-term fulfillment.

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In this episode, Armen Shirvanian explores the practical applications of artificial intelligence in daily life, discussing how AI can enhance productivity, organization, and decision-making. He shares personal experiences and insights on using AI for tasks such as organizing files, automating document submissions, and discovering local spots. The conversation emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with AI tools to maximize their benefits and reduce friction in everyday tasks.

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In this episode of the Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian discusses the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for society. He explores the dual perspectives on AI, highlighting both the concerns and the opportunities it presents

Armen shares practical applications of AI that can enhance productivity and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of engaging with AI to gain insights and clarity. He also reflects on the role of AI as a connection tool and offers closing thoughts on navigating life with AI in a rapidly changing world.

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In this episode, Armen Shirvanian hosts Professors Jennifer Jacquet and Becca Franks to discuss the critical issues surrounding aquaculture, sustainability, and fish welfare. They explore the rapid expansion of aquaculture, its environmental impacts, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the diverse species involved.

The conversation highlights the gaps in research and the importance of policy changes to address the welfare of aquatic animals and the sustainability of marine ecosystems. This conversation explores the intricate relationships between humans and aquatic life, emphasizing the need for a reimagined understanding of our connection with ocean animals. The discussion highlights the intelligence of octopuses, the impact of the Anthropocene on marine ecosystems, and the role of shame and social approval in influencing consumer behavior regarding seafood.

The speakers advocate for interdisciplinary approaches to ocean conservation and emphasize the importance of emerging research questions that can enhance our understanding and protection of marine life.

Jennifer Jacquet is an American researcher and a professor of environmental science and policy at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, at the University of Miami. She also works as an associate director of research at Brown University’s Climate Social Science Network.

Becca Franks is Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbia University and a B.A. in Anthropology from New York University. Franks’s research and teaching lie at the intersection of environmental and animal protection, specializing in animal behavior, aquatic animal welfare, quantitative methods, and human-animal relationships.

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In this episode of the Armen Show Podcast, host Armen Shirvanian welcomes Derek Sivers, a renowned author and entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of principles, the art of writing, and the significance of clarity in communication. Derek shares insights on how to prioritize opportunities, the role of luck in success, and the value of critical thinking. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace fear and push boundaries to create unique experiences worth sharing.

In this conversation, Armen Shirvanian and Derek Sivers explore the importance of pioneers in various fields, the value of choosing uncomfortable paths, and the impact of strong opinions in decision-making. They discuss the concept of ‘Useful Not True’ as a personal philosophy, emphasizing the significance of feelings in shaping actions. The dialogue also touches on cultural perspectives on truth, the distinction between philosophy and science, and the importance of embracing individuality in thought.

Finally, they reflect on conversations and the dynamics of social interactions. In this engaging conversation, Armen Shirvanian and Derek Sivers explore the intricacies of human connection, the art of podcasting, and the importance of diverse perspectives in life. They discuss the challenges of friction in daily life, the search for belonging, and the evolution of content creation in the digital age. Derek shares insights from his book ‘How to Live’ and emphasizes the value of recognizing one’s achievements while encouraging a shift in perspective.

Derek Sivers is an author of philosophy and entrepreneurship, known for his surprising quotable insights and pithy succinct writing style.Formerly a musician, programmer, TED speaker, and circus clown, he sold his first company for $22 million and gave all the money to charity.Sivers’ books (How to Live, Hell Yeah or No, Your Music and People, Anything You Want) and newest projects are at his website: sive.rs

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In this episode of the Armen Show, host Armen Shirvanian explores the various ways artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can enhance everyday life. He discusses practical applications for creators, problem-solving, data visualization, and personal planning, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with AI to gain insights and improve decision-making.

00:00 Harnessing AI for Everyday Life

07:30 Enhancing Creativity and Problem Solving with AI

12:32 AI as a Personal Assistant for Planning and Maintenance

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In this conversation, Armen Shirvanian and Dr. Sophie Scott-Brown explore the concept of anarchy, its misconceptions, and its relevance in contemporary society. They discuss the difference between anarchy and chaos, the nature of human behavior in relation to law and order, and the importance of individuality within community dynamics.

Sophie emphasizes that anarchy is not merely a lack of governance but a potential for creative and collaborative engagement in society. The discussion also touches on the ethics of practice in anarchism, challenging the notion that it is unrealistic or utopian. In this conversation, Sophie and Armen delve into the complexities of anarchism, exploring its ethical implications, the importance of sociability, and the challenges posed by existing systems.

They discuss the role of education in fostering creativity, the impact of AI on the future of work, and critique the concept of meritocracy. The dialogue emphasizes the need for critical thinking and practical steps towards embracing anarchist principles in everyday life.

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In this episode of The Armen Show Podcast, Dr. Sandra Matz discusses her book ‘Mind Masters’ and the intersection of psychology and data. She explores how algorithms can predict personality traits, the importance of storytelling in psychology, and the implications of data privacy. Dr. Matz emphasizes the need for systemic changes to protect individuals’ data and how technology can enhance our understanding of ourselves and improve mental health.

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Sandra Matz takes a Big Data approach to studying human behavior in a variety of business-related domains. She combines methodologies from psychology and computer science – including machine learning, experimental designs, online surveys, and field studies – to explore the relationships between people’s psychological characteristics (e.g. their personality) and the digital footprints they leave with every step they take in the digital environment (e.g. their Facebook Likes or their credit card transactions). More specifically, her research focuses on the following three questions: (1) What can people’s digital footprints tell us about their socio-psychological characteristics? (2) What can people’s digital footprints tell us about the real-life consequences of their unique psychological characteristics? (3) How can insights extracted from people’s digital footprints help individuals and businesses make better decisions?

Sandra Matz works with business around the world and is a frequent keynote speaker for established businesses and institutions, including Microsoft, Trivago, or the European Commission. She was named one of the DataIQ’s 100 most influential people in data-driven marketing in 2015 and 2016, and was recognized as one of the 30 top thinkers under 30 by the Pacific Standard Magazine. Her work has been published top-tier journals such as Psychological Science and the American Psychologist, and has attracted worldwide media attention from outlets like the Independent, the BBC, CNBC, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and the World Economic Forum.

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In this episode of The Armen Show Podcast, host Armen Shirvanian speaks with author Helen Chandler-Wilde about her book ‘Lost and Found,’ which explores the profound impact of losing possessions and the emotional journey that follows. Helen shares her personal experience of losing everything in a storage unit fire, discussing the significance of both practical and sentimental items.

The conversation delves into themes of attachment, community, nostalgia, and the psychological aspects of hoarding. Helen emphasizes the importance of self-expression through objects and how memories are tied to our identities. The episode concludes with reflections on what can be found after loss and the journey of rebuilding one’s life. In this conversation, Helen discusses her journey of redefining what is necessary in life after experiencing a significant loss. She emphasizes the importance of curating one’s living space to reflect personal identity and emotional well-being.

The discussion touches on the impact of clothing on self-identity, the significance of beauty in the home, and the power of writing as a form of self-expression. Helen encourages listeners to live authentically and to be mindful of the things they choose to keep in their lives, advocating for a minimalist approach that prioritizes personal joy and meaning.

Helen Chandler-Wilde is a news and features journalist at Bloomberg. Previously she worked at The Telegraph writing long-reads, analysis and covering the human tales behind the headlines. She went to UCL where she studied social sciences and Italian and also holds a MA in journalism from City University. Helen lives in south London, and in her free time she likes to read, cook and rummage through charity shops.

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In this episode of The Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian interviews Dr. Brian Jabarian, a fellow at Chicago Booth, who discusses his interdisciplinary research in economics, particularly focusing on the societal impacts of emerging technologies like AI. The conversation explores the connections between economics and philosophy, the importance of critical thinking, and the cognitive processes involved in decision-making.

Dr. Jabarian emphasizes the need for bridging lab research with real-world applications and the significance of understanding the timing and accessibility of technology in society. In this conversation, Brian Jabarian discusses the critical role of data infrastructure in AI deployment, emphasizing the need for organizations to adapt their data culture.

He explores the risks associated with AI deployment, particularly in the context of job interviews, and highlights the importance of critical thinking and storytelling in understanding AI’s impact. Jabarian also addresses the democratization of AI awareness and its potential use cases in scientific research, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach to effectively navigate the complexities of AI and economics.

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In this episode, Armen Shirvanian reflects on the highlights of The Armen Show podcast throughout the year of 2024, discussing various themes such as travel, personal growth, beliefs, and the importance of critical thinking. He revisits conversations with guests on topics ranging from art and visual literacy to health technology and neuroscience.

The episode emphasizes the significance of civic engagement, the analysis of the Constitution, and the geopolitics of resources, culminating in a discussion on cancer research and early detection. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive review of the year’s discussions and insights.

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In this conversation, Dr. Azra Raza discusses the urgent need for revolutionizing cancer detection methods, emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving treatment outcomes. She highlights the challenges faced in cancer research, including the financial burdens on patients and the lack of public awareness regarding the realities of cancer treatment.

Dr. Raza also introduces innovative technologies being developed for early detection and stresses the need for a paradigm shift in how society approaches cancer research and prevention. In this conversation, Dr. Azra Raza discusses the importance of empathy in cancer care, the need to redefine success in healthcare, and the challenges of early detection in cancer.

She emphasizes the human aspect of suffering and the necessity of integrating emotional understanding into medical practice. Dr. Raza critiques the current state of cancer research, highlighting the focus on financial gain over patient care, and calls for a shift towards prioritizing the reduction of human suffering in healthcare.

Azra Raza is the Chan Soon-Shiong Professor of Medicine and Director of the Myelodysplastic Syndrome Center at Columbia University. She has previously held positions at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Rush University, and the University of Massachusetts.

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