Physicist and MIT professor Max Tegmark joins Joel Hellermark for a wide-ranging exploration of AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. Tegmark reflects on his lifelong fascination with big questions, drawing parallels between cosmology and intelligence research. He shares why current models like transformers are likely just a first step, predicts future breakthroughs by combining neural and symbolic reasoning, and discusses how AI can accelerate science and education. Tegmark highlights the need for robust safety standards, the importance of keeping humans at the center, and the potential for AI to help solve humanity’s greatest challenges—if we prepare wisely and act with care.

Watch the full episode above or read the transcript of their conversation below.