
From First Principles is a fast, funny, and rigorous breakdown of the biggest science stories of the week, hosted by Lester Nare and physicist Krishna Choudhary, PhD. We go past headlines into the actual mechanics: what happened, why it matters, and what everyone’s missing. Expect physics, space, AI, energy, biotech, and the occasional “wait… is that real?” story. If you’re curious, skeptical, and... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 54 | Founded | a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Science | |||

Quantum computers do not simply “try every answer at once.” So what do they actually do—and why have governments and technology companies spent billions trying to build them?
In Part 1 of our two-part quantum computing deep dive, Lester Nare and Kri... more
Claude did not solve the Riemann Hypothesis. But what it actually did may be one of the clearest examples yet of how rapidly AI systems are changing the way difficult mathematics can be attacked.
In Episode 53, Lester Nare and Krishna Choudhary go f... more
In this anniversary episode, Lester Nare and Krishna Choudhary look back at how two longtime friends turned their regular conversations about science into a show now shared by millions of people around the world, and what they hope to build with FFP ... more
What happens when electronics can operate at temperatures hot enough to melt aluminum?
In this deep-dive episode, Lester Nare and Krishna Choudhary examine a new high-temperature memory device developed by researchers at USC, the Air Force Research ... more
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I listen to a lot of different kinds of podcasts but when it comes to science it’s FFP or Startalk. Thanks for all you guys do!!
They cover a really broad range of topics across science, super interesting and distilled down for the curious non experts
Hats off to anyone practicing science communication, Krishna and Lester included. But they have habit of starting episodes with an ad where someone is literally screaming which is agitating af. They’ll also cut away mid episode to an ad that’s obnoxious and twice as loud as their speaking voices 1/10 of a second earlier. You’re creating a bad listening experience. Run your ads. Just do it less obnoxiously.
Lester. My guy, my captain. Love the pod. Big fan. However, your mix is way too low relative to the commercials in your episodes and relative to every other podcast on this app. I never do this but I have to say something.
I have to really crank up the volume to hear you both which would be fine but then when you cut to commercial my ears/speakers are blown out with the massive jump in audio level.
Your audio levels may “look good” on your end but your show does not exist in a vacuum, look a... more
The passion man , the passion is infectious !
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #26 | |
Apple Podcasts | #38 | |
Apple Podcasts | #32 | |
Apple Podcasts | #60 | |
Spotify | #44 | |
Apple Podcasts | #73 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Two hosts deliver rigorous, accessible briefings on the week's biggest science stories, spanning physics, space, AI, energy, and biotech. Episodes blend deep-dive explanations with practical storytelling, historical context, and lively banter, helping curious listeners understand not just what happened, but why it matters and how it connects to broader science and society. Notable strengths include a clear two-person dynamic anchored by a physicist and a curious interlocutor, long-form explorations of complex topics, and a consistent emphasis on explaining concepts from first principles for non-experts. A standout trait is the show's willingness to tackle high-level ideas with engaging visuals into the narrative and a data-driven mindset, w... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with From First Principles:
1. Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
2. The Quanta Podcast
3. Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
4. Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe
5. StarTalk Radio
From First Principles launched a year ago and published 54 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on From First Principles include:
1. Juan Busso
2. Arron Ackerman
3. Michael Blanton
4. Dan Gilman
5. John Mulchaey
6. Daniel Toker
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