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Artwork for Manifold

Manifold

Steve Hsu
Artificial Intelligence
China
United States
Chinese Economy
AI
Us-China Relations
Generative AI
Deepmind
U.s.-China Competition
Technology
Semiconductors
Artificial General Intelligence
High-Speed Rail
Us-China Technology Competition
Industrial Policy
Electric Vehicles
Geopolitics
Genomics
GDP Comparisons
Cultural Nuances In Economics

Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Join him for wide-ranging conversations with leading writers, scientists, technologists, academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and more.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes175Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Natural SciencesLife SciencesScience

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Artwork for Manifold

Latest Episodes

The student AI club sponsored a private screening of Machine God on Oct 24, 2026. This is the Q&A, led by Sohan Hormuzdiar.

Chapter Markers:

• (00:00) - Meeting Nick Land

• (02:25) - Andreessen and Accelerationism

• (05:06) - Philosophy Meets AI more

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Special episode recorded in Beijing. Steve discusses the future of mathematics in light of recent AI breakthroughs, the state of AI in China, and some thoughts on China's innovation economy.

Chapter Markers:

• (00:00) - Beijing walk

• (03:44) - Op... more

Are we in an AI bubble?

Steve reviews analysis on CapEx, AI revenues, OAI+ANT burn rates. AI revenue has to reach $trillions per annum within the next few years (an increase of > 10x; compare total global software revenue of $1.5T today), or else th... more

YouTube

Brian Chau is a mathematician, machine learning specialist, and the founder of Effort News, an independent media outlet focused on data-first, document-led investigative journalism.

www.effort.news/

x.com/brianchau57

Chapter Marker... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Recent Guests

Brian Chau
Founder of Effort News, former Network School employee
Effort News
Episode: Effort News and AI-Driven Journalism with Brian Chau – #121
Lei Huang
PhD in computational biology, collaborator on the film
Episode: Machine God: Hsu, Greer, Huang – #120
John Greer
Collaborator on the AI documentary project
Episode: Machine God: Hsu, Greer, Huang – #120
Thomas Fink
Theoretical physicist, founder of the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS)
London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS)
Episode: How to Build a Research Institute: Thomas Fink of the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences – #119
Bohan Lou
Venture investor, Chemistry
Chemistry
Episode: Venture Capital and Technology in China with Bohan Lou – #118
Steve Hsu
Professor of Theoretical Physics and Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Episode: Iran, AI, and the Third World War (Crossover with Seeking Truth From Facts Podcast) – #117
Beff Jezos
Public-facing persona of Guillaume Verdon, accelerationist/philosopher advocating physics-first approach to AI
Xtropic; discussions around Mechanize and frontier AI labs
Episode: Beff Jezos and Effective Accelerationism: Machine God of Loving Grace – #115
Razib Khan
Guest, geneticist and writer commonly affiliated with Manifold discussions on population genetics and genetics
Manifold/Mixed affiliations mentioned in episode
Episode: Razib Khan at Manifest 2026: Genetic Discoveries, AI, and Academia – #114
Han Feizi
Resident of Beijing, former baker and novelist
Beijing-based guest on podcast
Episode: Letter from Beijing 2: Tsinghua University – #113

Host

Steve Hsu
Professor of theoretical physics and computational mathematics at Michigan State University, and startup founder

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 302 ratings
  • Must listen

    I never miss one episode that says it all

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Loveagoododcast
    Australia3 months ago
  • Just a crazy conspiracy pod

    Listened to a handful of episodes but it’s “who killed Kennedy” for half of them with people who make their living from conspiracy theories.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    HRoarke
    United Statesa year ago
  • Interesting Blinkered Ignorance

    If you want to know how privileged tech bros see the world the future and want to solve problems / make money it’s all here…

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    yegdckdheu
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • A true scientist who is struggling in politics

    Wish the whole world can put ideaology on side, and we can all speak the language of science .

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Confused confusion
    United States2 years ago
  • All signal no noise

    Steve always has well-reasoned opinions and makes you think.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LP 0
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners find the host too forceful or interruptive, saying guests should have more room to finish their thoughts.
Listeners praise the intellectually rigorous discussions and say the conversations make complex topics engaging and thought-provoking.
The range of subjects and guests is a strength, with particular appreciation for substantive coverage of China and technology.
Steve Hsu is often described as knowledgeable, articulate, and effective at asking challenging questions.
A few listeners see the perspective as politically or ideologically narrow, while others value its willingness to challenge conventional views.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Machine God at the University of Chicago– #124
Q: If we have a good career path that we think we're on, is it worth moving to the Bay and joining an AI safety group instead? What would you do if you're a Chicago undergrad or PhD student?
Hsu says the situation is uncertain and that students should avoid hasty decisions, learn more about the subject, and talk with friends before choosing a path.
Machine God at the University of Chicago– #124
Q: Do you think we're still in control? Do you think it's valuable to have this conversation, or have we already lost the battle with economics and all of the things that will keep it growing further and further are already in motion?
Hsu says economic incentives and investment may make AI development self-reinforcing, but argues that people and governments may still be able to pause, slow, or make development safer if they think carefully before advanced AI takes off.
Venture Capital and Technology in China with Bohan Lou – #118
Q: What is the current legal situation for US funds to invest in startups in China?
We discuss a complex regulatory landscape: CFDS-style foreign investment controls, LP mandates, and Chinese policy shifts that make direct investment into Chinese startups more restricted and nuanced for US funds.
Venture Capital and Technology in China with Bohan Lou – #118
Q: Let's talk about your trip to China. When was that?
Bohan describes a 10-day business-centric tour across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, meeting investors and robotics/biotech players to gain a first-hand, authentic view of the venture scene.
Razib Khan at Manifest 2026: Genetic Discoveries, AI, and Academia – #114
Q: Can you say something about the current trajectory of AI and its implications?
They discuss variable forecasts for AI progress, the gap between current capabilities and true embodied intelligence, and the need for architectural breakthroughs to achieve real world-model understanding beyond what LLMs can do today.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Manifold

What is Manifold about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Wide-ranging conversations connect advances in science and technology with their economic, philosophical, and geopolitical consequences. Steve Hsu, a theoretical physicist and computational mathematics professor, leads solo analyses and long-form interviews with researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, writers, and other specialists. Recurring subjects include artificial intelligence and its effects on research, AI safety and governance, China's technology and academic ecosystems, genetics, and the institutions that support scientific work.

The format favors detailed discussion and big-picture interpretation over brief news updates. Guests bring first-hand experience from research labs, universities, startups, investment, journalism, and fil... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Manifold?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Manifold:

1. Dwarkesh Podcast
2. Multipolarity
3. Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning
4. Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11)
5. Conversations with Tyler

How many episodes of Manifold are there?

Manifold launched 8 years ago and published 175 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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What guests have appeared on Manifold?

Recent guests on Manifold include:

1. Brian Chau
2. Lei Huang
3. John Greer
4. Thomas Fink
5. Bohan Lou
6. Steve Hsu
7. Beff Jezos
8. Razib Khan

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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