
Designing a Universe as a Game
13/1/2026 | 57 mins.
In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer build a science fiction universe in real time.Justin shares a developing sci-fi concept called The Universe Game, where advanced beings simulate entire universes in search of an intelligent civilization worthy of becoming a peer. The conversation explores simulation theory, loneliness at cosmic scales, free will versus intervention, and how small decisions can ripple across billions of years.The episode also dives into worldbuilding, creative process, respecting the audience’s intelligence, and why building original IP and owning your vision matters. It’s part sci-fi brainstorm, part philosophy, and part creative workshop.Visit our Merch Store https://www.curiositytheorypod.com/merchJoin our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/CuriosityTheoryFollow the show @curiositytheorypodHosted by Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin ShaiferStay curious.

Strange Universe: A Planet With No Star and a Galaxy That Never Formed
09/1/2026 | 1h 13 mins.
This week on Questionable Content, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer explore recent astronomy discoveries, rogue planets, and what strange cosmic objects can teach us about the universe.They break down gravitational microlensing, how free-floating planets are detected, and the physics of planet formation. The conversation then expands into dark matter, failed galaxies, and why scientific breakthroughs often come from anomalies rather than confirmations.In the second half, the discussion shifts to AI, humanoid robots, speculative bubbles, money as a shared belief system, geopolitics, and the rise of what they call tactical authenticity in modern politics.It’s an unscripted, wide-ranging conversation about science, technology, power, and how humans make sense of complex systems.Support the show Visit our Merch Store https://www.curiositytheorypod.com/merchJoin our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/CuriosityTheoryFollow the show @curiositytheorypodHosted by Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin ShaiferStay curious.

The Future of Work Is Way More Uncomfortable Than People Admit w/ Michael Berhane
06/1/2026 | 1h 4 mins.
On this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer sit down with Michael Berhane, CEO and Founder of POC in Tech, to talk about AI, automation, education, and the future of work.They explore why entry-level tech roles are disappearing, how AI and economics are reshaping hiring, and why venture capital funding for Black founders remains so low. The conversation also dives into education, debating whether essays still make sense in an AI world, the return of oral exams, and how schools may need to fundamentally change.In the second half, the discussion turns personal, covering failure, antifragility, exposure therapy, introversion vs extroversion, exercise, and what success really means beyond money. Michael shares the question he wishes he had asked himself sooner and why aligning with your younger self can be a powerful guide.Support the show Visit our Merch Store https://www.curiositytheorypod.com/merchJoin our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/CuriosityTheoryFollow the show @curiositytheorypodHosted by Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin ShaiferStay curious.

The Biggest Exoplanet Discoveries In 2025
02/1/2026 | 1h 6 mins.
This week on Questionable Content, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer talk through some of the most interesting astronomy discoveries and open questions shaping space science today.They explore asteroid collisions, planet formation inside protoplanetary disks, lava worlds, water worlds, exoplanet atmospheres, and why many once-promising planets are turning out to be less habitable than expected. The conversation also covers moons, tides, stellar evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and what all of this means for the search for life beyond Earth.It’s an unscripted, big-picture conversation about where astronomy stands right now and why continued scientific investment matters.Support the show Visit our Merch Store https://www.curiositytheorypod.com/merchJoin our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/CuriosityTheoryFollow the show @curiositytheorypodHosted by Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin ShaiferStay curious.

It's Ok to Start Before You Know Exactly What You're Doing
30/12/2025 | 1h 15 mins.
In this episode of Curiosity Theory, Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin Shaifer unpack what it really means to start something before you feel ready.From building a podcast studio from scratch to sharing stories of first videos, rejection, and creative fear, this conversation explores why curiosity, boredom, and discomfort are essential to growth. We talk about identity collapse, reinvention, science as a curiosity engine, and how sitting with uncertainty can open entirely new paths forward.This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about creativity, courage, and staying curious in a world designed to distract you.Visit our Merch Store https://www.curiositytheorypod.com/merchJoin our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/CuriosityTheoryFollow the show @curiositytheorypodHosted by Dr. Dakotah Tyler and Justin ShaiferStay curious.



Curiosity Theory