Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

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Science #233Life Sciences #20

Razib Khan engages a diverse array of thinkers on all topics under the sun. Genetics, history, and politics. See: http://razib.substack.com/

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Recent Reviews
  • JS1269
    A passionate and qualified content creator.
    Razib Khan is a unique gem with his interests, knowledge, training and passion. Being both a geneticist and historian I find myself hanging on to every word when a new report or update comes out and Razib presents an article or podcast. His attention to detail combined with enthusiasm and passion, makes him enjoyable to follow. He also isn’t afraid to do honest speculation, when question or void is at hand. Razib will also cover some politics, as well as tech and social groups with in and around the industry’s and field’s of his background and interests.
  • Woodsy_
    Prehistory That Reads Like History
    Have you ever wished, when you were reading about all those ancient stone tools and pot sherds from prehistory, that you could read a real history of those people that made them? Did you know that with the modern ability to sequence ancient dna that you now can? Most, even well educated people, don’t know this Razib Khan is the genetic scientist that can synthesize and present this knowlege in an exciting, scientific way, whether in individual podcasts such as his current “Europe: 40000 BC to 1200 BC” or in interviews with other scientists such as Chris Stringer or his numerous written articles, Rhazib delves into the prehistory of mankind and makes it read like a story. If you’re not interested in inteviews with others on social issues, you don’t have to listen to them like I often don’t. If you do, as I sometimes do, these are always (pretty much) presented in a thoughtful manner. Social podcasts are thoughtful and reasonably presented whether you agree with the interviewee or not. Overall, if you are even vaguely aware of ancient genetics or read hundreds of articles on related topics a year, Rhazib is the man who can synthesize all that information and make it into a story.
  • ersmed
    Excellent Genetics/Anthropology Podcast
    I really enjoy the population genetics podcasts; phenomenal the changes occurring due to the tech advances. Razib seems to be on the cutting edge and I appreciate his delivery; it’s more fun than many other podcasts on similar topics.
  • dstout89
    Occasionally Worth It
    The host scores interviews with some great guests who occasionally make it worth listening to (or skipping past) the host’s long winded and irritating preambles and questions. There’s a point in the most recent Eric Cline episode where Razib launches into a disorganized and poorly worded rant of a question for approximately 2-3 minutes and by the time he actually lands on the actual question, Eric just laughs. That’s how I feel listening to Razib at my most generous. Other times I’ve just turned it off because I don’t want to listen to an unprepared fool assemble an interview question out of 5 minutes of jargon filled word salad. Makes you wonder how he gets these guests.
  • A lifelong Nickatina fan
    In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree
    Razib reminds me of Tennyson’s Ulysses, a “grey spirit yearning in desire to follow knowledge like a sinking star.” Yes, the man has sterling silver locks, but more importantly, he brings on intelligent, interesting guests from a wide spectrum of specialties and, as the title of the pod promises, learning ensues. Politics. Science. History. Culture. The Khan’s tent is a large and welcoming one. Join the party and crack a cerveza.
  • heavilybutteredpopcorn
    No one else is covering ancient history and genetic topics as well
    Razib is a gregarious polymath with a wide range of interests—ancient DNA, human evolution, general historical topics from all eras, and, somewhat incongruously, conservative politics. He frequently gets incredible guests, the names that are stamped on the history books I'm most excited to read. Because of Khan's expertise, their discussions dive much deeper on these topics than most other podcasts are able to go. His politics only partially overlap with mine (ftr I'm more liberal) but I appreciate his classical liberal tendencies. There's no other podcast like it, and hope his audience grows so he keeps providing us these quality discussions!
  • Nopedone
    Mind blowing
    Razib has a gift for taking complex concepts and making them understandable to folks like me with little background, but great interest in the subject matter. Whenever I listen or read I am always amazed at how much I learn. Razib’s writing and speaking style is wonderfully entertaining. Thanks for everything!
  • Shwayne5
    Fix your levels bro
    Audio levels are seriously lacking. Volume up and down constantly on both Razib and his guests. Cover the basics and then worry about who your guests are.
  • charles cieri
    My favorite podcast
    I think Razib Kahn is the Carl Sagan of genomics- maybe I'm using the wrong term there- statistical genetics or ancient DNA? Whatever I'm just going to say he brought ancient DNA into my world in a approachable way and I now have a much more nuanced understanding of my own ancestors and the roots of humanity, civilization and as he would say, "whatnot." I talk to my kids about it and I can't transcribe his ideas to them verbatim but I can give them the gist and they are fascinated and inspired to learn more about history- they understand that in order to get a complete picture they need to be multidisciplinary in their approach. I appreciate that Razib really promotes multidisciplinary thinking and also fearlessly tackles subjects about race and culture. Ok, I feel like I've been talking awhile...
  • eestok
    Always interesting
    I always learn something from this podcast. Look forward to listening to each one. Highly recommend.
  • ashlmcarter
    The right amount of corny
    Razib seems like a fine young man.
  • FDW2121
    This is a Must-Subscribe for
    Anyone who is a history/science geek. He is entertaining and informed. Unslanted. Amazing. Give it a shot. Heard him on Coleman first (I think) and was hooked.
  • MatthewCapps
    Great
    I’m waiting for the podcast where Razib extends his opening monologue by narrating his whole prior relationship with the guest, carrying on a conversation between his views and his speculations about his guest’s views, and thanking the guest for their time.
  • joeytodd13
    My go to podcast
    Razib does an amazing job of getting a diverse array of guests and topics and making them accessible to normal people. He is awesome at asking questions that are pertinent and interesting to his audience. Can’t recommend this enough.
  • Celia Rogers
    Razib wont let his guests talk!
    There is a lot of interesting stuff discussed but any time there is a guest Razib will not shut up! I can only imagine how bored the guests get, during Razib's exhausting 30 minute "intro" that seems to occur everytime he invites someone on
  • Zagy21
    Say less
    I gotchu
  • borschtbelt
    incredible intellectual breadth and depth
    Razib is the real deal, with a deep knowledge of genetics and history. He has in-depth conversations with the full spectrum, from top credentialed experts, professors etc, to deep internet weirdos. He doesn’t shy from controversial topics.
  • Burno
    Came for deep history/genetics, stayed for IBW!
    As non-academic, I really love the deep dives into genetics and history. As a white male (Christian 😱) I really appreciate the perspectives and conversations I get to hear on the IBW episodes. Honestly, you won’t find this anywhere else.
  • C. crocuta
    Great kids!
    As an evolutionary biologist with an interest in human evolution and prehistory, I find this to be the most interesting podcast available. However, having raised my own daughters, the very best parts are his kids ‘ announcements at the beginning and end of each episode. Pure delight.
  • ThatShawGuy
    Razib is a Nerd
    I mean that in the nicest possible way. Razib is a certified genetics nerd. I interact with him on Twitter/X where he is very entertaining and posting all sorts of interesting info about the latest discoveries in genetics. I think Razib’s best contribution is how he weaves together fascinating stories of human history through the enormous corpus of genetic data that we now have. He is a fascinating conversationalist and I enjoy listening to the nerdy conversations in his podcast!
  • Hyper_lexic
    Good summary of ancient DNA and other topics
    I started following Razib’s previous podcast (The Insight) to stay current with the latest news on ancient DNA and related topics, and I enjoy this one as a successor. Razib’s really well informed on DNA topics and also does a good job of synthesizing findings on archeology and paleoanthropology.
  • EZ.ZP
    Unsupervised Learning
    Fun, funny, and informative! Every episode inspires me to do more research on the diverse and complex topics covered. I’m not sure there’s another podcast I’ve learned more from (not to mention the Substack!).
  • Chaos Queen
    Love the podcasts on DNA
    Everything I know about ancient cultures and DNA, I learned from Razib Khan. He also interesting interesting people—authors, scientists, and occasional cultural figure. Always interesting.
  • nspalms
    A window into our past
    Extremely informative and entertaining.
  • PhilRStl
    Uniquely edifying podcast
    So many podcasts (and online discourse) merely amplify what you already know. Every time I listen to one of Razib's podcasts (or read the substack) I learn something new at what appears to be a graduate seminal level of detail.
  • PetsTheCatTooHard
    Wide Ranging
    A wide-ranging and interesting podcast, with a specific focus on genetics. Razib is sometime political, but avoids the culture war > 80% of the time. Tied to an extremely interesting blog, which is even more focused on genetics. Substacks app allows you to listen to that in audio on Android and iOS.
  • MrLocuace
    Great podcast, especially the episodes about human genetic history
    I would give this podcast 7 stars if Razib completely eliminated the word filler « you know » from his vocabulary
  • enronal
    Smart, quirky, independent
    The podcast is one-of-a-kind. Razib jumps around a range of compelling issues with sometimes off-beat but always smart or even brilliant guests. Razib’s questions and comments ensure an interesting dialogue because he’s fearless and willing to go in directions more timid hosts would fear to tread. His training in the science of genetics keep the discussion grounded in an intelligent rigor and common sense. Always an enjoyable listen.
  • wb2071
    Renaissance Man & Genetisist
    Razib is geneticist and a very a smart man with a huge range of interests. I've been listening to Razib for years trying to learn something about genetics & human evolution, and found that he also has a huge range of cultural and historical interests, that overlap mine & he finds smart experts to talk to.
  • william.g.lane
    Great Podcast
    Razib is a thoughtful and patient interviewer with great intellectual breadth. His guests run the gamut from geneticists to historians to journalists and political thinkers, many of whom are far from the mainstream podcast circuit.
  • scarlanza
    Born to Ask Questions
    Best interviewer since Brian Lamb, asking great questions and receiving insightful answers. At his best in his field of genetics and with his passion for history, but his intellect and guests range widely and deeply.
  • good-old-boy
    A podcast by one of the last polymaths left
    Razib’s intellect is fierce and wide ranging, and he is quantitatively savvy to boot. Topics covered are eclectic but genetics and history loom large. Discussions are sophisticated but accessible. Razib’s extemporaneous comments have the depth of an academic specialist’s prepared remarks, frequently astonishing his guests and this reviewer. He is also based and hilarious. This is required listening for all thinking people.
  • cc28
    I celebrate his entire collection
    I always love the content Razib puts out. So happy to have found this podcast. Recommend this to anyone interested in history, anthropology, genetics, or just intelligent conversation.
  • ntaylor963
    Outstanding podcast on history, especially in light of new ancient DNA information
    Razib Khan is unique in having a deep and well read understanding of history, combined with an up to date and current understanding of the very fast moving field of ancient DNA analysis and genomics. He also has interests in science and culture more broadly, so sometimes has guests who are interesting thinkers beyond history/genomics. This is my current favorite podcast. If you have an interest in science, history, and culture more broadly you should try it out.
  • Akshar73
    An Intersection of Intellect
    Few people can go as wide and deep as Razib can on subjects such as genetics, history, politics, and culture. With a eclectic array of guests along with a personable flair that the host brings, this is a must listen podcast for those who want to grow in knowledge and understanding about the past, present, and future of this amazing world we share!
  • Hunter's right nostril
    The best indo-aryan around.
    Not the coconut we want, but the coconut we need.
  • Qi wertgcs oitscc
    Great podcast
    Razing is one of the smartest people out there. His ability to synthesize history science and politics is next to none.
  • Gadamer's ghost
    Charles Murray is a racist
    It’s unfortunate that Razib gives a platform to a racist like Charles Murray.
  • Jbboyz
    Razib is the best
    Razib is truly a genius and brings interesting people to his podcast.
  • SaxonRower
    Good Stuff
    Razib's podcast and his substack in general is fantastic! The South Asian genetics stuff is especially interesting to {{{people}}} like me.
  • jlee27183
    great podcast
    Everyone should listen to it.
  • Michael Stubbart
    One of the most captivating intellectual podcasts
    Razib Khan’s show is not only a terrific way to learn about research in the fields of genetics & human history, (what topic could be more interesting and fill one with more awe?). But also other fields and general discussion. Highest recommendation. I also subscribe to his sub stack newsletter which is also terrific
  • Josiah78
    Excellent
    Wide ranging discussions of everything from genetics to history to current events.
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