Episode 85 features theoretical physicist Dr. Stephon Alexander. Stephon specializes in cosmology, particle physics and quantum gravity (String Theory and Loop Quantum Gravity). We begin our conversation with an exploration of black holes, quantum mechanics, and string theory. After that, we discuss how physics suffers from a monoculture problem, how Stephon overcomes that by incorporating Jazz in his exploration of physics, and how others can overcome it too. We end the episode by discussing current Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and whether they suffer from being too performative. 

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A post-podcast wrap up show will be available weekly on Patreon, join at https://www.patreon.com/thestateoftheuniverse. 

Check out Stephon Alexander's website at https://www.stephonalexanderlab.com/. His first book, The Jazz of Physics: The Secret Link Between Music and the Structure of the Universe can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Physics-Between-Structure-Universe/dp/0465093574/ and his second book, Fear of a Black Universe: An Outsider's Guide to the Future of Physics can be preordered at https://www.amazon.com/Fear-Black-Universe-Outsiders-Physics-ebook/dp/B08HHXK76L/.

Thank you to Chris Kulp for allowing us to use his music in this episode. More of his music can be found at https://soundcloud.com/user-826384097.

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