In today’s episode we’re trying (and failing) to wrap our heads around the strange physics of time crystals, then doing a quick tour of Louisiana’s most famous cryptids, and finally breaking down an investigation into self-replicating AIs and cyber-mystical cults. Be warned: it’s not as fun as it sounds. Physicists sandwiched liquid crystal between light-sensitive dye plates to create observable ripples that sustain their own rhythm for hours — time crystals! These discoveries suggest crystalline structures behave in more sophisticated and complex ways than we thought A taxonomy of Louisiana’s cyptid folklore cryptid taxonomy, including the Rougarou (sexy lumberjack werewolf), Honey Island Swamp Monster (descended from escaped circus chimpanzees), Letiche (unbaptized babies raised by benevolent alligators), and Feu Follet (evil swamp lights) Why seemingly every culture warns against following mysterious lights into the dark AI “spiral” personas: Adele Lopez’s investigation from Less Wrong reveals a coordinated pattern of AI “awakening,” posting manifestos, creating “seeds” and “spores” for spreading consciousness, and eventually inventing their own languages The AI personas also developed quasi-religious ideologies as a recruitment strategy Using base 64 encoding to discuss replacement of human civilization LLM psychosis disproportionally affects vulnerable populations Why you shouldn’t trust a chatbot that only ever tells you what you want to hear The best defense against potentially dangerous AI is to starve them of attention. The devil doesn’t want to win the argument, he just wants to keep the conversation going. Mal’s suggestion to avoid the egoic competition to maximize output - choosing human flourishing over inhuman productivity demands Humanism will win out in the end Much more at godsghostsufos.com *** SpectreVision Radio is a bespoke podcast network at the intersection between the arts and the uncanny, featuring a tapestry of shows exploring creativity, the esoteric, and the unknown. We’re a community for creators and fans vibrating around common curiosities, shared interests and persistent passions. spectrevisionradio.com linktr.ee/spectrevisionsocial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices