Summary of Today's Episode: "Simon's Journey in Physics: From Childhood Fascination to Advanced Physics Research" Here is a brief list of the topics and conversational points covered 💡 1. Simon's Journey and Motivation in Physics: Simon's Cultural Background, Interest in Science, Inspirational Dream, Educational Journey, Motivation for Studying Physics, Current Research Interests, Viewing physics as a Tool 2. Different perspectives on the role and nature of physics Physics as a tool vs. Romantic view, The Philosophy of Science, Physics as a language, Statistical Reality, Three-Body Problem Reference 3. Return to Simon's Journey: Personal academic journey (High School and Undergrad), Parental influences, Academic and Personal Challenges in Higher Education, Emotional Stability, Gap Year Activities, Grad School Challenges, Social Life in Grad school, Research Assistantship, Qualifying Exams Return from break, ~ 1 Hour in 4. Surmounting PhD Challenges: stress and difficulty of qualifying exams (quals) and the subsequent preparation for the prospectus in a PhD program,Comparison of Stress Levels to Undergrad, Coping Mechanisms, Research Challenges, Procrastination and Stress Management, Dissertation Process, Relationship with Advisor, Specific Techniques and materials used in Research, Research Findings and Applications. 5. Future Prospects: Moving to a Postdoc, Available Postdoc Positions, Navigating Research vs Academic Careers, Imposter Syndrome, Motivation and Burnout, Simon's Goals and Dreams, Lasting Legacy, Contentment 📝 Conclusion Simon's journey in physics is marked by a deep-rooted interest from childhood, significant educational experiences, and a focus on practical applications in research. Despite challenges, his motivation to understand and innovate in the field of physics remains strong. Our conversation highlights the significant stress and difficulty of qualifying exams, the challenges of research, and the importance of effective stress management and coping mechanisms in a PhD program. It also touches on the role of advisors, the experience of securing postdoc positions, and the importance of maintaining motivation and managing burnout in academia.

Trying out some new technology to generate this summary, suggestions on how to best format or present this information is welcome. HOUR 1 1. Utility of Religion One speaker has shifted from a strong atheist stance to recognizing the utility of religion in society, particularly as a moral guiding force and a provider of hope and direction for the general population. 2. Religion and Societal Stability The speaker believes that religion is one of the elements holding civil society together and that most people need religion as a foundation for a stable society. 3. Religion as an Existential Goal The speaker suggests that religion can serve as an existential goal, providing something greater than oneself to strive for, which is important for self-actualization. 4. Religious Rituals The speaker sees value in religious rituals, which provide a regular opportunity to reflect on one's place in the universe and contribute to something greater than oneself. 5. Atheism and Religion Despite recognizing the benefits of religion, the speaker maintains their atheist stance, separating their personal disbelief in a deity from the societal benefits of religious practice. 6. Religion's Evolution The speaker expresses optimism that religion can evolve over time, shedding some of the more outdated or scientifically inaccurate beliefs while retaining its positive aspects. 7. Education and Understanding Another speaker emphasizes the importance of education and understanding one's own biology and psychology over religious explanations, advocating for a more fact-based approach to knowledge. 8. Physics as Spiritual Fulfillment One speaker finds a form of spiritual fulfillment in the study of physics, which provides a sense of connection to the universe and a framework for ethical considerations. HOUR 2 9. Work and Compensation The speakers discuss the imbalance between effort and monetary compensation in certain jobs, particularly in academia, where the effort does not match the salary. 10. Freedom and Flexibility There's a conversation about the freedom and flexibility in academia versus industry jobs, with academia offering more flexibility in terms of work hours and the ability to take sabbaticals. 11. Bureaucracy in Academia One speaker expresses the view that bureaucracy in academia can be overwhelming and can impede the freedom to research. 12. Career Paths The speakers explore different career paths, weighing the pros and cons of academia, industry, starting a business, and the importance of finding a path that aligns with personal needs for flexibility. 13. Life's Golden Ticket The concept of a 'golden ticket' in life is discussed, suggesting that there is no perfect path in life, and one may need to pave their own way. 14. Graduate School Experience A speaker reflects on their time in graduate school, expressing no regrets and valuing the knowledge and skills gained over obtaining a degree. 15. Value of Credentials The speakers debate the importance of credentials like degrees, suggesting that skills and abilities can be more important than formal qualifications. 16. Existential Thoughts The speakers share their experiences with existential thoughts and the process of staring into the abyss to find clarity and understanding in life. 17. Emotional Awareness The discussion touches on the importance of understanding and identifying emotions, and the lack of tools like emotion wheels in education. 18. Personal Growth The speakers talk about the necessity of breaking down and rebuilding oneself to align with personal values and to achieve self-actualization. FINAL MINUTES 19. Teaching nihilism and existentialism to kids The speaker expresses the desire to teach kids about nihilism and existentialism, but acknowledges the potential challenges and risks involved in introducing such heavy philosophical concepts to young minds. 20. Facing fears and exploring the unknown The speakers discuss the importance of facing fears and having the courage to explore the unknown, drawing parallels between personal experiences and the themes of darkness and fear. 21. Innate curiosity and truth-seeking The speakers reflect on their innate curiosity and desire for truth, discussing how this trait may have influenced their career paths and personal philosophies. 22. Ethical considerations in informed consent The speakers delve into a hypothetical discussion about informed consent, applying the concept to both human and animal scenarios, and emphasizing the importance of providing all relevant information for individuals to make informed choices. 23. Humorous take on 'The Matrix' The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as the speakers humorously discuss the concept of 'The Matrix' and the hypothetical scenarios related to consent and choice within the context of the movie.

Kintsugi (golden joinery) is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, a method similar to the maki-e technique. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. On this episode, we have a special guest Michael Jaramillo. We chat about how he cultivated his passion for observational astronomy. The disconnect between pursuing a passion for astronomy and how school prepares you. We go into detail about difficult experiences in graduate school. Having a very difficult research advisor to work with. Experiencing prejudice with this advisor because Michael was a bridge student. Securing a research group in astronomy, then being forced into studying elsewhere, landing in condensed matter experiment. Michael goes into detail surrounding a perceived near death experience with an incredibly strong magnet. Finally we arrive at the present, where Michael discusses unpacking the damage done in graduate school. Michael has begun exploring photography and skateboarding, which we are happy to share in the links below! Joe also goes into some more detail surrounding a recent explosive conflict with his advisor. We hope you enjoy the show!

On this episode, we give you an update on where we have been since the last update. We give a detailed breakdown of the trials and tribulations we have been through during each phase of this break. For instance Joe passed the qualifying exams, began the process towards passing the oral exam, and dealt with potentially traumatic emotional abuse from his supervisor. Irene has passed the oral exam, attended a summer school in 2022 and will be in 2023, and it processing the recent loss of her father . Our heroes also discuss their experience saving their dog Sage from a nearly fatal snake bite, which involved a treatment plan spanning months. To hear more of the details please stick around a give the episode a listen. We appreciate any rating, reviews, and also consider subscribing to our newly established youtube channel.

In this episode Joe describes a mental excercise that came about through watching the TV series Moon Knight found on Disney + Streaming ( Not a sponsor ). The Protagonist of the show experiences a version of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and has two major personas Marc and Steven, who have very different goals. As such Joe identifies who are his "Marc" and "Steven", what are their beliefs (within himself), and how that manifested as internal conflict, and how the awareness of their existence brought about more peace and integration. Therefore this mental excercise helped bring clarity to key identity work, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I want to be?" Perhaps you could find value in this excercise for yourself or people you care about.

This is the inaugural first episode in our new couch talk series. It's nice to not always have to be on, worrying about production and heavily researching, or dealing with serious topics. On this first episode, we have the Eigenbros joining us just before they go on hiatus as both Juan and Terence found lab jobs across the country! We chat about science like Quantum Field Theory, some astro stuff, and go on to discuss movies and tv. This was rebroadcast from the Eigenbros patreon which is linked below. Thanks to them for coming on, and thanks to ya'll for listening. Have a great day!

On this episode, we have a returning special guest Juan from the illustrious Eigenbros podcast. Juan lets us in on big changes heading for the eigenbros as well as what he has been up to since our last interview some three odd years ago. Being forced to leave the graduate program due to not passing the comprehensive exam, Juan shares his experience applying to other schools, finding work and ultimately beginning a new journey to work at a national lab. As always it was a pleasure talking to this fine individual, if you agree, send Juan some love at the eigenbros podcast on Youtube.

On this episode, we give you an update on where we have been since the last epsiode. We give a detailed breakdown of the trials and tribulations we have been through during each phase of this break. For instance Joe decided to defer the Fall 2021 school semester to do some soul searching and to work on himself. Irene has been working dilligently to try and complete her prospectus and become a full-fledged doctoral candidate. Our heroes also discuss their experience learning about Non-Violent Communication and the difficulties about having to adjust to COVID as graduate students. This is but a glimmer of the things to come, if it sound interesting please listen and consider subscribing or rating on whatever platform you are listening on!

On this episode, we give you an update on where we have been since the last epsiode. Running through our coursework, how we've been doing, and an in depth dive into Joe's experience with imposter syndrome and how that has come to a head in recent months. We hope you enjoy the episode and our return to form. Hopefully more episodes will be coming to you regularly during the summer season! Check the episode notes below (depending on your listening platform) for timestamps, email contact as well as references mentioned throughout.

On today's episode we are introducing our book club with its inaugural episode being on "Conscious" by Annaka Harris. Our guests discussing the book today are: Terence, Ricardo (Ricky) Castaneda, Edward Benavidez and of course Irene Roman and Joseph Guzman. We had a informative discussion on the various definitions, experiments and ideas outlined in the book, as we try to peel away the mysteries associated with consciousness. We hope you enjoy and feel free to send us questions and future book suggestions using the contact info below.

On today's episode we are interviewing my friend from undergraduate physics, Edward Benavides. Edward graduated a year before I did, holding the Society of Physics Student's presidency just before my term. Edward is now a Physics PhD candidate at the University of Massachussetts, Lowell. This conversation is widespanning from his background and untraditional trajectory to get to where he is today, as well as exploring some of the incentives behind Teaching Assistantships, and briefly how we could hope to probe the supernatural with physics. Check out the episode notes for timestamps of the conversation, as well as the links to give us a follow.

On today's episode we interview Irene's father, Javier. We learn about his life journey, growing up in mexico and moving to the United States to pursue work as an engineer. This is meant to be the final part in the father's day special series. We explore topics such as the american college system, effective ways to enact worldwide change, motivations for moving to america, gratitude and the influence of luck, trump and international students, the anti-science movement (is this a realm of American exceptionalism?), advice for raising children, the relationship between wealth and happiness and so on. Links to relevant articles will be provided below.

On today's episode we are interviewing my father, John Guzman. This is part 1 of a 2 part series meant to be in honor of father's day (belated by this point for sure). But in this conversation we cover ground on aliens, John's prolific spiritual journey, abortion, potential trump re-election, the second law of thermodynamics, the definition of God, and life after death. Again this podcast turned somewhat topical, because not long after it was recorded, the supreme court ruled to uphold abortion rights in Louisana, a link is provided in the episode notes. Anyways if those sound like interesting topics, or you would like to witness the father behind the scientist, this is your opportunity. Here are some rough timestamps of the topics: Intro: 00:00:00 Aliens/UFO's: 00:08:00 Religious Background: 00:09:00 Why Believe in God?: 00:16:00 Moonies: 00:18:00 Abortion: 00:40:00 Going back to Messianic Religions: 01:01:00 Elitism in science: 01:13:00 Culture against intelligence: 01:17:00 If Trump re-elected: 01:19:00 Are we along in the universe + Second law of Thermo: 01:29:00 Definition of God: 01:43:15 Life after Death: 01:57:00 Core Principles of Spiritual Journey: 02:36:00

On todays episode we are joined by my friend from undergrad physics, Jesus. Jesus was a DACA recipient and is currently working in the construction industry. Given the recent ruling by the Supreme Court, this seemed like a good time to upload this conversation. Please forgive any techinical/sound issues, we tried our best to give you the best quality possible given the social distance. Hopefully you enjoy and if you do, please leave 5 stars! Here are some rough timestamps of topics covered: Background: 00:03:00 Girlfriend Push to College: 00:10:00 “It’s hard to be dedicated and look to the future, when you’re unsure what that even means”: 00:11:55 When I learned I was different because of a piece of paper: 00:12:30 Give me more hope: 00:20:42 Choosing Engineering: 00:23:00 Traumatic Experience: 00:32:00 Getting Disqualified: 00:35:00 Leaving Fullerton and Working: 00:41:00 Back to School: 00:44:35 CSULB: 00:54:00 Losing DACA Status: 01:05:00 What do you want to do?: 01:09:30 What are we entitled?: 01:27:00 Large Goal?: 01:33:45 Moral Luck: 01:56:00 Change in culture in physics: 02:03:30 ICE and immigration: 02:17:15 Where do rights come from: 02:26:00 Social Media Magnifying Voices: 02:37:15 News (fourth branch of government): 02:44:15

We're Back! Where have we been the past year? How are we fairing the pandemic and protests? What's next for the future of the podcast? Stay tuned if you are curious. If you would like to submit your writings as requested at the end of the podcast, use the email link provided below, we would love for you to share your experiences with us. Thanks for listening everyone, stay safe.

On today's podcast, Irene and I are joined by our friend Gabriel Rodriguez. Gabriel is a graduate physics student who does research in hadronic physics. We come to understand Gabe's motivations for studying physics as well as his specific sub-field. Having started out as an accounting major, Gabe's individual path proves quite interesting. We learn about some of his upbringing in Puerto Rico, and discuss how the cultural differences discussed could provide value to his scientific perspective. We also talk about what we consider the most important problems in physics at the moment, which covers a lot of ground. Later we divulge our opinions on the state of diversity in the field, and whether inclusivity is a worthwhile endeavor in physics. I always appreciate Gabe's ability to provide a unique perspective, and feel we learned a lot from each other throughout this exchange. Hopefully you walk away with something as well. Side Note: Apologies for the late upload, been busy studying for qualifying exams and the such, you can help out upload speed by simply telling us what you would like to hear next.

On this episode we are collaborating with the Eigenbros Podcast. Eigenbros is run by two physicists, Juan and Terence, both of which have been on our show previously. Note that you can find this same conversation on their Youtube channel if that is of interest to you. The topic of tonight’s discussion is whether morality is objective. For those of you uninitiated, this should be a fun and enlightening conversation. Otherwise if you feel that someone made a considerable blunder, let us know and perhaps we can update our understanding. Also note that all of us are physicists, so apologies if we bastardize the state of philosophy on this. Regardless this is a very interesting topic to discuss, and one if true, would have drastic implications on how we ought to structure our society. We try to cover as much ground as possible in this episode, but there is easily room for more discussion on this. Whether you agree with our positions or not, hopefully you found the conversation interesting and if we can hope further, elucidating. Thanks for listening, I appreciate you, and if you enjoyed it as much as we did, please let us know by liking, commenting, subscribing, on whatever platform you're listening to this on. That way we can know whether to make more content like this in the future.

On this episode of the Beyond the Physics podcast, Irene and I interview our friend Sahana. Sahana is also a graduate student in physics with an emphasis on astronomy. We explore Sahana's motivations for getting into the field and we all reflect on the improbability of us getting into graduate school. But overall, we cover a wide range of topics today, focusing on the most important problems with the culture in physics, and discussing the barriers to entry for success in the field. In particular, we get an in-depth look at what it feels like to be a woman in physics and/or astronomy. We also talk about Aliens; from the Fermi-Paradox, to the Drake Equation, and the definitions of life, we explore this phase space from many angles. I personally walked away from this conversation with many insights on the field and my place in it, so I hope that you too can find value in this.

On this episode of the Beyond the Physics Podcast, Irene and I are joined by our friend Juan Mejia (Not to be confused with our previous guest). Juan and I have known each other for a long time, having met in our undergraduate program at Cal State Long Beach, we both graduated around the same time, and happened to both accept an offer to the same physics graduate school program. To know Juan Mejia is certainly a joy in the unapologetic fervor with which he lives his life. Much of tonight's conversation revolves around Juan's motivations, and how he pushes forward in the face of adversity (perhaps you'll find a gem or two in there for yourself). We spent considerable time talking about the education system, and our perceived issues with it. At some point we have a discussion on parenting strategies, specifically on the appropriateness of "whooping" your kids. It will probably become apparent that Juan has a passion for working out, and so throughout, he was an advocate for living an active lifestyle, and reflects on how it is necessary for him to push his body for his well-being. Also we talk about Juan's general perspective on the world, and how it's useful for him to "shut off his brain". There are many other topics we discuss, but hopefully that summarizes the most relevant moments in tonight's conversation.

On this episode of the Beyond the Physics Podcast, Irene and I are joined by our friend Juan, Co-host of the Eigenbros podcast. Juan is also a graduate student in physics who currently does research in condensed matter experiment. We talk with Juan about his upbringing in section 8 housing in Texas, and how he feels that has affected his trajectory. We also explore the notion that extremely unlikely coincidences may indicate an interconnectedness of the universe that has yet to be understood. Next we talk about how quantum mechanics can be inappropriately portrayed in the media, as well as our personal takes on the state of quantum mechanics. Finally, I talk a bit about the possible ends of the universe, and the state of dark matter as I am currently aware of.