#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks

Rob Reid is an author and podcaster. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Rob’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/rob_reid
After On Podcast: https://after-on.com/

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
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Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman
YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips

SUPPORT & CONNECT:
– Check out the sponsors above, it’s the best way to support this podcast
– Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman
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– Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00)– Introduction
(08:33)– The most entertaining outcome is the most likely
(14:52)– Meme theory
(18:12)– Writing process
(24:59)– Engineered viruses as a threat to human civilization
(32:45)– Gain-of-function research on viruses
(44:54)– Did COVID leak from a lab?
(52:15)– Virus detection
(1:00:04)– Failure of institutions
(1:07:48)– Using AI to engineer viruses
(1:12:07)– Evil and competence
(1:21:26)– Where are the aliens?
(1:25:19)– Backing up human consciousness by colonizing space
(1:34:48)– Superintelligence and consciousness
(1:46:12)– Meditation
(1:54:20)– Fasting
(2:00:20)– Greatest song of all time
(2:05:46)– Early days of music streaming
(2:17:39)– Startup advice
(2:30:50)– Podcasting
(2:46:12)– Advice for young people
(2:55:15)– Mortality
(3:00:41)– Meaning of life