The following is the conversation with Scott Ernson, his second time in the podcast.

He is a professor at UT Austin, director of the Quantum Information Center,

and previously a professor at MIT. Last time we talked about quantum computing,

this time we talk about computation complexity, consciousness, and theories of everything.

I'm recording the central as you may be able to tell in a very strange room in the middle of the

night. I'm not really sure how I got here or how I'm going to get out, but

Hunter is Thompson saying I think applies to today in the last few days and actually

the last couple of weeks. Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of

arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside and a cloud of

smoke thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, wow, what a ride.

So I figured whatever I'm up to here, and yes, lots of wine is involved. I'm going to have to improvise

hence this recording. Okay, quick mention of each sponsor, followed by some thoughts related to

the episode. First sponsor is Simply Safe, a home security company I use to monitor and protect

my apartment. Though of course, I'm always prepared with a fallback plan as a man in this world

must always be. Second sponsor is 8th sleep, a mattress that cools itself, measures heart rate

variability, has an app, and has given me yet another reason to look forward to sleep,

including the all-important power nap. Third sponsor is ExpressVPN. The VPN I've used for many years

to protect my privacy on the internet. Finally, the fourth sponsor is BetterHelp. Online therapy,

when you want to face your demons with a licensed professional, not just by doing David Goggins

like physical challenges, like I seem to do on occasion. Please check out these sponsors in

the description to get a discount and to support the podcast. As a side note, let me say that this

is the second time I recorded a conversation outdoors. The first one was Stephen Wolfram,

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