{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"EIR Live","title":"Episode 10 - Resident Weirdos & Computational Curiosity with Sam Arbesman","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/64eceb83\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4548,"description":"Meet Sam Arbesman, Lux Capital's pioneering Scientist in Residence who has spent over a decade redefining what it means to be \"in residence\" at a venture capital firm. With a PhD in computational biology and a background spanning complex systems and network science, Sam represents a new breed of venture capitalist—one who follows curiosity rather than convention. In this fascinating conversation, Sam shares his journey from \"Little Sam\" in Buffalo tinkering with Commodore computers to becoming the connective tissue between cutting-edge science and frontier technology investments. Learn how his grandfather's science fiction collection shaped his worldview, why being a \"weirdo\" in organizations is valuable, and how he uses an undirected, curiosity-driven approach to identify breakthrough opportunities. Don't miss his upcoming book \"The Magic of Code\" releasing June 10th.\nChapters \n[00:00:00] Cold Open - \"Send Me Your Weirdos\" \n[00:00:41] Introduction - First Scientist in Residence \n[00:02:08] Little Sam's Origins - Grandfather's Influence & Science Fiction \n[00:03:36] Early Technology Exposure - Commodore VIC-20 \n[00:05:32] Internet Access & Academic Journey \n[00:07:24] Complex Systems & Interdisciplinary Fellowship \n[00:08:38] Pursuing the \"Weird Thing\" - Dissertation Without Biology \n[00:15:10] Curiosity-Driven Exploration & Library Adventures \n[00:17:58] Writing for Popular Audiences - The Half-Life of Facts \n[00:21:23] Leaving Academia \n[00:25:09] Becoming Scientist in Residence at Lux Capital \n[00:30:53] Day-to-Day Role - Surveying Science & Technology \n[00:33:41] Upstream vs Downstream Investment Work \n[00:37:24] Outlier Roles in Organizations \n[00:39:48] Hedgehogs vs Foxes - Different Thinking Styles \n[00:43:26] Evaluating Ideas - Following Excitement \n[00:46:46] Dark Night of the Soul - Career Transition \n[00:51:51] Creating Outlier Roles \n[00:55:18] Networks Beat Knowledge in Venture Capital \n[00:56:52] Science Fiction Authors & Startups \n[00:59:12] Advice...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/5MURGcXX1P7dDzkekwm1VZi0Zwz_hJg_oda-k-ZZ8aY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84Njhj/ZGNiMjZlYjMyZjM1/ZTIzMzZkOGQzZjQx/NzAzZS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}