Best OpenMind Podcasts (2026)

1
Joseph Modayil of Openmind Research Institute @ RLC 2025 4:27

5d ago4:27

4:27

Joseph Modayil is the Founder, President & Research Director of Openmind Research Institute. Featured References Openmind Research Institute The Alberta Plan for AI Research Richard S. Sutton, Michael Bowling, Patrick M. Pilarski Additional References Joseph Modayil on Google Scholar Joseph Modayil Homepage…

1
Ep. 100: Air-Tight Training Camp- LIVE 47:57

1d ago47:57

47:57

Congrats! We hit a milestone!! Celebrate with us and listen to how we punish ourselves for failing yet again. Worst swingers ever. We revisit our LIVE AnaAnalAnal episode, because after 5 years, it’s the only way Richard will get anal play LIVE AIR-TIGHT PRACTICE - the air tight objective begins - can Lauren be artificially air tight to prepare for…

1
Cruising For a Schmoozing: Troubles Aboard the Temptation Cruise 49:44

1M ago49:44

49:44

From our new and final studio, we share our pimped out penthouse Temptation cruise experience. Richard uses the view from the suite's living room to "penis judge" the clothing-optional guests below, gathering more data for his obsession. We interview guests about what they think is average vs large sized junk. Sex before dinner? Yes, please. We're …

1
I Know Love Has Many Forms 29:14

1M ago29:14

29:14

This week’s mantra is: "I Know Love Has Many Forms." Love isn’t limited to romance, it shows up in friendships, family, chosen community, and the quiet ways we care for each other every day. This episode explores how to recognize and cherish the different kinds of love that enrich your life, even when they don’t fit the traditional mold. Knowing th…

1
I Balance Self-Improvement with Self-Acceptance 30:32

1M ago30:32

30:32

This week’s mantra is: "I Balance Self-Improvement with Self-Acceptance." Growth is important, but so is knowing that who you are right now is already enough. This episode explores how to hold space for both ambition and self-love, and how to pursue your goals without turning yourself into a constant project. Self-improvement should feel empowering…

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I Let Myself Feel Disappointed 31:01

2M ago31:01

31:01

This week’s mantra is I Let Myself Feel Disappointed. Not everything needs a silver lining, and not every moment needs to be spun into a lesson. This episode explores the harm of toxic positivity and the importance of making space for real, raw emotions, especially the ones we’re taught to skip over. Letting yourself feel disappointed doesn’t make …

1
I Celebrate Small Wins 29:39

2M ago29:39

29:39

This week’s mantra is: "I Celebrate Small Wins." Progress isn’t always loud or dramatic, sometimes it looks like quiet steps, steady effort, or simply showing up. This episode explores how to recognize the value in small moments of growth, acknowledge what’s working, and build momentum through encouragement instead of pressure. Celebrating small wi…

1
Danijar Hafner on Dreamer v4 1:40:52

2M ago1:40:52

1:40:52

Danijar Hafner was a Research Scientist at Google DeepMind until recently. Featured References Training Agents Inside of Scalable World Models [ blog ] Danijar Hafner, Wilson Yan, Timothy Lillicrap One Step Diffusion via Shortcut Models Kevin Frans, Danijar Hafner, Sergey Levine, Pieter Abbeel Action and Perception as Divergence Minimization [ blog…

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Ep. 98: Gag Flex Training; Live Interviews; Violating Men as a Fake Doctor 56:14

2M ago56:14

56:14

Movin' on up! To the (more) east side. We finally got a piece of the pie (for the last time) after finishing our SIN event and before the Temptation Cruise. Like smart people we’re exhausted, tired, dirty and cranky - so nothing has changed. SIN was the best event ever, well-behaved guests that always surprise us on how much they love to play! Rich…

1
I Am Allowed to Not Have All the Answers 31:02

2M ago31:02

31:02

This week's mantra is: "I Am Allowed to Not Have All the Answers." In a world that often pressures us to be constantly "on" and have every solution at our fingertips, it's easy to feel inadequate when we encounter uncertainty. But true wisdom often lies in the humility of not knowing everything and trusting the process of discovery. In this episode…

1
I Trust That My Body Knows What It's Doing 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

This week’s mantra is: "I Trust That My Body Knows What It’s Doing." In a culture that constantly tells us to second-guess our bodies, learning to trust yours is a radical act. This episode explores how to reconnect with your body’s wisdom, listen to its signals, and move through the world with more self-compassion and ease. Your body is not the en…

1
I Am Not Afraid To Ask For What I Need 29:56

3M ago29:56

29:56

This week’s mantra is: "I Am Not Afraid to Ask for What I Need." Speaking up for yourself can feel vulnerable, but honoring your needs is a powerful act of self-respect. This episode explores how to get clear on what you truly need emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and how to ask for it without guilt or apology. Asking is not about being to…

1
I Create Spaces that Nourish My Soul 37:47

3M ago37:47

37:47

This week's mantra is: "I Create Spaces that Nourish My Soul." The environments we live, work, and rest in have a powerful impact on how we feel. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to design physical, emotional, and relational spaces that support your peace, creativity, and growth. Creating nourishing spaces isn’t just about candles and cozy…

1
I Allow Myself to Be Imperfect 42:08

3M ago42:08

42:08

This week's mantra is: "I Allow Myself to Be Imperfect." Perfection is a moving target, and chasing it only disconnects us from our humanity, our joy, and our growth. In this episode, we explore how to release unrealistic expectations, make peace with our flaws, and show up as our full, messy selves. Allowing imperfection doesn’t mean giving up, it…

1
Ep. 97: Cap d'Agde (A Sport F'ers Paradise) No Cap! 47:58

3M ago47:58

47:58

We prep for months for a trip across the pond to Cap d'Agde, France by asking everyone too many questions. As an over-thinker, Richard summarizes the best things to know for a first trip. For humans who worry. Where do you stay, where do you go, what do you pack? Is everyone naked? With most of our trip being planned by friends, we jump in blind an…

1
I Trust the Chapter I’m Closing 40:42

3M ago40:42

40:42

This week's mantra is: "I Trust the Chapter I’m Closing." Life is a series of chapters, and sometimes, the most profound growth comes from having the courage to turn the page. Even when a chapter ends with uncertainty, loss, or a sense of incompleteness, trusting the closure allows new beginnings to emerge. In this episode of Mantra, we'll explore …

1
I Listen to Understand, Not Just to Reply 36:51

4M ago36:51

36:51

This week's mantra is: "I Listen to Understand, Not Just to Reply." In a world that often prioritizes quick responses and expressing our own opinions, true connection stems from a deeper place: the willingness to truly hear and comprehend another's perspective. Active listening is a powerful skill that transforms relationships, fosters empathy, and…

1
I Am Not Too Much 39:13

4M ago39:13

39:13

This week's mantra is: "I Am Not Too Much." So often, we dim our light, quiet our voices, or shrink ourselves to fit into what we perceive as acceptable. This belief—that we are somehow "too much" for others—can hold us back from truly showing up as our authentic selves. In this episode of Mantra, we'll explore how to release the pressure to confor…

1
David Abel on the Science of Agency @ RLDM 2025 59:42

4M ago59:42

59:42

David Abel is a Senior Research Scientist at DeepMind on the Agency team, and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Edinburgh. His research blends computer science and philosophy, exploring foundational questions about reinforcement learning, definitions, and the nature of agency. Featured References Plasticity as the Mirror of Empowerment David …

1
I Stay Grounded, Even When Everything Else Shifts 40:13

4M ago40:13

40:13

This week's mantra is: "I Stay Grounded, Even When Everything Else Shifts." Life is full of unexpected changes and moments of upheaval that can leave us feeling untethered. But true resilience lies in your ability to find an inner anchor, no matter how turbulent the external circumstances become. In this episode of Mantra, we'll explore practical w…

1
Ep. 96: Hotel Voyeurs, Venn Diagrams & Venom 41:24

4M ago41:24

41:24

We travel to the States and almost give Jet Blue oral. We stare at braless women, hunt vanillas, have a couple foursomes, attend a weekend Friction hotel party and have a life changing experience on the 6th floor. We strike gold when we leave the curtains open in hopes that someone on the street catches a glimpse of our sexy foursome. He’ll never l…

1
I Am Not Here to Manage Other People’s Emotions 37:01

4M ago37:01

37:01

This week's mantra is: "I Am Not Here to Manage Other People’s Emotions." It's a common trap to feel responsible for the feelings of those around us, often at the expense of our own emotional well-being. But true empathy means holding space for others without taking on their emotional burden or feeling obligated to fix their feelings. In this episo…

1
I Build Habits that Empower My Progress 34:03

4M ago34:03

34:03

This week's mantra is "I Build Habits that Empower My Progress." We often dream of big leaps forward, but true transformation happens in the consistent, small actions we take every single day. Our habits, whether conscious or unconscious, are the building blocks of our lives, shaping our routines, driving our goals, and ultimately determining our t…

1
Jake Beck, Alex Goldie, & Cornelius Braun on Sutton's OaK, Metalearning, LLMs, Squirrels @ RLC 2025 12:20

5M ago12:20

12:20

Recorded at Reinforcement Learning Conference 2025 at University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta Canada. Featured References Lecture on the Oak Architecture, Rich Sutton Alberta Plan, Rich Sutton with Mike Bowling and Patrick Pilarski Additional References Jacob Beck on Google Scholar Alex Goldie on Google Scholar Cornelius Braun on Google Scholar Rei…

1
I Release Grudges 33:52

5M ago33:52

33:52

This week's mantra is "I Release Grudges." Holding onto grudges can feel like carrying a heavy weight, keeping us tethered to past hurts and preventing us from moving forward. True freedom comes from choosing to let go, not for the sake of the other person, but for your own peace and well-being. In this episode of Mantra, we'll explore the transfor…

1
Outstanding Paper Award Winners - 2/2 @ RLC 2025 14:18

5M ago14:18

14:18

We caught up with the RLC Outstanding Paper award winners for your listening pleasure. Recorded on location at Reinforcement Learning Conference 2025, at University of Alberta, in Edmonton Alberta Canada in August 2025. Featured References Empirical Reinforcement Learning Research Mitigating Suboptimality of Deterministic Policy Gradients in Comple…

1
Outstanding Paper Award Winners - 1/2 @ RLC 2025 6:46

5M ago6:46

6:46

We caught up with the RLC Outstanding Paper award winners for your listening pleasure. Recorded on location at Reinforcement Learning Conference 2025, at University of Alberta, in Edmonton Alberta Canada in August 2025. Featured References Scientific Understanding in Reinforcement Learning How Should We Meta-Learn Reinforcement Learning Algorithms?…

1
I Can Be Scared and Still Be Brave 32:16

5M ago32:16

32:16

This week's mantra is "I Can Be Scared and Still Be Brave." Bravery isn't the absence of fear; it's the willingness to act even when fear is present. So often, we wait until we feel completely confident to take a leap, but true growth happens when we acknowledge our anxieties and move forward anyway. In this episode of Mantra, we'll explore what it…

1
Ep. 95: Taking Party Drugs and Dumping a Load on Friends 44:50

5M ago44:50

44:50

Party Drug Question and Answers? This episode will make you feel good. Richard's adverse effect on MDMA and NFL while Lauren's snorting Nesquik and dancing under the pretty lights. This episode we talk about party drugs, what they are, what to know- the good and the bad. Listen to our best preferences and tips, DANCESAFE - Richard gets emotional an…

1
I Am More Than My Job 39:06

5M ago39:06

39:06

This week's mantra is "I Am More Than My Job." In a society that often equates our worth with our professional titles and achievements, it’s easy to feel defined by our careers. But you are a multi-faceted individual with passions, relationships, and an inner world that extends far beyond your work. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to deta…

1
Thomas Akam on Model-based RL in the Brain 52:06

5M ago52:06

52:06

Prof Thomas Akam is a Neuroscientist at the Oxford University Department of Experimental Psychology. He is a Wellcome Career Development Fellow and Associate Professor at the University of Oxford, and leads the Cognitive Circuits research group. Featured References Brain Architecture for Adaptive Behaviour Thomas Akam, RLDM 2025 Tutorial Additional…

1
I Tend to My Life With Gratitude, Not Envy 38:25

5M ago38:25

38:25

This week's mantra is I Tend to My Life With Gratitude, Not Envy. It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, scrolling through curated lives online and feeling the sting of envy. But true contentment doesn't come from wishing for what others have; it comes from appreciating the richness of your own journey. In this episode of…

1
Stefano Albrecht on Multi-Agent RL @ RLDM 2025 31:34

6M ago31:34

31:34

Stefano V. Albrecht was previously Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh, and is currently serving as Director of AI at startup Deepflow. He is a Program Chair of RLDM 2025 and is co-author of the MIT Press textbook "Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning: Foundations and Modern Approaches". Featured References Multi-Agent Reinforcement Le…

1
I Let Myself Trust The Process 36:34

6M ago36:34

36:34

This week’s mantra is "I Let Myself Trust the Process." When progress feels slow or the path ahead is unclear, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt or try to force control. But trusting the process means allowing life to unfold in its own timing—while staying present, grounded, and committed to the journey. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how …

1
I Exude Confidence In All Situations 40:02

6M ago40:02

40:02

This week's mantra is I Exude Confidence in All Situations. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself no matter the circumstances. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to shift out of self-doubt, tap into your inner authority, and carry yourself with grounded assurance in every room you walk into. Exuding confi…

1
I Say Yes to New Adventures 35:28

6M ago35:28

35:28

This week's mantra is I Say Yes to New Adventures. Stepping outside your comfort zone can feel scary—but it’s often where the magic happens. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to welcome new experiences with an open heart, overcome fear-based hesitation, and lean into the unknown with curiosity and confidence. Saying yes to new adventures do…

1
Ep. 94: The Hot, Young Desire Orgy That Never Was 44:18

6M ago44:18

44:18

We head to Desire Resorts to celebrate a friend's birthday, and rediscover the obstacles between friendly and sexy. Richard meets a Neurologist/Urologist who challenges the hypothesis of his Trimix experiment. A teacher quizzes Richard on some science. He aces his science quiz, but fails to cease the flirt opportunity. Thanks to "karaoke" in the di…

1
I Allow My Friendships to Evolve Without Guilt 41:45

6M ago41:45

41:45

This week's mantra is I Allow My Friendships to Evolve Without Guilt. As we grow and change, our relationships do too—and that’s not a failure, it’s a natural part of life. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to navigate shifts in friendship with grace, release the pressure to hold onto what no longer fits, and honor the connections that cont…

1
Satinder Singh: The Origin Story of RLDM @ RLDM 2025 5:57

7M ago5:57

5:57

Professor Satinder Singh of Google DeepMind and U of Michigan is co-founder of RLDM. Here he narrates the origin story of the Reinforcement Learning and Decision Making meeting (not conference). Recorded on location at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland during RLDM 2025. Featured References RLDM 2025: Multi-disciplinary Conference on Reinforcement Lea…

1
I Make Rest a Priority in My Life 38:01

7M ago38:01

38:01

This week's mantra is I Make Rest a Priority in My Life. In a world that praises hustle and constant productivity, choosing rest is a radical act of self-respect. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to redefine rest as a necessary part of growth, creativity, and emotional well-being—not something to earn or feel guilty about. Making rest a pr…

1
I Am A Magnetic Person 32:49

7M ago32:49

32:49

This week's mantra is I Am a Magnetic Person. Your energy speaks before you do—and when you're aligned with authenticity, confidence, and self-love, you naturally attract the people, opportunities, and experiences meant for you. In this episode of Mantra, we explore what it means to embody magnetic energy, let go of the need to chase, and start dra…

1
I Allow Myself To Be Celebrated 31:34

7M ago31:34

31:34

This week's mantra is I Allow Myself to Be Celebrated. So often, we downplay our wins, deflect compliments, or rush past moments of recognition—but you deserve to be seen and celebrated. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to embrace acknowledgment without guilt, receive love and praise fully, and let yourself shine without shrinking. Allowin…

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Ep. 93: Desire Study Finalized While Good Girls Go from Blushing to Gushing 46:15

7M ago46:15

46:15

Richard suits up in his lab coat, grabs a needle and continues his research for science. His lab is the Desire Riviera Maya jacuzzi. We take a quick trip to Desire RM where we meet up with a couple from last year, we think we may too dirty for them. How to pick the perfect spot in the jacuzzi? Richard gives a PSA on how to use the cubby hole system…

1
I Let My Work Speak Louder Than My Doubt 40:28

7M ago40:28

40:28

This week's mantra is I Let My Work Speak Louder Than My Doubt. Self-doubt can be loud, but consistent effort and integrity speak volumes. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to quiet inner criticism, stay focused on your goals, and trust that showing up—day after day—is more powerful than any fear. Letting your work speak louder than your do…

1
I Accept that Rejection is Redirection 36:28

8M ago36:28

36:28

This week's mantra is I Accept that Rejection is Redirection. Rejection can sting—but often, it’s guiding us toward something even better. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to reframe disappointment, let go of what wasn’t meant for you, and trust that every closed door is pointing you toward the right one. Accepting rejection as redirection…

1
I Embrace the Courage to be Disliked 37:31

8M ago37:31

37:31

This week's mantra is I Embrace the Courage to Be Disliked. People-pleasing can feel safe—but it often comes at the cost of your authenticity. In this episode of Mantra, we explore what it means to stand firm in your truth, set boundaries without apology, and let go of the need for universal approval. Being disliked doesn’t mean you’re doing someth…

1
I Know That Love Won’t Pass Me 41:01

8M ago41:01

41:01

This week's mantra is I Know That Love Won’t Pass Me. In a world that often pressures us to rush or question our timeline, it’s easy to fear we’re missing out on love. But real love—true, aligned, soul-deep love—arrives when it’s meant to. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to trust in divine timing, release the urge to chase or force connec…

1
7 Most Important Life(style) Lessons 51:54

8M ago51:54

51:54

This month marks 7 years since we began recording this podcast. Looking back over the years, we see how much has changed, how much we've grown, what we've accomplished and what we still suck at. We narrow it down to the 7 most important things you should know from our experiences in the past 7 years. Richard has an announcement that everyone will b…

1
I Allow Myself to be Happy With What I Have 32:25

8M ago32:25

32:25

This week's mantra is I Allow Myself to Be Happy With What I Have. In a world that constantly pushes us to want more, it’s easy to feel like we’re always chasing the next thing—whether it’s success, validation, or the perfect version of our lives. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to shift from a mindset of lack to one of appreciation, embr…

1
I Anchor Myself in the Present Moment 36:03

8M ago36:03

36:03

This week's mantra is I Anchor Myself in the Present Moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the past or worry about the future, but true peace is found in the here and now. In this episode of Mantra, we explore how to break free from distraction, quiet the mental noise, and fully engage with the present. Anchoring yourself in the moment isn’t about …

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