In this episode of Entropy Rising, Jacob and Lucas ask a simple question: could a galactic empire actually work without faster-than-light travel? The answer isn’t pretty. They break down why distance, communication delays, and logistics make ruling across the stars nearly impossible. From the futility of interstellar trade to the idea of technocratic influence and AI-controlled colonies, they explore how any attempt at a “galactic empire” would crumble under the speed of light itself. They also contrast this with solar empires—where power, control, and trade might still make sense within one star system.Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/EntropyRising?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkSupport the showWebsite: https://www.entropy-rising.com/
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33:17
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33:17
Trantor, Coruscant, and Beyond: The Science of Planet-Spanning Cities
What happens when a city doesn’t just sprawl across continents but covers an entire planet? In this episode of Entropy Rising, Jacob and Lucas explore the concept of the ecumenopolis—a world completely urbanized from pole to pole. From the classic depictions of Coruscant in Star Wars and Trantor in Foundation, to the grim hive cities of Warhammer 40K, we dig into the science and engineering challenges of building a planet-wide metropolis.We break down population math, vertical megastructures, the paradox of elevators, and the role of food, energy, and infrastructure in making such a world function. But the real constraint isn’t space or even energy—it’s heat. Could a quadrillion humans cook their own planet just by existing? And what would it take to keep a city-planet from overheating?If you’ve ever wondered whether Earth could become one massive city—or what life would be like inside a two-mile-tall building where generations never leave—this episode is for you.Support the showWebsite: https://www.entropy-rising.com/
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40:04
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40:04
Post-Scarcity: When Nothing Is Rare, What Matters?
What happens when scarcity disappears? In this episode of Entropy Rising, Jacob and Lucas explore the idea of a post-scarcity civilization — a future where food, energy, and even housing are so abundant they stop being economic factors. But does abundance guarantee happiness, or does it create new problems?We break down the levels of post-scarcity (from basic survival to simulated utopia), question whether inequality and control still exist in an age of abundance, and debate the biggest paradox of all: if nothing is scarce, what still gives life meaning?From Star Trek’s replicators to Black Mirror–style dystopias, we’ll dive into the promises and dangers of a world beyond scarcity — and ask whether humanity is ready for it.Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/EntropyRising?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkSupport the showWebsite: https://www.entropy-rising.com/
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40:18
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40:18
Farming Black Holes: The Ultimate Power Source of the Universe
Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/EntropyRising?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkBook The Receiver :https://www.amazon.com/Receiver-Sci-Fi-First-Contact-Techno-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0FDCLRVZ3/?maas=maas_adg_E4E6F6D9397B531ABBCC7F5A5B49CE8F_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasBlack holes aren’t just cosmic monsters — they might be the ultimate power plants of the universe. In this episode of Entropy Rising, Jacob and Lucas explore how civilizations could harvest unimaginable amounts of energy from black holes. From accretion disks and the Penrose process to Hawking radiation and even quasar jets, we break down the science, the possibilities, and the dangers.Could farming a black hole make a civilization Type III on the Kardashev Scale? How would we actually build a Dyson Swarm around one? And what would it mean for the far future, when stars burn out and black holes are the last engines of the cosmos?We’ll talk about:How black holes convert matter to energy with insane efficiencyWhy accretion disks could outshine entire galaxiesThe mind-bending Penrose process and rotational energyHawking radiation as a long-term power sourceThe terrifying potential of black holes as weaponsIf you’re into space, futurism, and hard science, this episode will take you to the edge of physics and beyond.Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:00 Why harvest black holes? 04:00 Accretion disks & Dyson swarms 12:00 Hawking radiation explained 20:00 The Penrose process 27:00 Quasars and black hole jets 36:00 Black holes as weapons 41:00 Civilization endgameSupport the showWebsite: https://www.entropy-rising.com/
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43:47
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43:47
Von Neumann Probes: The Self-Replicating Robots That Could Consume the Galaxy
Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/EntropyRising?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkFollow us on treads: https://www.threads.net/@entropyrisingpodcastWebsite: https://www.entropy-rising.com/What happens when machines can build more of themselves—and never stop? In this episode of Entropy Rising, Jacob and Lucas unravel the strange, fascinating world of von Neumann probes: self-replicating systems that could mine asteroids, build Dyson swarms, and maybe even terraform entire planets. But the same tech could go off the rails—accidentally wiping out alien life, turning planets into grey goo, or mutating into something far worse. Are these machines the key to a post-scarcity future, or the seeds of cosmic disaster? We explore the science, the speculation, and the existential questions behind one of the most provocative ideas in futurism.Stick around for a bonus post-show discussion—available free on our PatreonSupport the showWebsite: https://www.entropy-rising.com/
Entropy Rising is a podcast where hosts Jacob and Lucas explore everything from today’s cutting-edge technology to futuristic concepts like Dyson spheres, discussing how these advancements will impact society. Dive into deep conversations about innovation, the future, and the societal shifts that come with the technology of tomorrow or the next thousand years.
New Zealand