El Podcast

E64: Flying Cars, AI, Nanotech with a Scientist

Episode Summary

Dr. J Storrs Hall, an expert in nanotechnology and computer science, discusses the history and potential of flying cars, the impact of regulations and bureaucracy on technological progress, the role of AI and nanotechnology in the future, and the challenges of climate change and energy usage. He emphasizes the importance of math education and advises high school seniors to pursue a broad scientific understanding. Dr. Hall also shares his optimism for the future and believes that the current era is the best time to be alive. In this conversation, J. Storrs Hall discusses various topics related to technology, academia, and the future. He shares his perspective on living a fulfilling life and the prevalence of negativity and pessimism in society. He also discusses the influence of scare stories and the decline of academia. The conversation touches on the impact of money on research and the accessibility of AI and nanotechnology. J. Storrs Hall shares his thoughts on the future of nanotechnology and the potential it holds. He concludes by recommending science fiction books and expressing optimism for the future.

Episode Notes

Dr. J. Storrs Hall explains how bureaucracy, cultural stagnation, and fear of energy halted the future we were promised—flying cars, nanotech, and unlimited clean power—and what it’ll take to bring it back.

🎙️ Guest Info:
Dr. J. Storrs Hall is a scientist, author, and futurist specializing in nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. He holds a Ph.D. in computer science, was a pioneer in molecular nanotech research, and authored Where Is My Flying Car?, Beyond AI, and Nanofuture. He is a leading voice in techno-optimism and a critic of regulatory overreach and cultural risk aversion.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Why flying cars should exist—and nearly did
• The "Great Stagnation" since the 1970s
• Energy use as the true bottleneck of progress
• How regulation killed innovation
• AI’s future and the promise of nanotechnology
• Environmental fundamentalism vs. nuclear power
• Why college IQs dropped and degrees devalued
• What 2050 might actually look like
• Cold fusion, space travel, and civilization’s next leap
• Optimism vs. doom in the 21st century

💬 3 Standout Quotes (Formatted for Visual or Social Use):

"The real danger isn't AI—it's that we finally build the future and then screw it up."
– Dr. J. Storrs Hall

"We could have had flying cars by now. Bureaucracy and fear killed them, not physics."

"If humanity gets nanotech right, we can rebuild all U.S. infrastructure in a week."