# What's Outside The Simulation w/ Donald Hoffman Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/tom-bilyeu-s-impact-theory-681290/what-s-outside-the-simulation-w-donald-hoffman-2 Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/tom-bilyeu-s-impact-theory-681290/what-s-outside-the-simulation-w-donald-hoffman-2.md Podcast: [Tom Bilyeu's Impact Theory](https://stenobird.com/podcast/tom-bilyeu-s-impact-theory-681290) Published: 2026-05-15T12:33:00+00:00 Episode link: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/pdrl.fm/02d1c6/tracking.swap.fm/track/2TbQRMLORjx6LKLZ4L5i/mgln.ai/e/1047/pfx.veritonicmetrics.com/quj9/s.gum.fm/s-5e30860bfeb6de005a728351/rss.art19.com/episodes/721bf40f-9d86-49cf-b35c-7a1a4c35f3b9.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0 Audio file: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/pdrl.fm/02d1c6/tracking.swap.fm/track/2TbQRMLORjx6LKLZ4L5i/mgln.ai/e/1047/pfx.veritonicmetrics.com/quj9/s.gum.fm/s-5e30860bfeb6de005a728351/rss.art19.com/episodes/721bf40f-9d86-49cf-b35c-7a1a4c35f3b9.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/tom-bilyeu-s-impact-theory-681290/episodes/what-s-outside-the-simulation-w-donald-hoffman-2 Duration seconds: 3075 ## Resource Welcome to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In today’s mind-bending episode, Tom sits down with cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman, who challenges everything you think you know about reality, consciousness, and the very fabric of our universe. What if the world around us isn’t the fundamental base of existence, but rather, nothing more than a meticulously rendered simulation—an efficient computational interface, like a high-tech headset, designed to help us survive, not reveal the truth?Together, Tom and Donald dive deep into groundbreaking theories emerging from the frontlines of quantum physics and mathematics, including “positive geometries” and the idea that spacetime is not fundamental. They break down complex scientific concepts—like Markov chains and the hard problem of consciousness—into compelling metaphors drawn from video games, virtual reality, and computation.Throughout the conversation, they grapple with the illusion of free will, the meaning of “base reality,” and whether consciousness is ultimately all there is—hinting at a future where understanding the software outside the headset could make today’s technology look like child’s play. Whether you’re a skeptic, a seeker, or just driven by unending curiosity, you’re in for an episode that could forever shift your perception of what it means to be real. What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER : https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here. : https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. : https://… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/tom-bilyeu-s-impact-theory-681290/episodes/what-s-outside-the-simulation-w-donald-hoffman-2/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/tom-bilyeu-s-impact-theory-681290/what-s-outside-the-simulation-w-donald-hoffman-2.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.