Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently sat down for a captivating 3-hour interview with Lex Fridman on his YouTube podcast. Since then, Fridman has been all over the headlines, with both him and the Prime Minister sharing their thoughts on what turned out to be a deep and engaging conversation.
Fridman expressed his excitement on X , writing, “I had an incredible 3-hour conversation with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. This was the most profound conversation of my life.” PM Modi, in turn, shared his appreciation on the same platform, saying, “It was a truly interesting conversation with Lex Fridman, covering everything from my childhood and years spent in the Himalayas to my journey in public life.”
Before this groundbreaking interview with Modi, Fridman had already spoken to some of the world’s most influential people, including business mogul Elon Musk. He’s known for his ability to dive deep into a wide range of topics, making each conversation a unique experience for listeners.
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Lex Fridman: The King of Long-Form Conversations
Fridman is famous for his long-form interviews, where he spends several hours chatting with his guests. His in-depth approach allows him to explore everything from personal stories to complex societal and technological issues, providing listeners with rich, nuanced discussions. This thoughtful style has earned him a loyal following among those who crave more than just surface-level conversations.
Who is Lex Fridman?
At 41 years old, Lex Fridman has become a household name in the world of podcasting, but his journey started in a small town in Russia. Born in Chkalovsk, near the Volga River, Fridman moved with his family to Chicago when he was just 11. His father, Alexander, was a renowned physicist in the Soviet Union, specializing in plasma physics.
Fridman pursued his education at Drexel University in Pennsylvania, where he earned both his undergraduate and doctoral degrees. Even as a PhD student, Fridman had an eye on the future and launched his YouTube channel in 2014, where he combined his passions for artificial intelligence and martial arts. It was here that his journey as a podcaster began.
The Birth of Lex Fridman’s Podcast
In April 2018, Fridman took the leap and launched his podcast. The first episode, featuring MIT professor Max Tegmark, marked the beginning of what would become a fascinating journey into the world of artificial intelligence, philosophy, and technology. Originally called “The Artificial Intelligence Podcast,” it was rebranded in 2020 to “The Lex Fridman Podcast,” a name that now attracts millions of listeners. To date, he’s uploaded over 400 episodes and accumulated an impressive 4.61 million subscribers.
Fridman’s podcast isn’t just for tech geeks. His guests come from all walks of life—scientists, athletes, politicians, and entrepreneurs—all of whom bring something special to the table. These long, thought-provoking conversations are an escape for anyone looking for more than the quick soundbites often found in traditional media.
Lex Fridman’s Career in Academia and Industry
In addition to being a renowned podcaster, Fridman is also a research scientist at MIT’s Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS). His work focuses on artificial intelligence, human-machine interaction, and decision-making. Fridman’s work at MIT, combined with his podcasting, allows him to bring a unique perspective to the table, merging the worlds of research and popular culture.
Sertac Karaman, the director of LIDS, praised Fridman’s intellectual contributions, saying, “I’ve known Dr. Fridman for many years, and I’m greatly impressed by his ideas and achievements in his research.”
Fridman’s Approach to Podcasting: Listening First, Talking Second
What sets Fridman apart from other podcasters is his approach to interviewing. He’s not there to put on a show or be the centre of attention. Instead, he listens—really listens—to his guests. This allows him to engage in conversations that feel more like a deep, meaningful exchange than a formal interview.
