Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg21 Jul

How QNTM (aka Sam Hughes) Creates Mind-Bending Science Fiction Stories

Sam Hughes isn't a name most people are familiar with. Some may know him better by the pseudonym QNTM - a software engineer turned acclaimed science fiction author known for groundbreaking novels including There Is No Antimemetics Division and Ra.

In this fascinating conversation, Osher Günsberg sits down with Sam/qntm to explore the intersection of imagination, mathematics, technology, and what it means to be human. Sam reveals how he transforms complex scientific concepts into gripping stories that challenge the way we think about memory, reality, time, and the future. From his early fascination with mathematics to his career in software development, he explains how curiosity, logical thinking, and a relentless habit of asking "what if?" have shaped his creative process.

The conversation ranges from the surprising lessons hidden inside game design to the promises and dangers of artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, and the responsibilities that come with creating powerful technology. Sam also shares why science fiction isn't about predicting the future, it's about exploring possibilities, exposing human nature, and helping us imagine better outcomes.

Along the way, Osher and Sam discuss the craft of writing unforgettable stories, the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world, and why hope may be just as important as dystopia when imagining humanity's future.

Whether you're a fan of science-fiction, fascinated by AI, or simply curious about how extraordinary ideas are born, this is a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you looking at the world, and the future, a little differently. It may also inspire you to look for ideas and creativity in places you had never thought of before.

LINKS

QNTM's book There Is No Antimemetics Division is out now (AUS | worldwide)
Check out more of QNTM's work here
Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
Get tickets for our next Story Club show
Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here
Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(1194)

Nat's What I Reckon on Panic Attacks, Purpose, and the Tram With No Stops

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg revisits one of his most memorable conversations with YouTuber, author and cook Nat's What I Reckon. Beyond the humour, viral videos and online...

19 Jul 18min

Katie Noonan Opens Up About Divorce, Endometriosis and How Music Can Heal Us

Katie Noonan is one of Australia's most acclaimed and celebrated musicians, but behind the awards, sold-out performances and extraordinary vocal talent is a story of resilience, reinvention and unwave...

14 Jul 1h 6min

Stuart Diver's Powerful Lessons on Surviving Trauma, Healing & Hope

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher revisits one of his most powerful conversations, with sole survivor of the 1997 Thredbo landslide, Stuart Diver. After 65 hours trapped beneath the rubb...

12 Jul 16min

How to Overcome Insecurity and Stop Letting Fear Run Your Life with Jaemin Frazer

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Günsberg sits down with life coach and author Jaemin Frazer for a thought-provoking conversation about insecurity, self-worth, identity and the stories ...

7 Jul 1h 1min

Stop Avoiding Your Feelings: The Science of Emotional Agility with Susan David

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, I'm revisiting a powerful conversation I had with world-renowned psychologist and author Dr Susan David about the science of emotions, resilience, and creatin...

5 Jul 27min

The Dark Side of Health Misinformation: How Desperate People Get Exploited with Hannah McElhinney

In this powerful conversation, Osher Gunsberg sits down with journalist and author Hannah McElhinney to explore the complex world of chronic illness, medical misinformation, and what can happen when p...

30 Jun 59min

AFL Coach Michelle Cowan on How to Stay Confident When People Doubt You

In this powerful conversation from the Better Than Yesterday archives, Michelle Cowan shares the lessons she’s learned from breaking barriers, challenging expectations, and building a career in a spac...

28 Jun 23min