A Note from James:

"I have been dying to understand quantum computing. And listen, I majored in computer science. I went to graduate school for computer science. I was a computer scientist for many years. I’ve taken apart and put together conventional computers. But for a long time, I kept reading articles about quantum computing, and it’s like magic—it can do anything. Or so they say.

Quantum computing doesn’t follow the conventional ways of understanding computers. It’s a completely different paradigm. So, I invited two friends of mine, Nick Newton and Gavin Brennan, to help me get it. Nick is the COO and co-founder of BTQ Technologies, a company addressing quantum security issues. Gavin is a top quantum physicist working with BTQ. They walked me through the basics: what quantum computing is, when it’ll be useful, and why it’s already a security issue.

You’ll hear me asking dumb questions—and they were incredibly patient. Pay attention! Quantum computing will change everything, and it’s important to understand the challenges and opportunities ahead. Here’s Nick and Gavin to explain it all."

Episode Description:

Quantum computing is a game-changer in technology—but how does it work, and why should we care? In this episode, James is joined by Nick Newton, COO of BTQ Technologies, and quantum physicist Gavin Brennan to break down the fundamentals of quantum computing. They discuss its practical applications, its limitations, and the looming security risks that come with it. From the basics of qubits and superposition to the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography, this conversation simplifies one of the most complex topics of our time.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The basics of quantum computing: what qubits are and how superposition works.
2. Why quantum computers are different from classical computers—and why scaling them is so challenging.
3. How quantum computing could potentially break current encryption methods.
4. The importance of post-quantum cryptography and how companies like BTQ are preparing for a quantum future.
5. Real-world timelines for quantum computing advancements and their implications for industries like finance and cybersecurity.

Timestamped Chapters:

• [01:30] Introduction to Quantum Computing Curiosity
• [04:01] Understanding Quantum Computing Basics
• [10:40] Diving Deeper: Superposition and Qubits
• [22:46] Challenges and Future of Quantum Computing
• [30:51] Quantum Security and Real-World Implications
• [49:23] Quantum Computing’s Impact on Financial Institutions
• [59:59] Quantum Computing Growth and Future Predictions
• [01:06:07] Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Additional Resources:

• BTQ Technologies Website

A Note from James:

So we have a brand new president of the United States, and of course, everyone has their opinion about whether President Trump has been good or bad, will be good and bad. Everyone has their opinion about Biden, Obama, and so on. But what makes someone a good president? What makes someone a bad president?

Obviously, we want our presidents to be moral and ethical, and we want them to be as transparent as possible with the citizens. Sometimes they can't be totally transparent—negotiations, economic policies, and so on. But we want our presidents to have courage without taking too many risks. And, of course, we want the country to grow economically, though that doesn't always happen because of one person.

I saw this list where historians ranked all the presidents from 1 to 47. I want to comment on it and share my take on who I think are the best and worst presidents. Some of my picks might surprise you.

Episode Description:

In this episode, James breaks down the rankings of U.S. presidents and offers his unique perspective on who truly deserves a spot in the top 10—and who doesn’t. Looking beyond the conventional wisdom of historians, he examines the impact of leadership styles, key decisions, and constitutional powers to determine which presidents left a lasting, positive impact. From Abraham Lincoln's crisis leadership to the underappreciated successes of James K. Polk and Calvin Coolidge, James challenges popular rankings and provides insights you won't hear elsewhere.

What You’ll Learn:

• The key qualities that define a great president beyond just popularity.
• Why Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as the best president—and whether James agrees.
• How Franklin D. Roosevelt’s policies might have extended the Great Depression.
• The surprising president who expanded the U.S. more than anyone else.
• Why Woodrow Wilson might actually be one of the worst presidents in history.

Timestamped Chapters:

• [01:30] What makes a great president?
• [02:29] The official duties of the presidency.
• [06:54] Historians’ rankings of presidents.
• [07:50] Why James doesn't discuss recent presidents.
• [08:13] Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during crisis.
• [14:16] George Washington: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
• [22:16] Franklin D. Roosevelt—was he overrated?
• [29:23] Harry Truman and the atomic bomb decision.
• [35:29] The controversial legacy of Woodrow Wilson.
• [42:24] The case for Calvin Coolidge.
• [50:22] James K. Polk and America's expansion.

A Note from James:

Probably no president has fascinated this country and our history as much as John F. Kennedy, JFK. Everyone who lived through it remembers where they were when JFK was assassinated. He's considered the golden boy of American politics. But I didn't know this amazing conspiracy that was happening right before JFK took office.

Best-selling thriller writer Brad Meltzer, one of my favorite writers, breaks it all down. He just wrote a book called The JFK Conspiracy. I highly recommend it. And we talk about it right here on the show.

Episode Description:

Brad Meltzer returns to the show to reveal one of the craziest untold stories about JFK: the first assassination attempt before he even took office. In his new book, The JFK Conspiracy, Brad dives into the little-known plot by Richard Pavlik, a disgruntled former postal worker with a car rigged to explode.

What saved JFK’s life that day? Why does this story remain a footnote in history? Brad shares riveting details, the forgotten man who thwarted the plot, and how this story illuminates America’s deeper fears. We also explore the legacy of JFK and Jackie Kennedy, from heroism to scandal, and how their "Camelot" has shaped the presidency ever since.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The true story of JFK’s first assassination attempt in 1960.
2. How Brad Meltzer uncovered one of the most bizarre historical footnotes about JFK.
3. The untold role of Richard Pavlik in plotting to kill JFK and what stopped him.
4. Why Jackie Kennedy coined the term "Camelot" and shaped JFK’s legacy.
5. Parallels between the 1960 election and today’s polarized political climate.

Timestamped Chapters:

• [01:30] Introduction to Brad Meltzer and His New Book
• [02:24] The Untold Story of JFK's First Assassination Attempt
• [05:03] Richard Pavlik: The Man Who Almost Killed JFK
• [06:08] JFK's Heroic World War II Story
• [09:29] The Complex Legacy of JFK
• [10:17] The Influence of Joe Kennedy
• [13:20] Rise of the KKK and Targeting JFK
• [20:01] The Role of Religion in JFK's Campaign
• [25:10] Conspiracy Theories and Historical Context
• [30:47] The Camelot Legacy
• [36:01] JFK's Assassination and Aftermath
• [39:54] Upcoming Projects and Reflections

Additional Resources:

• The JFK Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer
• Clint Hill's Memoir, Mrs. Kennedy and Me
• The Life Magazine Camelot Interview
• Watch the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon Debates