Are we living in a Simulation? with Guest Rizwan Virk - Episode 121

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rizwan Virk - MIT-trained computer scientist, video-game pioneer, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of The Simulation Hypothesis - to explore one of the most provocative ideas of our time: could our reality itself be a simulation? Rizwan brings a uniquely broad background to the table. At MIT and Stanford, he studied the fundamentals of computation and management, then went on to found and lead game- and VR-related ventures, incubate startups at MIT’s “Play Labs”, invest in emerging technology, and produce films. In his landmark book, he connects quantum physics, artificial intelligence, video-game evolution, and ancient mystical traditions to argue for the simulation hypothesis. In our conversation, we go deep into: What exactly the simulation hypothesis means — and why it’s more than sci-fi speculation. How the evolution of video games and virtual reality helps illuminate the possibility of a simulated reality. The philosophical and ethical implications of living inside a simulation (or treating our world as if we might). Why this idea resonates not only with computer science, but with mysticism, consciousness studies, and quantum weirdness. Practical takeaways: if reality is less “solid” than we assume, how might that change how we live, meaning-make, and design our lives? Whether you’re a tech innovator, spiritual seeker, science enthusiast, or simply curious about what’s really “real,” this episode will challenge your assumptions, expand your thinking, and invite you to play at a higher level of awareness. Tune in, question the system — and maybe you’ll never look at your life the same way again. Resources: Books: - Wisdom of a Yogi - https://amzn.to/4dYWjEY - Simulation Hypothesis - https://amzn.to/3yBkOYP - Simulation Multiverse - https://amzn.to/4bzUz3z Podcast Interviews: - Interview from the Joe Rogan Podcast : https://open.spotify.com/episode/031mtxfwvp01AsiZKtxjjc Contact Rizwan Virk: www.zenentrepreneur.com X - @rizstamford IG - @rizcambridge Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy: ► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com ► Instagram: / drjcdoornick ►Facebook: / makessensepodcast ►YouTube: / drjcdoornick MAKES SENSE PODCAST Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is a subjective and acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast. FOLLOW Podcast - You will find a "Follow" button on the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec Podcast Affiliates: Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon OUR SPONSORS: Makes Sense Academy: A private mastermind and psychologically safe environment full of the Mindset and Action steps that will help you begin to thrive. The Makes Sense Academy. https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about The Sati Experience: A retreat designed for the married couple that truly loves one another, yet wants to take their love to that higher magical level. Relax, reestablish, and renew your love at the Sati Experience. https://www.satiexperience.com 0:00 - Intro 3:10 - Welcome to the Show, Mr. Rizwan Virk 4:36 - MIT Days, and how did interest in the Simulation Hypothesis begin? 7:52 - Ten Stages of Tech Development to the Simulation Point 17:34 - Why are some people gifted with open curiosity and some not in the simulation? 24:53 - All thighs considered, what then is our purpose? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.