From First Principles Podcast
Hosted by Krishna Choudhary
A weekly podcast where two hosts break down complex science news from first principles, alternating between deep dives and expert interviews.
A dual-format science show. Half the episodes are co-hosted explainers where one host lectures on a new study or concept (like epigenetics or dark matter), using analogies to make it accessible, while the other host asks clarifying questions. The other half are focused interviews with high-level scientists and directors (e.g., from Carnegie Observatories) about their specific work and the future of their field.
“The show's commitment to its 'first principles' premise is its defining feature; the hosts don't just report on a new paper, they rebuild the entire context for it from the ground up. The use of analogies to explain complex topics like nanopore sequencing is a key part of their style.”
Who hosts this show
From First Principles is a weekly science podcast hosted by Krishna Choudhary, PhD, and Lester Nare. The show breaks down science news in physics, space, AI, and biotech, rebuilding complex topics from the ground up. Episodes alternate between co-hosted deep dives that explain the mechanics behind a story and long-form interviews with research leaders and academics.
Credentials & credits
- Krishna Choudhary, PhD in Biomedical Engineering from UC Davis
- Krishna Choudhary, Postdoctoral research at UCSF
- Krishna Choudhary, M.Tech & B.Tech in Biochemical Engineering from IIT Delhi
What kind of podcast
- Country
- United States
- Region
- usa
When new episodes drop
- 01Epigenetics: DNA's Software Explained #shortsJun 27, 2026 · 3 min
- 02New Rules For Heredity (Non-Mendelian Inheritance of Epigenetics) (EP 44)Jun 26, 2026 · 1h 38m
- 03Genetics: It's Not Just DNA, It's Epigenetics #shortsJun 25, 2026 · 3 min
- 04Thomas Hunt Morgan & The Fruit Fly Genetics Breakthrough #shortsJun 24, 2026 · 2 min
- 05DNA's Hidden Software: Understanding Epigenetics #shortsJun 24, 2026 · 3 min
- 06How Caltech Became Elite: The Ultimate Scientist Draft! #shortsJun 24, 2026 · 1 min
- 07
- 08How Scientists Actually Study Dark Matter (EP 42)May 21, 2026 · 1h 07m
Notable episodes
- 01New Rules For Heredity (Non-Mendelian Inheritance of Epigenetics) (EP 44)
A signature deep-dive episode where the scientific topic is framed by host Krishna Choudhary's recent return from paternity leave, making the subject of inheritance personal.
- 02Dr. Michael Blanton on Open Data, Galaxy Surveys, and the Future of Astronomy (EP 43)
An example of their expert interview format, featuring the new Director of the Carnegie Observatories and showcasing the host's ability to navigate a deep, career-spanning conversation.
- 03Epigenetics: DNA's Software Explained
A short-form clip that demonstrates their core teaching style: using strong analogies (DNA as hardware/software) and visuals to explain a complex topic quickly.
What you'll be asked on this show
Krishna Choudhary typically leads the interviews. He opens by establishing a personal, shared connection with the guest, such as a shared alma mater. He then uses the guest's past work and influential advisors as a foundation to discuss the historical evolution of their field. The conversation follows a clear narrative arc, moving from the guest's foundational past work to their current role and their vision for the future.
The show alternates between two formats: co-hosted deep dives and single-host interviews. In deep dives, one host (often Krishna) presents a topic lecture-style with on-screen graphics (on YouTube), while the other (Lester) acts as an audience proxy. Interviews are more formal, focusing on a guest's career and research contributions.
Questions Krishna Choudhary keeps coming back to
6 cataloguedIf you're going on this show as a guest, expect some version of each of these. Each note explains when Krishna Choudhary reaches for it.
personal
1- Q.01
“How often do you go back for reunions?”
Used as a casual, personal opening to establish rapport, often based on a shared university connection.
history
1- Q.01
“What was [your field] like back then, and how has it changed?”
Asked early to establish historical context and frame the guest's career as a journey through the evolution of their science.
process
2- Q.01
“What was the 'value added' in your [specific project]?”
A precise question used to have the guest clarify the unique contribution of one of their key past projects.
- Q.02
“Why are we only now able to get a better idea of what's happening on the epigenetic layer?”
In deep-dive episodes, this type of question is used to prompt an explanation of the technological advancements that enable new research.
career
1- Q.01
“What about [your new institution] brought you here for this role?”
A transition question that moves the conversation from the guest's past research to their current motivations and career choices.
future
1- Q.01
“What are you looking forward to in your tenure here?”
A forward-looking closing question that invites the guest to share their vision and future plans for their institution.
Signature segments
- · Building concepts from 'First Principles'
- · Explaining science with analogies
- · Co-hosted deep dives
- · Interviews with scientific leaders
- · Opening phrase: 'This is From First Principles'
Topics covered repeatedly
Who gets booked here
The show books high-level academics and research leaders, often directors of major scientific institutions or specialists in a niche field. Guests like Dr. Michael Blanton, Director of the Carnegie Observatories, are typical.
- Dr. Michael Blantonon Dr. Michael Blanton on Open Data, Galaxy Surveys, and the Future of Astronomy (EP 43)
- Dan Gilmanon How Scientists Actually Study Dark Matter (EP 42)
- Dr. John Mulchaeyon Dr. John Mulchaey on Carnegie Science and the Future of Astronomy (EP 41)
Where to find this show
Audience & reach
The show appears to be listener-supported, with a public donation link mentioned in the description and no evidence of traditional sponsorships or ad reads in the episodes provided.
Subscriber and view counts are pulled live from YouTube and re-verified on a 30-day cycle. Listener estimates for the RSS feed aren't published here unless they're host-verified.
Pitch Krishna Choudhary
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People also ask
- What are the hosts' credentials?
- Krishna Choudhary holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from UC Davis and did postdoctoral research at UCSF. Lester Nare is his co-host.
- What is the show's format?
- The show alternates between two main formats: co-hosted deep dives on a specific scientific topic and long-form interviews with expert scientists and researchers.
- Is this podcast still active?
- Yes, the podcast releases episodes on a weekly basis, as of late June 2026.
- Where can I listen to the podcast?
- From First Principles is available on major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, with full video episodes and clips available on their YouTube channel.
- How can I pitch a guest for the show?
- The show provides a business email ([email — gated]) in their channel description for collaborations.
Built from the show's public RSS feed, YouTube, the host's own websites, and the cited sources below. Computed and AI-extracted fields are labelled. Facts only — no private info, no fabrication, no transcripts republished.
Sources & how this page was built
This page is AI-assisted, grounded in the public sources cited below, and host-verifiable. We publish facts only; we do not republish transcripts. If anything here is wrong, the host can claim and correct the page above.Model: gemini-2.5-pro · high confidence
- [01]From First Principles | Science Podcast (Official Site)ffppod.com
- [02]Krishna Choudhary, PhD - Personal Websitekrishnachoudhary.org
- [03]Krishna Choudhary | McManus Lab - UCSFmcmanuslab.ucsf.edu
- [04]From First Principles - Apple Podcastspodcasts.apple.com
- [05]Carnegie Science Names Michael Blanton 12th Observatories Directorcarnegiescience.edu
- [06]From First Principles (podcast) - Listen Noteslistennotes.com
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