When a Podcast is centered around a conversation, it’s typically not a totally natural conversation: instead, one or both parties are trying to exhibit some set of ideas to the audience. They’re trying to make their discussion accessible and appealing. They want to seem charming and witty—not just to their discussion partner but to an unknown audience. They’re trying desperately not to look stupid.
All this leads to anodyne and somewhat cynical discussions. It’s part of why Podcast discussions are rarely expert-level.
By contrast, Michael Nielsen suggests that it’s worth asking: “who do you desperately want to talk to, in great depth?” Then ask them the “highest value questions you possibly can for yourself.”
Conversation with Michael Nielsen, 2020-07-10: Re: Inverted discussions around tools for thought