Elon Musk has spent his career turning improbable ideas into companies that reshape the world. To some, the entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX is an engineering genius whose ambitions have transformed electric cars and space travel. To others, his politics and extraordinary influence raise serious questions about the future he is building. Either way, the world’s first trillionaire is betting Tesla’s future on AI and humanoid robots, and SpaceX’s on life beyond Earth.

In this season’s debut episode, Walter asks Musk about DOGE regrets, why he believes robots will solve America’s national debt, and the dark politics that have consumed his own platform, X. Along the way, Musk shares why living in a simulation demands that we all be less boring. A candid conversation about the imagination, drive and contradictions of a man determined to turn his vision into our future.

Interview taped August 6, 2026.

And be sure to pick up Walter Isaacson’s The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution, wherever fine books are sold.

ABOUT THE HOST
Walter Isaacson is the bestselling author of biographies of Elon Musk, Jennifer Doudna, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, and Albert Einstein. He is a professor of history at Tulane University and previously served as CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair and CEO of CNN, and editor of Time. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2023.

IN THIS SEASON
Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX, xAI)
Peter Thiel (Founders Fund, PayPal, Palantir)
Mustafa Suleyman (Microsoft AI, DeepMind)
Dario Amodei and Daniela Amodei (Anthropic)
and more!

Elon Musk has spent his career turning improbable ideas into companies that reshape the world. To some, the entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX is an engineering genius whose ambitions have transformed electric cars and space travel. To others, his politics and extraordinary influence raise serious questions about the future he is building. Either way, the world&rsquo;s first trillionaire is betting Tesla&rsquo;s future on AI and humanoid robots, and SpaceX&rsquo;s on life beyond Earth.
In this season&rsquo;s debut episode, Walter asks Musk about DOGE regrets, why he believes robots will solve America&rsquo;s national debt, and the dark politics that have consumed his own platform, X. Along the way, Musk shares why living in a simulation demands that we all be less boring. A candid conversation about the imagination, drive and contradictions of a man determined to turn his vision into our future.
Interview taped August 6, 2026.
And be sure to pick up Walter Isaacson&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Innovators/Walter-Isaacson/9781476708706">The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution</a>, wherever fine books are sold.
ABOUT THE HOST Walter Isaacson is the bestselling author of biographies of Elon Musk, Jennifer Doudna, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, and Albert Einstein. He is a professor of history at Tulane University and previously served as CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair and CEO of CNN, and editor of Time. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2023.
IN THIS SEASON Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX, xAI) Peter Thiel (Founders Fund, PayPal, Palantir) Mustafa Suleyman (Microsoft AI, DeepMind) Dario Amodei and Daniela Amodei (Anthropic) and more!

NEW FROM THE BUILDERS: Elon Musk: "Humans Won't Be in Control" When AI Becomes Smarter Than Us

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/831281a8-5137-4558-bea8-b4e30172c72f/transcript

A trucker calls police to report seeing a body floating in a Mississippi River. When police arrive to investigate, they’re shocked to find a little girl dead in the river brush. They’re even more startled when they find the body of a young man down river a few days later. 

America’s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram’s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

A trucker calls police to report seeing a body floating in a Mississippi River. When police arrive to investigate, they&rsquo;re shocked to find a little girl dead in the river brush. They&rsquo;re even more startled when they find the body of a young man down river a few days later.&nbsp;
America&rsquo;s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram&rsquo;s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

One River, Two Bodies

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0b170eca-a67c-47f3-9ce9-b36f00dd48fd/transcript

Othram began to realize that a lot of unidentified remains cases languishing on shelves in law enforcement offices belonged to children. Children that remained unidentified for decades. Meanwhile, loved ones never gave up hope. There is a solution to this issue, and it’s less of a lift than you would think. In this episode, families finally find answers, and get a chance to say goodbye.

America’s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram’s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

Othram began to realize that a lot of unidentified remains cases languishing on shelves in law enforcement offices belonged to children. Children that remained unidentified for decades. Meanwhile, loved ones never gave up hope. There is a solution to this issue, and it&rsquo;s less of a lift than you would think. In this episode, families finally find answers, and get a chance to say goodbye.
America&rsquo;s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram&rsquo;s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

Project 525: Missing and Murdered Children

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4cc02bbc-a665-47fa-9c41-b38500dd6dcc/transcript

Emergency crews responding to a boat fire discovered human remains, but the case quickly went cold. For decades, investigators had no answers. Using advanced forensic DNA, Othram scientists were able to identify the victim and reveal the truth behind the fire, finally giving a family long-delayed closure.

America’s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram’s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

Emergency crews responding to a boat fire discovered human remains, but the case quickly went cold. For decades, investigators had no answers. Using advanced forensic DNA, Othram scientists were able to identify the victim and reveal the truth behind the fire, finally giving a family long-delayed closure.
America&rsquo;s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram&rsquo;s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

Fan Favorite: A Boat, A Fire and the Signature in the Ashes  

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3e2fbd56-5afd-4b3c-a7c3-b38500d36d15/transcript

People swept away by Hurricane Katrina, lone travelers who disappeared, and kids who never came home. Where are all of these missing people, and are their unidentified remains sitting in universities and law enforcement offices around the country? 

America’s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram’s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

People swept away by Hurricane Katrina, lone travelers who disappeared, and kids who never came home. Where are all of these missing people, and are their unidentified remains sitting in universities and law enforcement offices around the country?&nbsp;
America&rsquo;s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram&rsquo;s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

Unidentified and Waiting

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1966565e-613c-441e-9935-b37100d16cf0/transcript

A little girl is kidnapped from her grandmother’s yard. Her family searches for decades, hoping to find her. 62 years later, detectives call with information. But it’s not what anyone expected. 

America’s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram’s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

A little girl is kidnapped from her grandmother&rsquo;s yard. Her family searches for decades, hoping to find her. 62 years later, detectives call with information. But it&rsquo;s not what anyone expected.&nbsp;
America&rsquo;s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram&rsquo;s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

Little Miss Nobody

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/32ff0fa6-a223-474c-9e69-b36301332990/transcript

In Illinois, a DIY home renovation uncovered a human skull hidden inside a wall. When the case went cold, the remains sat for decades on a museum office shelf, forgotten and unidentified. Years later, a staffer’s rediscovery gave investigators a second chance. Using forensic DNA technology, they finally uncovered the identity of Esther Granger, and the mystery of how her skull ended up in a family home.

America’s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram’s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

In Illinois, a DIY home renovation uncovered a human skull hidden inside a wall. When the case went cold, the remains sat for decades on a museum office shelf, forgotten and unidentified. Years later, a staffer&rsquo;s rediscovery gave investigators a second chance. Using forensic DNA technology, they finally uncovered the identity of Esther Granger, and the mystery of how her skull ended up in a family home.
America&rsquo;s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram&rsquo;s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

The Skull in the Wall: DNA Reveals Esther Granger’s Story

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/944f2e7b-b03a-4cfb-bf7d-b34c014fb8bf/transcript

In Atlanta, the brutal rape and double homicide of siblings left detectives with plenty of evidence but no suspect. For years, the case went cold. Then, a violent crime in Michigan revealed new DNA leads that could finally identify the killer, and deliver long-awaited justice for the Sumpter family while their mother is still alive to see it.

America’s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram’s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

In Atlanta, the brutal rape and double homicide of siblings left detectives with plenty of evidence but no suspect. For years, the case went cold. Then, a violent crime in Michigan revealed new DNA leads that could finally identify the killer, and deliver long-awaited justice for the Sumpter family while their mother is still alive to see it.
America&rsquo;s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram&rsquo;s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

Crimes in Two Cities: The Sumpter Siblings Cold Case

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1efbd805-00f9-4d93-a820-b34c0150ea0a/transcript

Weeks after the violent murders of four University of Idaho students, investigators followed a trail of DNA evidence from Moscow to Pennsylvania. A midnight police stakeout tied a graduate student to the brutal stabbings. Now the question remains: will the victims’ families finally see justice in court?

America’s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram’s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

Weeks after the violent murders of four University of Idaho students, investigators followed a trail of DNA evidence from Moscow to Pennsylvania. A midnight police stakeout tied a graduate student to the brutal stabbings. Now the question remains: will the victims&rsquo; families finally see justice in court?
America&rsquo;s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram&rsquo;s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

New Forensic Details From the Idaho Student Murders - Part 3

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f998f46c-354b-478e-b9da-b361012692a1/transcript

When four University of Idaho students were brutally murdered in their Moscow home, investigators faced a nightmare. DNA evidence from the crime scene pointed nowhere, leaving the case cold. Detectives turned to a surviving roommate’s eyewitness account and cutting-edge forensic DNA technology to generate new leads in real time. Could this breakthrough uncover the truth about one of the most shocking college murders in recent history?

America’s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram’s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

When four University of Idaho students were brutally murdered in their Moscow home, investigators faced a nightmare. DNA evidence from the crime scene pointed nowhere, leaving the case cold. Detectives turned to a surviving roommate&rsquo;s eyewitness account and cutting-edge forensic DNA technology to generate new leads in real time. Could this breakthrough uncover the truth about one of the most shocking college murders in recent history?
America&rsquo;s Crime Lab is a true crime podcast about how science solves cold cases, missing persons, and other unsolved cases. Hosted by journalist and clinical psychologist Elin Lantz Lesser, and powered by Othram&rsquo;s forensic DNA lab, the show connects the science to the story, revealing what really happens in the lab and why it matters.

New Forensic Details From the Idaho Student Murders - Part 2

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/193e5ab5-3662-424e-a97b-b35a00ec389a/transcript

Welcome to Othram aka "America's Crime Lab." Each week, we meet weary detectives and family members working an unsolved case that has wrecked a community and seemingly hit a dead end… until, in a last-ditch effort, the evidence is mailed to Othram.

Welcome to Othram aka "America's Crime Lab." Each week, we meet weary detectives and family members working an unsolved case that has wrecked a community and seemingly hit a dead end&hellip; until, in a last-ditch effort, the evidence is mailed to Othram.

America's Crime Lab

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