Infinite Loops
Infinite Loops
Jim O'Shaughnessy
Adam Mastroianni - Why Creativity Feels Like It's Dying (Ep. 306)
1 hour 32 minutes Posted Mar 19, 2026 at 12:15 pm.
0:00
1:32:42
Download MP3
Show notes

In this episode of Infinite Loops, we speak with Adam Mastroianni—experimental psychologist and sharp critic of modern culture and science. We ask, why does creativity feel like it's fading? From endless remakes to cultural sameness, Adam argues that as society becomes more stable and risk-averse, we may be unintentionally reducing the "deviance" that drives originality and breakthrough thinking. We also discuss why science should get weirder, how to fight credentialism, and the dangers of professionalization.

Important Links: To learn more about Adam Mastroianni: https://www.adammastroianni.com/ Adam's Piece on the Decline of Deviance: https://www.experimental-history.com/p/the-decline-of-deviance Slime Mold Time Mold: https://slimemoldtimemold.com/ Our Conversation with Julian Gough: https://newsletter.osv.llc/p/the-egg-and-the-rock-ep-249