Who Is Lex Fridman? The AI Expert and Podcaster Who Interviewed PM Modi | TDG Explainer

One of the most well-known long-form interview programs around, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a guest appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), the host Lex Fridman said the chat was among the most impactful of his existence.

Notable people who have already appeared on Fridman’s podcast include psychologist Jordan Peterson, former US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and many well-known artificial intelligence (AI) and technology researchers.

Famous for its thorough three-hour discussions, the program covers many subjects sometimes from an empathetic view. For his method which focuses on open-ended talks over aggressive interviews, Fridman has received both approval and censure.

Who is Lex Fridman?

AI scientist, and podcaster,  Lex Fridman is forty-one years old and linked with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Born in present-day Tajikistan, he was already part of the Soviet Union. At the age of eleven, his parents immigrate to the United States.

One of Soviet Union’s top plasma physicists, Alexander Fridman, later taught at Drexel University in Pennsylvania and had Friedman, the actor’s father. Following in his father’s academic trajectory, Lex obtained his BS, MS, and PhD degrees in computer engineering from Drexel University. His coursework emphasized uses of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Later at Google he researched machine learning, an artificial intelligence subfield that lets computers learn patterns from data. 2015 saw his departure from the corporate setting to conduct unaffiliated study at MIT.

Fridman’s Study and MIT Link

Fridman performed research on artificial intelligence, human-machine interaction, and driverless cars at MIT. One of his most debated research projects was a 2019 investigation of driver behavior in semi-autonomous Tesla cars.

His results showed contrary to earlier studies that drivers stayed attentive when using the Autopilot system of Tesla. The research came under fire, however, due of its limited sample size and absence of peer review. Some experts questioned its validity and supposedly Fridman shut down critics on X who challenged his findings.

Notwithstanding the debate, the research served to increase Fridman’s exposure in the domain of AI. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, noticed his work, leading to several podcast appearances and hastening Fridman’s elevation as a public intellectual.

The Lex Fridman Podcast’s Rise

Starting in 2018, Fridman ran a podcast first centered on artificial intelligence. His viewership grew especially after Musk guest-hosted in April 2019 in a short period.

Beyond artificial intelligence, the program now explores philosophy, politics, history, and society. Today, it boasts more than four hundred shows with some of the most powerful personages in academia, business, and technology.

He has a unique interview approach; he fosters long, natural talks instead of aggressive argument. Fridman defines his strategy as based on empathy and curiosity.

He informed The Boston Globe in 2024: “I have an insatiable curiosity for varied, difficult, conflicting ideas and individuals: what people think and how they think.”

Alongside his podcast, Fridman has become a well-known social media celebrity with millions of fans.

• YouTube – 4.5 million subscribers
• X (Twitter) – 4.2 million followers
• Instagram – 1.4 million followers

Particularly among people more interested in science and technology, his capacity to make difficult subjects accessible has garnered him a large fan base.

Criticism and Controversies

Although Fridman has been lauded for democratizing access to expert voices, he has also been knocked for his guest selection and handling of sensitive subjects. Among his guests have been figures like Jordan Peterson, who has made provocative statements on politics and gender matters, whose opinions have been called extreme or incorrect. Emphasizing the need of grasping various points of view, Fridman has justified his choice to interact with these people.

Among the most divisive people he considered talking was online personality Andrew Tate, who is noted for his misogyny. Fridman tackled this issue by saying, “There is an element to the way he speaks about women that I see… but I believe him to be really disrespectful toward women is not how I see what a good man means.” Then, masculinity and what it entails to be masculine in the twenty-first century will be discussed.”

Romanian officials eventually accused Tate of severe offenses including human trafficking and rape.

Fridemann´s plan for the future

Critics apart, Fridman is committed to his idea of organizing wide-ranging, long-form conversations. He maintains an even view of things but still values highlighting technological and scientific developments. He said, “Negative viewpoints sell views and clicks, but I strive to offer a more even view—empathetic and firm—considering both the positive and the negative.

With guests from many walks of background—including world leaders, artificial intelligence pioneers, and cultural critics—his podcast is still expanding.

PM Modi on Lex Fridman Podcast

Discussing India’s foreign policy, leadership, and personal journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Over three hours, Modi discussed India’s diplomatic position, his early difficulties, and worldwide connections including his contacts with world leaders such USA President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Modi underlined India’s traditional support for worldwide peace and reciprocal respect in diplomacy. He restated his view that India would not “look down upon anyone nor look up to anyone” but rather deal with the world on even ground. Modi stressed India’s cultural belief of harmony by saying, “For centuries, we have seen the earth as one huge family.”

The Prime Minister looked back on his humble beginnings, remembering that he was raised in penury but never felt lacking. Emphasizing the need of resilience, he said: “For us, we had never worn shoes in our lives; someone used to wearing high-quality shoes will feel their absence when they do not have them.”

In an effort to promote peace, Modi remembered inviting then Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif to his 2014 swearing-in event. He did say, on the other hand, that these tries were received with great displeasure. “We really hope their wisdom guides them down the road of peace.” I think even the people of Pakistan year for peace,” he remarked. Modi responded to criticism by stating his support for democratic principles. Emphasizing that government relies on opposition and critique, he stated, “I strongly believe criticism is the soul of democracy.”

Modi rejected arguments that the 2002 Gujarat riots were the most severe ever; he noted that previous riots had gone on for more extended periods. He emphasized that Gujarat had not been disturbed since then.

There have been no major riots in Gujarat over 22 years. “From vote-bank politics to the politics of aspiration,” he said. Modi at last mentioned the fleeting nature of life and the need of embracing it completely. That’s why you need to release the dread of dying. He pondered, all things considered, death being certain and no point stressing over when it would come.

Regarding PM Modi’s philosophy, leadership style, and vision for India’s part in worldwide events, his Lex Fridman Podcast talk yielded great depth. At the heart of his presentation was his focus on service, fortitude, and peace.

Respectable speakers on the Lex Fridman Podcast

Besides PM Modi, well-known people on the podcast are as follows:

• Elon Musk (Tesla & SpaceX CEO)
• Donald Trump (Former US President)
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy (President of Ukraine)
• Mark Zuckerberg (Meta CEO)
• Noam Chomsky (Renowned linguist and philosopher)

Every show delves thoroughly into the guest’s worldview, knowledge base, and personal path.

Blending thoughtful chats with artificial intelligence knowledge, Lex Fridman has made a distinctive mark in the podcasting world. His capacity to engage intellectuals and world leaders in deep conversations has brought him both respect and criticism.

His podcast is still a venue that challenges typical interview styles and gives audience a mix of information, controversy, and question-driven interaction.