Mysticism and the Simulation Hypothesis – A Talk with Rizwan Virk
From Pop Apocalypse by Matthew J. Dillon, Center for the Study of World Religions
October 16, 2025 · 1h 23m · Episode 17
About this episode
The episode explores the simulation hypothesis with Rizwan Virk, discussing its technological and mystical dimensions.
Do we live inside a Matrix-like simulation? For Episode 17 of Pop Apocalypse, we welcome one of the leading theorists behind the simulation hypothesis, Rizwan Virk, to discuss that question. Virk is an entrepreneur, videogame pioneer, and academic author of two major works on simulation theory: The Simulation Hypothesis (Tarcher, 2025) and The Simulated Multiverse (Bayview Books, 2021). In the interview, we discuss the technologies necessary to make a Matrix-like simulation possible and how close we are to achieving them. Then we turn to the religious and mystical dimensions of simulation theory, exploring reincarnation, out-of-body experiences, UAPs, angels, and the anthropocentrism and ethical pitfalls of simulation theory.
People in this episode
Host: Matthew J. Dillon
Guest: Rizwan Virk
Topics covered
- simulation hypothesis
- mysticism
- technology
- reincarnation
- out-of-body experiences
- UAPs
- ethical implications
Keywords
- simulation theory
- Matrix
- mystical experiences
- angels
- anthropocentrism
- ethical pitfalls
- UAPs
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Simulation Hypothesis, The Simulated Multiverse
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