Avi was accepted into the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) elite Talpiot program when he was 18. The prestigious program only accepts two dozen recruits annually to complete intellectual work in defense-related research. While in Talpiot, Avi studied physics and mathematics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) for three years while simultaneously undergoing military training. After completing his IDF service, he entered HU’s joint M.S. and Ph.D. degree program in plasma physics and conducted research at the Soreq Nuclear Research Center.

I have heart surgery coming up next week and now understand why I’ve been so physically exhausted and out-of-sorts these past few months. The docs tell me my condition is called “atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation” and that it is “mainly due to long standing atrial fibrillation… The tricuspid valve is leaking severely, causing a back pressure on all the internal organs and a high jugular venous pressure.” The procedure aims to get this old body back on the road again quickly and efficiently.  It is VERY LOW RISK but of course I’m grateful for any good wishes sent my way. I’m in the midst of writing a new book, the best work I’ve ever done, and I’m not going to let this stop me! I said yes to the linked podcast now, rather than after my procedure, for reasons that I explain during the interview: youtube.com/watch?v=Xs94KBeI…