Anshel Pfeffer, Paul Wood, and Dennis Ross debate whether Israel can rely on its allies. The podcast also explores the use of AI in fiction writing and discusses the complexities of dating widowers.
Israel needs to develop a viable plan after the war finishes to prevent loss of international sympathy and wavering support from allies.
The use of AI in fiction writing has both benefits and limitations, with authors collaborating with AI tools for co-writing and editing purposes.
Deep dives
Concerns about Israel's allies wavering and decreasing support
In the podcast episode, Andrew Fafer expresses concern about the decreasing support from Israel's allies, implying that Israel needs to develop a viable plan after the war finishes. The private and public messaging from the United States is becoming less supportive of Israel, leading to a loss of international sympathy and ebbing support. These changing dynamics and wavering support from allies raise questions about the extent to which Israel can rely on its allies, particularly the United States.
The use of AI in fiction writing
The podcast episode features a discussion surrounding the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in fiction writing. Andy Stanton and RJ Childry share their experiences with using AI as a writing tool. Stanton collaborates with chat GPT, a machine learning tool, to co-write a book. While Childry utilizes chat GPT as a super editor, bouncing ideas off and using it as a thought partner. The conversation delves into the benefits, limitations, and creative hindrances that arise when incorporating AI in the writing process.
Dating widowers and the potential pitfalls
The episode also explores the topic of dating widowers and the potential pitfalls that come along with it. Elisa Seagrave discusses the complexities of dating someone who has lost a spouse, including the lingering presence of the deceased partner and the need for sensitivity and understanding. Cosmo Landesman shares his own experiences, mentioning the challenges of feeling inadequate compared to the deceased husband and the potential imbalance in the relationship. The conversation touches on societal expectations, the fear of being perceived as indecently pushy, and the possibility of ending up in a caregiver role.
Finding companionship in pets
The podcast episode highlights the significance of finding companionship and support in pets, particularly dogs. Elisa Seagrave shares her personal experience of finding solace and a main relationship in her furry companions. She emphasizes the unconditional love and joy that pets provide, making them a meaningful part of one's life. The discussion underscores the role of pets as sources of comfort, especially during challenging times.
Anshel Pfeffer writes The Spectator’s cover story this week. He voices concern that support from Israel’s allies might begin to waver if they don’t develop a viable plan after the war finishes. Paul Wood – former BBC foreign correspondent – and Dennis Ross – former Middle East coordinator under President Clinton and advisor to President Obama – join the podcast to debate whether Israel can rely on its allies. (01:18)
Also this week:
In the Books section of the magazine this week we review Andy Stanton’s new book Benny The Blue Whale. It has a fascinating inception and was co-authored by the machine learning tool ChatGPT. Andy is joined by crime author Ajay Chowdhury, who is also known for using AI as a writing tool, to discuss whether AI is the future of fiction. (23:02)
And finally: when is it acceptable to date a widower?
This is the question that Elisa Segrave ponders in her piece in the magazine. She says that recently bereaved men are much sought after, and joins the podcast alongside Cosmo Landesman, journalist and former dating columnist for the Times. (35:45)
Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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