TED Radio Hour
Going incognito, where nothing is as it seems
Aug 9, 2024
Jonna Mendez, a former CIA Chief of Disguise with a legendary career in espionage, shares gripping tales of her covert operations during the Cold War. Holly Herndon, an artist pushing the boundaries of machine learning, discusses the ethical complexities of AI-generated voices. Anthropologist Mary L. Gray exposes the unseen labor behind online services, while digital fashion designer Gala Marija Vrbanic explores how technology is revolutionizing identity through virtual clothing. Together, they unravel the intricate layers of disguise in our digital and physical realities.
49:40
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Quick takeaways
- Jonna Mendez's experiences highlight the resourcefulness required for successful espionage, emphasizing adaptability in high-stakes situations involving identity disguise.
- The rise of digital fashion and avatars showcases an evolving landscape of self-expression, prompting ethical discussions on identity ownership and consent in technology.
Deep dives
The Art of Disguise in Espionage
The podcast discusses the intriguing world of espionage through the experiences of Johna Mendez, the CIA's former chief of disguise. Her undercover career involved creative improvisation in high-stakes situations where traditional disguise kits were not available. For instance, during a mission in Southern Asia, she had to rely on local makeup supplies to transform an agent into an elderly security guard, ultimately enabling them to infiltrate the Soviet embassy. This real-life example illustrates the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in the art of disguise, revealing the intricate dynamics of espionage operations.
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