Decoder with Nilay Patel

Recode Decode: Annalee Newitz

Jan 27, 2020

In a thought-provoking conversation, Annalee Newitz, a sci-fi novelist and science journalist known for their work at io9 and Gizmodo, discusses their journey from journalism to fiction. They delve into the unique challenges of writing about time travel and how technology influences our historical narratives. Newitz shares insights on their novel, 'Autonomous,' exploring AI and societal change, while also pondering the implications of our digital legacies and the transhuman futures that await us. Their exploration of lost cities adds a fascinating layer to the impact of history on modern storytelling.

52:37

Episode guests

Annalee Newitz

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

From Journalism to Fiction: A Journey Through Science and Storytelling

13min

Reimagining History Through Time Travel

5min

Time Travel and Its Historical Impacts

16min

Exploring Time Travel and the Impact of Modern Science on History

2min

Exploring Lost Cities

6min

Digital Legacy and Transhuman Futures

8min

Sci-fi novelist and science journalist Annalee Newitz talks with Recode's Kara Swisher about their new book, The Future of Another Timeline. Newitz, who was previously a founding editor of io9 and the editor in chief of Gizmodo, talks about their winding route to becoming a writer, by way of monster movies; how their first book Autonomous addresses AI, software patents, and the pharma industry; and how they worked out the mechanics and limitations of time travel and "editing" history for their latest book. Plus: How does technology affect our memory of history, and what will happen to all our digital communications once we're gone?

Featuring:

Annalee Newitz (@Annaleen), author, The Future of Another Timeline

Host:

Kara Swisher (@karaswisher), Recode co-founder and editor-at-large

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