Joanne McNeil

Joanne McNeil, author of "Wrong Way", discusses the human labor behind self-driving cars, the challenges of being a tech critic, and the need for tech critics that aren't insiders. They also touch on the fantasy of self-driving cars and the illusion of automation.

Guest Joanne McNeil, author of the novel Wrong Way, discusses the need to tell stories about ordinary people and their social relations with tech systems. They explore the impact of Silicon Valley billionaires, perception of giftedness, reviving new wave sci-fi, work experiences, and the importance of different perspectives in writing.

In this engaging discussion, novelist and cultural critic Joanne McNeil shares her expertise on J.G. Ballard, focusing on his compelling novel, Concrete Island. She explores themes of isolation and societal critique through the harrowing journey of Robert Maitland, an architect grappling with desperation. The conversation delves into Ballard's transformative experiences, such as his childhood internment and personal grief, illustrating how these shaped his unique narrative style and intersection of class struggles in literature.