Raiza Martin, a senior product manager at Google Labs, and Steven Johnson, an editorial director and bestselling author, delve into the fascinating world of NotebookLM. They discuss how this AI-driven research assistant blends storytelling with personalized insights, revolutionizing content creation. The duo explores advancements in AI speech generation, the significance of engaging audio overviews, and the future of interactive podcasting. They also tackle the balance between accessibility and safety in content sharing, raising thought-provoking questions about AI's role in education and creativity.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Johnson, an acclaimed author and AI researcher at Google, shares insights on AI's role in education. He dives into the effectiveness of NotebookLM, an AI note-taking tool designed to enhance learning. The conversation touches on how AI-generated podcasts could revolutionize learning experiences and the importance of user feedback in improving these technologies. Johnson also explores the balance between creativity and technology, revealing how AI can streamline creative workflows while maintaining accuracy.

Original broadcast date: March 22, 2022. In the last century, human life expectancy has doubled. This hour, we talk with writer Steven Johnson on the many breakthroughs that made this possible — and where we go from here.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Author Steven Johnson discusses Google's new writing tool, NotebookLM, AI's role in thought augmentation, and the future of books. They explore the importance of walking for creativity, play in innovation, and potential AI developments like recommending sources and addressing privacy concerns. Johnson highlights the revolutionary potential of AI-driven tools in research and content creation.

The two hottest topics in tech right now are the rise of generative AI and, with Apple’s recent push into spatial computing, the mainstreaming of augmented reality. Will silicon-based machines develop sentience? Will human experience extend into virtual worlds? These distinct technologies may eventually blend to spawn a surprising future, as our “real” world becomes digitally enhanced and our machines behave increasingly like humans.Today, a provocative discussion with some big (human) thinkers: Steven Johnson, visiting scholar at Google Labs and author of ”Extra Life,” “Where Good Ideas Come from,” and “How We Got to Now”; philosopher and cognitive scientist David Chalmers, author of ”The Conscious Mind” and “Reality+”; and Betaworks founder and AI investor John Borthwick.• Want to learn more about our executive membership? Email podcast@nextbigideaclub.com• “David Chalmers Thinks We May Be Living in a Simulation (and He’s OK With It)”• “Steven Johnson & Michael Specter on the Future of Life”

Join bestselling author Steven Johnson and Senior Product Manager Raiza Martin as they explore the groundbreaking NotebookLM and its potential to revolutionize creativity. They discuss Johnson's journey from writing to technology, the evolution of AI, and how NotebookLM personalizes user experiences. The conversation dives into the synergy between creativity and technology, addressing concerns writers face while embracing AI as a collaborative partner in the workplace. Tune in for insights on transforming how we create and learn in the digital age!

Steven Johnson, a prolific author of books about technology and innovation, and Chris Dixon, founding partner of a16z crypto, discuss the history of their shared interests, emergent properties of decentralized networks, and the past, present, and future of the internet. They explore blockchain's potential in AI and content distribution, challenges of publishing, blockchain's impact on the music industry, and the transition to proof of stake and token implementation.

This week, the podcast features Devendra Chaplot, a research scientist at Mistral AI, known for his work on multimodal models, and Steven Johnson, editorial director at Google Labs and author, who contributed to NotebookLM's innovative developments. They dive into OpenAI's new reasoning models, O1 Preview and O1 Mini, and discuss the implications of accountability in AI evaluations. Exciting advancements in audio processing and enhancements in AI capabilities are highlighted, along with the impressive features of NotebookLM that revolutionize research and writing.

In this engaging discussion, Shantanu Sinha, VP & GM of Google for Education, shares his insights on the transformative role of AI in learning. Jennie Magiera, a champion for equity in education, emphasizes how AI tools can empower marginalized voices. Steven Johnson delves into the impact of NotebookLM on personalized research and efficient learning practices. The trio explores innovative ways educators worldwide are integrating AI, enhancing creativity, and redefining assessment methods—all aimed at revolutionizing educational experiences.

Author Steven Johnson discusses the history of dynamite, anarchism, and crime-fighting in New York City, touching on the evolution of forensic technology and the unintended consequences of innovation. He also talks about the development of AI tools for writers and the interplay between creativity and artificial intelligence in generating ideas.