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The Wright Show

Latest episodes

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6 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 60min

AI Snake Oil (Robert Wright & Arvind Narayanan)

Robert Wright, a journalist and author known for his insights into science and technology, joins computer scientist Arvind Narayanan to delve into the complexities of AI. They discuss Narayanan's new book, 'AI Snake Oil', which critiques AI's impact on society. Topics include the limitations of predictive AI in fields like healthcare and criminal justice, ethical ramifications of algorithms, and the challenges of social media governance. The conversation challenges the audience to consider a balanced view of AI's potential and pitfalls.
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Sep 28, 2024 • 60min

Is the Middle East Headed toward a Regional War? (Robert Wright & Connor Echols)

In a captivating discussion, Robert Wright, a notable author focused on evolutionary psychology and ethics, is joined by Connor Echols, an expert on Middle Eastern affairs. They dive deep into the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, offering a historical context that highlights Lebanon's complex political landscape. The conversation shifts to the implications of U.S. military support for Israel, including potential fallout on terrorism and public sentiment. They also analyze the role of Silicon Valley in shaping national security ideologies and the rise of provocative voices in this dynamic environment.
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Sep 27, 2024 • 60min

Bob v. Mickey on Trump v. Harris (Robert Wright & Mickey Kaus)

Join political commentator Mickey Kaus and journalist Robert Wright as they dive deep into the intricacies of the upcoming elections. They debate the merits of Kamala Harris versus Donald Trump, dissecting foreign policy teams and public personas. Mickey critiques Harris's speaking style, while Bob shares insights on election predictions and polling dynamics. They also touch on the nuances of cancel culture and its impact on the political landscape. Expect a mix of humor and sharp analysis from these seasoned commentators!
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Sep 25, 2024 • 60min

Elon, Trump, and Other Scary Billionaires (Robert Wright & Paul Bloom)

In this enlightening conversation, psychologist Paul Bloom dives into the bizarre world of billionaires and their impact on society. He humorously discusses the do's and don’ts of sleep, linking caffeine habits to anxiety. The duo also tackles the influence of figures like Trump on democracy, exploring the blurred lines of political loyalty and pro-Israel sentiments. Bloom emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in overcoming societal alienation, making for a thought-provoking blend of psychology and political discourse.
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Sep 19, 2024 • 60min

Israel-Hamas, Year One (Robert Wright, Derek Davison, and Daniel Bessner)

Robert Wright, a renowned commentator on global affairs, joins Middle East analyst Derek Davison and foreign policy scholar Daniel Bessner to dissect the lingering impacts of the Israel-Hamas conflict. They discuss whether a different U.S. president would have altered the situation in Gaza and the retreat of Saudi-Israel normalization efforts. The trio deep dives into the diminishing prospects for a two-state solution, while also parsing the implications of Israel's recent actions in Lebanon, painting a complex picture of regional geopolitics.
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Sep 17, 2024 • 60min

A New Kind of Artificial Intelligence (Robert Wright & Timothy B. Lee)

Join Robert Wright, an author and journalist known for his insights on science and philosophy, and Timothy B. Lee, a technology journalist with a keen focus on AI, as they dive into the latest artificial intelligence breakthroughs. They discuss the intriguing differences of OpenAI's new model o1 and its superior reasoning capabilities. The duo explores the darker implications of AI deception, Hollywood's misconceptions about AI, and the challenges facing self-driving technology. A thought-provoking conversation about the future of innovations awaits!
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Sep 14, 2024 • 60min

Putin's Warning, America's Blunders (Robert Wright & Andrew Day)

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Sep 12, 2024 • 60min

The Trump-Kamala Debate (Robert Wright & Paul Bloom)

Robert Wright, a political debate commentator, joins Paul Bloom, a cultural analyst, to dissect the Trump-Kamala debate. They explore whether debates hold real value in political discourse and highlight Kamala Harris's most cringeworthy moments. The discussion also covers the impact of misinformation and media bias. As they dive into free speech issues, they argue about recent social media censorship and reflect on celebrity behaviors, including Elon Musk's and Taylor Swift's, and their societal implications.
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Sep 6, 2024 • 60min

Zelensky’s Gambits, Putin’s Game Plan (Robert Wright & Anatol Lieven)

Robert Wright, a geopolitical commentator, teams up with Anatol Lieven, a renowned expert on international relations, to dissect the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. They discuss Ukraine's controversial incursion into Kursk and the potential implications of Zelensky's cabinet reshuffle. The conversation dives into Russia's resilience, prospects for peace negotiations, and how opinions from the Global South may influence outcomes. The exchange highlights the delicate balance of military strategies, public sentiment, and the international political landscape surrounding this critical situation.
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6 snips
Aug 31, 2024 • 60min

Evolution, Empathy, and the Future of Humanity (Homebrewed Christianity) (Robert Wright & Tripp Fuller)

Robert Wright, an influential author on evolution and human nature, and Tripp Fuller, a theologian and host of Homebrewed Christianity, engage in a thought-provoking dialogue. They explore the impact of artificial intelligence on human emotions and the necessity for global cooperation. The discussion delves into evolutionary psychology, emphasizing the importance of empathy in social interactions amid technological advancements. They also critique modern spirituality and stress the need for community, emotional intelligence, and mindful innovation to counteract isolation in today's digital age.

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