Riskgaming

Alex Komoroske, CEO and co-founder of an AI startup, dives into the nuances of systems thinking and its relevance in navigating complex organizations. He discusses the value of a flexible, garden-like mentality over conventional top-down approaches. The conversation also explores contrasting leadership archetypes—Saruman's charismatic style versus Radagast's nurturing approach—impacting team dynamics. Alex contrasts innovation in startups with the bureaucracy of large corporations, and critiques generative AI's dual role in enhancing engagement while risking user passivity.

Silicon Valley couldn’t be farther from the confines of Langley or Fort Meade, let alone Beijing or Moscow. Yet, the verdant foothills of suburban sprawl that encompass the Bay Area have played host to some of the most technically sophisticated espionage missions the world has ever seen. As the home of pivotal technologies from semiconductors to databases, artificial intelligence and more, no place has a greater grip on the technological edge than California — and every nation and their intelligence services want access. It just so happens that almost no national security reporter sits on this beat. Nearly all cover the sector from Washington, or in rare cases New York. All except one that is: Zach Dorfman. Zach has been driving the coverage of the technical side of espionage operations for years, and his pathbreaking scoops about China’s unraveling of the CIA’s network of operatives in the early 2010s were widely read in DC officialdom. Now, he’s published two blockbuster features, one in Politico Magazine on the FBI’s attempts to intercede in the chip trade between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. at the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, and the other in Rolling Stone on a deep-cover agent and the very human consequences of state-to-state skullduggery. Zach and host Danny Crichton talk about Silicon Valley’s history in industrial espionage, the tricky mechanics of intercepting and disabling chip shipments to the Soviet Union, why the U.S.S.R. was so keen on learning the market dynamics of computing in America, the risks for today’s companies around insider threats, Wirecard and Jan Marsalek and finally, some thoughts on Xi Jinping and how China’s rollup of the CIA’s mainland intelligence network affected his leadership of America’s current greatest adversary. Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christopher Gates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠George Ko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Adrian Tchaikovsky, a celebrated novelist known for his imaginative explorations of evolutionary history, shares his insights into the intersection of biology and speculative fiction. He discusses how short-term versus long-term thinking shapes both human civilization and narratives of the future. The conversation delves into terraforming versus altering human biology for space, the complexities of defining life and intelligence, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding extraterrestrial ecosystems. Adrian also reflects on the role of AI in storytelling and its implications for our future.

Explore how gaming has shaped human decision-making throughout history, from ancient cultures to modern AI. Discover the fascinating role of dopamine in learning and addiction, and why traditional game theory falls short. Delve into gamification's double-edged sword regarding workplace engagement and examine the evolving social dynamics within online gaming communities, especially during the COVID lockdowns. Finally, grapple with the challenges of applying gaming strategies to complex real-world decisions.

John Strausbaugh, a former editor of New York Press and author of "The Wrong Stuff," dives into the hidden realities of the Soviet space program. He reveals how the seemingly successful missions were often veiled in disaster and tragedy. Straight from tales of Laika to the intense pressure faced by cosmonauts, listen to the stark contrast between Soviet and American space endeavors. The conversation uncovers the role of propaganda, the bureaucratic inefficiencies that plagued the Soviet program, and lessons learned for future space exploration.

Michael Levin, a biologist and Vannevar Bush Professor at Tufts University, dives into the complexities of embodied intelligence and morphogenesis. He discusses how organisms, like planaria, regenerate and the creation of xenobots, blurring lines between biology and artificial life. Levin challenges traditional computing models, introducing concepts like polycomputing, showcasing how evolution repurposes biological structures. His insights into bioelectrical states reveal how manipulation can lead to surprising outcomes, pushing boundaries of our understanding of intelligence.

Paul Collier, a renowned economist focused on global inequality, discusses his new book addressing the plight of neglected areas. He delves into the economic decline of cities like Detroit, advocating for civic leadership and community collaboration as essential for recovery. Collier also explores how evolutionary economics offers fresh perspectives on aiding communities, stressing the importance of understanding radical uncertainty and rapid learning. His insights challenge traditional approaches by emphasizing local empowerment and the need for adaptive leadership in tackling economic challenges.

Laurel Schwulst is a versatile designer, artist, educator, and technologist passionate about the intersection of humanity and technology. She shares her journey from a 90s upbringing shaped by digital curiosity to advocating for 'HTML Energy.' Topics include using web development for personal expression, the celebration of HTML Day, and the vision of reimagining the internet as a public good. Laurel emphasizes creating a more educational and mindful web that fosters community and enhances human connection.

In the discussion, Jason Crawford highlights the rise of inflation and the demand for better social services in America. He delves into the concept of industrial literacy, arguing it’s essential for understanding and fostering prosperity. The conversation emphasizes the role of education in teaching innovation’s history to inspire future generations. They also explore the challenges of policy and technology in navigating progress. Throughout, there's a call for a balance between technological advancement and human welfare.

Eliot Peper, a science fiction novelist known for his captivating tales of the near future, dives into the intriguing world of semiconductors. He discusses the unique manufacturing processes and their geopolitical implications. Eliot shares insights on cultivating curiosity, outlining practical tips to explore diverse interests and engage with new perspectives. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of curiosity in storytelling, emphasizing how it can enhance our understanding of complex subjects through active engagement.