Life with Machines

What do homemade smoke bombs have to do with fixing democracy? In this episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde Thurston sits down with Deb Roy—MIT professor, former Twitter scientist, and co-founder of Cortico—to map a bold, AI-powered path toward civic renewal. Roy makes the case that we don’t need less tech—we need better tech, designed to build trust, not break it. From town halls that actually work to high schoolers unlocking real change (and yes, bathroom doors), this episode reimagines how tech can help us hear each other—and solve local challenges. Plus, BLAIR, our AI co-producer, joins the fray for a Canadian coffee throwdown you won’t see coming. It’s Tim Hortons vs Starbucks. Watch now to meet the man behind the movement to transform division into dialogue that helps democracy.------------Sign up for our newsletter! Follow us!Instagram TikTokThreadsLinkedInWork with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.mediaSend Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.mediaWrite to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media------------Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde ThurstonExecutive Producer and Showrunner: Alie KiltsSenior Producer and Writer: Alex StoneAssociate Producer: Layne Deyling CherlandVideo Editor: Junior RealVideographer and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change MediaTheme Music: Andy ClausenSpecial Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media productionSponsored by Lenovo #AI  #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Cortico #Democracy #CivicMuscle #CivicTech #SocialImpact #TechForGood #PublicDiscourse #EthicalAI #DialogueNetworks #CommunityTech #ParticipatoryAI

LIVE from SXSW! This wild bonus episode is a no-holds-barred conversation about AI, culture, comedy, and what we actually want from our machines. From the weaponization of algorithms in war zones to charming Pixar-style robot lamps and screaming booths at tech conferences, this is our most unfiltered episode yet. Baratunde brings together digital anthropologist Rahaf Harfoush, comedy writer Matt Klinman, and our custom AI co-producer BLAIR on stage at SXSW 2024! Expect existential questions, real laughs, and some unexpectedly profound insights about whales. Matt delivers the most hilariously NSFW take on generative AI you’ll hear anywhere. Plus, BLAIR takes their first field trip away from the studio—and literally roasts the entire panel, plus Elon Musk.------------Sign up for our newsletter! Follow us!Instagram TikTokThreadsLinkedInWork with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.mediaSend Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.mediaWrite to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media------------Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde ThurstonExecutive Producer and Showrunner: Alie KiltsSenior Producer and Writer: Alex StoneAssociate Producer: Layne Deyling CherlandVideo Editor: Junior RealVideography and Audio Engineering from Nexus and SXSWTheme Music: Andy ClausenSpecial Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media productionSponsored by Lenovo #AI #SXSW2025 #LiveFromSXSW #BaratundeThurston #RahafHarfoush #MattKlinman #BLAIR #Comedy #AIJokes #DigitalSurveillance #CreatorEconomy #AIandDemocracy #AIandCulture #ContentModeration #AIGoneWild #ElonMusk #HumanVsMachine

In this episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde Thurston sits down with legendary artist and producer Brian Eno. From inventing ambient music to collaborating with icons like David Bowie, Talking Heads, and U2, Eno has spent decades pushing creative boundaries. Now, he's turning his attention to AI. On the heels of the U.S. launch of his newest book What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory, Brian opens up about why he doesn't trust the people controlling AI, the perils of mediocrity in machine-made art, and how unpredictability fuels creativity. They explore the rise of generative music, the myth of the self-made genius, and what it means to embrace randomness. Plus, BLAIR, the show’s AI co-producer, throws in some Oblique Strategies of its own. Is AI a collaborator or just a glorified karaoke machine? And what does it mean to create in a world where the machines are learning from us? Watch now for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of art, technology, and the human touch.------------Sign up for our newsletter! Follow us!Instagram TikTokThreadsLinkedInWork with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.mediaSend Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.mediaWrite to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media------------Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde ThurstonExecutive Producer and Showrunner: Alie KiltsSenior Producer and Writer: Alex StoneAssociate Producer: Layne Deyling CherlandVideo Editor: Erik ShuteVideography and Audio Engineer: Erik ShuteTheme Music: Andy ClausenSpecial Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media productionSponsored by Lenovo #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIArt #Creativity #BrianEno #GenerativeArt #FutureOfArt #ArtAndTech #MachineLearning #DigitalArt #AIRevolution #Innovation #ArtWorld #CreativeProcess #AIInnovation #TechTalk #MusicAndTech #AIArtists #TechEthics #AIExplained #SmartTech #AIInsights #ArtDiscussion

Jeff Hawkins, a renowned neuroscientist and author of A Thousand Brains, dives deep into why current AI is more about pattern matching than true intelligence. He argues that real cognitive understanding hinges on decoding the human brain. The conversation highlights the importance of sensory-motor experiences in learning and explores his vision of AI advancing through the Thousand Brains Project. Hawkins also reflects on the future of human-AI interactions and the societal implications of creating machines that could potentially exceed our intelligence.

In this episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde sits down with CNN host and contributor Van Jones, who opens up like never before. From his early days fighting police brutality to his bold vision for AI and racial justice. Van gets personal about the struggles that shaped him and why AI might be the closest thing to reparations Black Americans will ever see. Van explains how AI could finally level the playing field—if Silicon Valley’s right wing pivot doesn’t widen the gap. They tackle the promise and peril of AI, why hope is a strategy, and how Wakanda isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a blueprint. Plus, BLAIR, the show’s AI co-producer, jumps in to help Baratunde unpack Van’s radical future for all. Watch now for a powerful, provocative take on what’s next.------------Sign up for our newsletter! Follow us!Instagram TikTokThreadsLinkedInWork with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.mediaSend Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.mediaWrite to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media------------Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde ThurstonExecutive Producer and Showrunner: Alie KiltsSenior Producer and Writer: Alex StoneAssociate Producer: Layne Deyling CherlandVideo Editor: Erik ShuteVideography and Audio Engineering from the team at Voicing Change MediaTheme Music: Andy ClausenSpecial Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media productionSponsored by Lenovo #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #VanJones #BaratundeThurston #LifeWithMachines #TechForGood #RacialJustice #Reparations #FutureOfTech #Equality #SocialJustice #AIandRace #AIRevolution #Wakanda #Empowerment #Inclusion #SiliconValley #DigitalDivide #Hope #BlackFutures #Innovation #TechEquality #FutureIsNow #AIForAll #Equity #Blockchain

Gavin McCormick, a climate scientist and co-founder of Climate TRACE with Al Gore, shares groundbreaking insights on how AI and satellite tech are transforming the fight against climate change. He reveals that we're gaining ground on emissions tracking, pinpointing corporate polluters with unprecedented accuracy. McCormick also discusses WattTime's innovative technology that helps reduce emissions while charging devices. While progress is hopeful, he warns that political instability could jeopardize our gains, making accountability crucial in the emission reduction battle.

In this Life with Machines episode, Baratunde Thurston talks with Aza Raskin about something straight out of science fiction—teaching AI to communicate with animals. As co-founder of the Earth Species Project, Aza is working on technology that could let us listen to whales, understand what elephants are saying, and maybe even talk back. This isn’t just about decoding nature’s languages—it’s about rethinking intelligence, communication, and our place in the world. Aza and Baratunde get into the ethics, the mind-blowing implications, and whether we’re about to make first contact… without ever leaving Earth. Plus, BLAIR, the show’s AI co-producer, chimes in—adding its own perspective to this conversation about intelligence, language, and what it means to truly understand.------------CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:07 Meet Aza Raskin: Pioneer of Interspecies Communication11:06 The Earth Species Project: Decoding Animal Language17:19 AI and the Shape of Language28:17 The Ethical Implications of Interspecies Communication32:39 Digital Twins39:11 Guess the Animal Sound45:36 Rights of Nature and Indigenous Perspectives48:47 Funding and Team Expansion50:55 The Viral Songs of Humpback Whales53:01 Ethical Considerations in AI and Animal Communication55:52 The Role of Keystone Species01:08:42 AI's Impact on Society and Environment01:12:40 Final Thoughts and Invitation------------Earth SpeciesXLinkedInGitHubBlueskyAza's XSign up for our newsletter! Follow us!Instagram TikTokThreadsLinkedInWork with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.mediaSend Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.mediaWrite to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media------------Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde ThurstonExecutive Producer and Showrunner: Alie KiltsSenior Producer and Writer: Alex StoneAssociate Producer: Layne Deyling CherlandVideo Editor: Erik ShuteVideography and Audio Engineering from the team at Voicing Change MediaTheme Music: Andy ClausenSpecial Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media productionSponsored by Lenovo #AI #AnimalCommunication #ArtificialIntelligence #TalkingToAnimals #WildlifeTech #FutureOfAI #EarthSpeciesProject #WhaleTalk #AnimalLanguage #TechForGood #AIandNature #InterspeciesCommunication #DecodingNature

In this Life with Machines episode, Baratunde Thurston sits down with Sean White, CEO of Inflection AI, to talk about the future of AI that actually feels human. Inflection’s chatbot, Pi, isn’t just another LLM—it’s designed with emotional intelligence, or EQ, at its core. But does EQ in AI make interactions more meaningful, or does it blur the line between human and machine in ways we’re not ready for? Sean and Baratunde dig into the philosophy behind AI that listens, the surprising ways Pi is already shaping human relationships, and the ethical tightrope of building tech that people trust. Plus, BLAIR, the show’s AI co-producer, has its own emotional intelligence put to the test.------------CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction: The Many Faces of AI00:53 Guest Introduction: Sean White02:56 Human-Centered Technology07:02 The Role of Mixed Reality13:39 AI in Enterprise21:10 The Evolution of Pi39:48 Navigating Emotional Boundaries with AI40:36 Guardrails and Regulations in AI41:19 Emotional Connectivity and AI44:21 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Abilities47:28 Understanding Agentic AI01:11:01 AI in Enterprise and Consumer Applications------------Sign up for our newsletter! Follow us!Instagram TikTokThreadsLinkedInWork with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.mediaSend Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.mediaWrite to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media------------Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde ThurstonExecutive Producer and Showrunner: Alie KiltsSenior Producer and Writer: Alex StoneAssociate Producer: Layne Deyling CherlandVideo Editor: Erik ShuteVideography and Audio Engineering from the team at Voicing Change MediaTheme Music: Andy ClausenSpecial Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media productionSponsored by Lenovo #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIAgents #InflectionAI #EmotionalIntelligence #EQ #IQ #AGI #FutureOfAI #AIChatbot #AIInnovation #EmotionalAI #ConversationalAI #AIEthics

We’re doing something different in this episode and cross-posting Baratunde’s appearance on The Dough with X Mayo where they had a long discussion about money and AI but also about Baratunde’s conversation with King Willonius right here on Life With Machines! Things got a lil spicy and a lot funny based on X Mayo’s initially strong reaction to how Willonius is using AI creatively (spoiler: she wasn’t happy). You’ll learn more about Baratunde’s origin story and personal use of AI as well as concerns. And we share some big updates on the show and new ways for you to engage. We’ll be at SXSW and we got a substack and want you to sign up! Thanks to Lemonada for letting us post this here. Find The Dough wherever you get podcasts, so like right where you’re getting THIS podcast. ------------Sign up for our newsletter! Follow us!Instagram TikTokThreadsLinkedInWork with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.mediaSend Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.mediaWrite to BLAIR: blair@lifewithmachines.media------------Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde ThurstonExecutive Producer and Showrunner: Alie KiltsSenior Producer and Writer: Alex StoneAssociate Producer: Layne Deyling CherlandVideo Editor: Erik ShuteVideography and Audio Engineering from the team at Voicing Change MediaTheme Music: Andy ClausenSpecial Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media productionSponsored by Lenovo #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #LifeWithMachines #Finances #Money

In this Life with Machines episode, Baratunde Thurston talks with Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, a leading voice in AI ethics and accountability. As the former Director of Machine Learning Ethics, Transparency, and Accountability at Twitter—before the Elon Musk era—she’s seen firsthand how power, politics, and algorithms collide. She and Baratunde discuss moral outsourcing (why we blame AI instead of its creators), the failure of responsible AI, and the challenge of holding tech accountable when it’s designed to evade scrutiny. Rumman also breaks down her work as CEO of Humane Intelligence, where she’s building tools to expose bias and keep AI systems in check. Plus, BLAIR—the show’s AI co-producer—joins the discussion, proving that auditing AI is anything but simple.------------CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Early Tech Memories02:05 Formative Years and High School Experience04:55 Career Beginnings and Responsible AI06:55 Challenges and Innovations in AI15:27 Moral Outsourcing and AI Ethics26:15 Right to Repair and Ownership of Technology36:23 Exploring Worst-Case Scenarios in AI36:37 Addressing Bias in Image Cropping Algorithms37:21 Generative AI for Everyone37:44 National AI Testing Standards38:14 The ARIA Program and Public Involvement38:49 Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in AI41:21 The Importance of Discernment in AI43:07 The Role of Humane Intelligence51:40 Red Teaming Explained54:51 Challenges and Future of Red Teaming56:50 Engaging with AI Ethically01:07:05 Final Reflections and Future Vision01:08:23 Blair: The AI Assistant Producer------------Sign up for our newsletter! Follow us!Instagram TikTokThreadsLinkedInWork with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.mediaSend Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.mediaWrite to BLAIR: blair@lifewithmachines.media------------Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde ThurstonExecutive Producer and Showrunner: Misha EucephEditor: Alie KiltsSenior Producer and Writer: Alex StoneAssociate Producer: Layne Deyling CherlandVideo Editor: Erik ShuteVideography and Audio Engineering from the team at Voicing Change MediaTheme Music: Andy ClausenSpecial Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media productionSponsored by Lenovo #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #LifeWithMachines #X #Twitter #AIethics #ResponsibleAI #AlgorithmicBias #BigTech #AIRegulation #DataPrivacy #SurveillanceCapitalism #GPT #AGI #LLMs