Click Here

Scott Stratton Henderson, a college student from St. Charles, Missouri, spearheaded community resistance against the proposed Project Cumulus data center. He shares how he rallied locals through a Change.org petition, leading to packed council meetings and a withdrawal of the development proposal. Joined by technology policy expert Asad Ramzanali, they discuss the economic implications of such projects, highlighting concerns over water use, tax breaks, and long-term local benefits. Their story reveals the power of grassroots activism in addressing tech's impact on small towns.

Francisco Chavo Romero, a Southern California community activist with Unión del Barrio, discusses the rise of neighborhood patrols aimed at monitoring ICE activities. He explains the grassroots tools that have replaced traditional apps for tracking, driven by his Chicano heritage and commitment to protecting undocumented neighbors. Francisco shares insights into ICE's tactics, the impact of their raids, and how his organization conducts lawful observations while preparing for militarized operations. He also addresses the risks of criminalization and the importance of community solidarity.

In this enlightening discussion, guest Joshua Aaron, an app developer and tech entrepreneur behind the IceBlock alert app, shares his journey to empower communities with digital tools against ICE raids. He explains IceBlock’s innovative crowdsourcing features, designed to keep users informed without compromising data privacy. Joshua reveals the unexpected fallout from governmental scrutiny, including his wife’s firing from the DOJ, and the app's removal from major platforms. Despite setbacks, he notes how such challenges have fostered greater community resilience and activism.

Kuba Gretzky, a Polish developer, dives into the world of cybersecurity, revealing how he created Evilginx to bypass multi-factor authentication. Initially designed for good, the tool's misuse by hackers raises ethical questions. He discusses his transition from game bot creator to a sought-after security researcher, emphasizing the importance of openness in defending against cyber threats. Discover how tools intended to enhance security can sometimes backfire, turning a well-meaning project into a double-edged sword.

Erin West, a national leader in investigating cryptocurrency crimes and founder of Operation Shamrock, reveals the chilling world of scam farms. These operations, often resembling prisons, lure victims with fake job offers and exploit them under brutal conditions. Erin discusses the psychological manipulation used to control workers, the staggering financial impact on global economies, and how scams have evolved with AI. She also shares insights on how authorities are cracking down on these networks and offers tips for spotting potential trafficking risks.

Mahesh Krishnaswamy, an engineer and entrepreneur behind Taara/Terra, dives into the futuristic concept of laser-based internet. He shares his journey from experiencing limited online access in Chennai to innovating high-speed connectivity with light beams. Discover how his work at Google X shaped his vision and how Terra connections can quickly restore services after disasters, like in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria. He also tackles competition challenges and shares amusing stories about wildlife causing outages. A fascinating look at bridging connectivity gaps!

Explore the challenges of rural internet access through the eyes of a Mississippi farmer. Discover the innovative microwave network solution he proposes, inspired by military tech. The pandemic exposed the dire consequences of connectivity issues for education and health. Historical parallels to rural electrification highlight the ongoing struggle for equitable access. Political shifts complicate broadband policy, while personal stories reveal the true costs of getting online. Ultimately, the conversation centers on who gets to shape the future through connectivity.

Gary Marcus, a cognitive scientist and AI ethicist, dives deep into the realities of driverless cars. He shares his firsthand experiences with Waymo and discusses the limitations of autonomous vehicles, especially in unusual situations. Marcus critiques misleading terms like 'autopilot,' which can lead to overtrust among human drivers. He also highlights the moral challenges of AI technology, urging for caution against regulatory rollbacks. With risks accumulating, he suggests the potential for political repercussions in the near future.

Bruce Holsinger, a fiction writer and University of Virginia professor, dives into the complex interaction between AI and morality through his novel, Culpability. He explores how autonomous machines influence our understanding of justice and family dynamics. The discussion covers the ethical dilemmas of self-driving cars, the role of surveillance in shaping behavior, and whether we can shift guilt onto technology. Holsinger also reflects on AI's future and his personal experiences with it, painting a nuanced portrait of our relationship with machines.

Join Paris Perdikaris, an AI and deep learning expert from the University of Pennsylvania, as he dives into the evolving landscape of weather forecasting. He explains how AI enhances meteorology rather than replaces it and discusses the revolutionary Aurora system, which learns from historical patterns. Paris emphasizes the crucial role of extensive public weather data and raises concerns about funding cuts affecting forecasting accuracy. With optimism for future improvements, he highlights the untapped data sources still waiting to be explored.