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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.

Join veteran meteorologist John Morales, NBC6 hurricane specialist and a storm-tracking pro from Puerto Rico, as he dives into the evolving world of weather forecasting. He explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing storm detection but warns that budget cuts to NOAA threaten this innovation. Morales discusses the vital need for accurate weather data, the risks from Project 2025, and the impact of staffing shortages. His viral plea for better resources sheds light on the grassroots efforts aimed at bolstering forecasting resilience.

Brett Benson, a political science professor at Vanderbilt University and Mandarin speaker, dives into the alarming findings from leaked GoLaxy documents revealing a sophisticated AI persona army. The discussion unveils how these digital identities are crafted to manipulate and influence public opinion by harvesting social data. Benson highlights the operational ties to national security, the implications of AI-driven misinformation, and the pressing need to combat this technological threat that is already impacting global narratives.

The podcast dives into the story of Qian Xuesen, an exiled scientist who faced visa denials and suspicions during a time of distrust reminiscent of the Cold War. It highlights the fragile balance between innovation and control, emphasizing how paranoia can stifle scientific progress. The discussion connects historical fears to today's climate for international scholars and examines the escalating tech competition between the U.S. and China, as well as the impact of federal funding on scientific advancements.

Anne Neuberger, former Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber, shares insights on the urgent need for the U.S. to improve its cyber resilience. She introduces AI-powered 'digital twins' as innovative tools for simulating cyber attacks and uncovering vulnerabilities. The discussion highlights the stark contrast in cyber resilience capabilities between the U.S. and China, emphasizing the role of outdated infrastructure. Neuberger also navigates the balance between the benefits of resilience testing and the risks involved, underscoring the need for collaborative defense strategies.

Elliot Williams, a guest host on 1A from WAMU and NPR, dives into the subtle world of scams that prey on human emotions rather than wallets. He discusses chilling real-life stories, like a mother and son duped by a piano scam, revealing how emotional manipulation is a powerful tool for fraudsters. The conversation also touches on the alarming rise of scams across generations, from online dating to identity theft. Williams emphasizes the need for awareness and vigilance to protect ourselves and our loved ones from these insidious threats.