Amy Kurzweil’s dad is a famous inventor, futurist and pioneer in the field of AI. In 2015, she discovers his aspiration to make an AI chatbot of her late grandfather, Fred. Fred was a musician who dramatically escaped the Holocaust, but he died before Amy was born. Matthew Syed delves into Amy’s fascinating journey with her father to build the ‘Fredbot’ and have an online conversation with the grandfather she never met. He also hears from Lynne Nieto, who worked with her late husband to make an interactive AI video of him before he passed away. Today, she struggles to engage with it. The idea of using AI to simulate conversations with the dead troubles Matthew and raises all sorts of ethical questions. With the help of experts, he discovers how similar concepts were once debated by ancient Chinese philosophers and explores how digital ghosts could affect the grieving process. With cartoonist and writer Amy Kurzweil; Alexis Elder, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Minnesota Duluth and author of the forthcoming book The Ethics of Digital Ghosts: Confucian, Mohist, and Zhuangist Perspectives on AI and Death; grief therapist and author of The Loss Prescription, Dr Chloe Paidoussis-Mitchell; and Lynne Nieto. Featuring references to the graphic novel Artificial: A Love Story by Amy Kurzweil, published in 2022 by Catapult Books.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Vishva Samani Series Editor: Georgia Moodie Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

William Basinski, an American composer celebrated for his ambient music, dives into the beauty of decay and transformation. He discusses his journey with deteriorating reel-to-reel tapes that turned into mesmerizing soundscapes. The conversation extends to Detroit's abandoned neighborhoods, revealing how urban ruins reflect stories of impermanence and inspire artistic expression. Basinski's insights evoke a profound appreciation for silence and life's transient nature, reminding us of the hidden narratives within decay.

Renu Arora, an actor, singer, and writer, shares her transformative experience after surviving a bus accident, where she found profound joy amidst trauma. Alongside David Wright, a former soldier, they discuss the surprising capacity of the brain to find bliss through suffering. The fascinating conversation explores how extreme experiences reshape identities and can lead to spiritual awakenings. Insights into meditation as a healing tool are also shared, revealing how these journeys enhance connections with others and shift perspectives on pain.

Dive into the captivating world of reality shifting, a viral trend that has teenagers claiming they can jump between alternate realities. Explore the intriguing blend of personal stories and psychological implications behind this escapism. Delve into how our brain constructs what we perceive as reality, challenging the boundaries of existence. Discover the surprising skills gained from these experiences and uncover the dark side of wellness practices, emphasizing the need for awareness in spiritual explorations.

Dive into compelling tales of near-death experiences and how the mind responds during trauma. Uncover the unsettling truth behind a seemingly welcoming yoga school that hides abuse and exploitation. Explore the ethics of using AI to simulate conversations with the deceased, prompting deep reflection on life and death. This collection of stories challenges perceptions and encourages listeners to view decay as a pathway to rebirth, sparking thought-provoking discussions on contemporary issues.

Geoffrey Hinton, known as the godfather of AI, shares insights on the evolution of artificial intelligence and its potential to surpass human intelligence. He warns about the dangers of autonomous weapons on future battlefields. Historian Margaret MacMillan enriches the discussion by highlighting AI's societal impacts while calling for ethical governance in navigating its rapid advancements. Together, they contemplate the transformative benefits and existential risks of this technology, urging timely measures for safety and regulation.

In this engaging discussion, Meghan Nolan, an Irish novelist and journalist, shares her insights on dating apps and the quirks of modern relationships. Sarah Harper, a Professor of Gerontology at Oxford, brings her expertise in marriage and family dynamics. Together, they explore how technology has transformed connections, questioning the depth of online matchmaking. The guests also highlight evolving relationship norms, the rise of alternative family structures, and the balance of social media's influence on friendships and genuine human interactions.

Join Margaret MacMillan, Emeritus Professor of International History, alongside tech guru James Williams and economist John Kay, as they dissect the profound implications of outsourcing. They explore how corporations have become hollow entities and how individuals are increasingly outsourcing their thoughts to technology. The conversation dives into the pitfalls of digital identity, the changing landscape of advertising, and the ethical challenges of automation. They also uncover the darker side of the wellness industry, urging for greater awareness in this chaotic digital age.

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Botsman, trust expert and Oxford lecturer, and Helen Margetts, a professor specializing in internet impact, explore the complexities of trust in today’s world. They delve into how the internet has transformed traditional trust dynamics, emphasizing the importance of discerning reliable information amidst rampant misinformation. The discussion also touches on the evolution of trust in currencies, particularly with the rise of cryptocurrencies, and examines the societal implications of skepticism towards institutions and experts.

Margaret MacMillan, an esteemed historian from the University of Oxford, discusses the lasting impact of 9/11 and the evolution of warfare. Sir Nick Carter shares his experiences in Afghanistan, shedding light on drone warfare's complexities. Professor Anthony King highlights the private sector’s role in modern conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, and raises ethical questions about AI in the military. The conversation also touches on the humanitarian crises and the moral dilemmas that arise from technological advancements in warfare.