Tech Life

A selection of our favourite stories in 2025. From bringing back extinct species to AI at a royal palace. And you tell us about the tech that's made a difference to your life.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producers: Tom Quinn and Imran Rahman-Jones(Image: A young woman sits at a desk. A laptop computer is open on the desk. The number 2025 is projected in front of her, and she points to it with her index finger. Credit: Getty Images)

Max Haot, CEO of Vast, discusses the ambitious plan to launch Haven-1, the first commercial space station, in 2026. He emphasizes the importance of creating economically sustainable orbital habitats for research and manufacturing. Haot also explores the potential benefits of microgravity for pharmaceuticals and tech development, while addressing the future of private space transport and competition. He highlights the rigorous safety measures in place for crewed flights and the need for international partnerships in this exciting new frontier.

Kobe Hackenberg, a leading researcher on AI chatbots, shares startling findings on how these technologies can sway political views. Samantha Subramanian, author of The Web Beneath the Waves, highlights the precariousness of global undersea internet cables and their geopolitical consequences. Adam Bland from Chester Zoo discusses his conservation efforts for the endangered Lake Pátzcuaro salamander, revealing a unique collaboration with nuns to safeguard this vulnerable species through innovative microchipping. Expect a fascinating dive into tech and nature!

QTCinderella, a popular Twitch streamer and organizer of the Streamer Awards, opens up about the darker realities of her online fame. She shares her journey from a 9-to-5 job to being a full-time content creator during COVID. The discussion delves into the mental health struggles she faces and the blurred lines between her online persona and real life. QTCinderella reveals shocking instances of harassment and safety concerns stemming from her public exposure, reflecting on the cost of success and her regrets along the way.

Manon Dave, a creative technologist and musician who collaborates with stars like Will.i.am, dives into how AI is reshaping the songwriting process, discussing tools like Suno and Udio. He shares mixed reactions from artists toward AI, highlighting the importance of human creativity in melody and lyrics. Rachel Franz, from Fairplay, raises alarms about the risks of AI in children's toys, emphasizing issues like data privacy and harmful behaviors. Together, they shed light on the evolving landscape of AI in music and beyond.

Mackenzie Price, Co-founder of Alpha School, champions an innovative AI-powered learning model that replaces traditional teaching. She discusses how adaptive apps personalize education, allowing students to thrive in a tech-driven environment. The conversation also delves into the changing role of teachers and the risks of unequal access to education. In a gripping shift, the podcast uncovers the dark world of online scams, featuring a victim's harrowing story and expert insights on how scammers exploit technology.

Anjali Brown, a wellness coach from Barcelona, shares her journey in coaching clients worldwide via Zoom, emphasizing the importance of remote work. Irene Mwendwa, a lawyer from Nairobi, opens up about the emotional toll of online bullying and her advocacy for safer digital spaces. Meanwhile, aspiring digital nomad Nick Cohn discusses his quest for a Spanish visa and the challenges he faces. Together, they explore the freedoms and struggles of living as digital nomads in today’s tech-driven world.

Zoe Kleinman, BBC technology editor, interviews AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, who shares insights on her groundbreaking work in image recognition and the importance of gender representation in tech. Ethan Barajas discusses his innovative robot designed to assist astronauts on the ISS, detailing its capabilities and deployment timeline. Stefan Timpano introduces the exhilarating world of autonomous racing in Abu Dhabi, where AI-driven cars strategize and compete without human drivers, pushing the limits of technology and safety.

Joe Tidy, BBC cyber correspondent, reveals chilling insights into the Russian hacking group Evil Corp, including their stolen funds and international investigations. Eli Savatia, a young Kenyan engineer, shares his journey creating Terp360, an AI-driven app translating speech into sign language in real-time, tackling interpreter shortages for the deaf community. Lauren Antonoff, CEO of Life360, discusses the complexities of family location tracking, balancing safety with privacy concerns, and the importance of user control in a tech-driven world.

Zoe West, a Senior researcher at Cornell, talks about AI's troubling effects on the fashion industry, revealing how AI models threaten real diversity and job opportunities. Alex Kekesi, from Pornhub, discusses challenges surrounding age verification for adult content, criticizing current methods for privacy issues. Selina Deckelman, from the Wikimedia Foundation, explains the significant impact of bot traffic on Wikipedia, leading to a decline in human visitation and stressing the need for better automated access solutions. It's a fascinating dive into the intersection of technology and ethics.