

Doom Debates
Liron Shapira
It's time to talk about the end of the world! lironshapira.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 4, 2025 • 23min
Debating People On The Street About AI Doom
The podcast takes to the streets to gauge public opinion on the existential risks posed by AI. People share fears of imminent AI disasters, while others dismiss the threat entirely. Debates arise over whether AI development should be paused and the implications of superintelligent machines. As interviewees discuss everyday uses of AI like chatbots, skepticism grows regarding expert predictions. The urgency to spread awareness about AI's potential dangers is evident, with reactions ranging from curiosity to outright hostility.

20 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
Wes & Dylan Join Doom Debates — Violent Robots, Eliezer Yudkowsky, & Who Has the HIGHEST P(Doom)?!
Wes Roth, an accessible AI commentator, teams up with Dylan Curious, an insightful creator tackling AI's societal impacts. They dive into their personal P(Doom) probabilities, with Dylan expressing an alarming 80%. The duo debates the implications of Yudkowsky's new book on AGI risks and the urgent need for international governance. They also explore the paradox of robot violence tests, Anthropic's job loss warnings, and the growing protests against AI labs, revealing the contentious landscape of AI development and safety.

Oct 1, 2025 • 5min
The Merch Store Is Open For Business!
Get ready for a striking merch launch that combines fashion with a serious warning about superintelligent AI risks. Discover the unique designs, like P(doom) pins and conversation-starting shirts that promote awareness of imminent threats. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about igniting discussions around safety and accountability. Your choice in apparel can challenge the status quo and invite curiosity. Join an engaged community on Discord and learn how you can contribute to this urgent mission.

42 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 2h 42min
Are We A Circular Firing Squad? — with Holly Elmore, Executive Director of PauseAI US
Holly Elmore, Executive Director of PauseAI US and AI-risk activist, explores the dire consequences of unchecked AI development. She discusses the stark message of Eliezer Yudkowsky's new book, emphasizing the urgent need for community action. Holly examines the rationalist community's reluctance to support prominent calls for AI safety, likening it to a 'circular firing squad.' She highlights innovative activism tactics and critiques the media’s portrayal of AI risks, urging listeners to engage and signal support for crucial safety movements.

6 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 12min
Ex-OpenAI CEO Says AI Labs Are Making a HUGE Mistake — Emmett Shear
Emmett Shear, former CEO of OpenAI and co-founder of Twitch, now leads the startup Softmax. He passionately discusses the existential risks posed by AI, asserting that current approaches may be dangerously misguided. Emmett highlights the importance of forming relationships with AI rather than treating them merely as controllable tools. He also critiques the unfair dismissal of doom proponents and underscores the need for open debates on alignment. His endorsement of a new book aims to provoke serious public discourse about these critical issues.

Sep 25, 2025 • 18min
Donate to Doom Debates — YOU can meaningfully contribute to lowering AI x-risk!
Explore the urgent need to safeguard our future from the existential risks posed by artificial intelligence. The host passionately reveals how grassroots awareness can drive impactful policies to combat AI threats. Discover the importance of timely action and how donations directly enhance production and outreach. Learn about various donation tiers and their unique benefits. Each contribution, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in this mission. Engage with a community focused on ensuring a thriving future for humanity.

10 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 21min
Liv Boeree Has a Strategy to Stop the AI Death Race
Liv Boeree, an astrophysicist-turned-science communicator and professional poker champion, dives into the pressing issue of AI existential risk. She explains that even a 5% chance of extinction is too high and discusses the tech industry's tendency to avoid these conversations. Liv emphasizes the importance of creative public outreach and suggests framing AI threats through relatable, near-term issues to garner support. She also highlights the dangers of current corporate incentives driving risky AI development, calling for accountability and proactive advocacy.

69 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 3h 50min
“If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies” Party — Max Tegmark, Liv Boeree, Emmett Shear, Gary Marcus, Rob Miles & more!
Max Tegmark, a physicist and AI safety advocate, highlights the lack of credible containment plans for superintelligence. Roman Yampolskiy discusses the necessity of formal proofs to ensure AI control. Liv Boeree emphasizes the power of creative messaging to rally support for AI safety. Michael Trazzi shares his public hunger strike against AI dangers, while Emmett Shear suggests fostering cooperative relationships with AI. Gary Marcus critiques gloomy predictions and calls for realistic threat modeling, while Roko Mijic debates the complexities of AI's impact on civilization.

6 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 4min
Max Tegmark Says It's Time To Protest Against AI Companies
Max Tegmark discusses the alarming lack of a safety plan for artificial general intelligence. He calls for public education and large protests to pressure AI companies into taking responsibility. Tegmark emphasizes the urgency of acknowledging the risks posed by superintelligence and criticizes tech leaders for their inaction. He describes a pressing need for binding regulation before AGI development advances. The conversation is both enlightening and a rallying cry for action against the existential threats of unchecked AI.

Sep 15, 2025 • 1min
Eliezer Yudkowsky — If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies
Engage in a deep dive into the chilling implications of the AI doom argument. Eliezer Yudkowsky shares insights on why many AI companies remain oblivious to potential risks. Discover the vital role of societal awareness and engagement in shaping the future of AI. The conversation also touches on his latest book, which underscores the urgency of these discussions. Get ready for a rollercoaster of rationality and existential questions surrounding artificial intelligence!