The Moonshot Podcast

David Guerena, an Agricultural Scientist at CIAT, shares insights into the future of agriculture and the vital role of plant breeding. He discusses the historical journey of plant domestication and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, particularly relating to climate change. Guerena emphasizes the impact of technological advancements in phenotyping and how these innovations help enhance crop resilience. The conversation also highlights the importance of preserving agricultural biodiversity and adapting modern tools to support small farms worldwide.

In this conversation, Jeff Dean, Chief Scientist at Google DeepMind, shares his journey from childhood coding to revolutionizing AI. He recounts the moment AI first fascinated him and the origins of Google Brain. The discussion dives into the team's groundbreaking advancements in image recognition and speech-to-text. Jeff also explores the significance of neural networks' scaling and reflects on the creation of TensorFlow and TPUs. With insights into the future of AI, he emphasizes the importance of design over mere production in technology.

In the fourth installment of our Moonshot Podcast Deep Dive video interview series, X’s Captain of Moonshots Astro Teller sits down with Andrew Ng, the founder of Google Brain and DeepLearning.AI, for a conversation about the history of neural network research and how Andrew’s pioneering ideas led to some of the biggest breakthroughs in modern-day AI. Hear about the origins of Google’s deep learning work, how Andrew’s teenage frustrations led him to pursue a career in machine learning and automation, and the work that led up to Google Brain’s infamous “cat video” paper. For more on X’s AI moonshots, check out Andrew on Episode 3 of The Moonshot Podcast, “Machines That Think”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jLPA8Qpc74 00:00 - Introduction 03:30 - Andrew’s groundbreaking early theories about neural networks 08:16 - Why Andrew came to X with his ideas 10:30 - The unlikely history of neural network research 15:25 - Jeff Dean as Andrew’s “partner in crime” 17:16 - The origins of Google Brain’s neural networks 18:32 - Google Brain’s evolution in and out of hardware 22:01 - Google Brain’s innovation around transformers 24:36 - Google Brain’s earliest leaps forward in AI 28:24 - Google Brain’s graduation from X into Google 31:50 - What Andrew is up to these days 34:07 - Where the AI and machine learning field is going 35:19 - Andrew’s passion for education 36:51 - Why Andrew became interested in AI as a teenager 37:53 - AI’s democratizing effect on humanity 41:34 - How Andrew defines the term “artificial intelligence” 43:51 - Google Brain’s “cat video” coming out moment 45:51 - AI’s potential positive impact on the workforce 47:17 - Andrew’s favorite aspects of moonshot-taking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Catie Cuan, a robot choreographer and former artist in residence at Everyday Robots, seeks to humanize robotics through dance. She discusses how movement can make robots appear less mechanical and more relatable. Catie shares her insights on teaching robots human social cues and how transforming robotic motion into music nurtures emotional connections. She also emphasizes the importance of designing robots that don't look overtly robotic, aiming to alleviate humanity's fears and foster a future where robots enhance daily life.

In the second installment of our Moonshot Podcast Deep Dive video interview series, X’s Captain of Moonshots Astro Teller sits down with André Prager, former Chief Engineer at Wing, for a conversation about the early days of Wing and how the team solved some of their toughest engineering challenges to develop simple, lightweight, inexpensive delivery drones that are now being used every day across three continents. Watch the video to hear the story of André’s earliest inventions as a teenager, the surprising discovery that led the Wing team to rethink the drones’ sound, why engineering often feels like creating art, and more. For more, check out André on Episode 1 of The Moonshot Podcast, “Driving the Future”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXGnjbkFLeo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n the first installment of our Moonshot Podcast Deep Dive video interview series, X’s Captain of Moonshots Astro Teller sits down with Sebastian Thrun, co-founder of the Moonshot Factory, for a conversation about the history of Waymo and Google X, the ethics of innovation, the future of AI, and more. Watch the video to hear how the self-driving car project got its start, Sebastian’s philosophy for building great teams, and practical advice for anyone who wants to tackle a big problem with a moonshot idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a lively discussion from SXSW 2025, guests Adam Savage, a champion of experimental curiosity, Catie Cuan, a visionary choreographer and robot engineer, and Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, explore radical innovation. They delve into the fusion of human creativity and technology, addressing topics like the future of human-robot interaction, the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone for breakthroughs, and how past experiences can inspire new ideas. The conversation emphasizes collaboration and the imaginative spirit essential for tackling global challenges.

Jason Rugolo, a self-starter and creator of the next-generation audio wearable IyO, shares insights on how technology can enhance presence rather than distract. He discusses the evolution of wearable devices like Google Glass and the challenges of integrating digital and physical experiences. The conversation covers innovative audio technology, emphasizing real-time translation through stylish devices. Rugolo also reflects on the importance of timing in entrepreneurship and the role of creativity and collaboration in tech development.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Forkin, a hardware engineer leading the transformative Blixt fusion moonshot, explores the challenges of achieving controlled nuclear fusion. Page Crahan, General Manager of Tapestry, shares insights on modernizing the electric grid using AI to enhance efficiency and sustainability. They dive into innovative energy solutions inspired by nature, the quest for fusion energy, and the importance of strategic partnerships. It’s a riveting look at how bold ideas can tackle the world’s pressing energy challenges.

Natural disasters will keep coming — but what if we could stay one step ahead? That’s the mission of Bellwether, a moonshot working to build a “crystal ball” for the natural world. Their team is uniting the talents and expertise of firefighters and physicians to turn messy geospatial data into real-time forecasts for fire, flood and beyond, helping communities prepare for the unpredictable. We also meet the inventors behind 280 Earth, a project that uses waste heat from data centres to pull CO₂ from the air and produce clean water in the process. This is a story about resilience — technological, economic and human — and the power of radical foresight.Hosted by Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots, The Moonshot Podcast goes behind the scenes with the engineers and inventors using breakthrough technologies to try to find radical solutions to the world’s biggest problems. These are the untold stories from 15 years of Google’s innovation lab.Thank you to Robert Baird, Sarah Russell, Jacques Gagne and Helen Riley for featuring in this episode. The Moonshot Podcast is a Blanchard House production for X, the moonshot factory. It’s produced by Ellie Sans and Sophie Eastaugh. Original music by Louis Nanke-Mannell and Daniel Lloyd-Evans. Sound design and mix engineering by Toby Matimong. The executive producers are Amica Sciortino Nowlan and Rebecca Maxted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices