In AI We Trust?

From November 11-12, 2025, EqualAI and Heartland Forward organized a convening with Mayor Tim Kelly of Chattanooga, Tennessee focused on AI in education and the workforce. The event brought together approximately 60 leaders from the City of Chattanooga and across the State of Tennessee to examine how AI is reshaping the education and jobs landscape and discuss the risks and opportunities of integrating AI into schools and workplaces. In Chattanooga, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel sat down with Mayor Kelly and Heartland Forward President Angie Cooper for a podcast recording of In AI We Trust? During the discussion, Mayor Kelly discussed real-world examples of how the City of Chattanooga is using AI in practical ways to help improve everyday quality of life for city residents, and Angie shared about how her organization, a “think-and-do-tank,” has launched the first-ever Heartland AI Caucus. Learn about all this and much more in this latest episode!

On this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel speaks with Axios Chief Technology Correspondent Ina Fried about how AI and this moment in technology compares to other earlier moments of transformation and Ina’s role as a journalist writing the Axios AI+ newsletter and putting together Axios’s AI+ Summits. In the episode, Ina discusses how AI is impacting jobs and her own work as a journalist, the complexity involved in building AI into human processes, and her hopes for the future of AI. You will not want to miss Ina’s sharp insights in this latest episode. Tune in now!

Miriam Vogel, President and CEO of EqualAI, hosts Paul Dongha, an AI ethics expert from NatWest, and Ray Eitel-Porter, a governance researcher from Cambridge. They discuss their new book, emphasizing the need for effective AI governance. Insights include key risks associated with AI, such as bias and agentic security, and practical steps organizations can take to implement governance frameworks. They advocate for multi-stakeholder approaches and believe strong governance can lead to societal benefits, unlocking AI's potential for everyone.

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel sits down with Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, for a fascinating discussion about the “AI hurricane coming through” and how he sees the role of journalists when it comes to reporting on new technological developments and promoting AI literacy. During the episode, Nicholas shares his wish list of AI policies and regulations, the most interesting thing in tech he has seen recently, his thoughts on the most important things people should be paying attention to as they work to understand new developments in the AI space, and much, much more.

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel interviews Steven Overly, host of POLITICO Tech’s weekly podcast and editorial director of POLITICO Live. Steven shares highlights from POLITICO’s 2025 AI & Tech Summit and his thoughts on how the tech landscape has changed since he first started reporting on it as a journalist. Steven and Miriam also touch on topics including AI in government, AI and the workforce, and how to bring nuance into conversations around AI and ensure that more people are included in conversations about how it will impact their lives.

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, cohosts Miriam Vogel and Nuala O’Connor speak with Daniel Dobrygowski, Head of Governance and Trust at the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Karla Yee Amezaga, Initiatives Lead for AI and Data Governance with WEF’s Centre for AI Excellence about the importance of building trust in technology, strengthening AI and digital literacy, and modernizing boards to be fit for purpose for the modern era. They discuss EqualAI’s and WEF’s  new playbooks, including WEF’s Playbook on Advancing Responsible AI Innovation and EqualAI’s new AI Governance Playbook. Find the WEF Playbook here and EqualAI’s AI Governance Playbook here.

Adam Thierer, a resident senior fellow at the R Street Institute, dives into the intricate world of AI policy and governance. He discusses the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan and highlights Congress's crucial role in shaping AI legislation. Thierer emphasizes the urgency for AI literacy and transparent regulation that consumers can understand. He also explores the need for adaptive governance and workforce upskilling, stressing the importance of trust between consumers and companies in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In Episode 10 of the In AI We Trust? AI Literacy series, Angie Cooper’s Call to Action for the Heartland, Miriam Vogel talks with Angie Cooper, President and Chief Operating Officer of Heartland Forward, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate economic growth across America’s Heartland. The discussion follows Heartland Forward’s recent annual Heartland Summit, the data-driven insights that inform their mission, and their partnership with Stemuli to create a first-of-its-kind AI literacy video game to promote AI learning for rural students. Angie stresses the importance of increasing access to AI by expanding affordable, high-speed internet and building trust with AI platforms through education initiatives and open conversations with teachers and employers. This episode explores how AI can be utilized as a tool to benefit small businesses, prepare students for the workforce, and advance jobs throughout the Heartland and beyond. 

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, Miriam & Nuala speak with Common Sense Senior Director of AI Programs Robbie Torney to discuss AI's impact on children, families, and schools, focusing on AI literacy, which builds upon media and digital literacy. Robbie advises parents to engage in tech conversations with curiosity and empathy and encourages educators to view AI as a tool to enhance learning, noting students' prevalent use. Common Sense Media provides AI training and risk assessments for educators. Torney aims to bridge digital divides and supports AI implementation in underserved schools, highlighting risks of AI companions for vulnerable youth and developing resources for school AI readiness and risk assessments. The episode stresses the importance of AI literacy and critical thinking to navigate AI's complexities and minimize harm.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series provides listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostAI Risk AssessmentsAI Basics for K–12 TeachersParents’ Ultimate Guide to AI Companions and Relationships2025: The Common Sense Census2024: The Dawn of the AI Era

In this special episode of In AI We Trust?, recorded live at the launch of the EqualAI C-Suite Summit in Washington, D.C., host Miriam Vogel sits down with the dynamic Van Jones — acclaimed social entrepreneur, innovator, and tech evangelist. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking conversation about how AI can be a  transformative force for opportunity creation. With his trademark clarity and conviction, Van offers a hopeful vision for the future of AI— one that empowers communities and drives societal progress, but only if we lead with the right values and policies at this critical moment.Related ResourcesDream Machine AI x Library Project