
In AI We Trust?
In AI We Trust? is a podcast hosted by Miriam Vogel of EqualAI where we survey the global landscape for inspiration and best practices in the AI space with an eye toward responsible, trustworthy AI. Each episode aims to answer a ‘big question’ as we speak to leaders in government, tech and civil society.
Latest episodes

Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 10min
AI Literacy Series Ep. 9: Robbie Torney of Common Sense Media & Special Co-host Nuala O’Connor
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

May 28, 2025 • 16min
SPECIAL EDITION A Pre-Summit Conversation With Van Jones
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

Apr 23, 2025 • 53min
AI Literacy Series Ep. 7: Open Source Under Threat: Andrew Ng Issues a Call to Action
In this episode of In AI We Trust?, Dr. Andrew Ng joins co-hosts Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman to discuss AI literacy and the need for widespread AI understanding. Dr. Ng makes a call to action that everyone should learn to code, especially with AI-assisted coding becoming more accessible. The episode also addresses AI fears and misconceptions, highlighting the importance of learning about AI for increased productivity and potential career growth. The conversation further explores AI's potential for positive large-scale social impact, such as in climate modeling, and the challenges of conveying this potential amidst widespread fears across the general public. The discussion addresses AI's potential for social good, the urgent need for AI education and upskilling, and the complexities of AI integration in education. This important episode underscores Andrew, Miriam & Rosalind’s belief in the transformative potential of AI when individuals are empowered to manage, adapt and build with it, fostering innovation across various sectors and in user’s daily lives.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 will provide 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 PostAndrew Ng: Should we fear an AI-driven existential crisis? (In AI We Trust?, Jan. 2024)DeepLearning.AICoursera

Apr 7, 2025 • 51min
AI Literacy Series Ep. 6: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Communities with Susan Gonzalez
This episode of In AI We Trust? features co-hosts Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman continuing their AI literacy series with Susan Gonzalez, CEO of AIandYou. The discussion centers on the critical need for basic AI literacy within marginalized communities to create opportunities and prevent an "AI divide." Susan emphasizes overcoming fear, building foundational AI knowledge, and understanding AI's impact on jobs and small businesses. She stresses the urgency of AI education and AIandYou's role in providing accessible resources. The episode highlights the importance of dialogue and strategic partnerships to advance AI literacy, ensuring that everyone can benefit from AI's opportunities before the "window" closes.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 will provide 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 PostAIandYou

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 16min
AI Literacy Series Ep. 5 with Judy Spitz: Fixing the Tech Talent Pipeline
In this episode of In AI We Trust?, co-hosts Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman speak with Dr. Judith Spitz, Founder and Executive Director of Break Through Tech sheds light on the blind spots within the industry, and discusses how Break Through Tech is pioneering innovative programs to open doors to talented individuals. She gets more young people from a broad array of backgrounds to study technology disciplines, ensures they learn leadership and other skills critical to their success, and gets them into industry- she is single-handedly building a more robust and prepared tech ecosystem.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 will provide 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 PostBreak Through TechAchieving Greater Gender Equity in Tech

Mar 11, 2025 • 56min
AI Literacy Series Ep. 4: Mason Grimshaw on AI Literacy and Data Sovereignty for Indigenous Communities
Co-hosts of EqualAI’s AI Literacy Series, Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman are joined by Mason Grimshaw, data scientist at Ode Partners and VP at IndigiGenius. Grimshaw discusses his roots growing up on a reservation, and what led him to the field of AI. He explains why it’s his mission to bring AI education and tools back to his community. Grimshaw articulates how AI literacy is essential for Indigenous communities to ensure they retain data sovereignty and benefit from these game-changing tools.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 will provide 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 PostLakota AI Code CampIndigiGeniusFirst Languages AI Reality (FLAIR)

Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 15min
AI Literacy Series Ep. 3: danah boyd on Thinking Critically about the Systems That Shape Us
In this engaging conversation, danah boyd, a Partner Researcher at Microsoft and founder of Data & Society Research Institute, dives into the complexities of AI and its impact on society. She challenges easy narratives about AI, urging us to question who designs these systems and their implications for education and power dynamics. The discussion addresses critical themes like privacy concerns, biases in AI, and the need for inclusive technology development. Boyd also highlights the importance of AI literacy for parents and educators to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

Feb 11, 2025 • 40min
AI Literacy Series Ep. 2 with Dewey Murdick (CSET): Centering People in AI’s Progress
Dewey Murdick, Executive Director at Georgetown's CSET, brings a wealth of experience in AI policy and societal impact. He dives into the complexities of global AI policy, specifically U.S.-China dynamics, emphasizing the need for strategic and clear goals. Murdick discusses the critical role of AI literacy in education, advocating for tailored approaches to engage students. He also explores AI's transformative implications in national security and ethical governance, showcasing how AI can enhance personal learning experiences while maintaining the essential human touch.

Jan 29, 2025 • 26min
AI Literacy Series Ep. 1: What is AI and Why Are We Afraid of It?
In this engaging discussion, bestselling author Rosalind Wiseman, known for her insights on social dynamics through works like "Queen Bees and Wannabes," teams up with Miriam Vogel to explore the nuances of AI. They dissect what AI is and the fears surrounding it, emphasizing the importance of AI literacy in education and society. The dialogue highlights how understanding AI can empower young voices, foster critical thinking, and bridge generational gaps, ultimately transforming apprehension into informed engagement with technology.

Jan 17, 2025 • 30min
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD): Sen. Rounds' 2025 Message: Why Every Senate Committee is Talking AI This Congress
In this episode of #InAIWeTrust, Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) discusses the transformative role of AI and the Senate’s efforts to support its innovation and development. From working to advance AI-driven health care solutions to ensuring U.S. leadership in innovation, he shares legislative priorities and insights from the Senate AI Insight Forums and underscores the importance of AI literacy and collaboration across industry, reminding us: “AI is real, it’s here, it’s not going away.”