Gary Marcus, a cognitive psychologist and computer scientist with a successful AI startup, shares his critical views on generative AI. He argues that society is unprepared for the risks associated with current AI technologies. The conversation emphasizes the need for stringent regulations, drawing parallels to aviation safety. Marcus discusses the dangers of misinformation and deepfakes, advocating for an independent agency to oversee AI developments. He calls for public engagement in shaping ethical AI practices, ensuring technology works for humanity.

Guest Casey Mock, policy director at CHT, champions the urgent need for legal frameworks to hold AI companies accountable for their products. They discuss how the rapid development of AI poses risks that current laws don’t address. Mock emphasizes the importance of liability to safeguard consumers from harms like misleading chatbots and deepfake scams. The conversation touches on California's SB 1047, advocating for clearer standards and the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring safety in AI development.

Esther Perel, an acclaimed psychotherapist and relationship expert, dives into the complex impact of AI on human intimacy. She warns against the rise of 'Artificial Intimacy' and its threat to genuine connections. The discussion highlights the paradox of increased digital connectivity leading to loneliness. Perel emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships while critiquing the reliance on algorithms for emotional fulfillment. She urges a rethinking of technology's role in fostering real social bonds, rather than replacing them.

Margaret O'Mara, a historian focused on the development of technology's societal impact, joins journalist Brody Mullins to explore the tech industry's lobby power in Washington, DC. They discuss how Silicon Valley's lobbying tactics evolved over the past decade. The duo highlights grassroots mobilization's importance amid bipartisan skepticism towards big tech. Listeners learn about historical parallels in corporate influence on legislation and the pressing need for consumer advocacy to balance power dynamics between tech giants and the public.

Tristan and Aza revisit their predictions about AI, discussing its exponential growth in funding and research. They highlight the financial stakes of developing advanced AI models, stressing the need for regulation to tackle emerging risks. Recent social media regulations like the Kids Online Safety Act are a focal point, showcasing efforts to protect children online. The episode also reflects on global initiatives for AI transparency and safety, underscoring the importance of collective action in governing this powerful technology.

Biologist Kevin Esvelt discusses AI's impact on biological research, highlighting benefits in medicine and public health while addressing concerns of biosecurity threats. The conversation delves into the power of AI in predicting protein activities, designing disease prevention tools, and the urgent need for tighter regulations in genetic research to mitigate risks of creating dangerous viruses.

Dr. Anil Seth discusses AI consciousness, ethics, and incentives. They explore the difference between intelligence and consciousness, ethical concerns, and the impact on human language. The conversation delves into metaphors for the mind, ethical implications of AI consciousness, and lessons from 'Frankenstein'. They emphasize caution in AI development and the distinction between intelligence and consciousness.

Petra Molnar discusses how borders have become a testing ground for AI technologies impacting migrants. The podcast explores the use of advanced surveillance measures, the rise of the border industry complex, economic incentives for EU border enforcement, challenges with surveillance tech, and the need for long-term solutions for migrants.

Former OpenAI engineer William Saunders sheds light on the prioritization of profit over safety in tech companies. He discusses the 'right to warn' for employees raising AI risk concerns, emphasizing transparency and the need for regulatory protection. The episode explores the challenges of AI safety, confidential whistleblowing, and the impact of independent evaluation on tech product safety.

Expert in AI weapons and drones in warfare, Paul Scharre, discusses the future of autonomous warfare, ethical considerations, and the need for safeguards. Topics include advancements in autonomous weaponry, moral complexities in combat situations, ethical concerns in the use of autonomous weapons, and the importance of regulations and international agreements in AI warfare.