Possible
Reid Hoffman
What if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Possible is an award-winning, weekly podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Hosts Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger explore what’s possible with forward-thinking leaders, deep thinkers, and ambitious builders across many fields, such as technology, art, education and healthcare. These conversations center on the ways technology—and, in particular, AI—is shaping the future. In episodes, AI tools such as OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Inflection’s Pi are at work, offering informational asides, prompting guests, or demoing what they can do. Lastly, between guest episodes, Aria interviews her co-host Reid on his latest takes on what’s possible if we use technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Episodes
Mentioned books
34 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 17min
Re-release of Trevor Noah | Celebrating two years of Possible!
Trevor Noah, the insightful comedian and former host of The Daily Show, joins to discuss the transformative impacts of AI on society. He navigates the complexities of capitalism, emphasizing the vital role of social safety nets. The conversation also touches on AI's dual impact on jobs and personalized entertainment, spotlighting ethical tech responsibilities. Trevor provocatively advocates for a cultural shift towards a four-day workweek, while maintaining an optimistic view on how society can flourish amidst evolving challenges.
26 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 17min
Reid riffs on AI as “American Intelligence” and a prediction from Anthropic’s CEO
The discussion dives into the future of programming, with contrasting views on how AI will shape coding. Concepts like 'vibe revenue' offer a fresh take on economic models in tech. There's a compelling look at the role of AI in content creation, raising questions about originality versus homogenization. Insights into maintaining U.S. soft power through software highlight the need for global collaboration. Founders are urged to discern genuine revenue streams and adapt to evolving market demands.
12 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 56min
Dana Griffin on AI, belonging, and intergenerational connection
Dana Griffin, co-founder and CEO of Eldera, is on a mission to tackle loneliness and ageism by fostering intergenerational connections through AI. Raised by her grandparents, Dana shares how technology can create meaningful bonds between youth and older adults. She highlights the importance of viewing aging as an asset and discusses how social media can deepen isolation while AI offers pathways to real connections. The conversation also touches on the benefits of mentorship as a vital component of healthcare and the rich potential of generational wisdom.
39 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 27min
Reid riffs on AI wearables, quantum, and Deep Research
The conversation kicks off with a look at the future of AI wearables and the challenges faced by past products. Exciting advancements in quantum computing are explored, particularly how they could transform memory recognition for those with vision impairments. The discussion shifts to the tricky terrain of copyright laws in creative industries amid the rise of AI. AI in deep research tools is dissected for its efficiency and potential inaccuracies. Finally, the innovative 'vibe coding' concept showcases how AI is set to change programming paradigms.
18 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 56min
Latanya Sweeney on AI, trust, and privacy
Latanya Sweeney, a Harvard professor and data privacy expert, dives into the ethical implications of AI. She discusses how AI alters our perception of truth and explores the balance between personal privacy and technological advancement. The conversation tackles the importance of trust in AI systems, governance challenges, and the need for technological literacy. Sweeney also sheds light on the impact of generative AI on societal norms and advocates for accountability in tech, emphasizing collective responsibility for equitable outcomes.
16 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 13min
Reid riffs on the AI race with China and if the US should regulate AI
The discussion kicks off with the idea of creating an FDA-like body for regulating AI to ensure global safety without stifling creativity. It dives into the intense competition between the U.S. and China in the AI landscape, spotlighting DeepSeek as a key player. Finally, the podcast highlights advancements in AI, particularly through O1, and examines how these innovations could reshape coding and various professions in the future.
Feb 14, 2025 • 50min
BONUS: Pioneers of AI: Love in the Age of AI
Will Wu, Chief Technology Officer at Match Group, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing online dating through smarter matchmaking and profile optimization. Rafael Lasica, CEO of Gottman Inc., discusses leveraging AI to enhance relationship dynamics, using data to boost communication and therapy outcomes. Their conversation reveals the potential for AI to support love and connection, while also addressing ethical considerations in therapy. The podcast even touches on a woman's unique relationship with her AI companion, sparking thoughts on love beyond traditional boundaries.
68 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
Anja Manuel on AI, China, and national security
Anja Manuel, a former diplomat and expert in AI and foreign policy, shares her insights on the intersection of technology and national security. She discusses the intense U.S.-China competition in AI and the importance of maintaining leadership in this realm. Manuel highlights the dual nature of AI, emphasizing both its potential benefits and serious risks, such as cyber threats and autonomous weapons. She also advocates for international cooperation and regulatory dialogues, calling for new frameworks to govern this rapidly evolving landscape.
10 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 30min
Reid and AIs riff on what could go right with AI
Discover the intriguing introduction of a new book exploring AI's potential future. Topics include historical fears of technology and the need for a proactive approach to shape AI responsibly. The discussion offers a balanced view of AI’s advancements and risks while advocating for equitable access. Listeners will be fascinated by lessons from history on the iterative nature of technology deployment. Finally, the concept of superagency invites everyone to engage actively in guiding AI responsibly in our lives.
30 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 57min
Greg Beato on superagency, AI, and the cognitive industrial revolution
Greg Beato is a seasoned journalist and co-author of 'Superagency'. He discusses the complexities of AI's rise and its parallels to social media. Greg introduces the concepts of AI Doomers, Gloomers, Zoomers, and Bloomers, highlighting how each group perceives AI's impact. The conversation also explores the idea of superagency, emphasizing how AI can enhance human autonomy. Additionally, they debate the coexistence of innovation and safety in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Humor blends with thought-provoking insights throughout the dialogue.
