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
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.
164 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 6min
Bret Taylor on conversational AI, voice, and agents
Bret Taylor, co-founder and CEO of DeepMind, is a pioneer in AI and neuroscience-inspired technology. He discusses the transformative potential of AI in creating jobs we can't yet envision. Bret delves into the voice revolution in AI, highlighting advances in customer service agents. He emphasizes the opportunities for entrepreneurs in this rapidly evolving landscape and navigates the implications of AI for our workforce, suggesting it will reshape industries and breathe life into innovative business models.
128 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 43min
Fei-Fei Li on spatial intelligence and human-centered AI
Fei-Fei Li, a pioneering computer scientist and the co-founder of World Labs, shares her insights on the intersection of spatial intelligence and AI. She discusses her groundbreaking work on ImageNet that transformed computer vision and emphasizes the importance of spatial awareness in AI applications. Fei-Fei explores the nuances between language models and world models, advocating for human-centered AI that respects agency and fosters collaboration. She envisions a future where technology enhances our capabilities, particularly in fields like healthcare and education.
Dec 25, 2024 • 37min
PRESENTING: Pioneers of AI with Dr. Rana El Kaliouby and Musician Taryn Southern
Taryn Southern, an award-winning storyteller and artist, dives into how AI reshapes creativity. She discusses partnering with AI to co-create her groundbreaking pop album, emphasizing that art remains a deeply human experience. Southern shares her process of using AI tools, like chatbots, to produce a comedic Fyre Festival trailer, showcasing the absurdity of internet culture. The conversation also explores the democratization of creativity through AI and the evolving landscape of music covers and consent in this technological age.
Dec 18, 2024 • 57min
Artful Intelligence | Ep 3: Paul Trillo on Music Video x AI
Filmmaker Paul Trillo, renowned for his pioneering work in AI-generated art, shares his journey creating the world's first fully AI-generated music video using OpenAI's Sora. He discusses how he embraced the oddities of AI, weaving poetic prompts to create emotionally resonant visuals. Paul reflects on directing under pandemic constraints and highlights the transformative potential of AI in filmmaking. He also emphasizes how exploring the limits of technology can lead to innovative artistic breakthroughs, encouraging creators to redefine the art landscape.
