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
Nov 4, 2024 • 36min
Feed Drop: Masters of Scale: President Bill Clinton in conversation with Reid Hoffman
In a compelling conversation, former President Bill Clinton delves into the state of American democracy and the dangers of polarization ahead of the upcoming election. He discusses the erosion of trust in democratic institutions and the pressing need for civic engagement. Clinton also touches on economic challenges like inflation and housing, advocating for innovative solutions. With a focus on unity, he highlights the importance of addressing political threats and the gap between political promises and economic realities, ultimately calling for a collaborative future.
37 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 10min
Bill Gates on possibility, AI, and humanity
Bill Gates, Co-founder of Microsoft and renowned philanthropist, shares his insights on climate change, global health, and education. He discusses how AI will revolutionize these areas, with a focus on its potential to save lives and tackle malnutrition. Gates highlights innovative energy solutions like nuclear fusion and the vital role of technology in addressing food security. His optimism shines through as he outlines the promise of AI in education and healthcare, emphasizing humanity's capacity for positive change.
Oct 23, 2024 • 14min
Reid riffs on iterative development and cultural differences
Explore the dynamic collaboration between tech giants and startups, highlighting how competition fuels innovation through iterative development. Discover the interplay between safety testing and iterative processes, improving tech usability. Delve into the societal implications of AI, the need for truth, and the strategic advantages of diversity in hiring. Finally, the discussion navigates varied cultural perspectives on individual rights and responsibilities, contrasting views from the U.S., China, and India.
8 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 46min
James Manyika on global AI and inclusion
In this engaging discussion, James Manyika, Senior VP of Technology and Society at Google, shares his insights on global AI accessibility. He highlights AI's role in tackling climate change and improving disaster response, like predicting floods worldwide. Manyika also addresses the need for inclusive dialogues reflecting diverse perspectives from the Global South. With tools like NotebookLM, he emphasizes turning ambition into responsible AI development, ensuring all communities reap the benefits of this technological revolution.
7 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 12min
Reid riffs on the next generation of LLMs
Reid discusses the appointment of Sean White as Inflection's CEO, focusing on the importance of human values in tech. The conversation shifts to how startups are navigating the competitive landscape of large language models, often forming partnerships with industry giants. There's an intriguing examination of the efficiency versus size debate in language models, and the potential for individual empowerment through Inflection's Pi. The vision is a future where personal intelligence enhances our everyday experiences.
5 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 41min
Sean White on Inflection and AI frontiers
Sean White, the CEO of Inflection AI, champions a humanistic approach to technology and AI. He explores the fascinating concept of empathetic AI, emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence alongside raw capability. The discussion delves into how AI can enhance workplace interactions and lead difficult conversations with grace. Sean also touches on evolving career skills in an AI-driven world and innovative neuroscience research, including the exciting Earth Species Project that aims to decode animal communication, opening new frontiers in human-animal relationships.
Sep 25, 2024 • 17min
Reid riffs on Silicon Valley, politics, and the election
As Election Day nears, the podcast dives deep into Silicon Valley's shifting political landscape, questioning whether it’s leaning red. It discusses the integration of technology in voting, balancing its benefits against potential security risks. Trust and transparency in democratic systems take center stage, particularly regarding AI's evolving role in politics. The conversation highlights the importance of truth and technological progress as key factors in shaping the upcoming election and encourages active participation in the electoral process.
8 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 11min
Sarah Longwell on politics, AI, and elections
Sarah Longwell, a Republican political strategist and co-founder of The Bulwark, discusses the critical political landscape ahead of the 2024 election. She delves into the complexities of undecided voters and the emotional weight of topics like abortion in political engagement. Longwell also emphasizes the importance of listening through focus groups to bridge divides and combat misinformation. Additionally, she explores how AI can transform political communication, questioning its impact on authenticity and trust in messaging.
Sep 11, 2024 • 11min
Reid riffs on his personal history with AI
Fei-Fei Li, a leading advocate for human-centered AI, joins Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, and Kevin Scott, Microsoft’s CTO, to discuss their journeys in AI. The conversation navigates Reid’s early Stanford experiences, the transformation of academic concepts into industry applications, and the crucial role of technology in drug discovery. They emphasize the need for ethical considerations and public communication in scientific advancements, particularly highlighting the collaborative successes during the COVID vaccine development.
18 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 60min
Daphne Koller on drug discovery and AI
Daphne Koller, a trailblazing computer scientist and entrepreneur, discusses her groundbreaking work at Insitro, where AI is revolutionizing drug discovery. She highlights how machine learning accelerates understanding of complex diseases and enhances drug development processes. Koller shares insights on the balance between personalized and precision medicine, the significance of data privacy, and the importance of human oversight in AI applications. She also reflects on her transition from academia to industry, emphasizing collaboration for societal impact.
