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Fred Turner, a Stanford Professor and historian of Silicon Valley culture, dives into the fascinating history of the intersection between technology and counterculture. He discusses the evolution of cyberculture, touching on how the ideals of 1960s hippies transformed into today's digital utopianism. Topics include the corporatization of everyday life, the dynamics of dating apps, and the cultural origins of Burning Man. Turner also critiques the shift in Silicon Valley from libertarianism to corporate control, advocating for the importance of humanities in navigating our tech-driven society.

Sometimes, a piece of writing goes so viral that it becomes an event in and of itself. One of the most successful recent instances of this is AI 2027: a detailed scenario outlining how AI might doom humanity within a few short years, as accelerating capabilities intertwine with US-China competition, recursive self-improvement, deceptive misalignment, and job loss.I’m skeptical about some of AI 2027’s predictions, but appreciative of the format and conversation it sparked. There are plenty of others writing policy reports and op-eds; we need new styles to shock people into thinking in new ways, and to consider a broader-than-usual range of possible outcomes.Therefore, I invited AI 2027 author Daniel Kokotajlo on the podcast to discuss his team’s approach to creating AI 2027, answers to common critiques of forecasting (e.g. is it just bad sci-fi), and why he thinks writing scenarios can improve your thinking. Get full access to @jasmine at jasmi.news/subscribe

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Roose, a tech columnist and co-host of the Hard Fork podcast, explores the clash between Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and evangelical culture. He shares storytelling tips for aspiring writers and reflects on the future of nonfiction in an AI-driven landscape. The conversation also touches on the relationship between journalism and technology, examining the challenges of authenticity while navigating niche narratives. Roose's insights on career transitions and the impact of AI on media are both thought-provoking and timely.

Join Anson Yu, a systems design graduate and co-founder of an AI-for-hardware startup, alongside HudZah, a math whiz with an impressive track record of creative projects. They discuss the importance of youth agency, sharing how community and family shape ambition. Anson shares insights from his climate documentary journey, while HudZah humorously recounts his DIY nuclear fusor adventure. Together, they explore the evolving role of AI in fostering creativity and their unique experiences navigating unconventional career paths.

Jasmine Sun, a writer and technologist who previously led Substack's core product team, shares her insights on navigating the new writing landscape. She discusses how Substack built Notes and the importance of algorithms in content sharing. Sun offers growth tips for emerging writers and reflects on her research and writing process using tools like Readwise and AI. She emphasizes the need for human connection in journalism, even as technology evolves, and encourages writers to embrace diverse narratives without fearing criticism.

In this discussion, Audrey Tang, Taiwan's Cyber Ambassador and an advocate for democracy, shares her unconventional journey from middle school dropout to tech innovator. She dives into the role of social media platforms like Substack and Bluesky in promoting civic engagement. Audrey also critiques DOGE's misconceptions about bureaucracy, explores how large language models can foster citizen participation, and emphasizes the need for a shift from consumerism to producer-centric societies. Her insights on Taiwan's digital governance highlight innovative strategies for public engagement.

Mills Baker, Head of Design at Substack and a noted thinker on technology and culture, joins the conversation. They dive into the reality of the 'literacy crisis' and advocate for the significance of reading novels. Mills discusses the philosophical differences between humans and AI, urging recognition of human uniqueness. He shares thoughts on navigating parenting in a potential post-AGI world. The talk also examines the shift towards visual culture and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in digital communication.

Today’s show features my dear friend Tianyu Fang! Tian is a writer and researcher focused on tech policy and US-China relations. He’s currently a Tech and Democracy fellow at New America, and is a cofounder of the iconic Chinese internet newsletter Chaoyang Trap.We discuss:* How Tian became a teenage China watcher* The death of the China journalist* Why Chinese founders don’t blog* Censorship and its discontents* Has the “China model” won?* The Falun Gong’s alternative internetTranscript and links at jasmi.news. Get full access to @jasmine at jasmi.news/subscribe

In this discussion, Arjun Ramani, a PhD candidate at MIT and correspondent for The Economist, dives into intriguing topics like Mark Zuckerberg’s changing persona and the modern implications of 'wokeness.' They explore how 21st-century billionaires differ from their predecessors and debate the concept of Effective Altruism in relation to AI. The conversation shines a light on the relationship between democracy and economic growth, the evolving tech landscape, and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, all while emphasizing the importance of inclusive growth.

Announcing my 2025 project: an anthropology of disruption. (Voiceover) Get full access to @jasmine at jasmi.news/subscribe