TechStuff

Lila Shapiro, a features writer for New York Magazine, dives deep into Hollywood's secret world of AI usage. She reveals how filmmakers are employing AI for everything from VFX to script summaries. The conversation touches on the mixed sentiments around AI, with some fearing job loss while others see creative opportunities. Lila also discusses ethical AI practices and the potential for independent filmmakers to benefit. Despite concerns, she emphasizes that human creativity remains irreplaceable, even in an increasingly automated landscape.

Dive into the world of Gen Z activism as Discord fuels a revolution in Nepal, enabling youth to organize and select leaders. Explore the resurgence of hustle culture in Silicon Valley, where teen tech founders embrace an intense work ethic. Discover how an AI avatar is tackling corruption in Albania and how Russian state TV employs AI for political satire. Plus, hear a personal story of using ChatGPT to manage health and diagnose pre-diabetes—a blend of tech and life-changing apps that invites listener experiences!

Walter Isaacson, bestselling biographer known for his works on figures like Steve Jobs, dives into the life of Jennifer Doudna, a pioneer of CRISPR technology. He explores Doudna's early curiosity in Hawaii and the influential role models that shaped her. The conversation highlights Baby KJ, the first recipient of personalized CRISPR treatment, marking a significant achievement in gene editing. Isaacson discusses CRISPR's historical significance and the ethical dilemmas it presents, emphasizing Doudna's awareness of its potential misuse.

The viral Charlie Kirk video raises questions about today's content moderation on social media. Hosts discuss how relaxed policies can lead to graphic content spreading and the dangers of online radicalization. A student shares their experience adapting to a phone ban in NYC schools, revealing innovative workarounds. Additionally, a listener shares how ChatGPT helped diagnose her mother's mysterious knee pain, showcasing AI's potential in healthcare. The hosts also explore Oracle's soaring fortune and the rise of AI-generated podcasts.

Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter for The Guardian and author of 'The Second Coming,' explores why Gen Z is experiencing a sex recession. She discusses how technology and social media reshape intimacy, fostering burnout and isolation. The impact of inadequate sex education and political factors, like Roe v. Wade's overturning, complicate their relationship with sex and love. Personal stories showcase the struggle between digital connections and genuine vulnerability, highlighting the challenges of finding authentic relationships in a tech-driven world.

Discover how MIT researchers are using technology to simulate the experience of aging. Hear about an activist who cleverly used China's surveillance against its government during a bold protest. Dive into the fascinating world of chatbots and the ethical dilemmas faced by AI trainers. Finally, explore the controversial idea of replacing therapists with AI and hear listeners' surprising chatbot experiences. This episode is a thought-provoking blend of tech, ethics, and innovation!

Kit Chellel, a Bloomberg writer specializing in gambling and technology, dives into the secretive world of Russian bots that infiltrated online poker. He shares captivating tales from Siberia to Armenia, revealing how tech-savvy students created bots that blurred the lines between skill and cheating. The conversation explores the rise of online gambling, the impact of bots on gameplay, and the challenges they pose to fairness in the poker industry. Listeners will gain insight into how these automated players manipulate the gambling landscape and the future of poker.

Fred Baker, who leads sports and entertainment for IBM Consulting across diverse regions, discusses the transformative role of AI in enhancing fan engagement with Scuderia Ferrari. He reveals how IBM is leveraging data to deepen connections with nearly 400 million fans globally. Baker highlights the evolution of Ferrari's fan app into an interactive community hub, and shares insights on customizing fan experiences using AI, including simulating historical racing scenarios. It's a thrilling intersection of technology and passion that redefines fandom.

We’re taking this week off! But don’t worry, we’ll be back with new episodes starting September 10th. In the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite interviews from the year so far. This week, Oz talks with writer Nathaniel Rich about one of the biggest challenges of sending humans to Mars: isolation. Nathaniel Rich is a novelist, essayist and writer-at-large for The New York Times Magazine. Rich sits down with Oz to talk about his essay, “Can Humans Endure the Psychological Torment of Mars?” The piece explores NASA's CHAPEA (“Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog”) mission, a simulation meant to test a major challenge of Mars missions – isolation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ben Taub as he reveals Russia's chilling use of the Arctic as a testing ground for espionage technology. He discusses advanced monitoring techniques aimed at NATO and highlights unique challenges from the harsh environment. Taub shares gripping stories about espionage tactics, including surprising tales involving wildlife like a beluga whale. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical tensions in the region and the implications for international relations in the context of the escalating war in Ukraine.