

MIT Technology Review Narrated
MIT Technology Review
Welcome to MIT Technology Review Narrated, the home for the very best of our journalism in audio. Each week we will share one of our most ambitious stories, from print and online, narrated for us by real voice actors. Expect big themes, thought-provoking topics, and sharp analysis, all backed by our trusted reporting.
Episodes
Mentioned books

24 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 22min
How AI can help supercharge creativity
Explore the fascinating intersection of AI and creativity as artists and musicians embrace generative tools. Discover how friction and unexpected results lead to innovation, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Hear insights from musicians and game designers about the serendipitous outcomes of AI collaborations. Delve into the challenges of maintaining control in a world where technology impacts creativity and inclusivity redefines artistic possibilities. Experience how AI is reshaping the creative landscape with new mediums and approaches.

67 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 14min
Google DeepMind has a new way to look inside an AI’s “mind”
Discover how autoencoders are allowing researchers to peek into the intricate workings of artificial intelligence. The podcast explores Google DeepMind's innovative Gemascope, designed to improve our understanding of AI decisions. This tool may also help mitigate bias and errors, paving the way for more reliable AI systems. Tune in to learn about the exciting potential of mechanistic interpretability!

24 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 11min
How a top Chinese AI model overcame US sanctions
A Chinese startup has launched an open-source reasoning model, DeepSeq R1, that rivals ChatGPT-01 at a lower cost. The impact of U.S. sanctions seems to be spurring innovation, providing new opportunities for resource-limited researchers. The podcast delves into the collaborative culture driving DeepSeq and how Chinese AI firms are overcoming challenges. It also discusses China's significant share of the global AI language model market and highlights strategic partnerships that are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the face of restrictions.

43 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 12min
Cyberattacks by AI agents are coming
AI agents are transforming the landscape of cyberattacks, making hacking more accessible and cost-effective for criminals. The rise of these intelligent systems poses significant threats, with experts warning of increasingly sophisticated strategies. Innovative tools like the LLM Agent Honeypot are emerging to combat this trend, but the need for advanced defenses is crucial. As AI technology advances, the cybersecurity landscape must adapt to meet these escalating threats.

40 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 11min
How to run an LLM on your laptop
Discover the exciting world of running large language models right on your laptop! Learn about the benefits of user privacy and accessibility when utilizing local models. Dive into the technological advancements that make this possible, transforming everyday hardware into powerful tools. This discussion provides practical insights into how anyone can harness these models for personal use.

32 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 14min
Can nuclear power really fuel the rise of AI?
Tech companies are increasingly turning to nuclear energy to meet their booming energy needs driven by AI. The podcast discusses the challenges of aligning the rapid growth of technology with the lengthy process of building new reactors. It also highlights potential collaborations that could hasten advancements in nuclear tech. As energy demands soar, the conversation emphasizes the necessity of a diverse energy strategy, marrying nuclear power with renewables to secure a sustainable future.

Aug 7, 2025 • 8min
GPT-5 is here. Now what?
The much-hyped release makes several enhancements to the ChatGPT user experience. But it’s still far short of AGI.
This story was written by Grace Huckins and narrated by Noa - newsoveraudio.com.

68 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 33min
AI means the end of internet search as we’ve known it
Discover how AI is revolutionizing internet search, shifting from keyword-based methods to a conversational approach. Explore the historical evolution of search engines, from early tools like Archie to Google's AI innovations. Delve into the challenges of misinformation and transparency for both users and content creators. Learn about the future potential of AI in providing real-time data access and performing tasks autonomously, redefining the way we navigate the vast digital landscape.

38 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 23min
Are we ready to hand AI agents the keys?
The podcast delves into the burgeoning autonomy of AI agents and the implications of granting them decision-making power. It highlights the dramatic consequences seen in the 2010 U.S. stock market flash crash, showcasing the thrilling yet perilous dance of AI in finance. The discussion further unfolds the promise and pitfalls of AI across various sectors, stressing the critical need for safety and ethical considerations as these technologies gain greater control over our lives. Are we ready for such a shift?

12 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 11min
AI crawler wars threaten to make the web more closed for everyone
The podcast dives into the escalating conflict between web publishers and AI crawlers, highlighting a cat-and-mouse game with significant consequences. It discusses the essential role of crawlers and the potential risks of making the internet more closed off as copyright issues and new legislation emerge. Smaller content creators face challenges as large tech companies monopolize data access, raising concerns about the future of web accessibility. The conversation emphasizes the need for protective measures to ensure a competitive online landscape.