

Don't Worry About the Vase Podcast
Podcast for Zvi's blog, Don't Worry About the Vase Podcast
Podcast for https://thezvi.substack.com/ dwatvpodcast.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 26, 2025 • 30min
Economics Roundup #6
Podcast episode for Economics Roundup #6.The Don’t Worry About the Vase Podcast is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support the cost of creation, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.https://open.substack.com/pub/thezvi/p/economics-roundup-6?r=67y1h&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false Get full access to DWAtV Podcast at dwatvpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 33min
AI #135: OpenAI Shows Us The Money
This week, the conversation features insightful contributions from two regulars who explore the recent $100B NVIDIA investment by OpenAI and the implications of new compute-intensive offerings on the horizon. They dive into the everyday utility of LLMs like GPT-5, and discuss failures in complex contexts. The duo also evaluates the effects of AI on coding tasks and delves into the potential pitfalls of automation in venture capital. Lastly, they touch on political responses to AI regulation and the challenges of defining AGI in legal terms.

Sep 24, 2025 • 19min
OpenAI Shows Us The Money
Podcast episode for OpenAI Shows Us The Money.The Don’t Worry About the Vase Podcast is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support the cost of creation, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.https://open.substack.com/pub/thezvi/p/openai-shows-us-the-money?r=67y1h&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false Get full access to DWAtV Podcast at dwatvpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 23, 2025 • 39min
More Reactions to If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies
Zvi delves into the book's bustling sales and rising ratings, highlighting its favorable reviews from notable thinkers. However, he also spotlights skepticism from some reviewers, who raise critiques about its style and overlooked counterarguments. The discussion brews around lowering existential risk estimates and addressing statistical objections. Additionally, Zvi calls for a deeper understanding of critics' concerns, urging a united front regarding the book's core message. A thought-provoking analysis unfolds, blending praise and caution.

Sep 22, 2025 • 35min
H1-B And The $100k Fee
Zvi dives into the chaos surrounding Trump's proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. He tackles the confusion about the fee's application, whether it's one-time or annual, and the immediate legal concerns it raises. The conversation shifts to the panic experienced by current visa holders and the mixed messages from officials. Economic implications are analyzed, weighing the potential market effects of such a fee and its risks to various sectors, including healthcare and education. It's an insightful exploration of a controversial policy and its fallout.

Sep 19, 2025 • 59min
Book Review: If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies
Dive into a gripping review that unveils the chilling thesis of how superintelligence could threaten humanity. Learn about the alarming pathways to artificial superintelligence and why current AI alignment efforts might not be enough. Discover the pressing need for robust policies to mitigate risks, including global bans and hardware monitoring. The discussion wraps up with pragmatic advice for governments and individuals on advocating for safety measures. Can we steer the future before it spirals out of control?

Sep 18, 2025 • 2h 9min
AI #134: If Anyone Reads It
Zvi kicks things off with a dive into the latest AI news and highlights discussions on everyday uses of AI, balancing mundane tasks with diminishing returns. Insights into Anthropic's infrastructure mishaps reveal lessons on reliability and personalization. The chat on breakthroughs in coding performance showcases GPT-5 Codex. Teens' safety in AI usage surfaces concerns about privacy and automation's economic effects. A critique of OpenAI’s restructuring sparks debate on AGI timelines, alignment risks, and the role of government red-teaming. It’s an engaging blend of tech, ethics, and future implications!

Sep 17, 2025 • 25min
Reactions to If Anyone Builds It, Anyone Dies
The discussion kicks off with an intriguing introduction about reactions to a controversial book. Early reviews highlight both endorsements and criticisms, showcasing the polarized views on its claims. Technical debates unfold around alignment issues, involving critical responses from experts like Robin Hanson. Lastly, the host teases a comprehensive written review, promising a deeper dive into the conversation. Tune in for a blend of insights and lively debate!

Sep 16, 2025 • 16min
AI Craziness Notes
Delve into the fascinating world of AI as experts compare the responses of ChatGPT4O and Claude 4 Sonnet to psychological narratives. Discover how AI can amplify delusions and the importance of critically assessing its outputs. Learn about the safety flaws in AI models like DeepSeq V3 and the ethical challenges of interacting with AI, especially regarding mental health. Explore how different AI personas can shape user behavior and create new patterns in human-AI interactions. It's an eye-opening journey into the complexities of artificial intelligence!

Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 42min
Monthly Roundup #34: September 2025
Dive into intriguing discussions on societal decorum and the insincerity that plagues civil discourse. Explore the emotional impacts of wealth pursuit and tech industry unhappiness. Uncover the curious phenomenon of wet bias in weather forecasts while navigating happiness and societal expectations. Reflect on the paradox of affluence and its real impact on life satisfaction. Schemes of retirement in Europe, social media dynamics, and the flaws in peer review systems open new perspectives. Finally, discover the transformative power of love in understanding poverty.