Don't Worry About the Vase Podcast

Podcast for Zvi's blog, Don't Worry About the Vase Podcast
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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?
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 38min

AI #133: America Could Use More Energy

Discover the evolving landscape of AI technologies, from breakthroughs in cost reduction to creative applications in filmmaking. Delve into the ethical dilemmas of AI's impact on employment and education, amidst a backdrop of international tensions sparked by the detention of South Korean workers. Explore the urgent need for regulatory frameworks while balancing the risks and potential of advanced AI. The episode also highlights the critical role of energy storage solutions in shaping the future of renewable energy.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 58min

Childhood and Education #14: The War On Education

Explore the ethical dilemmas in education as talented students are expected to support peers without recognition. Dive into the clash of ideologies around learning and reassess current educational practices focusing on student well-being over competition. The heated debate on San Francisco's 'Grading for Equity' initiative raises concerns about educational quality. Discuss challenges in early literacy and the effectiveness of ability grouping, highlighting the cultural dynamics influencing these critical educational issues.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 45min

Yes, AI Continues To Make Rapid Progress, Including Towards AGI

The rapid advancements in AI technology are reshaping expectations, with a spotlight on the race for Artificial General Intelligence. A debate unfolds around the hype and reality of AGI, especially post-GPT-5 launch. Listeners discover the leap from GPT-3 to GPT-5 and its real-world impact. The podcast also probes AI's role in physics, contrasting societal views with actual progress. Experts and superforecasters clash over predictions, revealing a nuanced landscape where adaptability is essential as we navigate the evolving AI frontier.
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Sep 8, 2025 • 38min

OpenAI #14: OpenAI Descends Into Paranoia and Bad Faith Lobbying

The discussion dives deep into OpenAI's controversial lobbying tactics, particularly against regulations like SB 53, revealing their formation of a hefty political action committee. Concerns are raised about their push for minimal oversight, favoring federal standards over state regulations. The podcast critically assesses the tensions between OpenAI's mission to benefit humanity and their corporate strategies. Additionally, it navigates the delicate balance of user safety and privacy, emphasizing the complexities of AI interactions in addressing mental health.
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Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 2min

AI #132 Part 2: Actively Making It Worse

Dive into the complexities of AI regulation and the urgent need for balanced frameworks. Debate the contentious trust in government managing AGI advancements while ensuring safety and innovation. Explore a new partnership aimed at enhancing reliable web access and the implications of current web standards. Delve into the historical challenges of content creation and the strategic competition in chip production. Finally, reflect on dystopian parallels and the commercial motivations that may undermine safety in AI development, all wrapped in humor.

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