unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Clive Thompson, a journalist for the New York Times Magazine and Wired, explores how generative AI is reshaping coding and software engineering. He discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by tech companies and the cultural impact of coders on society. Clive compares the creative mindset of coders to that of artists and highlights the paradox of efficiency in tech development. He also shares insights on his upcoming cycling book, linking themes of mobility and technology, as well as the changes in work dynamics for software engineers.

Mark Koyama, Professor of Economics at George Mason University and co-author of "How the World Became Rich," explores the fascinating roots of economic growth. He discusses the varied factors driving economic development, including geography, culture, and institutions. Koyama delves into why Europe industrialized successfully while others fell behind, and the lingering effects of colonialism. He also emphasizes the importance of historical context for understanding modern economic dynamics and innovation, making a case for the revival of economic history in today's tech-driven world.

In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," explores the intricacies of conversation. She emphasizes the need for better communication skills in education, the dynamics of small talk, and the importance of empathy in dialogue. Alison shares insights on crafting engaging conversations and the art of questioning, while uncovering how humor and trust shape interactions. Her tips promise to enhance both personal and professional relationships!

In this engaging conversation, Arvind Narayanan, a Princeton professor and author of "AI Snake Oil," delves into the critical distinctions between real AI capabilities and hype. He highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding predictive AI, especially in sensitive areas like criminal justice and healthcare. Arvind critiques the lack of regulation and the historical parallels between AI and cryptocurrency enthusiasm. He also discusses the evolving landscape of AI professions, stressing the need for ethical standards and the importance of transparency in technology.

Ruth Whippman, a journalist and author of 'BoyMom' and 'America the Anxious,' dives into the complexities of raising boys amid modern gender politics. She discusses the impact of cultural expectations and the nurturing gap for boys, emphasizing the balance between fostering emotional intelligence and societal pressures. Ruth critiques the hyper-masculine ideals perpetuated by marketing and explores the challenges of labeling traits as either masculine or feminine. The conversation highlights the need for empathy and understanding within the evolving landscape of masculinity.

What brought about the rise of cryptocurrencies, and whats the difference between tokens and money? How are some of these modern concepts of currency much older than people may think, with older and older examples being unearthed in different parts of the world?Rachel O’Dwyer is a writer and lecturer in Digital Cultures in the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. She’s also the author of Tokens: The Future of Money in the Age of the Platform. It’s all about how more and more traditional mone is being replaced by tokens, but this has been happening in societies for a long time.Greg and Rachel discuss the complex and interdisciplinary nature of tokens and their relationship to money, exploring the history, regulatory implications, and the current cultural significance of token-based economies. They also examine the role of digital tokens in various sectors, from gaming to social media, and their impact on financial activities and personal relationships. Rachel explains the rise of cryptocurrencies, the metaverse, and how these new forms of money shape modern culture and societal norms.*unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*Show Links:Recommended Resources:Friedrich HayekKarl PolanyiJohn SearleGuest Profile:RachelODwyer.comFaculty Profile at National College of Art and Design DublinSocial Profile on InstagramSocial Profile on XHer Work:Tokens: The Future of Money in the Age of the PlatformEpisode Quotes:Where do we draw the regulatory line around money?05:09: What I find quite interesting with tokens is that, increasingly, as we're seeing these sort of nonbank entities emerging and issuing money-like things, the token becomes a sort of regulatory sleight of hand. It becomes a way for platforms to issue money-like things, but say, well, hey, because this isn't real money, I'm not really a bank, so I'm doing everything that banks do, but because I don't have a financial license, I'm not processing payments. I'm doing everything that an employer does, but because I'm not handling money, I'm not officially an employer; therefore, I don't have any duty or responsibilities towards these people working or making a living on my platform. So there's all that sort of regulatory uncertainty sort of happening when we're dealing with tokens as opposed to money, but also, I think, as we saw in 2022 with the collapse of so many exchanges and stablecoins as well, there's this regulatory uncertainty around, what is legitimate financial activity and what is like a scam, and where do we draw the lines around those sorts of things?Should tokens be seen as less than money?17:25: When we start thinking about tokens as being less than money, there are all sorts of strings attached—all kinds of prescriptions, all sorts of controls attached to welfare payments, refugee payments—and all kinds of ways in which we can control prescribed behaviors when we issue tokens as opposed to "fungible," I suppose, cash or money.Is scrip a double exploitation of workers?23:29: I guess scrip is kind of a catch-22 because you're potentially being exploited when whoever's employing you is getting a profit—they're earning more than it costs to pay you and to sort of buy maybe the materials that it costs to produce whatever you're making. But scrip is double exploitation because they're paying you in their own special token that you can only redeem, basically, in the company store.Programmable money ties payments to identity, unlike anonymous cash38:56: A lot of what's happening with programmable money is tying the means of payment to your identity or to particular sorts of credentials. And I think with CBDCs, we're seeing more and more proposals for money that can be programmed, as they're saying, at issuance—that when that money is issued, there are potentially various terms and conditions hard-coded into it versus your dumb cash, which is just an anonymous, dumb bearer instrument that doesn't care and doesn't know who's holding it, who's bearing it, so long as it's bared up.

William Davies, a Professor of Politics at Goldsmiths University of London, dives into the interplay of data-driven decision-making and its implications for democracy. He discusses the erosion of public trust in elites, fueled by past crises and the rise of conspiracy theories. The conversation also addresses how advancements in behavioral economics are reshaping our understanding of happiness and prosperity, highlighting the paradox of economic growth alongside increasing dissatisfaction. Ultimately, Davies advocates for genuine well-being over superficial solutions.

In this engaging discussion, Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland, a renowned fellow at Stanford’s Human Centered AI Institute and a pioneer in social physics, delves into the reshaping of social dynamics by AI. He explores the need for knowledge-sharing in organizations and how AI can bridge knowledge silos. Sandy also addresses the complex relationship between social media and community, urging for accountability among influencers. With insights on balancing curiosity and productivity, he emphasizes the critical role of human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Andrew Garrett, a linguistics professor at UC Berkeley and author of "The Unnaming of Kroeber Hall," dives into the complexities of renaming campus buildings tied to controversial figures like Alfred Kroeber. He discusses Kroeber's contributions to linguistics and anthropology and his fraught relationships with Indigenous communities. Topics include the evolution of linguistic legacies, the ethics of cultural documentation, and the movement towards greater Indigenous representation in academia. Garrett's insights shed light on how universities can address historical injustices.

In this insightful conversation, Oded Galor, a Professor of Economics at Brown University and author of "The Journey of Humanity," discusses the historical roots of global economic inequality. He explores how human capital investments during the Industrial Revolution shaped wealth distribution and examines the long-term effects of population dynamics. Galor emphasizes the significance of diversity in driving economic success and sheds light on how cultural and institutional factors intertwine to influence economic development across different societies.