Intelligent Machines (Audio)
TWiT
The 21st Century began with the rise of the Internet and social media. The next decade will mark the rise of the Intelligent Machines. AI will inhabit all our devices from cars and appliances to smart phones and robots. The Intelligent Machines podcast explores the most exciting revolution humanity has ever seen, filled with promise and peril. More than ever we need to understand what these new devices will bring to our lives and how to make best use of them as the 21st century unfolds. On this show you'll meet the AI pioneers, inventors, and innovators who are about to disrupt every aspect of modern life. You'll learn what's real and what's hype, and you'll come away with a deep understanding of the intelligent future that awaits us all.
Records live every Wednesday at 5:00pm Eastern / 2:00pm Pacific / 21:00 UTC.
Records live every Wednesday at 5:00pm Eastern / 2:00pm Pacific / 21:00 UTC.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 7, 2025 • 2h 38min
IM 831: 9 Seconds of Google - Holy Widgets
Vlad Prelovac, CEO of the privacy-first search engine Kagi, shares insights into the evolving landscape of search technology. He discusses Kagi's unique approach that prioritizes user-centric practices over profit and ads. The conversation ventures into recent AI advancements, including OpenAI’s models and new tools like Kitten TTS. They also explore ethical challenges posed by AI, including potential misuse in health and personal interactions, making for a thought-provoking dialogue on technology's role and the future of user privacy.
Jul 31, 2025 • 2h 53min
IM 830: I Pay A Gentleman on Etsy - Personal Superintelligence?
Ian Krietzberg, AI correspondent at Puck News, dives into the vibrant world of AI, highlighting its intersection with business and policy. He discusses the evolution of AI and the need for robust regulatory frameworks amidst rapid innovation. The conversation touches on the disconnect between academia and AI advancement and the critical role of dedicated journalism in covering complex AI topics. Krietzberg also sheds light on the societal implications of AI, particularly in healthcare, while indulging in some lighthearted tech musings and personal anecdotes.
25 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 2h 57min
IM 829: The Yonkers Questions - What's New With NotebookLM
In this engaging discussion, Steven Johnson, Editorial Director at Notebook LM and author of science and technology books, shares insights on the latest AI developments. He delves into the innovative features of Notebook LM, which enhances user interaction with verified sources and inline citations. Johnson highlights ethical concerns around AI-generated content and the impact of recent tech acquisitions. The conversation also touches on the exciting intersection of AI and literature, exploring how tools can make classic works like Shakespeare more accessible.
38 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 2h 20min
IM 828: Stochastic Carrots - Navigating the Future of AI
Anil Dash, a technology executive and advocate for ethics in tech, joins the hosts to navigate the complexities of AI. He dives into the ethical responsibilities of tech giants and the potential disconnect between innovation and societal needs. Dash discusses the significance of artistic ownership in the age of AI, urging for transparency and collaboration in development. They also touch on the impact of monopolies within the industry, emphasizing a move towards ethical practices and valuing creativity over profit-driven motives.
17 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 2h 48min
IM 827: Marco Rubio on Line 1 - The Promise of Personalized Software
In this engaging discussion, Mike Masnick, founder of Techdirt.com and a pioneer in technology policy, explores the critical need for individuals to create their own software instead of relying on billionaires. He highlights the transformative concept of 'vibe coding' for task management and reflects on the evolving impact of AI in writing and healthcare. The conversation also dives into the ethics of AI in academia, legal debates over AI-generated content, and the competitive landscape between major tech companies shaping the future of AI.
31 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 2h 36min
IM 826: Cusp of Noodles - The AI Copyright Battle Heats Up
John Graham-Cumming, a Board member of Cloudflare and former CTO, dives into the evolving challenges of AI in the creative world. He discusses the messy realities of AI copyright disputes, sharing insights on how courts are grappling with content ownership. The conversation touches on innovative AI applications, from fashion visualization with Google's Doppl app to AI-generated music and virtual personalities. He also reflects on the emotional complexities of human-AI relationships, sparking a fascinating debate about the future of creativity and technology.
20 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 3h 6min
IM 825: The Evil Clown of Middletown - Death By Powerpoint
In this discussion, Richard Gingras, the former VP of News at Google, delves into the evolving landscape of journalism and the challenges posed by AI. He shares insights on how AI can both enhance and threaten traditional news media, exploring topics like copyright issues and the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-generated content. The conversation lightens with humorous takes on the quirks of technology, including the notorious Evil Clown of Middletown, and ends on a thought-provoking note about the future of human connections in an AI-driven world.
29 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 2h 12min
IM 824: Full-Body Air-Quotes - AI in Higher Education
Matthew Kirschenbaum, a Distinguished University Professor of English and AI, joins the conversation to delve into the transformative role of technology in education. The discussion covers AI's impact on student engagement and critical thinking, alongside the challenges educators face in integrating these tools ethically. Kirschenbaum also highlights how writing practices have evolved from typewriters to AI, revealing the complex relationship between technology, creativity, and cognitive processes. Get ready for a thought-provoking exploration of AI in academia!
Jun 12, 2025 • 3h 12min
IM 823: Intelligent with Two G's - Google Has a Fox Problem
Stephen Witt, a Los Angeles-based writer and investigative journalist, joins the hosts for a fascinating discussion. They dive into Google's surprising 'fox problem' at their London office, exploring the intersection of tech and wildlife. Witt also shares insights on NVIDIA's leap from GPUs to AI dominance and the evolving challenges of AI copyright as Disney takes legal action against an AI firm. The conversation touches on the intricacies of AI creativity, urban wildlife interactions, and the ethical concerns surrounding modern technology.
Jun 5, 2025 • 2h 53min
IM 822: The One Man Unicorn - AI In Psychiatry
Jacob Ward, an author and tech-society podcaster, joins Daniel Oberhaus, who explores AI's use in psychiatry. They delve into the ethical implications of AI in mental health, highlighting concerns about reliance on technology versus human connection in therapy. The guests discuss the critical shortage of mental health professionals and the potential dangers of unregulated AI chatbots. They also question how AI tools could reshape the landscape of mental health care, addressing both the innovative possibilities and inherent risks.
