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Intelligent Machines (Audio)

Latest episodes

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21 snips
May 29, 2025 • 2h 42min

IM 821: Just Count the Server Racks - Veo 3 in Action

In this engaging discussion, Adam Becker, a science journalist and astrophysicist known for his book 'More Everything Forever,' delves into Silicon Valley's belief in technological salvation. He critiques the myths surrounding Mars as a backup planet and emphasizes the importance of Earth preservation. The conversation also navigates misconceptions about AI, the role of billionaires in tech, and the necessity of public discourse around AI's potential risks and limits. Becker advocates for a balanced understanding of technology's societal impact.
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May 22, 2025 • 2h 39min

IM 820: Watch Your Wallet Jony - The Environmental Impact of LLMs

In this engaging conversation, Kate O'Neill, a tech humanist and founder of KO Insights, discusses the ethical implications of AI, urging a balance between technology and humanity. The dialogue delves into the hidden environmental costs of large language models. O'Neill also touches on police surveillance issues, the role of personal data in AI, and the evolving landscape of tech innovations. This captivating mix of humor and serious topics highlights the need for responsible tech practices in our rapidly changing world.
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May 15, 2025 • 2h 41min

IM 819: Put The Fries in the Bag - Chaos at the Copyright Office

In a lively discussion, Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor known for her critical views on AI, and Alex Hanna, a leader in AI ethics, delve into the murky waters of AI and copyright law. They highlight the inconsistencies of the Copyright Office regarding AI training and fair use rights. With a humorous nod to kitchen choices and the absurdities of tech regulations, the conversation spans the necessity for diverse viewpoints in navigating AI’s future while pondering the ethical complexities and societal implications of rapid tech advancements.
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4 snips
May 8, 2025 • 2h 58min

IM 818: Between Two Orbs - Meet Surf, Flipboard's Solution for a Fractured Social Web

Mike McCue, Founder and CEO of Flipboard, unveils Surf, a groundbreaking social web browser that aggregates content from various platforms, revolutionizing social media engagement. He discusses the importance of community-building and the role of curated content in a fragmented digital landscape. The conversation also touches on OpenAI's reorganization, the rampant misuse of AI in workplaces, and the ethical implications of AI in academia. As the discussion unfolds, humor and insights about AI's limitations in news reliability add a light-hearted touch.
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5 snips
May 1, 2025 • 2h 43min

IM 817: Wheel 101 - AI's Impact on Human Behavior

Interview with Jacob Ward Duolingo launches 148 courses created with AI after sharing plans to replace contractors with AI The Age of Realtime Deepfake Fraud Is Here The Hottest AI Job of 2023 Is Already Obsolete Bridges and Tunnels in Colorado Are Helping Animals Commute A rare glimpse inside the mountain tunnel that carries water to Southern California You can't lick a badger twice Mark Zuckerberg is planning a premium tier and ads for Meta's AI app Zuck video promoting Meta AI learning all about you and your loved ones Melanie Mitchell: LLMs & World Models part 1 Universities Have a Computer-Science Problem Take It Down Act heads to Trump's desk Attention Kmart Shoppers Digital creator jobs jump 7.5x since pandemic Rabbit ears Orb.net Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Paris Martineau Guest: Jacob Ward Download or subscribe to Intelligent Machines at https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zscaler.com/security bigid.com/im
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11 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 2h 51min

IM 816: Flappy Jeff - Harper Reed, Cluely, Bluesky Bluecheck

In a lively discussion, Harper Reed, a tech innovator and former CTO for the Obama campaign, dives into the fascinating world of AI and its implications on creativity and coding. He shares thoughts on a controversial AI tool used for academic cheating that raised significant funding. The conversation also touches on the tension between traditional coding values and the rapid demands of AI, alongside humorous anecdotes about tech mishaps and the impact of social media on consumer behavior. Tune in for insights that blend humor with technological relevance!
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8 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 2h 35min

IM 815: Fire In the Hole! - Nikita Roy, Toxic Receipts, DolphinGemma

Nikita Roy, the savvy Founder and CEO of Newsroom Robots Lab, dives into the transformative power of AI in journalism. She discusses how AI can reshape newsroom practices, emphasizing the balance between automation and core journalistic values. The conversation also touches on quirky topics like the mystery behind tech logos and the alarming findings of toxic chemicals in paper receipts. Plus, laugh along as they explore the fascinating project of decoding dolphin communication with AI, proving that technology can bridge species while making waves in news reporting.
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31 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 2h 17min

IM 814: Chesterton's Fence - Cory Doctorow, Fake Meta Benchmakrs, AI Therapy

In this engaging conversation, Cory Doctorow, a science fiction author and activist known for his strong advocacy for the right to repair, dives into the evolving role of AI in various fields. He discusses how AI is transforming radiology without replacing it and raises ethical concerns about AI in legal situations, including some amusing courtroom antics. Doctorow also examines the implications of AI therapy, especially regarding privacy and trust, while critiquing tech companies for manipulating AI benchmarks and hiring practices. A thought-provoking blend of humor and insight!
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17 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 2h 56min

IM 813: The Optimist - Keach Hagey, Twitter Leak, Skylight

Keach Hagey, a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of "The Optimist," discusses the tumultuous firing of tech leader Sam Altman from OpenAI. He reveals behind-the-scenes power struggles and the ethical dilemmas faced by the company. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI advancements, including innovative uses in mental health and a significant data breach affecting billions of profiles. Hagey contrasts the philosophies of AI leaders, emphasizing the nuances in motivations and the future of AI-generated coding.
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Mar 27, 2025 • 2h 59min

IM 812: A Choir of Sentient Cabbages - Gary Rivlin, AGI Test, Section 230

In this engaging discussion, guest Gary Rivlin, a Silicon Valley writer and author of 'AI Valley,' delves into the challenges surrounding a new AGI test that stumps most AI models. Rivlin shares insights on the ethics of AI development and the implications of recent updates to Section 230, which protect platforms from liability. He also discusses the competitive landscape of AI startups versus tech giants and the importance of maintaining human oversight in AI systems. Rivlin's expertise shines as he navigates the complex world of artificial intelligence and its societal impacts.

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