
Intelligent Machines (Audio)
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.
Latest episodes

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.

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.
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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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Mar 20, 2025 • 2h 59min
IM 811: Flippin' the Bird - Anthony Aguirre, AI Safety, Hollywood vs. AI
Anthony Aguirre, co-founder of the Future of Life Institute, delves into the pressing issues of AI safety and bias in technology. He discusses NIST's new focus on ideological bias over safety topics and the urgency of responsible governance amid rapid advancements. Aguirre also examines the existential risks of superintelligent AI and its societal implications, including the significant impact on creative industries and copyright laws. His insights reveal the intricate balance between innovation and ethical considerations in the evolving tech landscape.

Mar 13, 2025 • 2h 48min
IM 810: A Liter of Computronium - Ray Kurzweil, Amazon's Robots, Cheating AI
Renowned AI pioneer Ray Kurzweil discusses the transformative potential of AI technologies and predicts a future where machines surpass human intelligence. He highlights the growing integration of AI in various spheres, including robotics and health management, while pointing out the ethical considerations surrounding AI. The conversation also tackles the alarming spread of misinformation and challenges in AI's learning processes. With sharp wit, Kurzweil shares insights on the whimsical evolution of technology and societal implications, making the complex world of AI accessible and entertaining.

13 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 2h 54min
IM 809: Fun Mustache - Gary Marcus, Digg Returns, AI.com
Gary Marcus, an AI expert and cognitive scientist, delves into the complexities of artificial intelligence, expressing skepticism about achieving AGI. He discusses the critical need for responsible AI discourse amid rampant hype and outlines the significance of ethical regulations in tech. The conversation touches on the revival of Digg with AI integration and critiques the social dynamics of Silicon Valley’s work culture. Marcus emphasizes that the true value of AI will only be realized through applications that genuinely benefit society.
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