
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

9 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.

27 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.

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.

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.

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
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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!