Thinking On Paper: A Technology Podcast For Curious Minds

Would you let your children have an AI boyfriend or girlfriend? We're reading Irreducible, by Federico Faggin. It's Chapter 7 and Mark and Jeremy think on paper about the hard problem of consciousness, qualia, ai awareness and the inner semantic space that creates your experience.There are 4 types of qualia: physical sensations and feelings, emotions, thoughts and spiritual feelings. From there they go back in time to Aldous Huxley and the Dharma Bums and how the modern take on consciousness isn't new. None of this is really new. Now, if AI can't feel qualia you'll end up with quasi-humanity emerging from the tech dream. But does that matter? If it looks real and feels real, it might as well be real.. But what if it slowly erodes what it means for us to be human.If you're thinking about the impact of technology on culture, you should listen to Thinking On Paper.Please enjoy the show. And share with a curious friend. Listen to chapter 1-6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2EteMXVv-8&t=357s&ab_channel=ThinkingOnPaper--Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Consciousness and AI(02:32) The Nature of Consciousness(05:12) Qualia and Human Experience(07:27) The Distinction Between Humans and Machines(09:23) The Hard Problem of Consciousness(11:27) AI, Empathy, and Human Connection(13:40) Cultural Norms and AI Integration(16:10) Interiority and Quantum Consciousness(17:54) True Intelligence vs. Machine Intelligence(19:46) Comprehension and Perception(22:20) The Future of Consciousness and AI--Join the free thinkers - www.thinkingonpaper.xyz

Is technology for good anything more than a marketing strategy?Technology shapes everything. From how you work and connect to how you make decisions. But is humanity using it to solve the right problems? And when millions of people rely on boring, repetitive jobs to survive, what happens when AI takes them away?On Victory in Europe Day, Khang Nguyen-Trieu joins Mark and Jeremy to Think on Paper about what ethical technology actually looks like in the real world. With decades of experience building large-scale systems, he brings grounded strategies for setting boundaries, listening to people, and turning complexity into advantage.If tech is meant to serve people, why does it so often forget they're there?Please enjoy the show. And share with a curious friend. --Join a community of disruptors and curious minds: ⁠www.thinkingonpaper.xyz⁠--Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Technology for Good (02:01) The Impact of Technology on Society (04:07) Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword (05:35) AI and Human Relationships (09:57) Shifting the Focus: Profit vs. Purpose (12:10) Rethinking Technology's Role (16:22) The Need for Ethical Considerations (20:52) Cultural Perspectives on Society and Individualism (22:45) Empathy in Technology and Human Interaction (24:45) The Role of Technology in Hospitality (28:38) Balancing Automation and Human Connection (34:16) Philosophical Reflections on Humanity and Wisdom   

A podcast for people who refuse to let algorithms, headlines, or influencers do their thinking for them.What happens when technology moves faster than meaning? When AI writes code, raises your kids, and reshapes your job, but no one asks what it’s doing to your values?Thinking on Paper is a podcast for people who want to think clearly about the future. Created by curious minds, strategists, and builders, this show explores the deep structures behind AI, blockchain, quantum computing, digital ethics, and platform power.It is not a hype machine. It is not a founder showcase. And it is definitely not a TED Talk.Each episode starts with a central question. Can machines be conscious? Is quantum computing a revolution or just an expensive metaphor? What happens when design prioritizes engagement over agency?We talk to technologists, ethicists, designers, researchers, and people who are trying to build or resist the future. Not to promote. To pressure test.Artificial intelligence and consciousnessQuantum computing and human complexitySurveillance, digital identity, and data ownershipThe design of platforms, products, and valuesHow children and families are shaped by emerging technologyWhat progress actually looks like, and who gets to define itThis trailer is the starting point. Subscribe to build your own framework for what comes next.Think slower. Question harder. Use your mind like it matters.Learn more: www.thinkingonpaper.xyz#AIpodcast #technologyandethics #futureoftechnologyTopics we cover:

Shopify. Duolingo. Box. Meta. One by one, they’ve all issued the same order: Don’t give it to a human until you’ve asked the machine.This isn’t disruption. This is displacement. And if you’re not ready, you’re next.Ajay Malik helped run Google’s data centers. Now he’s building AI agents that kill the corporate time-suck at its source. Emails? Scanned. Contracts? Summarized. Cameras? Watching. Support tickets? Prioritized before you’ve had your coffee.Forget the whitepapers. This is what it looks like when someone actually builds the machine that replaces middle management.The question isn’t should your company use AI.It’s how many people will you need once it does.--LinksStudio X: https://www.studiox-ai.com/Ajay Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ajay.malik.official/Thinking On Paper: www.thinkingonpaper.xyz--Timestamps (00:00) Disruptors and curious minds (00:45) Introduction to AI and Its Impact (03:47) Ajay Malik's Journey with AI (06:59) Core Capabilities of AI (09:58) AI as a Partner in Decision Making (14:20) Trusting AI in Business (15:32) Practical Applications of AI in Business (18:47) The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity (21:49) Creative Potential and AI Hallucinations (24:35) Engaging with AI for Business Growth (29:27) The Emotional Aspect of AI Communication (30:06) Studio X: No Code AI Solutions(31:49) Connecting Knowledge for AI Utilization (34:48) Integrating AI into Daily Workflows (36:05) Managing AI Agents Like Interns (40:09) The Responsibility of AI Management (43:17) AI Applications in Business Operations (45:37) Navigating IT Concerns with AI Implementation (48:56) Maximizing Impact with AI Tools (51:39) Knowledge Transfer and Employee Concerns (54:49) Preparing Future Generations for AI 

In Chapter 6 of Irreducible, by Federico Faggin, Mark and Jeremy get into what makes living cells tick and why machines will never be conscious.What is “live information” and how does it blend matter, energy, and data into life? How can machines be alive if they don't know, if they can't know what it's like to be aware? How can AI be conscious when it can't feel? Please enjoy the show. And share with a curious friend. --Join the book club: www.thinkingonpaper.xyz-- Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Irreducible (02:54) Exploring the Nature of Life(05:54) Biology Vs Information(09:04) Consciousness and Free Will(12:10) The Hard Problem of Consciousness(15:12) The Future of AI and Consciousness(18:03) Science Fiction and Human Experience(20:52) Differences Between Cells and Computers(27:01) Conclusion and Reflections on Consciousness

Kevin Kelly joins Mark and Jeremy to think on paper about technology and nature, decentralized systems, and the real-world challenges of AI, creativity, consciousness and more. You'll hear about Kelly's unique methods for staying curious, including adopting a "Martian" perspective and the power of noticing. This conversation ultimately investigates how our tools shape us, extend our minds, and why grasping their true nature is key to navigating the future. Please enjoy the show. And share with a curious friend.--LinksKevin Kelly: https://kk.org/Thinking On Paper: https://www.thinkingonpaper.xyz/--Chapters(00:00) Kevin Kelly On Nature And Technology(02:59) Why Decentralized Systems Still Need Some Hierarchy(09:03) Why DAOs Failed: Immutability Was a Bug(16:46) Is AI Creative? (Yes) & The Coming Emotional Bonds(21:39) AI Consciousness: A Spectrum of Artificial Aliens(29:16) "Write to Discover What You Think"(32:48) Balancing AI Tools & Human Thinking(33:50) AI as a Skill & Powerful Thinking Partner(37:50) Hot Buttons: Future, Bitcoin, Jurassic Park, Aliens?(41:10) How to Cultivate Wonder (Hint: Be a Martian)(49:10) The Power of Saying "I Don't Know"(53:54) Kevin Kelly's Question: What Do We Want Humans To Be?

On the 26th september, 1983, in the midst of the Cold War, the world was saved from nuclear disaster because of a human. An Ai wouldn't have seen the patterns and World War 3 would have been triggered. We're reading chapters 4 and 5 of Irreducible. And he lays out the groundwork for a new theory of consciousness. He proposes it's fundamental to the universe. And the repercussions of that are monumental. Please enjoy the show. And share with a curious friend. .--Chapters(00:00) Introduction to the Battle for Attention(01:01) The Cold War and Stanislav Petrov's Decision(03:40) The Nature of Information(16:40) Consciousness vs. Machines(24:12) Coding DNA and Human Intuition(26:51) Curiosity and Creativity: The Human Experience(32:26) Live Information: Energy, Matter, and Consciousness(34:40) The Nature of Meaning and Consciousness(38:02) Quantum Computing and Its Mysteries(44:47) Consciousness and Free Will: A Philosophical Inquiry–Watch Chapter 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeqTB-q-W10&t=42sWatch Chapter 3 & 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0EynDKlcnE&t=79s&ab_channel=ThinkingOnPaper

What if the answer to Earth’s energy crisis isn’t on Earth at all?Space-Based Solar Power has lived in science fiction for decades. But now, with falling launch costs, autonomous robotics, and precision manufacturing, it’s moving closer to engineering reality. Sanjay Vijendran, Director of Space Energy Insights and former European Space Agency lead on orbital solar, joins Mark and Jeremy to Think on Paper about what it would take to beam clean energy from orbit back down to Earth.They talk wireless power transmission, lunar manufacturing, energy poverty, and whether space infrastructure can offer what terrestrial systems never could — a constant, global power supply.If the sun is always shining in space, the real question is whether we’re ready to catch it.Please enjoy the show. And share with a curious friend. --Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Big Problems and Solutions(01:03) Exploring Space-Based Solar Power(02:41) Energy Poverty and Its Global Impact(05:03) The Viability of Space-Based Solar Power(07:23) Wireless Power Transmission: A Game Changer(10:14) Technical Challenges of Scaling Up(12:03) Cost Considerations and Economic Viability(14:27) Future of Manufacturing in Space(17:15) Hot Takes and Personal Insights(19:55) Economics of Space-Based Solar Power(29:21) Understanding Energy Sources and Their Economics(31:22) Emerging Private Companies in Space-Based Solar Power(33:19) Comparing Power Delivery Methods: RF vs. Lasers(35:47) Safety Mechanisms in Space-Based Power Systems(41:06) Collaboration vs. Competition in Space Energy(42:37) Political and Cultural Barriers to Space Energy Adoption(46:44) The Urgency of Investing in Space-Based Solar Power   

OpenAI and Google just upgraded their arsenals, trained on everything from your search history to your creative work. You didn’t opt in. You didn’t get paid. And you definitely don’t own what your data helped build.But what if that changed?Jihao Sun, co-founder of Flock.io, joins Mark and Jeremy to Think on Paper about a radically different model — decentralized AI that trains locally, protects privacy, and rewards users. They get into data ownership, blockchain-based training, and whether federated learning can really compete with centralized giants.If your data is building the next generation of AI, who’s it building it for? And why aren’t you in control?Please enjoy the show. And share with a curious friend. --CHAPTERS(00:08) Introduction to Decentralized AI(01:33) The Importance of Decentralization in AI(04:40) Accessibility and Cost of AI Technology(07:53) Understanding Federated Learning(11:38) Challenges of Centralized AI Systems(14:30) Exploring Federated Learning in Banking(17:10) Blockchain's Role in Decentralized AI(20:45) Democratizing AI Development with Flock(26:49) Real-World Use Cases of Flock(32:56) The Evolution of Parenting and Technology(35:28) Decentralization vs Centralization in AI(36:31) Future of Decentralized AI Models(37:29) Understanding AI Hallucinations(41:23) The Role of Synthetic Data(44:59) Getting Involved with Decentralized AI(45:53) Staying Out of Your Own Way(47:03) Final Thoughts on Decentralization and AI--Learn more:www.flock.iowww.thinkingonpaper.xyz

Can a machine, no matter how complex, ever truly feel or understand? Can AI ever be conscious?We're reading Chapter 3 of Irreducible by Federico Faggin, and he argues that consciousness is rooted in the quantum nature of life, something potentially inaccessible to classical, deterministic machines. If that's true, AI consciousness is impossible.Faggin contrasts the symbolic processing of computers with the dynamic, self-organizing behavior of living systems. He suggests that real understanding isn’t just non-algorithmic, it may be inseparable from the quantum coherence found in biological life. Are we mistaking simulation for sentience?Please enjoy the show. And share with a conscious friend. --Timestamps(00:00) Consciousness and Meditation(05:00) The Nature of Machines(09:56)Computers vs. Humans(15:50) Quantum Consciousness and Its Implications(20:49) The Evolution of Humanity vs. Machines--Learn more: www.thinkingonpaper.xyz