Where the Internet Lives

The collision of AI and artistry has ignited intense debate about the future of creative work, the value of originality, and what it means to make something truly human. In this episode, Mira Lane, Google’s VP of Technology and Society, joins musician and filmmaker Will Hatcher (aka King Willonious) — the creator of what many consider the world’s first AI-generated hit song — to explore this rapidly evolving landscape.They unpack how tools like Google’s Music Sandbox and the film creation platform Flow are reshaping creative workflows. Hatcher shares how his “studio in a backpack” helps him level the playing field, making the case that AI doesn’t replace imagination — it expands it.Together, they sketch a hopeful vision of a future where technology becomes a catalyst for bold, boundary-pushing new art.Watch our complimentary documentary in which King Willonious invites us into his rich world of constant creativity in New York City, and shows us how he uses AI to bring projects to life in real-time.

Chris Gibson, Co-founder and CEO of Recursion Pharmaceuticals, speaks about revolutionizing drug discovery by blending AI and massive wet-lab experiments. He illustrates how their approach is like creating a "Google Maps" for human biology, which could significantly improve the speed and accuracy of developing new medicines. Gibson also discusses the potential of mapping cancer treatments and the impact of automation on medical research jobs, revealing a future where algorithms guide treatment options before they reach patients.

Andrew McAfee, a principal research scientist at MIT and author focusing on how digital technologies shape society, delves into AI’s transformative power. He draws parallels between the current AI boom and historical industrial revolutions, emphasizing how past breakthroughs redefined work and productivity. McAfee discusses the potential of AI to create new roles despite fears of job loss and highlights its promise to tackle critical issues like energy and disease. He offers an optimistic view of AI's future impact, suggesting we're just at the beginning of this transformation.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the global economy — and none of it is possible without the invisible infrastructure powering it: data centers.In Season 5 of Where the Internet Lives, host Stephanie Wong returns to guide listeners through the places, people, and breakthroughs defining this new era. From drug discovery and food security to manufacturing and creative expression, AI is accelerating innovation at a pace the world has never seen.Subscribe to Where the Internet Lives on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your shows. And this season, we’ll have more film documentaries to complement our audio stories on YouTube. The new season drops in January. We can’t wait to welcome you back.

Julia Mangin, Head of Sustainability at Recology, dives into the pressing issue of plastic waste and its environmental impact. She reveals that only 8% of plastic gets recycled, prompting a discussion on the crucial role of AI and robotics in transforming recycling efforts. Innovations in hyperspectral imaging are highlighted as game changers, enabling better sorting of materials. Julia emphasizes the importance of collaboration across industries to embrace circularity and achieve a sustainable future, all while navigating the hurdles posed by complex plastic waste.

In this insightful discussion, Millie Chu Baird, VP at the Environmental Defense Fund, and Fatima Luna, Tucson's Chief Resilience Officer, tackle the urgent issues of climate change and urban heat. They explore how AI and satellite technology, like MethaneSAT, play critical roles in tracking emissions. Karin Tuxen-Bettman highlights innovations in air quality monitoring, while Dr. Monica Bharel addresses public health implications. Together, they emphasize the importance of sustainable urban planning and the significance of tree equity in combating extreme heat.

Dwane Roth, a fourth-generation farmer from Kansas, shares his journey in adopting high-tech water conservation methods. Emily Ma discusses the integration of technology and sustainability in food systems, while Prem Ramaswamy emphasizes the importance of accessible public data. Stephanie Zidek sheds light on food distribution challenges during the pandemic, revealing the paradox of hunger and waste. Astro Teller explores innovative ocean solutions and sustainable food production, illustrating how AI can help create culturally relevant recipes and improve food access.

Tim McAreavey, VP of Omaha Public Power District, shares insights on crisis management as his city faced a power crisis during winter storm Gerri. Savannah Goodman from Google discusses how data centers can drive sustainability in energy systems. Urs Hölze highlights the evolution of data center efficiency, while Astro Teller presents innovative strategies for modernizing the electrical grid. Alexina Jackson from AES and Page Crahan from X explore using AI to optimize energy management, ensuring resilience and a clean energy future.

According to NASA, nearly two-thirds of all Western wildfires recorded over the past 75 years occurred in just the last two decades. Firefighters and fire researchers are seeing this trend first hand. As wildfires grow more destructive and more unpredictable, fire experts need better ways to account for extreme variability.Now, major advances in AI are helping to predict wildfire behavior, and protect communities across the globe. In this episode, we examine how data centers enable researchers, policymakers, and NGOs to mitigate climate threats like forest fires, reduce emissions, and enable a wide range of decarbonization solutions.Guests: Kate Brandt, chief sustainability officer at GoogleOlivia Gagliardi, smokejumper, Missoula, Mont.Matt Hancher, director of engineering, Geo for Environment team at GoogleLaWen Hollingsworth, fire behavior specialist, Fire Modeling InstituteKit O'Connor, research ecologist, U.S. Forest ServicePrem Ramaswami, head of Data Commons at GoogleJorge Rivera, director of data, ONE CampaignWatch our complementary documentary on how AI is helping researchers predict and respond to fires more effectively.

Where the Internet Lives is back for a fourth season. In past episodes, we’ve taken you on tours of data centers, talked to people who run the supercomputers that make up the internet, and showed you a world few people get to see.This season, host Stephanie Wong explores how data center infrastructure is critical for making the world a more resilient place.Over the next five episodes, you'll hear stories about people who are building data-driven solutions for some of the world’s biggest challenges – from the U.S. Forest Service using AI to better predict wildfires, to utilities using AI to improve grid resiliency. As communities all over the world grapple with extreme weather, rising energy demand, food insecurity, and public health threats, the role of data centers is more important than ever for supporting solutions.Subscribe to Where the Internet Lives on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your shows. And this season, we’ll have some film documentaries to complement our audio stories. The new season drops October 9. We can’t wait to welcome you back.