Future of Life Institute Podcast
Future of Life Institute
The Future of Life Institute (FLI) is a nonprofit working to reduce global catastrophic and existential risk from powerful technologies. In particular, FLI focuses on risks from artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, nuclear weapons and climate change.
The Institute's work is made up of three main strands: grantmaking for risk reduction, educational outreach, and advocacy within the United Nations, US government and European Union institutions.
FLI has become one of the world's leading voices on the governance of AI having created one of the earliest and most influential sets of governance principles: the Asilomar AI Principles.
The Institute's work is made up of three main strands: grantmaking for risk reduction, educational outreach, and advocacy within the United Nations, US government and European Union institutions.
FLI has become one of the world's leading voices on the governance of AI having created one of the earliest and most influential sets of governance principles: the Asilomar AI Principles.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 36min
What Markets Tell Us About AI Timelines (with Basil Halperin)
Basil Halperin, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Virginia, dives into the intriguing world of economic indicators and their implications for AI timelines. He discusses how rising interest rates may signal market expectations of transformative AI and the complexities between strong AI benchmarks and real economic impact. The conversation also touches on market efficiency, the role of financial institutions in shaping perceptions of AI, and the potential wealth concentration effects due to advancements in AI technology.
38 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 18min
AGI Security: How We Defend the Future (with Esben Kran)
Esben Kran, Co-director of Apart Research, dives into the critical topic of AGI security, emphasizing the need for new defenses beyond traditional cybersecurity. He discusses adaptive malware called 'scentware' and the complexities of ensuring safe AI communications. Kran highlights societal shifts necessary for resilient security and argues for decentralized safety models across organizations. His insights on oversight without surveillance and the potential threats from misaligned AI reveal the urgent need for innovative governance in the age of advanced technology.
98 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 27min
Reasoning, Robots, and How to Prepare for AGI (with Benjamin Todd)
Benjamin Todd, a writer and founder of 80,000 Hours, shares insights on AGI and societal readiness. He discusses the transformative power of reasoning models in AI and the potential impact of feedback loops on economies. Todd explores the scalability of robotics and its challenges, including job displacement concerns. He emphasizes the importance of personal preparation, from honing valuable skills to saving strategically. The conversation highlights how society needs to adapt and engage with AI advancements responsibly.
14 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 37min
From Peak Horse to Peak Human: How AI Could Replace Us (with Calum Chace)
Calum Chace, a prominent author and AI safety advocate, dives into the transformative impact of AI on our jobs and economy. He discusses the 'peak horse' analogy to highlight concerns over human obsolescence and explores the idea of universal basic income as a counterbalance to automation. Chace also reimagines education through personalized AI tutors and examines the ethical challenges of AI consciousness. His insights offer a roadmap for navigating the complex future of work and wealth distribution in an AI-driven world.
33 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 54min
How AI Could Help Overthrow Governments (with Tom Davidson)
Tom Davidson, a senior research fellow at Forethought, dives into the alarming prospect of AI-enabled coups. He discusses how advanced AI could empower covert actors to seize power and what capabilities these AIs would need for political maneuvers. The conversation highlights the unique risks of military automation and secret loyalties within organizations. Davidson outlines strategies to mitigate these emerging threats, stressing the need for transparency and regulatory frameworks to safeguard democracy against AI's influence.
111 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 45min
What Happens After Superintelligence? (with Anders Sandberg)
Anders Sandberg, a futurist and philosopher at Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, dives into the complex implications of superintelligence. He discusses how this technology might reshape human psychology and governance, potentially leading to a post-scarcity society focused on happiness rather than wealth. Sandberg highlights the environmental challenges posed by AI, including energy demands and ecological impacts. He wraps up by addressing the intricacies of designing dependable AI systems amid rapid changes, emphasizing the balance between predictability and reliability.
95 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 10min
Why the AI Race Ends in Disaster (with Daniel Kokotajlo)
Daniel Kokotajlo, an expert in AI governance at AI-2027 and AI-Futures, discusses the groundbreaking potential of AI and its ability to outpace the Industrial Revolution. He highlights the risks of AI-driven automated coding and the necessity for transparency in AI development. The conversation also delves into the future of AI communication and the inherent risks associated with superintelligence. Additionally, Kokotajlo examines the importance of iterative forecasting in navigating the uncertainties of AI's trajectory.
68 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 4min
Preparing for an AI Economy (with Daniel Susskind)
Daniel Susskind, an economist and author, sheds light on the intersection of AI and the economy. He dives into the clash between AI researchers and economists over measuring AI's impact and how it can be steered positively. Susskind discusses the types of meaningful work that will remain for humans and questions the role of commercial incentives in AI development. He also emphasizes the evolving landscape of education, arguing for a curriculum that prioritizes adaptability and critical skills in the face of rapid technological change.
Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
Will AI Companies Respect Creators' Rights? (with Ed Newton-Rex)
Ed Newton-Rex, a composer and AI expert with a background at Stability AI, dives into the complex world of copyright and AI. He discusses the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated music and the industry's often dismissive attitude toward creator rights. Ed shares his journey resigning from Stability AI and emphasizes the need for transparency in AI training data. The conversation also touches on the future of creativity amid automation and the delicate balance between technological advancement and preserving artistic authenticity.
13 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 16min
AI Timelines and Human Psychology (with Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse)
Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse, a researcher focused on AI timelines and the psychology of AI, shares her insights on the unpredictable nature of AI development. She discusses what benchmarks actually measure and the limitations of AI capabilities. The conversation delves into the concept of alignment by default and the vagueness of leading AI companies' AGI plans. Hastings-Woodhouse also explores the psychological fallout of navigating life in a fast-paced world versus a slower one, emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement amidst rapid technological change.
