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In this insightful conversation, Zvika Krieger, leader of a progressive Jewish spiritual community in Berkeley, shares his journey of faith. He reflects on growing up in a strict Orthodox environment while embracing contemporary culture. Zvika discusses the intersection of spirituality and technology, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas faced in modern society. He explores the essence of belief, the concept of divine oneness, and the art of surrender in prayer, revealing a dynamic understanding of faith that resonates with many.

Katie Notopolous, a tech and culture reporter at Business Insider, shares her hilarious experiment of making pizza with glue—yes, glue! She dives into the quirks of AI-generated search results, revealing how Google's system can lead to such absurd culinary suggestions. The conversation highlights the dangers of misinformation online, especially regarding health, while exploring the funny side of internet culture. Katie also discusses internet reliability and the fine line between humor and serious advice in the age of AI.

Casey Newton, a tech reporter and co-host of the Hard Fork podcast, brings his insights to discuss the shifting landscape of online media. He highlights Google's recent shift to AI-generated summaries, raising concerns about its impact on news publishers. The conversation touches on the decline of traditional journalism amidst layoffs and quality compromises. Newton also introduces the Fediverse, a decentralized alternative that could empower users to reclaim control over their online experiences. This thought-provoking dialogue navigates the future of media and the challenges ahead.

Kashmir Hill, a Technology reporter at the New York Times specializing in privacy issues, shares insights on the emergence of facial recognition search engines. She discusses the controversial Clearview AI, its implications for privacy, and the ethical dilemmas of using publicly available images. Hill reveals the tangled relationship between innovation, public safety, and individual rights. The conversation touches on societal reactions to surveillance, data misuse, and the challenges of regulating technology in an increasingly monitored world.

Victoria Bridgeland, a postdoctoral researcher, dives into the complex world of trigger warnings and their actual impact on individuals dealing with trauma. She addresses a listener's personal struggle with grief after a loved one's suicide, questioning whether trigger warnings genuinely help. Bridgeland discusses how these warnings can sometimes increase anxiety and may be mere societal gestures rather than effective tools. The conversation explores the historical evolution of trigger warnings and emphasizes the importance of personal experiences in understanding mental health challenges.

Gideon Lewis-Kraus, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the fascinating saga of flying cars and their long, whimsical history in America. He explores the clash between ambitious dreams of personal air travel and the stark realities of technology and regulation. Gideon highlights groundbreaking innovations, including VTOL craft and advancements in battery tech, while discussing the industry's potential to revolutionize urban transport. With anecdotes and insights, he captivates listeners with the future possibilities of soaring through the skies.

Cindy Kam, a political science professor at Vanderbilt University, dives into the intriguing world of political yard signs. She discusses the true impact of these signs on voter behavior and public sentiment. Surprisingly, they can influence name recognition and voter preferences in significant ways. Cindy also explores the emotional responses these signs evoke, from community cohesion to divisive feelings. Her insights challenge common perceptions about whether yard signs are mere clutter or powerful political tools.

Discover the complexities of New York's cannabis legalization journey, from the rise of illegal weed stores to personal stories of residents. The Cannabis Control Board's meetings reveal tensions and urgent challenges in establishing a regulated market. Hear about entrepreneurs facing bureaucratic hurdles and the chaos of urgent license approvals amid ongoing illegal sales. Amidst the struggle for equity, the discussion of reparations introduces a unique angle to cannabis regulation in the city. It's a fascinating glimpse into a rapidly evolving industry!

Join Willie Mack, co-founder of Frank White and a champion for minority inclusion in the cannabis world, alongside Alex Norman, a former operator in the legacy cannabis market. They dive into the surge of illegal weed shops in New York City following legalization. Mack and Norman discuss the historical roots of prohibition, the clash between stringent regulations and rampant illegal sales, and share personal stories from the evolving cannabis landscape. Learn about the implications for equity in the industry and the challenges of regulating this booming market.

A new premium feed has been launched, featuring bonus content and special insights. A high-level drug dealer discusses the dangerous realities of adulterated drugs, particularly cocaine. Personal stories reveal the hazardous landscape of the drug trade, especially regarding fentanyl. The role of technology in drug safety, like fentanyl test strips, is highlighted as a crucial tool for reducing risks. Cautionary tales about dubious purchases illustrate the unpredictable nature of illicit transactions.