Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneering figure in artificial intelligence and the 2024 Nobel Prize recipient in Physics, delves into the future of AI and its inherent risks. He recounts the humble beginnings of neural networks, once dismissed by experts, and reflects on how his childhood curiosity for nature shaped his career. Hinton emphasizes the critical need to guide AI safely, discussing the alignment problem and the existential threats that AI could pose if misaligned. This riveting dialogue blends personal anecdotes with profound insights into cognition and technology.

Jack Beatty, an insightful On-Point news analyst, dives deep into the causes of the U.S. war with ISIS and its effects on democracy. He discusses the long-term repercussions of military interventions, especially the unintended rise of groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Beatty also highlights how public sentiment around casualties influenced the political landscape. The conversation later shifts to exploring solutions for minimizing domestic fallout from foreign engagements, encouraging a dialogue on America’s role in global conflicts.

Judith Boivin, a retired registered nurse and psychotherapist, shares her harrowing experience of losing her life savings to a sophisticated scam disguised as a government investigation. Joined by Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist known for her insights on financial fraud, they delve into the emotional toll of scams. Judith’s story illustrates the psychological manipulation that perpetrators employ and the vulnerability of well-meaning individuals. They discuss the urgent need for awareness and preventative measures to protect those at risk.

Megan Davis, a molecular epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, joins Nirav Shah from the CDC to discuss the recent H5N1 bird flu situation. They explore the zoonotic nature of the virus and the significant implications for public health, especially the recent fatality in Louisiana. The conversation highlights rising cases among poultry workers and the virus's unexpected detection in dairy cows. They also address misconceptions around H5N1, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, biosecurity, and effective communication strategies in healthcare.

Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, and James Grimmelman, a digital law expert, delve into the urgent threat facing our digital history. They discuss the staggering role of the Wayback Machine, which preserves over 900 billion web pages. The pair tackle the legal battles against copyright claims from publishers that jeopardize public access to vital information. They emphasize the significance of digital memory, drawing parallels to George Orwell's '1984', and underscore the critical need to protect our archives for future generations.

Brandon del Pozo, a former New York City police officer turned assistant professor, argues for a more compassionate approach to mental health care, emphasizing that sometimes forced treatment may be necessary. He critiques society's priority on personal liberty over effective care, using the tragic case of Jordan Neely to highlight systemic failures. Del Pozo discusses the delicate balance between freedom and safety, challenging the current mental health and justice systems to prioritize supportive treatment over punitive measures for vulnerable individuals.

Jonas Olofsson, a psychology professor and author of 'The Forgotten Sense', explores the incredible power of smell in our lives. He discusses how scent can trigger memories and influence emotions, revealing its significance in detecting Alzheimer’s disease. The conversation dives into the intriguing connection between smell and music, shedding light on synesthesia. Olofsson also examines cultural variations in olfactory preferences and discusses the emotional effects of losing smell, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist at The Washington Post, and Rana Foroohar, CNN's global economic analyst, join forces to address financial anxieties as 2025 begins. They dive into market volatility and the significance of keeping cash reserves. The duo highlights the disconnect between stock trends and everyday financial struggles while promoting multigenerational living. They also discuss Social Security's future amid reform talks and share strategies for navigating economic uncertainties and retirement savings in challenging times.

Adam Nimoy's father, Leonard Nimoy, played Star Trek's Mr. Spock, the most famous alien in television history. In reality, he was a tough, uncompromising father. In a conversation live from CitySpace, Nimoy discusses his book “The Most Human: Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy."

Maya Solovitz, a science and public policy reporter and author of "Undoing Drugs," teams up with Ziva Cooper, UCLA’s cannabis expert, to discuss the surge in cannabis use, now surpassing alcohol. They explore the implications of this trend, including health impacts and changing social acceptance. The duo tackles the complexities of cannabis research, facing regulatory hurdles, and debates the ethics and effects of growing potency. Lastly, they call for a reevaluation of cannabis classifications, arguing for evidence-based regulations.