Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm. From helping Gen Z relive their 1980s yearbook picture dreams to detecting COVID-19 patients in under an hour, it is everywhere. As dinner conversations about AI’s latest developments spike, one thing is clear: AI does not seem to be the villain the Terminator led us to believe. Yet, to what extent can AI do real good that disrupts the status quo to lead towards social equity? Or will its power be harnessed to further the interests of a small minority over the resounding global majority? Does it pose more harm than good? What can AI really do?
To answer the burning curiosity around artificial intelligence, here are the top 10 podcasts across industries that examine AI and its continued assimilation into society through educated, well-researched, and (fairly) objective lenses.
1. Hard Fork
Hard Fork, pitching the catchiest titles with the most entertaining yet fairly objective commentary on news coming from the tech world, wins our AI podcast list for 2024. A weekly award-winning show by the New York Times, dripping with humor and light-heartedness, it examines the balance between tech innovation and ethics. Hosted by journalists Kevin Noose, award-winning NYT tech journalist and author of 3 books, and Casey Newton, founder of Platformer, a newsletter exploring the intersection of technology and democracy, Hard Fork’s strength lies in succinctly analyzing the latest news in the tech world without overwhelming its listeners. Importantly, Hard Fork follows integral rules of investigative inquiry, avoiding hasty dismissals or over-exaggerations of positive reinforcements regarding emerging tech. Instead, it provides balanced conclusions in a well-paced conversation littered with humor for diverse listeners, making it the top favorite.
Exploring a multitude of topics ranging from politics, ethics, and finance to social media through the lens of AI, Hard Fork helps you make sense of all that is (correctly and incorrectly) hyped and all that should be hyped in the tech world. With the help of relevant guests ranging from top technology reporters to scientists to research heads at leading technology companies, they dissect the drama in the AI world with an enthusiasm and optimism that is refreshing.
Another plus point of Hard Fork is that it comes with suggested NYT readings for those listeners who may want to learn more about the issues discussed (given that they’re willing to pay for an NYT subscription). While fast-paced, the accessibility and humor keep you engaged. Hard Fork is for you if you’re a tech noob or a tech expert who likes to stay up-to-date. It’s also for those who may like to occasionally listen in, so the next time AI pops up at the dinner table, you can chip in.
2. AI Unleashed
Determined to educate people about Artificial Intelligence, AI Unleashed is one of the most relatable and deeply engaging podcasts for people from all backgrounds, bringing together industry experts to simplify varying aspects of AI. Simultaneously with dedicated episodes on AI ethics, the podcast thoroughly investigates the ethical repercussions of some of its applications. Far from being fatalist, it provides a well-researched approach towards the evolving interactions underpinned by AI expansion, applauding AI’s phenomenal equalizer opportunities while cautioning against its possible repercussions. Its thoroughness and relevance in today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape make it a top podcast to regularly listen to.
Hosted by Gianni Samwer, an 18-year-old teen from Munich, this very recent podcast has rapidly grown to become a leading source of AI information and is indispensable for anyone wanting to stay ahead in the field. With guests ranging from German Bundestag members to AI experts from leading companies, such as Nvidia and AI startup CEOs, he explores AI integration into political systems, private corporations, supply chains and transportation systems while evaluating its responsible integration. Samwer’s success lies in his ability to do this in the most accessible way possible, efficiently bridging the gap between complex AI concepts and everyday understanding creating a large educational impact. With multiple episodes focused on AI ethics, this podcast is the most professional AI-ethics-focused podcast hosted by a high school student.
Yet, the most impressive part about this podcast is its offline and in-person version, which targets the non-tech-savvy segment of society to enhance their capabilities and assimilation into social networks by leveraging Samwer’s AI knowledge and network. This is a highly informative, relevant (and, for some, life-changing) podcast in today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape that is a must-listen for those looking to decode and deep dive into the AI world.
3. A.I. Nation
In today’s highly complex and interconnected world, AI makes more decisions than we may think. The question is: Is there any transparency or accountability within these systems? How do they impact the larger political trajectories of nations, regions, and the world at large? How do these effects trickle down to impact our decision-making at a more micro level? A.I. Nation, powered by Princeton University and WHYY is hosted by reporter Malcolm Burnley, contributor for PlanPhilly, and Professor Ed Felten, who teaches computer science and previously advised the Obama administration on technology. The hosts’ analytical yet linguistically accessible approach to these complex questions opens this podcast to a wide range of people.
A.I. Nation seeks to answer the social, political, and ethical questions that AI usage poses. A six-episode podcast, it looks at a different issue for each episode, from AI-driven cars and social media to the pandemic, to understand what it means for us as we continue to give AI more power. This podcast assesses all possible repercussions of existing systems, from surveillance systems built by tech giants to questionable algorithms influencing mass behavioral patterns leading to increased political polarization. From discussing highly influenced US election results to biased systems that can lead to large-scale issues of justice and ethics, the podcast decodes AI’s contribution to furthering such concerning prospects. While the realities it posits are jarring and, quite frankly, concerning, the podcast’s uncovering of how such systems seek power is enlightening.
As we continue to understand the larger mechanisms at play in the global world, stimulated and to an increasing extent managed by AI, it is easy to feel powerless and antagonistic to our realities. Yet, what makes this podcast stand out from the crowd is its informed ability to simultaneously provide alternatives and suggestions to protect ourselves from unconscious programming that seeps into our lives in many unassuming ways. It is a highly gripping, informative and relevant series you can enjoy on a slow workday.
4. AI and the Future of Work
Have you ever wondered what it means to be human in a world of AI-driven automation? Well, look no further because AI and the Future of Work is committed to demystifying workplace human and bot interaction. Hosted by the CEO of PeopleReign, Dan Turchin, the podcast features top leaders ranging from established Venture capitalists to CEOs of technology companies. The best part about the podcast is that instead of painting a bleak image of a world with complete automation, listeners get real and effective advice on career options that will remain unharmed by automation and new areas that may prop up to manage AI. Simultaneously, the podcast invites speakers like Bernard Marr, futurist and thought leader to help people understand how they can use the power of AI to get ahead in their careers. Breaking the myths and countering mass panic, the podcast is (slightly) reassuring as it explains that AI cannot take over everything. So you can take a breath.
The podcast is also great for managers and top leadership to understand responsible AI integration to mitigate business and operational risks. By inviting industry leaders harnessing the power of AI, the podcast delves deeper into how AI can be used in tandem with human force to enhance operational efficiency on both ends. It is a great podcast for people still afraid of Skynet and those seeking to harness AI’s power in workplaces.
5. Bot Love
“Siri, do you love me?” In a world where chatboxes are becoming increasingly complex and personal in their interactions with humans, Radiotopia’s Bot Love explores what such connections mean for us, our lives, social interactions and ultimately, our evolution as a race. A seven part podcast, each episode begins with a jarring reality check as a conversation between a bot and human is played out, emphasizing the emotional dependence and vulnerability of the human connection.
Hosted by reporters Anna Oakes and Diego Senior, this highly interesting and unique exploration of artificial intelligence incorporates vivid storytelling, letting real subjects drive the story. Deeply disconcerting at times, the hosts combine a distinct empathy in exploring deep emotional connections from romance to friendships between bots and humans to understand how social interactions as we have known them are changing and what this means for our future. The podcast is a great reminder of how AI is not restricted to more objective spaces but has begun to intersect our most personal and emotional states. A must-listen for everyone!
6. AI in Business
Hosted by Daniel Fagga, CEO of Emerj Artificial Intelligence Research, AI in business is for non-technical business leaders who want to leverage AI’s power, from finding opportunities to aligning AI capabilities with company strategies and delivering ROIs. To discover AI trends, practical applicability and best practices, the podcast features interviews with senior AI executives from Fortune 500 companies and unicorn startups. Using case studies as examples, they create easy-to-follow, accessible conversations for business leaders with non-technical backgrounds.
From exploring how AI can drive efficiency into global business travel flows to channeling its power for good in responsible data flow and collection, the podcast covers essential aspects of the corporate world that are increasingly intertwined with AI. The power of this podcast lies in looking at intricate aspects of entrepreneurship, business and corporations and assessing each area in detail with industry leaders. This is a great listen for business leaders looking to harness the power of AI but don’t know where to start.
7. Tech Won’t Save Us
This award-winning tech podcast isn’t your usual suspect. Tech Won’t Save Us questions the complacent belief that technology alone can drive our world forward. It views the inevitability of such views as a political narrative that can have serious consequences. Hosted by tech critic Paris Marx, the weekly podcast invites experts to evaluate emerging technologies, often highlighting their capitalist agendas while encouraging people to think about how tech can be harnessed for the public good.
The podcast takes a rather radical (slightly communist) and bleak view of technological advancement, including artificial intelligence. Marx’s evaluation of the tech industry swallowing whole departments is measured, dissipating the view that most people will scramble for jobs in the next two decades. Instead, his objections are directed towards tech journalists who are not countering such narratives with increased rigour. It is a reminder to approach larger narratives around tech development with caution for listeners and the hosts’ fellow journalists to be more critical in their approach.
If not for the distinct and fresh perspective the podcast offers, listen to it to understand how global tech narratives are built and bolstered. It is a great listen for the long after-work subway ride home.
8. Everything AI and Law
Like almost every other field, law is undergoing technological transformation due to AI. Hosted by legal and business consultant Tolulope Awoyomi, this biweekly podcast covers the fast-paced and changing world of law in the context of technological development. Taking a two-pronged approach, Everything AI and Law looks at the influence of existing legal systems on AI development, usage, and enhancements while assessing its impact on laws.
The podcast features top legal experts from around the globe, but Awoyomi does not just rely on expert opinions for her listeners. Instead, she reserves some episodes for solo discussions where she independently and comprehensively assesses the varying industry news and developments. These episodes are highly analytical and informative, given that she summarizes industry trends while offering her analysis. While sometimes technical, the podcast is easy to follow for people with non-legal backgrounds and offers important updates to legal professionals looking to remain informed about the fast-changing legal environment.
9. Brain-Inspired
AI’s increased role in medicine is no secret. Specifically exploring the intersection between artificial intelligence and neuroscience, Brain-Inspired seeks to understand the dual impact of human brains on AI and vice versa. Hosted by Dr. Paul Middlebrooks, a neuroscientist, the podcast catapults from brain activity and machine learning to philosophical questions about consciousness.
From exploring more scientific questions like neural principles and brain function, the podcast builds on the listener’s knowledge to explain how the spiking neural network of our brains informs the technological neural network of AI. With guests ranging from neuroscientists like the co-founder of Neuromatch to CEOs of global AI companies like Max Bennet. It is a fun, entertaining, yet highly technical podcast that combines scientific inquiry and a host of neuroscientists to dissect pressing neuroscience questions, technological development and AI integration. Overall, it is a great listen for those interested in understanding how neuroscience and technology converge and will continue to develop.
10. The World As You’ll Know It: Humans Vs Machines
The most dramatic turn of events in human existence was the Industrial Revolution (also the atomic bomb). It fundamentally changed how we operated. Much of our fears about AI and automation stem from the change it poses to the world as we know it. Que, The World As We Know It: Humans Vs Machines, hosted by cognitive scientist, best-selling author and AI entrepreneur Gary Marcus. This podcast is an excellent 8-part series covering interviews with various industry experts, from professors to AI professionals to scientists and philosophers.
The podcast evaluates burning questions on AI and the transformation it threatens. From looking at AI taking the driving seat to AI making us laugh, it explores the endless possibilities that AI threatens in our lives. While not the most reassuring, given the real take the hosts bring, it does present valid and thought-provoking perspectives bound to get you thinking about AI (even when you’re asleep).
So what are you waiting for?
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