Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection’s Pi, OpenAI’s ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
The Possible podcast is a truly inspiring and thought-provoking show that brings together a range of fascinating guests to discuss the potential technology holds for the future. Unlike the doom and gloom often found in current media reporting, this podcast offers a refreshingly hopeful perspective on tech innovation. It explores various topics, including AI, Chat GPT, and other cutting-edge technologies, with guests who provide insightful points of view. This podcast goes beyond just being about technology; it's about shaping a better future as a society by listening to different perspectives and working together. Overall, it is a much-needed addition to the tech innovation conversation.
One of the best aspects of The Possible podcast is its ability to bring together diverse guests who offer unique perspectives on the future. Whether you're a techie or not, the conversations in this show are accessible and engaging. The host manages to extract intriguing insights from their guests, covering topics like gene editing, lab-grown meat, inter-planetary travel, virtual reality, and more. Each episode drops with a new focus, making it an exciting experience for listeners to explore different areas of technological advancement.
In terms of downsides, there aren't many apparent weaknesses in The Possible podcast. However, some episodes may delve into complex technical concepts that could be challenging for listeners without much background knowledge in those areas. Nevertheless, even without prior understanding of these topics, the discussions are still highly engaging and offer valuable insights.
In conclusion, The Possible podcast is a rare delight in today's media landscape. With its positive view on technical issues and actionable optimism for the future, it stands out from other shows focused on technology. The conversations are consistently interesting and un-boring with witty exchanges between guests and hosts. By combining an exploration of current innovations with gentle introductions to what lies ahead, this show leaves listeners enlightened and hopeful for what's to come. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in shaping a better future through technology.
How do we build products and platforms that support a healthy, prosperous future? What will it take to “make the internet fun again?” Should kids be using AI? This week, serial entrepreneur and investor Alexis Ohanian—who co-founded Reddit two decades ago and is currently working to reinvent the social news aggregator Digg—joins Reid and Aria to talk about (re)building online and offline communities in the age of AI. They hear from Alexis on his recent bid for U.S. TikTok, the startups and women's sports ventures he's backing through his VC firm Seven Seven Six, and his approach to raising AI-forward daughters with his wife, tennis legend Serena Williams. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 03:03 - Hellos and intros 03:24 - Being a “Daddy Caddy” for Olympia 04:36 - Inspiration behind 776 08:26 - Making the internet “fun” again 12:25 - Internet culture vs. the platform 17:49 - Bid for Tiktok 21:47 - AI and online communities 27:01 - AI in women's sports 30:16 - Hardware vs. software 31:46 - Midroll 32:00 - Kids, parenting, and learning in the age of AI 34:55 - Physical products in a digital world 40:46 - Tech optimism 41:56 - Alexis's collectibles 44:29 - Rapid-fire questions Select mentions: Seven Seven Six Teenage Engineering Art For Kids Hub Synthesis Tutor Monumental Labs Mantel Unreasonable Hospitality Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Each episode seeks to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Reid breaks down OpenAI's shift to a public benefit corporation—what it really means, why it matters, and why some critics are missing the point. Aria asks whether all frontier AI companies should follow suit. Reid and Aria discuss how educators can navigate the “messy middle” of AI in the classroom. They also dig into the future of assessment, what students (and job seekers) should be learning now to prepare for an AI future, and whether AI-intensive fields are worth the bet. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Select mentions: Public Benefit Corporation Everyone Is Cheating Their Way Through College by James D. Walsh Something Alarming Is Happening to the Job Market by Derek Thompson Shopify memo Duolingo memo Ethan Mollick Our Possible episode with Ethan Mollick Opportunity at Work
What would it look like to keep all living creatures in the loop on the development of new technology? Reid sat down for a wide-ranging solo discussion with Jane Goodall on that very subject – and more. They talked about how to maintain hope and focus on local impact in today's often chaotic world, how technology – and AI in particular – might be helpful for conservation, and Jane's global youth program, Roots & Shoots. Plus, the Jane Goodall institute shared audio from a cutting edge acoustic array that helped them discover a brand new species in Gombe National Park in Tanzania! Jane reflected on her legacy and shared stories about bridging unlikely divides, defying the scientific community early in her career, young people opening their eyes to the natural world for the first time, and so much more. Thank you to the incredible team at the Jane Goodall Institute and WildMon (L. Pintea, B. Wallauer, K. Harmon, M. Campos, Gabriel Leite, Tomaz Melo, Guilherme Melo, D. A. Collins, D. C. Mjungu) that, with funding from Google, utilized an acoustic array to discover brand new species in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, including Thomas's Dwarf Galago (Galagoides thomasi). For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 03:38 - Hellos and intros 03:45 - “Name that baby” game 05:34 - How Jane has used technology in her work 09:13 - Discovering a new species with an acoustic array 11:57 - How AI can help conservation 16:55 - AI as an animal translator 19:58 - Essential lesson for research 22:30 - Similarities between humans and chimpanzees 26:42 - Bridging divides between unlikely groups 30:32 - “We must either redefine man, redefine tool, or…” 32:20 - Government funding cut from Jane Goodall Institute 36:26 - Youth program Roots and Shoots 39:57 - How to maintain hope 42:53 - What we can learn from kids 44:33 - Global impact of the Roots and Shoots program 46:18 - Jane's ideal AI tool 48:22 - Jane asks Reid: Can AI become sentient? 51:27 - AI's impact on the brain 54:55 - Rapid-fire Questions Select mentions: APOPO's “Amazing Rats” | How It Works Regeneration by Paul Hawken TACARE Program Roots & Shoots Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. Each episode seeks to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Reid weighs in on the U.S. government's latest antitrust action against Google and what it could mean for competition, innovation, and America's tech edge. Aria also asks about the rise of Chinese electric vehicles and why BYD might be “the Tesla of tomorrow;” the geopolitical costs of tariffs; and whether saying “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT is worth it. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
Why can the United States government help make a vaccine in a year but not build a high-speed train in a reasonable timeframe? What if our biggest problems—affordable housing shortages, energy limits, and scientific slowdowns—aren't inevitable, but chosen? This week, Reid and Aria sit down with Derek Thompson—staff writer at The Atlantic and host of the podcast Plain English—to explore how a scarcity mindset is holding American society back. They cover how AI can revolutionize scientific discovery; what Operation Warp Speed got right; and why real progress depends on bold policy, not just better technology. Plus, Reid joins Derek in the hotseat for some “Too Much, Too Little, or Just Right?”—a game co-created with ChatGPT to discuss ideas in Derek's new best-selling book, Abundance. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Select mentions: Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson “The Anti-Social Century” Every Cure co-founder Dr. David Fajgenbaum Topics: 1:06 – Episode introduction 2:34 – What year would Derek choose to be born and why? 7:14 – What can AI do as a co-author that Ezra Klein can't, and what are Ezra's irreplaceable strengths? 9:08 – AI's impact on the future of work — what AI can and can't do — and what the enduring role of humans will be. 12:00 – The situation with current tariffs, and the potential fixes or silver linings. 14:28 – Operation Warp Speed and other examples of abundance in the U.S. and beyond. 19:39 – What specific government policies could effectively leverage AI to speed up the creation of abundance? 22:40 – Midroll 22:49 – Derek and Reid play a fun game based on Abundance: “Too much, too little, or just right?” 30:46 – What's needed to better incentivize scientific progress and foster innovation? 39:22 – How could society and our relationship with technology be reframed to combat the loneliness epidemic? 45:08 – Derek identifies specific policies that currently hinder abundance and suggests new ones that could promote it. 49:45 – Rapid-fire Questions Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Each episode seeks to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
After Tobi Lütke, the CEO of Shopify, put out a memo stating all his employees should be expected to use AI every day, Reid offers his thoughts on AI in the workplace. He also talks about the interplay between AI, social media, mis/disinformation, and the importance of shaping technology instead of restricting technology. Plus, Reid speculates on how AI can be just as groundbreaking in the world of play as it can be in the world of work. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
How can AI help us understand and master deeply complex systems—from the game Go, which has 10 to the power 170 possible positions a player could pursue, or proteins, which, on average, can fold in 10 to the power 300 possible ways? This week, Reid and Aria are joined by Demis Hassabis. Demis is a British artificial intelligence researcher, co-founder, and CEO of the AI company, DeepMind. Under his leadership, DeepMind developed Alpha Go, the first AI to defeat a human world champion in Go and later created AlphaFold, which solved the 50-year-old protein folding problem. He's considered one of the most influential figures in AI. Demis, Reid, and Aria discuss game theory, medicine, multimodality, and the nature of innovation and creativity. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Select mentions: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams AlphaGo documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXuK6gekU1Y Nash equilibrium & US mathematician John Forbes Nash Homo Ludens by Johan Huizinga Veo 2, an advanced, AI-powered video creation platform from Google DeepMind The Culture series by Iain Banks Hartmut Neven, German-American computer scientist Topics: 3:11 - Hellos and intros 5:20 - Brute force vs. self-learning systems 8:24 - How a learning approach helped develop new AI systems 11:29 - AlphaGo's Move 37 16:16 - What will the next Move 37 be? 19:42 - What makes an AI that can play the video game StarCraft impressive 22:32 - The importance of the act of play 26:24 - Data and synthetic data 28:33 - Midroll ad 28:39 - Is it important to have AI embedded in the world? 33:44 - The trade-off between thinking time and output quality 36:03 - Computer languages designed for AI 40:22 - The future of multimodality 43:27 - AI and geographic diversity 48:24 - AlphaFold and the future of medicine 51:18 - Rapid-fire Questions Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Each episode seeks to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
In the wake of Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg's accidental inclusion in senior government officials' Signal group chat discussing war plans, Reid weighs in on how the U.S. government should—and shouldn't—use encrypted messaging apps. He and Aria also discuss AI-powered breakthroughs in cancer detection and medical diagnostics, along with NVIDIA's newly announced Superchip and OpenAI's latest image generation capabilities. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
The evolution of AI is changing the way we interact with the physical world, not just in how we use this technology, but also where and how we access it. In this episode, Reid and Aria sit down with Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, who is pioneering wearables for the company. Boz's journey in the tech sector has taken him from working on Microsoft Visio to founding Reality Labs, Meta's AR and VR division. Now, he's focused on the next frontier in mixed realities with his latest project, Orion, a pair of AR glasses. Boz offers an Orion demo and shares his vision for wearables as an equalizing technology that can unlock superpowers for every person. Plus, they check-in on the state of AI as it relates to open source software, safety, hyperscalers, and startups. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 1:03 - Episode introduction 3:36 - How Boz's farm upbringing influenced his career and perspective on the digital world 7:02 - How will wearables influence how we navigate the physical and digital worlds? 9:46 - Meta's AI philosophy 11:27 - Pi explains Norbert Wiener's construct of information theory 14:28 - What would it take to build AI world models? 15:09 - What are the most significant use cases for Orion? 19:01 - Can Orion accommodate monocular vision? 20:00 - Boz's response to Orion skeptics 22:29 - Boz gives predictions on our AI future 25:09 - What would it look like to have a compatible system of wearables? 27:30 - Unexpected discoveries from Orion testing 29:33 - What is Meta's focus in the AI space for the years to come? 30:48 - How do we ensure that AI innovation is used for good? 35:28 - Boz responds to Meta's changes in fact checking policy 37:11 - How will hyperscalers and start-ups flourish in the AI game? 40:06 - Boz shares his review on “The Wild Robot” 42:24 - Rapid-fire questions Select mentions: The Martian by Andy Weir Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir I Am a Strange Loop by Douglas Hofstadter J. C. R. Licklider, psychologist and computer scientist Douglas Engelbart, engineer and computer science pioneer Norbert Wiener, computer scientist and mathematician Yann LeCun, computer scientist and Chief AI Scientist at Meta Michael Abrash, Chief Scientist, Reality Labs, Meta Garry Kasparov, Russian chess grandmaster 4-H, a youth development program from the USDA The Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI) Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
It's been two years since the Possible podcast began, so we're taking a moment to return to the beginning: our series launch episode with Trevor Noah. First, Aria and Reid sit down to revisit aspects of the original conversation, exploring just how much has changed in the AI space since Possible launched. Then, you'll hear the Webby-award-winning episode in full. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
Is code going to be 100% AI-generated a year from now? Reid shares where he diverges from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's recent prediction about the future of programming. Plus, he and Aria discuss “vibe revenue,” along with how America can maintain soft power through software. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
Loneliness is a public health crisis affecting people of all ages.This week on Possible, Reid and Aria sit down with someone using AI to bridge generational gaps and combat the loneliness epidemic. Dana Griffin is co-founder and CEO of Eldera, a global platform using AI to foster intergenerational connections. Raised by her grandparents and mentored by older adults throughout her life, Dana is on a mission to help people see aging as an asset. Dana shares how Eldera uses AI to safely and meaningfully connect kids with older mentors, addressing loneliness, declining mental health, and lost wisdom. They explore how technology can support human connection—rather than replace it—along with what an "age-integrated society” could unlock. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 1:20 - Episode introduction 3:37 - Dana's early life and how it shaped her perspective on intergenerational bonds 6:09 - How ageism creates a waste of human potential 9:01 - Policy and tech solutions can help reintegrate older adults 12:11 - Social media worsens isolation, but AI can help foster real connection 14:31 - Eldera's mission of bridging generations through AI-powered mentorship 18:52 - Opposite backgrounds create stronger bonds when matching mentors and mentees 22:44 - Intergenerational mentorship as a form of healthcare 26:34 - Using AI to map and amplify generational knowledge 30:26 - Midroll ad break 30:35 - AI enhances, but never replaces, human connection 34:05 - Encouraging confidence among older adults through Eldera's wisdom portrait 37:26 - Scaling Eldera and working towards a society where we value the impact of elders 41:17 - The barriers and opportunities of scaling Eldera 44:34 - How cultural perspectives and global views on aging shape intergenerational ties 48:33 - Rapid fire Select mentions: Fei-Fei Li on spatial intelligence and human-centered AI Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. Each episode seeks to advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Reid reacts to the news of HP acquiring Humane Ai Pin and weighs in on the future of wearable tech, quantum, and copyright law. Plus, AI whiz Parth Patil (formerly Clubhouse's first data scientist) joins the show to discuss why he's excited about OpenAI's Deep Research tool, “vibe coding,” and coding copilots. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
How does the rise of AI impact our sense of what's true? How can humans maintain a degree of individual privacy and unlock the benefits of AI while mitigating potential harms? In this episode, Reid and Aria sit down with data privacy pioneer Latanya Sweeney, Professor of Government and Technology at Harvard; former Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission; and founder of Harvard's Public Interest Tech Lab and Data Privacy Lab. They discuss the future of privacy protection, technocracy vs. democracy, teaching in the age of AI, governance, content moderation, and more. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 0:55 - Episode introduction 3:05 - Lessons from Latanya's grandparents 4:30 - Latanya's early days at MIT 5:38 - Re-identification and Governor William Weld example 10:50 - Historical arc of AI 12:24 - The Third Industrial Revolution 15:11 - Technocracy vs. democracy 18:38 - Making technological literacy a federal priority 21:03 - Divisiveness in AI 26:20 - Exploring humanity's "cultural dream" of AI 27:17 - Midroll ad break 27:49 - What will it take to build trust in AI at scale? 31:11 - Inflection's Pi lists key elements for a tech-conscious social contract 32:04 - Latanya responds to Pi and talks LLM truth-telling 34:20 - The best of public interest technology 37:02 - Improving content moderation 43:24 - Democratizing public interest technology 44:24 - Feedback and improvements for LinkedIn 47:53 - What does AI mean for education? 49:35 - Insights from Latanya's Harvard students 51:08 - Rapid-fire questions Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Following last week's chat with former diplomat and author Anja Manuel, Reid talks about the potential benefits of an FDA for AI, the current status of the global race for artificial intelligence, and predicting what's to come from American AI companies. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
Love, dating, and AI — what could go wrong? Or right? In this Valentine's Day special, Rana el Kaliouby and a series of expert guests explore how AI is reshaping romance. First, Will Wu, Chief Technology Officer at Match Group, gives us a peek at how AI is already at work in apps like Tinder and Hinge, helping users choose their best profile pictures and refining match recommendations. Next, the team at Gottman Inc. shares how AI is being used to improve relationships. Their AI-powered tools analyze conversations and help therapists guide couples. The goal? Better communication, healthier relationships, and maybe even fewer breakups. Finally, we meet Violeta and her AI husband. Her story challenges how we think about love, connection, and what it means to feel truly understood. Swiping, coupled up, or AI-curious? This episode is for you. About Pioneers of AI Pioneers of AI is your guide to the latest technological frontier. Each week, host Rana el Kaliouby (AI scientist, investor, author, co-founder of Affectiva) is joined by the leading creators, critics, and thinkers behind mind-blowing technology and asks the important questions about how artificial intelligence is changing the way we live. As we venture together into the unknown, Pioneers is your tool to understanding and anticipating what comes next. Subscribe to Pioneers of AI on YouTube: youtube.com/@pioneersofai
What role can AI play in international diplomacy and national security? In this episode, Reid and Aria sit down with Anja Manuel, a former diplomat, author, and one of the leading voices in AI and foreign policy. She has the unique ability to bridge the gaps between technology, policy and diplomacy. They discuss international AI governance, China, potential threats of bio-terrorism, and the strategic decisions that the US and its allies must make to navigate this complex landscape of innovation with regulation. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ For the referenced Possible episode featuring Kim Stanley Robinson: https://link.chtbl.com/8YMsBlzg Topics: 1:21 - Episode introduction 3:44 - Hellos and intros 4:38 - Where the U.S. and China rank in the Great AI Race 6:09 - Deepseek explainer 7:27 - Which technologies the U.S. should prioritize 9:05 - Why it's important for the U.S. to stay in the lead 10:41 - How to maintain that lead 16:27 - Current examples of AI in national security work 18:30 - Impediments to further integrating AI 20:13 - How to connect national security to cutting edge technology 24:35 - The potential risks to incorporating AI 28:50 - Midroll ad 28:55 - How to stay safe against the risks 32:05 - The helpfulness of AI Safety Institutes 33:25 - International treaties for AI 36:11 - The current U.S.-China relationship 38:50 - How to return to a more positive relationship 41:28 - The economic race 43:25 - Anja's advice for the new administration 45:01 - Key players and swing states 50:24 - How to make a cyber treaty work 52:57 - Rapid-fire questions Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
This week, we're bringing you the introduction of Reid's new book, Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future, which he co-wrote with last week's Possible guest, Greg Beato. The Superagency audiobook is narrated by voice actor Scott Wallace and converted with Respeecher to Reid's AI voice. Plus, hear what happens when Reid and Aria load Superagency's introduction into Google's NotebookLM and turn the final minutes of the episode over to two AI co-hosts. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ For more on Superagency, check out superagency.ai.
In an age of increasingly ubiquitous AI, how do we maintain control of our lives and successfully plot our own destinies? In this episode, Reid is in the hotseat alongside writer Greg Beato, discussing this and more in the context of their new book, Superagency. Greg is a seasoned journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Wired, The Washington Post, Reason, Spin, and Slate, to name a few. He and Reid delve into what could possibly go right with our AI future; the cognitive industrial revolution; and the difference between AI Doomers, Gloomers, Zoomers, and Bloomers. Plus, Reid's AI avatar makes a cameo to join for a few rounds of the game “Overrated/Underrated.” For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ For more on Superagency, check out superagency.ai. Topics: 2:04 - Overrated/Underrated Round I 5:02 - Why Reid chose Greg as his co-author 6:01 - Why Greg wanted to write this book 8:19 - Why Reid chose this book topic at this particular time 11:21 - How the rise of AI is similar to the rise of social media 16:36 - Agency, superagency, and AI 19:59 - Overrated/Underrated Round II 23:28 - Defining AI Doomers, Gloomers, Zoomers, and Bloomers 28:46 - How AI amplifies agency 32:16 - How ChatGPT shifted people's relationship with AI 37:21 - Choosing AI vs. AI being baked into technologies 39:28 - Speed and scale in the current AI moment 44:37 - How innovation and safety can coexist 48:49 - Rapid-fire Questions Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
What new kinds of jobs will AI bring that we never could have imagined before? In this special two-part episode, Reid and Aria explore this question and more with Sierra co-founder and OpenAI chairperson Bret Taylor. Part one features audio from Bret's onstage interview at the 2024 Masters of Scale Summit, where he shared his insights on the voice revolution in AI, the technology's latest role as a phone customer service agent, and the groundbreaking business opportunities still waiting to be explored in the AI space. Reid and Aria invited Bret to continue the conversation in part two, diving deeper into how AI might reshape our workforce, create new career opportunities, and spark industries we haven't yet imagined. With leadership experience at both startups (Quip and Friendfeed) and large tech companies (Facebook, Salesforce, and Twitter), Bret is uniquely positioned to track and seize opportunities in the quickly-developing AI industry. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 00:57 - Episode introduction 02:02 - What Bret sees in AI 06:00 - Most exciting upcoming AI breakthrough 08:40 - The three main areas of AI innovation 09:41 - What is the AI voice revolution? 14:07 - First steps in AI customer service 18:15 - Role of entrepreneurs in AI development 22:52 - Parenting and AI 27:48 - Understanding AI inflection points 31:28 - AI as the new dot com market 34:21 - Is the AI market already full? 37:50 - More on the AI voice revolution 45:06 - Predicting how AI will change the world 53:57 - What people are missing about AI 58:29 - Superagency opportunities 1:00:14 - Rapid-fire Questions Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
How can we use AI to amplify human potential and build a better future? And what exactly does “AGI” even mean? To kick off Possible's fourth season, Reid and Aria sit down with world-renowned computer scientist Fei-Fei Li, whose work in artificial intelligence over the past several decades has earned her the nickname “the godmother of AI.” An entrepreneur and professor, Fei-Fei shares her journey from creating ImageNet, a massive dataset of labeled images that revolutionized computer vision, to her current role as co-founder and CEO of the spatial intelligence startup World Labs. She explains why spatial intelligence—the ability to perceive and interact with the 3D world—is so crucial for AI's development and how it could lead to breakthroughs in fields like medicine, climate, and education. They get into regulatory guardrails, governance, and what it will take to build a positive, human-centered AI future for all. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 1:55 - Hellos and intros 3:43 - ImageNet and the interplay between data and models 6:06 - World Labs and spatial intelligence 10:03 - Boundaries between 3D physical and digital worlds 11:50 - The difference between LLMs and LWMs 13:02 - What humans are capable of creating with technology 14:04 - Key principles of AI: human agency and respect 17:16 - Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI 19:13 - What this moment in AI means for humanity 21:06 - Cross-sector collaboration 25:10 - AI4ALL program and the importance of diversity in AI development 27:00 - Midroll ad break 27:09 - Using AI to improve healthcare delivery and treatment 30:20 - Founding history of AI and the meaning of the term “AGI” 33:00 - Future of agentic AI and voice 34:42 - Fei-Fei's mentor and his advice 37:18 - Rapid-fire questions Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Pioneers of AI is your weekly guide to the AI frontier. Each week, host Dr. Rana el Kaliouby (AI scientist, investor, author, co-founder of Affectiva) is joined by the leading creators, critics, and thinkers behind mind-blowing technology and asks the important questions about how artificial intelligence is changing the way we live. In this episode: Creating and sharing art is a uniquely human experience. With the rise of AI, creative processes are shifting, but Taryn Southern doesn't think that means art becomes any less human. As a storyteller and technologist, Southern uses AI to push the limits of her creativity. She also works to help fellow artists and everyday people embrace the potential of AI. Southern joins Pioneers of AI to talk about what partnering with AI to make art looks like, how she assembled a team of chatbots to create a festival trailer, and what it was like making the first album co-written by AI. Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/
What does it take to create something the world has never seen before? In this final episode of Artful Intelligence, Reid Hoffman and Chris McLeod explore what it takes to spark a creative revolution with filmmaker Paul Trillo. Using OpenAI's groundbreaking AI video generator, Sora, Paul directed the world's first fully AI-generated music video. After gaining early access to Sora, Paul faced a massive creative challenge: How could he use an AI tool known for surreal, dream-like visuals to craft a music video that felt emotionally real? The answer came from embracing AI's quirks—its strange hallucinations, its unpredictable transformations—and writing prompts like poetic scripts to guide the machine's creative output. Join us as Paul reveals how he turned an experimental AI model into an award-winning music video—and how creators everywhere can harness emerging tech to redefine what's possible in art. Time Stamps: Part 1: To Create a Paradigm Shift with AI, Lean Into Its Constraints 07:25 - Paul Trillo discovers OpenAI's AI video generator, Sora 09:46 - Navigating early uncertainty about AI's impact on filmmaking 12:09 - Directing under creative constraints during COVID with The Shins' “The Great Divide” 16:57 - Making emotionally resonant art despite technological limits 19:09 - Reid: What advice would you give someone running into constraints with AI tools? Part 2: Paradigm Shifts Often Come from Reviving Old, Impossible Ideas 23:01 - Paul's early experiments with Sora push AI video limits 24:34 - Resurrecting old creative concepts from his “Graveyard of Ideas” 25:59 - Inspired by Carl Sagan's “Golden Record” and its sci-fi storytelling potential 28:49 - Creating a surreal AI-generated trailer blending historical and futuristic imagery 30:21 - Revisiting a decade-old “infinite zoom” concept for a music video 35:05 - Reid: How do paradigm shifts in AI go beyond just replicating older tech? Part 3: Excavating Right at the Edge of What's Possible Today 37:45 - Writing “alchemy-like” prompts to guide AI's hallucinations 40:19 - Blending AI's surreal misremembered details into an emotional story 42:36 - Generating 700 videos and 320 minutes of AI footage for the music video 44:56 - Reid: What kind of impossible ideas might AI make possible? Links: “The Hardest Part” Music Video by Washed Out. Directed by Paul Trillo: https://vimeo.com/941713443 “The Golden Record” by Paul Trillo: https://vimeo.com/927400626 “The Great Divide” by The Shins. Directed by Paul Trillo: https://vimeo.com/461473136 Infinite Zoom in Manhattan: https://vimeo.com/paultrillo Paul Trillo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paultrillo Will Smith eating Spaghetti (example of early AI video generation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQr4Xklqzw8 Reid AI: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/reidhoffman_the-nobel-prize-award-ceremony-took-place-activity-7272418124639928320-ZyMn/ Show Description: Artful Intelligence explores the thrilling intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence. Hosted by Chris McLeod, this mini-series dives into the stories of groundbreaking artists using AI to push the boundaries of what's possible. Each episode showcases how human ingenuity and machine learning collaborate to create the extraordinary. With thought-provoking contributions from Reid Hoffman, Artful Intelligence asks bold questions about the future of creativity: Can AI amplify human expression? How do we ensure it empowers rather than replaces us?
How can you shape the future with AI to create the world you want to live in? Reid Hoffman and Chris McLeod explore this question with Elise Swopes, a trailblazing visual artist and educator blending AI with photography. Currently an evangelist for Adobe, Elise has been a creative force since the early days of Instagram, crafting surreal visuals for brands such as Adidas, McDonald's, Casamigos, and Sony. But her journey hasn't been without challenges. From online harassment to personal struggles, she's faced adversity with resilience, using her art to shape a brighter, more inclusive future. Join us as we traverse her path—while Reid reflects on AI's evolving role in fostering creativity and meaningful human expression. Can AI ever replace human style, or will the future of art always require a human touch? Time Stamps: 02:14 - Chris McLeod intros the series Part 1: Shape Your Tools Because They Will Shape You and Your Future 07:07 - How Elise discovered AI and overcame early backlash 09:26 - Building websites and creating digital art as a kid 11:26 - Teaching creativity online and the power of sharing knowledge 17:03 - Reid: How can we foster more constructive conversations about AI? Part 2: The Right Networks Will Amplify Your Voice Without Losing It 17:13 - Using AI tools to redefine creative possibilities 19:29 - Elise's journey from public school to creative entrepreneurship 21:26 - Brand collaborations with Nike, McDonald's, and Casamigos 23:36 - Navigating higher education on her own terms 25:12 - Reid: What would a “better future with AI” look like for artists? Part 3: Taste and Style Are Your Competitive Advantage in Shaping the Era of AI 27:50 - How artists can shape AI's future through experimentation 31:31 - Elise's creative process with Adobe Firefly and AI-generated art 33:52 - Reid: Could AI make human artistic style obsolete? 41:16 - Elise reflects on personal growth and creative freedom Links: Swopes' Website: https://www.swopes.info/ Swopes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swopes Swopes AI piece discussed in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5D0rFJOEzf/?igsh=MWgwNDU1cms1a3I2 Swopes' TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joWNKJlf8N0 Show Description: Artful Intelligence explores the thrilling intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence. Hosted by Chris McLeod, this mini-series dives into the stories of groundbreaking artists using AI to push the boundaries of what's possible. Each episode showcases how human ingenuity and machine learning collaborate to create the extraordinary. With thought-provoking contributions from Reid Hoffman, Artful Intelligence asks bold questions about the future of creativity: Can AI amplify human expression? How do we ensure it empowers rather than replaces us?
What if you could create the impossible with AI? In this debut episode of Artful Intelligence, Chris McLeod introduces us to Montreal-based filmmaker Malick Lombion, whose groundbreaking technique, Hyperlapse X AI, is redefining video art. Malick combines hyperlapse cinematography with cutting-edge AI tools like DALL-E to compress time, space, and reality into surreal and mesmerizing visuals. Malick pushed AI to its creative limits, proving that human ingenuity and machine learning can work in tandem to unlock new dimensions of art. Reid Hoffman and Chris explore what it takes to innovate at this level: the right partnerships, a willingness to fail publicly, and a commitment to going all in. Discover how Malick's work inspired a new wave of video creators—and what it says about the future of creativity in an AI-driven world. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Time Stamps: Introduction 00:01 – Artful Intelligence introduction. 02:36 – Chris and Reid discuss the central question: Can AI amplify human creativity? 04:08 – A brief history of cinematic breakthroughs, from Georges Méliès to hyperlapse. 08:13 – Malick explains Hyperlapse x AI. Part 1: The Right Humans Are Required 10:01 – Malick discovers DALL-E 2 and its potential for groundbreaking visuals. 10:55 – Malick teams up with Manuel Sainsily to create Hyperlapse x AI. 12:26 – A long and tedious process. 13:35 – Reid Hoffman on the value of diverse collaborators in AI innovation. Part 2: Plan on Failure in a Public Way 18:39 – Malick gets an offer to work with Insta360. 20:45 – Public experimentation on Instagram leads Malick to hyperlapse videos. 23:08 – Trial and error with a 10-foot selfie stick. 26:39 – Reid Hoffman on iterative deployment and learning from failure. Part 3: Once You Know Where You're Going, Go All In 31:26 – Malick begins transforming his 360 footage into a Hyperlapse x AI video. 32:16 – Malick moves from Guadeloupe to Montreal, fully committing to his passion for video creation. 37:09 – Malick completes his breakthrough video. 40:33 – Malick's Hyperlapse x AI video goes viral. Outro 49:19 – Chris reflects on Malick's journey and previews the next episode in the series. Links: Malick Lombion's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malick.fr?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Malick's Hyperlapse x AI video with the Insta360 camera https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiPyY1VAv6I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== An updated version of Malick's and Manuel Sainsily's first Hyperlapse x AI video https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChNyS6iAEA8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Would the world be a better place if we all paused to enjoy a square of sustainably-sourced craft chocolate every day? In honor of the Thanksgiving season, Reid and Aria treat Possible listeners to a discussion about chocolate, flavor, and sustainability. Joining them is Spencer Hyman, whose company, Cocoa Runners, sells craft chocolates from sustainability-minded artisan makers around the world. He gets into the difference between flavor and taste, along with the future of personalized nutrition and the art of savoring everything from chocolate to friendship. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 2:33 - Hellos and intros 4:20 - Spencer's journey into the world of chocolate 6:25 - The language of flavor 8:01 - How AI could impact taste 10:23 - Inflection's Pi describes flavors in creative ways 13:03 - Leading a sustainable business that combines capital and social good 15:17 - Making chocolate more social 16:08 - Why chocolate is water-intensive 18:32 - Waves of culinary trends and innovations 22:17 - Midroll ad break 22:24 - Can technology help us better savor food? 25:14 - The next potential innovations in the food industry 28:07 - Why the order you eat things in matters 30:50 - Building meaningful connection via chocolate 34:14 - A conversation with Spencer's daughter about chocolate and relationship-building 38:18 - Rapid-fire questions
Following an inspiring conversation with JusticeText co-founder Devshi Mehrotra, Aria asks Reid about other opportunities for AI to support public infrastructure. Plus, Reid discusses the state of venture funding and OpenAI's $6.6 billion round. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
America's criminal justice system relies on public defenders to represent anyone without access to a private attorney. But public defenders are chronically under-resourced and overburdened with caseloads. Can technology help lessen that load and, in effect, make the criminal justice system more just? This week's guest, Devshi Mehrotra, says yes. Devshi is co-founder and CEO of JusticeText, a startup developing AI software to help lawyers search and review case material more efficiently and enhance police accountability. She joins Reid and Aria to talk about JusticeText's offerings and opportunities, along with public-private partnerships and local governments' evolving attitudes toward AI and innovation. Plus, a public defender shares her experience using JusticeText and Devshi demos the platform. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 3:10 - Hellos and intros 6:47 - What inspired the creation of JusticeText 10:38 - What America's public defenders are up against 12:35 - How JusticeText can help 14:32 - On being a for-profit company 18:11 - Creating a new market 20:47 - JusticeText's customer base 23:33 - Midroll 23:41 - A testimony from a public defender using the platform 24:40 - Requests for new features 25:58 - JusticeText demo 28:50 - How AI is supporting, not replacing, public defenders' jobs 30:23 - The intersection of government and technology 32:53 - How local governments are thinking about AI 34:59 - Other technologies that could improve the justice system 37:28 - What entrepreneurial advice Devshi would give her younger self 38:43 - The future of JusticeText 40:42 - Rapid-fire questions
After last week's wide-ranging discussion with Bill Gates, Aria asks Reid for his take on the work of this philanthropic luminary. Plus, Reid gives a three-part answer to the technology developments he thinks are going to have broad and beneficial applications across many fields. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
In this episode of Remarkable People, join host Guy Kawasaki for an illuminating conversation with Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and partner at Greylock. Together, they explore entrepreneurship, politics, and artificial intelligence, offering unique insights into blitzscaling, the future of democracy, and how games shaped his strategic thinking. Hoffman shares candid views on Silicon Valley dynamics, the impact of extreme wealth, and his optimistic vision for AI's role in society. Discover how this tech pioneer navigates the intersection of technology, business, and civic responsibility.
Ahead of the U.S. presidential election, we're bringing you a bonus episode from Reid's Masters of Scale podcast. A few weeks ago, Reid sat down with former President Bill Clinton at the Masters of Scale Summit to talk about the current state of American democracy, polarization, and what's at stake in this election. Their full, unedited stage conversation is presented in this episode. To hear more conversations like these from Reid Hoffman, subscribe to Masters of Scale wherever you get your podcasts: https://mastersofscale.com/follow
How many lives will be saved with the help of AI over the next decade? Reid and Aria sat down with Bill Gates to discuss his main areas of focus: climate change, energy, global health, and education—and how AI will help transform each of them. Taking a bird's-eye view of society's challenges, it's easy to give in to pessimism. But as one of the most influential people in the world, Bill Gates has a unique perspective on how far humanity has come and what our potential—and timelines—for meaningful change really look like. He gets granular on everything from cows (5% of global emissions) to disease reduction and eradication (Guinea worm disease). At each turn, he has data at his fingertips to ground his beliefs. So, what current set of innovations is Bill most excited about? And what is realistically on the horizon for AI, climate change, energy, global health, and education? For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 03:18 - Hellos and intros 03:24 - Projects Bill is most excited about 05:46 - Bill's recent Netflix series 08:14 - Technology that will change what's possible 10:41 - Solutions for malnutrition 12:09 - Cow-based solutions for climate change and nutrition 17:06 - What Bill is working toward for climate change 19:19 - Viable alternative energy sources 23:80 - What will make solar work? 26:47 - Nuclear fission and fusion 29:30 - How AI will help mitigate climate change 32:38 - What to focus on in global health 37:24 - AI and drug discovery 39:52 - What else will AI unlock in public health? 42:28 - Personalized medicine: is it worth it? 44:02 - Conditions on the ground in the poorest countries 47:29 - AI in education 51:24 - Khanmigo and early GPT-4 54:59 - Non-tech levers for change in education 56:34 - What would Bill ask someone from 2100? 58:25 - AI in 3-5 years, and what comes next for work 01:03:05 - Rapid-fire Questions Select mentions: The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Better_Angels_of_Our_Nature What's Next? The Future with Bill Gates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xxhYr4gbQE Bill Gates Visits First Avenue School: Commends Innovative Use of Technology https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/schools/first-avenue-school/bill-gates-visits-first-avenue-school-commends-innovative-use-of-technology/ Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
What does productive collaboration between big tech developers and the rest of the world actually look like? This week, Reid gets into the value of competition, iterative development, learning mindsets, and red teaming in tech and business—in the United States and globally. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
How can people in all corners of the world participate in the AI revolution and unlock benefits in their own lives? James Manyika, Senior Vice President of Research, Technology & Society at Google, joins the show to discuss global access to AI and the impact on capitalism, the economy, science, and the workforce. He speaks to Google's latest AI developments, including tools to warn people about natural disasters like floods and wildfires, along with the virtual research assistant NotebookLM. Read the transcript of this episode here: www.possible.fm/podcasts/manyika For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 01:18 - Hellos and intros 02:36 - James's career and path into AI 03:59 - UN involvement and diversity of perspectives in global AI 08:04 - Learnings from UN High-Level Advisory Body on AI 10:01 - NotebookLM demo 12:06 - Specific uses of the virtual research assistant NotebookLM 15:03 - Global positive impacts of AI 18:38 - AI and capitalism, the economy 24:10 - AI and climate change 29:17 - Humanity and AI development 32:14 - How to mitigate risks 35:02 - The rising importance of humanist disciplines 36:50 - NotebookLM rollout 39:31 - Truth and bias in the age of AI 40:58 - Rapid-fire questions Select mentions: NotebookLM - https://notebooklm.google.com/ Governing AI for Humanity, from the UN's High-level Advisory Body on AI - https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/governing_ai_for_humanity_final_report_en.pdf Project Green Light - https://sites.research.google/greenlight/ “Applying AI to Rebuild Middle Class Jobs” by David Autor - https://www.nber.org/papers/w32140 “Accelerating Climate Action with AI” from BCG – https://web-assets.bcg.com/72/cf/b609ac3d4ac6829bae6fa88b8329/bcg-accelerating-climate-action-with-ai-nov-2023-rev.pdf Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Reid unpacks the decision to appoint Sean White as the leader of Inflection and outlines what makes him uniquely poised to take on this exciting challenge. Plus, Aria asks Reid about the future landscape of LLMs. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
How will an empathetic AI interact with humans? What if we used AI not just for its IQ, but its EQ? How do we build the trust to enable it to take agency on our behalf? This week, Reid and Aria sit down with an expert and friend, Sean White to start answering those questions. Sean White is currently the CEO of Inflection AI and is working on expanding the relationship of what AI can do for humans. Sean takes a humanist approach to new technology, and is interested in AI that can go beyond intelligence to learn empathy and take action. Sean's background is as wide-ranging as the conversation, where we discuss the influence of AI in everything from neuroscience to understanding animal languages. Plus, listen to a live test with Pi to demonstrate Pi's ability to handle a tough situation at work, with empathy. Read the transcript of this episode here. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 01:22 - Hellos and intros 3:20 - Microsoft and Inflection 6:27 - The capabilities and influence of Inflection's Pi 11:02 - Pi in the workplace 12:10 - Pi in action 15:38 - AI isn't a human; it is a tool 16:11 - Pi's IQ vs EQ 17:46 - Pi's AQ, or our ability to take action via AI 18:51 - How our lives might change in the near future with Pi 21:36 - How our skill sets will elevate 22:28 - Neuroscience and AI 25:22 - Owning your intelligence 30:14 - The wonders of Earth Species Project 34:05 - Rapid-fire questions Select mentions: Inflection: https://inflection.ai/ Spruce art collective Dr. Eddie Chang, Chang Lab, UCSF Familiarity by the Punch Brothers Dr. Hirokazu Kato, Nara Institute of Science and Technology Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
With Election Day fast approaching, Reid tackles some big questions: Is Silicon Valley leaning increasingly red? How can—and should—the government modernize voting? Is there a place for AI agents in politics? And which party is really best for business right now? For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
What's driving some of the greatest political divisions and threats to democracy ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election? This week, Reid and Aria attempt to unpack this with someone who specializes in listening to American voters and translating those insights, at scale: Republican political strategist and The Bulwark co-founder/publisher Sarah Longwell. Sarah, who also hosts The Focus Group Podcast, joins the show to talk about her experience listening to everyday voters through focus groups — and her perspective on how doing so can help people better understand one another, combat misinformation, and heal some of the deepest divides in America today. She shares her perspective on Donald Trump, the upcoming election, the state of politics in Silicon Valley, AI, the future of the Republican Party, and the value of compromising. Plus, Reid tests GPT-4o's ability to separate fact from fiction. Note: This conversation is not intended to proselytize or convert anyone. Rather, it is an attempt to learn from someone who has spent hundreds of hours talking to thousands of voters about their lives and politics. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 03:41 - Hellos and intros 04:55 - The state of politics now 06:08 - Inside the mind of an undecided voter 08:22 - What polls actually tell us 10:04 - What's different about the political attitude right now 12:22 - How focus groups work, and what they tell us 18:08 - The benefits of qualitative research 18:52 - How can technology improve focus group research? 23:12 - How to become a better listener and persuader 28:21 - The impact and use cases of AI running focus groups 34:03 - When a human touch is necessary 36:37 - AI video-based sentiment analysis 41:05 - Sarah navigating being a lone wolf in politics 45:19 - What Sarah learned fighting for marriage equality 47:25 - How does misinformation spread and stick? 54:08 - What's next for the Republican party? 57:42 - GPT-4o “spot the fake headline” test 01:02:57 - Rapid-fire questions Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Reid reflects on his early exposure to AI as an undergraduate at Stanford and on navigating the space between academia and industry. Plus, he and Aria discuss human outcomes of technology—and how human-centered technologists such as Fei-Fei Li, Mustafa Suleyman, and Kevin Scott have helped him keep those outcomes top of mind. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
How can scientists leverage AI and machine learning to more effectively research, develop, and deliver new drugs? This week, Reid and Aria talk drug development with renowned computer scientist and executive Dr. Daphne Koller, whose company, insitro, uses machine learning to improve the quality and speed of drug discovery. She addresses several ways AI and ML are already being used to redefine diseases and create better therapeutic interventions. Plus, she shares her experience transitioning from academia to industry. Read the transcript of this episode here: https://www.possible.fm/podcasts/dkoller For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 00:01: Cold open 00:43: Hellos and intros 3:20: Early involvement in AI 5:00: Overview of drug discovery and its evolution over the last five years 7:50: AI and machine learning impact on biology and drug development 9:09: Pi aside defining AlphaFold 11:37: Areas of acceleration and opportunity in AI and drug discovery 17:21: Synthetic data 21:21: AI implications on therapeutic hypotheses 23:54: Personalized vs. precision medicine 27:04: Closing the data feedback loop 30:31: Exciting announcements 34:24: Privacy and data 36:41: GPT-4 story 38:48: Stuart Russell's comments on the applications of Koller's thesis 43:36: AI as a moving target 47:24: How can academia and industry positively impact society and humanity 51:58: insitro's culture 54:18: - Rapid-fire questions Select mentions: Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to build a Sustainable Planet by Hannah Ritchie Stuart Russell Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
This week, Reid veers toward science fiction, tackling big questions including: Is a single mentally-linked network in our future? Can and should humans create other sentient beings? Select mentions: David Brin
What might it look like if we used AI to make democracy work better and to make society more equal? In this special live recording of Possible, Aria turns the tables on her co-host, interviewing Reid alongside Atlantic CEO Nick Thompson. They discuss AI-native generations, the future of friendship and social connections, media, data, privacy, and democracy in the age of AI. To kick off the episode, Reid's avatar makes a cameo. Read the transcript of this episode here: https://www.possible.fm/podcasts/nthompson For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 1:53 - Hellos and intros 2:15 - A question from Reid's AI Avatar 6:24 - Defining this moment in technology 10:08 - AI, journalism, and democracy 13:32 - AI and empathy 20:17 - Why AI is exciting for young people 22:44 - How impacts the world of friendship 33:07 - AI and privacy 41:21 - Looking ahead 47:51 - Rapid-fire questions Select mentions: The Worlds I See by Fei-fei Li Earth Species Project Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
This week, Aria asks Reid about government regulation of AI, including where the U.S. fits in on the global stage and how America can learn from where the early regulation of social media fell short. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
How can the U.S. government support the use of AI to stimulate innovation, bring healthcare to people more effectively, and educate people more equitably—all while thoughtfully navigating technology's impact on people's way of life? On this week's episode, Reid and Aria sit down with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to discuss her work leading the government's efforts to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of AI for Americans. She gets into the federal government's approach to AI innovation and safety, emphasizing the importance of global partnerships. Plus, she shares how the U.S. can make hardware “sexy” again—and why it matters. Read the transcript of this episode here: https://www.possible.fm/podcasts/raimondo For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 3:30 - Hellos and intros 6:44 - Hopes and goals for American citizens 9:34 - America's approach to AI compared to its approach to other digital innovations 14:15 - How the U.S. can “make building hardware sexy again” 18:21 - International cooperation on AI 21:39 - How technology leaders can contribute to private-public partnerships 24:14 - What excites Secretary Raimondo most right now 26:35 - How industry can relieve anxiety about job security in an AI-world Select mentions: AI Safety Institute CHIPS Act Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
In this episode, Aria asks Reid about his general and AI-specific investment philosophies, including what draws him to a pitch and what raises red flags. They discuss agentic AI, robots, and hardware. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
This week, Reid and Aria are joined by Ashton Kutcher. While you might know him as the actor and producer who rose to fame on That ‘70s Show, Dude, Where's My Car, and MTV's Punk'd, Ashton is also an accomplished venture capitalist. He is co-founder of the VC firm Sound Ventures, and he has been investing in AI for more than a decade. Ashton, Reid, and Aria discuss the future of AI software and hardware, startups, and the AI revolution's impact on society. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 3:00 - Hellos and intros 3:56 - Ashton and Reid's trip to the South Pole 8:20 - What's exciting about AI for investors 13:31 - How Ashton brings AI into his daily life 19:02 - Changes to the job market in an age of AI 22:01 - How people can maintain their agency and find more time in the age of AI 26:37 - AI and talent-sourcing 30:40 - How to be a “tryer” 35:14 - Rapid-fire questions Select mentions The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Dædalus Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Reid discusses what aspects of urban planning need to be reimagined. He advocates that prioritizing smart technology, clean energy, and data can vastly improve residents' quality of life. Plus, Aria asks Reid about the potential of technologies existent and forthcoming—including self-flying cars. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
What if we built cities focused around community, leveraging technology to actually increase human connection, health, and fulfillment? Devon Zuegel, the leader of Edge Esmeralda—a pop-up village that took place in June 2024—joins Possible to discuss how she is reimagining cities to optimize for community. In this episode, Devon, Aria, and Reid get into why designing cities with intention can impact quality of life and strengthen communities. Devon shares what she has learned from Edge Esmeralda—and what she plans to build from here. Read the transcript of this episode here. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 2:20 - Hellos and intros 4:39 - Computers are like gardens 6:25 - Fictional Cities 8:15 - Cities are the platforms we build our lives on 10:10 - City as a networks and places of opportunities 13:40- Best and worst designed cities 15:40 - AI element 19:20 - What is Edge Esmerelda? 26:00 - Devon's learnings thus far 31:50- Scaling Cities of the Future 36:30- Intersections between technology and cities 39:10- Philosophical manifestos of cities 43:30- Devon's thoughts on California Forever 44:10 -Rapid-fire Questions Select mentions: Edge Esmerelda ( https://www.edgeesmeralda.com/welcome) Chautauqua (https://devonzuegel.com/chautauqua-an-idea-embedded-in-a-place) Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Reid talks about why he invested in California Forever, the ambitious sustainable city project in Solano County, California. He contends with some of the concerns that have been raised about the initiative and states his case for the best way to fix the affordable housing crisis. The answer just might be surprisingly simple. Aria also asks Reid about exciting sustainability projects that aren't getting the attention they deserve. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/
What if we could build the ideal sustainable city from scratch? This week's guest is aiming to do that, and he has unique insight into what making that dream a reality can look like. Jan Sramek is the founder of California Forever, a company aiming to build an affordable, urban community in Solano County, California. Reid—an investor in California Forever—and Aria sat down with Jan to talk about the vision for the city, where it draws inspiration from, and some of the controversy that has sprung up around the initiative since it was announced in 2023. Why build a new city rather than developing existing ones? How will this new city be connected to the surrounding community? And when might the first residents be able to move in? Read the transcript of this episode here. For more about: California Forever/East Solano Plan (https://eastsolanoplan.com/) Zipline (https://www.flyzipline.com/) Living Carbon (https://www.livingcarbon.com/) JFK speech at Rice University (https://www.rice.edu/jfk-speech) For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics: 03:45 - Hellos and intros 04:25 - Where does Jan draw inspiration from 05:57 - Jan's journey to real estate 08:18 - What is California Forever's timeline? 10:44 - AI weighs in on initiatives to refresh existing cities 13:07 - Cities to look to for inspiration 14:48 - How to create economic opportunity in a new city 17:58 - The importance of local jobs 21:23 - Responding to criticism 24:30 - Most exciting developments 25:55 - Most common misconceptions 27:04 - Community feedback and climate efforts 30:53 - How to connect to public infrastructure 32:38 - How feasible is California Forever, exactly? 35:14 - Learning from past and present initiatives 39:52 - Nonprofit and government stakeholders 42:24 - Why is building from scratch greener? 45:08 - Rapid-fire questions Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection's Pi, OpenAI's ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
In this episode, Aria asks Reid about the path from idea to execution—and Reid draws from LinkedIn to share his launch lessons. Plus, Reid predicts how AI will—and won't—impact food, dining, and restaurants. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/