Robot Overlordz

SPECIAL GUEST: Eliot Peper (Bandwidth). Launching a new project from the Singularity Bros and Robot Overlordz podcasts, this time we talk with Eliot Peper, author of the book Bandwidth. Eliot previously guested on Robot Overlordz in the past. His new book is a thrilling look into politics, climate change, technology-driven social change, and surveillance capitalism.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Rob Miller and Douglisio DiMuccio (NEO). Series 2 is here! The second episode of the new Robot Overlordz podcast features guests Rob and Douglisio talking about their film project NEO, a theatrical, filmic look at neo-evolution. That's the idea that humanity is on the threshold of controlling our evolution. Technology is a key element of this process. From genetics to robotics, longevity to AI, this change is going to affect everyone... and NEO is a sneak peek at what's happening now. Tune in and find out more... plus a very special "One Awesome Thing". Recorded 12/11/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/440-series2-ep002-notes.

Offshore tax havens. They’ve been in the news a bit lately, especially in relation to one of our otherwise favorite companies, Apple. So this episode we tackle the topic of offshore tax havens, the double Irish whatever it’s called, and what’s fair. There’s a bit of contentious disagreement, mid-ep, for those that like controversy too. Things get a little heated, but all in the service of thinking through some very complicated ideas… Recorded 10/18/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/436-ep00316-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Calum Chace (Surviving AI, The Economic Singularity). For his 4th appearance on the show, we talk with author Calum Chace about the future of AI, big data, machine learning, security, privacy, bad credit, and the joys of politics in the US and UK. With a side of media and Internet surfing. Recorded 10/16/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/435-ep00315-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Desmin Borges (You’re The Worst). For his 3rd appearance on the show, we talk with Desmin Borges about PTSD, drugs, pizza, foodies, restaurants, and the joys of FX’s You’re The Worst. With a side of binge vs scheduled TV and the future of #cordcutting. Recorded 10/13/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/434-ep00314-notes.

There’s a threat to the entire Internet lurking in the devices you may have in your home. Hackers are using networks of exploited and hacked Internet Of Things (IOT) devices (cameras, thermostats, lights, etc.) to direct overwhelming attacks at sites and services on the Internet. While this may not seem like a threat to you personally, it actually endangers everyone that uses the Internet (and even those who don’t). Join us and find out more about this threat. Recorded 10/11/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/432-ep00312-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Julie Carpenter. The robots are coming… and soon we will be too. Bad pun? Perhaps… but once again we’re joined by robot researcher Julie Carpenter, this time to dip into robots in a more… intimate context. What possibilities lie within our AI companions? Science fiction offers some visions of what this future could entail, philosophy and ethics suggest some potential issues. Once again we dive into the wonderful world of SEXBOTS!! Recorded 10/2/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/432-ep00312-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Kelly Lovell (You Effect). Millennials sometimes get a bad rap in the press, but this latest generation is filled with entrepreneurial spirit. Joining us to talk about that spirit, and her work with young people is motivational speaker, entrepreneur and Youth Mobilizer Kelly Lovell. What can all of our different generations learn from each other? How is this incredible time of change and acceleration reshaping our culture? Join us and find out more. Recorded 9/27/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/430-ep00311-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Michele Battle-Fisher. Health, and how we develop, treat, and enhance it, is something that affects all of us. Policies are frequently developed by those in power with little regard for those that have to live under those policies. From the water issues in Flint, Michigan, to the “soda tax” proposed by a variety of cities, these policies can have a wide variety of receptions and results. In this episode, we’re joined by systems thinker Michele Battle-Fisher to take a look at how the complex web of variables interacts to promote (or discourage) health outcomes. Recorded 9/25/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/428-ep00310-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Alexandra Whittington (Fast Future). Put on your QUIZ hats, cyborgs, robots, and natural humans!! This episode we’re rejoined by futurist Alexandra Whittington, to quiz us on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and BlockChain (most commonly known as the technology underlying BITCOIN). Play along while you listen, see if you are up on these exciting new technologies. Oh, and also we complain about old people, selfies and Facebook too… c’mon along for some futurist-y goodness. Recorded 9/25/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/427-ep00309-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Richard MacManus (Presence). Since the early days of humanity, we’ve dreamed of entering other worlds. Virtual reality is the technology that could make those dreams and myths into an experiential reality. In this episode, we’re joined by science fiction author Richard MacManus to talk about this possibility, which is explored heavily in his new book PRESENCE. Recorded 9/18/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/425-ep00308-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Jenna Owsianik (FutureOfSex.net). Sex. It’s one of the fundamental human experiences. We have always used technology to enhance, control, understand our sexuality. And the future of sex and technology is set to transform even more as new tech comes online. From sexbots to VR, regenerative medicine to new condoms, wifi connected sex toys and all of the privacy and security issues that come along with that. In this episode we’re joined by Jenna from the Future Of Sex, to talk a bit about how technology is reshaping sex (and how sex is impacting tech). Recorded 9/20/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/423-ep00307-notes.

Technology has reshaped our lives and in many ways offers improvement over the way things were before technology came along. Yet there are also downsides, tradeoffs that we don't always see in our rush to the newest thing. Back in July when we talked with Kevin Kelly, we covered some of these issues that he brought up in his book The Inevitable. And we've also had a fun and stimulating back and forth with the Singularity Bros about OWNERSHIP. In this episode we use a Cracked article as a jumping off point to dig further into some of the ways that technology and the Silicon Valley way of doing things actually makes our lives worse, now and in the future. Recorded 9/18/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/422-ep00306-notes.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Lesley Carhart & Johnny Xmas. Hacking. The very word conjures up media-saturated images of hoodie-wearing nerds, Guy Fawkes' masks, and multiple monitors filled with command windows. But are these media images accurate? We're joined by two white hat hackers (the proverbial good guys) to talk about what the media and society get wrong (and right), and all things hacking. Recorded 9/13/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/418-ep00305-notes.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Isaac & Fiona (Therapalz). For those with Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementia conditions, and those that care for them, technology is offering new hope for connection, comfort, and care. We’re joined by the student entrepreneurs behind Therapalz, a therapeutic robotic animal companion for those suffering from these conditions. Technology in service to socially responsible goals. Take that, cynics about the younger generations. Join us and find out more. Recorded 9/7/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/417-ep00304-notes.

This episode is all about #CORDCUTTING. It’s the way of the future for entertainment, tv shows and short videos. We first talked about this way back in 2011, in our episode 11. This time we’re doing an update on the state of cord-cutting in 2016. Mike’s been a full cord-cutter since 2009, and Matt is (still) debating how to best make the leap into the future. Join us on an odyssey into the future of entertainment. Recorded 9/1/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/416-ep00303-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Zak Field. We’ve talked with Kate, aka Miss Metaverse from BodAI before… now we’re joined by Zak from BodAI to talk about the virtual lab where they’re building their companion AI and how the future of virtual reality is going to open new worlds and possibilities for all of us. And a bit about SEX ROBOTS too, ‘cuz they’re just fun to talk about. Recorded 8/21/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/415-ep00302-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Gerd Leonhard. What does it mean to be human? And how is technology redefining the answer to that question? We’re joined by futurist Gerd Leonhard to talk about his upcoming book Technology Vs Human, and the ways in which technology, social media, Silicon Valley, and commerce are reshaping humanity all around us. Recorded 8/19/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/414-ep00301-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Heather Schlegel. We’ve hit episode 300!! And in this extra special episode we’re joined for her fifth appearance by futurist and social scientist Heather Schlegel, to dig into the way our society is changing all around us. From economics to politics… this one ended up a little heavier and more serious than we expected but a very good conversation with one of our favorite guests!! Recorded 8/16/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/413-ep00300-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Nikola Danaylov (Singularity Weblog). The Singularity. The point at which accelerating change really takes off. The moment when humans are no longer the smartest species on Earth. However you define it, it remains a fascinating possibility. In this episode we’re joined by Socrates himself from the Singularity Weblog and the Singularity 1-On-1 podcast to talk all things SINGULARITY. From the 7 year voyage of the Weblog to the Singularity University, from the joys of podcasting to the wonders and frustrations of AI. Recorded 8/18/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/412-ep00299-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: James Hughes (IEET). One of the biggest challenges of the future is how we deal with the changes, within society, with technology, and of ourselves. The Institute For Ethics and Emerging Technologies stands at the forefront of that conversation. In this episode, the Executive Director of the IEET, James Hughes, stops by to talk bioethics, techno-progressivism, transhumanism, and a dash of science fiction in the media and popular culture. It’s all about our changing world, our changing selves. Recorded 8/17/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/411-ep00298-notes.

Netflix’s hot new show Stranger Things has swept us over to the UPSIDE DOWN!! This episode is a quick review of the phenomenon, along with a side of #FreeRangeKids discussion and shout-outs to our friends at Review The Future and The Singularity Bros. Recorded 8/7/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/410-ep00297-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Eliot Peper. Returning to talk about his second book out this year is past guest Eliot Peper, author and advisor to startups. Mike had the chance to sit down and talk Burning Man, international crime, storytelling, Facebook, privacy, algorithms and filter bubbles with Eliot. With the extra synchronicity of some interactions on Scout.ai with past guests of the show. Tune in and find out more. Recorded 8/10/2016. Available at at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/409-ep00296-notes.

For this episode we decided (with help from a Twitter poll — thanks to all who voted) to revisit one of our favorite punching bags… the TRANSPACIFIC PARTNERSHIP (aka TPP). What is it, and why is it so incredibly f***ing terrible? Tune in and find out… Recorded 8/7/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/407-ep00295-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Lenore Skenazy (Free Range Kids). In this episode, we’re joined again by the author of Free Range Kids, to talk about the way parenting and childhood has changed since we grew up. Plus a dash of Pokemon Go, and the moral panic that has already begun over this augmented reality game that’s become so popular. Recorded 8/1/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/406-ep00294-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Scott, Tom, & Zack of the Singularity Bros podcast. Overlordz VS Bros?!? Tune in for a romp through the podcasting goodness that is the SINGULARITY BROS. Also such highlights as Pokemon Dating. ZZTop Beards in Chicago. The Man From Earth and his incredible HIGHLANDER life. Crazy Augmented Reality to get rid of your one-night stands. All this can be yours… for the low low price of about 38 minutes. Recorded 7/27/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/405-ep00293-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Calum Chace. Returning guest Calum Chace joins us to talk about his new book, The Economic Singularity, which really digs into the history, philosophy, and possible scenarios of TECHNOLOGICAL UNEMPLOYMENT. Tech Unemployment is the idea that as robots and AI take on more and more jobs, that eventually humans will have no option for legitimate work, at least under our current economic system. The Economic Singularity lays all of this out in incredible detail. Highly recommended read. Recorded 7/24/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/404-ep00292-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Brett Horvath, Berit Anderson, & Michael Kaemingk (Scout.AI). In episode 173, we were joined by Brett Horvath to talk about the Kickstarter launch of Scout, a community and information site for people interested in the future. Now that Scout has launched, the whole leadership crew stopped by to talk about the launch, the site, the future, and the way society is changing. From some of the latest dispatches on Scout itself, to other stories that may be of interest to futurists, science fiction fans, and technologists, we tackle some of the big concerns that they've focused on and will be tackling going forward. Recorded 7/22/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/403-ep00291-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Julie Carpenter. During the recent shooting of police in Dallas, the authorities made the decision to use a bomb robot to take out the shooter. This marks a shift in how humans and robots interact, and the cultural, societal, and criminal justice issues are complex and far-reaching. We're joined in this episode by researcher Julie Carpenter, who has been looking at these questions for a while now, to dig into the repercussions of this change. We also talk a bit about the military's use of robotics, particularly drones and the benefits and downsides of keeping humans in the loop. Plus a little about the Campaign Against Killer Robots. Recorded 7/18/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/401-ep00290-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Alexandra Whittington (Fast Future). The blockchain. It’s the engine that powers BitCoin, the cryptocurrency. A distributed ledger that could serve as the basis for the quantification of trust. What impact could this have on education? Employment? We’re joined by futurist, professor and consultant Alexandra Whittington to dig into what this innovation could mean for transforming the human experience. Recorded 7/17/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/400-ep00289-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Tom Cheesewright (Book Of The Future). This episode is all about Pokémon Go, the possibilities and the perils of AUGMENTED REALITY, and the future of games, big data, and technology. We also dip in a bit to Google's failed but successful experiment, with Google Glass. With all of the media attention to Pokémon Go in the past week or so, it was definitely time for us to tackle augmented reality and our guest from Book Of The Future Tom Cheesewright shares his unique perspective on the current state and future possibilities of this exciting technology. Recorded 7/17/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/399-ep00288-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Kevin Kelly. Technology. It has shaped our culture, our society, our possibilities, and our selves. And it is accelerating. More and more of our evolution, socially, culturally, and even physically, is being shaped by our tools. We should understand the effects that this is having on us, the capabilities and biases and flows of our tech. In this episode, we're joined by Kevin Kelly, who's been thinking and writing about these issues for a while. As one of the founders of Wired magazine, he was on the ground floor of the Internet and has seen firsthand a lot of the amazing technologies that will shape our lives in the next few years. Now he has a new book, The Inevitable, about the forces driving these technologies. Join us on a journey into that future... Recorded 7/6/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/397-ep00287-notes. ��