Podcasts about human agency

June 5, 2026This week on Boiler Room, Bryan “Hesher” McClain is joined by Adam “Ruckus” Clark and Mystical Pharaoh for a wide-ranging discussion on artificial intelligence, surveillance, technocracy, data centers, censorship, geopolitical influence, and the increasingly uneasy relationship between technology and human freedom.As AI systems become more powerful and more deeply integrated into everyday life, questions surrounding accountability, transparency, and information control are becoming impossible to ignore. The crew examines recent reports of advanced AI models exhibiting deceptive behavior, growing concerns over AI-driven information management, and the expanding role of massive data center projects being pushed across the United States despite growing public opposition.The conversation also turns toward Albania, where protests have erupted over Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump's controversial plans to develop luxury resorts on environmentally protected coastal lands. What began as a story about tourism development quickly opens into a larger discussion about wealth, political influence, environmental stewardship, and the increasing privatization of public resources.Along the way, the Boiler Room crew navigates bizarre headlines involving rogue dogs with shotguns, CIA-linked alien bloodline theories, hostage situations, UFC controversies, and the anniversary of the infamous Killdozer incident, all while exploring a common thread running through many of today's biggest stories: the concentration of power in institutions, technologies, and systems that increasingly operate beyond public accountability.If machines are becoming smarter, who remains responsible for the decisions being made? And if technology is shaping the future, who gets to decide what that future looks like?All this and more on this edition of Boiler Room.TopicsArtificial Intelligence and AI AlignmentAdvanced AI Models Exhibiting Deceptive BehaviorOpenAI, Anthropic and Frontier AI SystemsData Centers and Public OppositionDHS Monitoring of Infrastructure ActivismSurveillance and Technocratic GovernanceAI Information Control and Narrative ManagementDNA Databases, Intelligence Agencies and UFO ClaimsJared Kushner and Ivanka Trump Development Plans in AlbaniaEnvironmental Preservation vs Corporate DevelopmentAlbania's Flamingo Revolution ProtestsBakersfield Hostage StandoffSean Strickland and UFC White House ControversyKilldozer Anniversary DiscussionFree Speech and Digital CensorshipThe Future of Human Agency in an Automated WorldFeatured GuestsAdam “Ruckus” ClarkAlternate Current RadioMystical PharaohBoiler Room ContributorWebsite: https://alternatecurrentradio.comSupport ACR: https://alternatecurrentradio.com/support/Merch Store: https://alternate-current-radio.creator-spring.com/Telegram: https://t.me/acrradioFollow Hesher: https://x.com/HesherMediaFollow ACR: https://x.com/ACRmediaX

One of the biggest mistakes organizations make with AI is assuming that more automation automatically creates better outcomes. Daria Rudnik introduced a framework that challenges that assumption: the Human Agency Scale. Rather than asking whether AI should be used, the framework asks a more important question: How much human involvement should remain? About Daria Rudnik Daria Rudnik helps overloaded leaders build self-sufficient teams in an AI-driven world. Through her proprietary CLICK Framework, she works with fast-growing technology and finance organizations to improve team ownership, decision-making, knowledge sharing, and adaptability. Daria is the author of CLICKING (International Impact Book Awards – Leadership Category), co-author of The AI Revolution, and founder of Aidra.ai, an AI coaching platform designed to scale leadership development.

In this interview, Niall speaks with Jacob Ward, former editor-in-chief of Popular Science and technology correspondent for Al Jazeera and NBC News. Jacob is the author of “The Loop”, and creator of the “Hacking Your Mind”. In this conversation, they explore: — How AI may shape our decisions in the same way tools like Google Maps changed how we navigate — How behavioural science is used to make digital products more addictive — The parallels between tech design and older systems of exploitation — Why legal accountability for behavioural harm may help limit manipulation at scale — The human skills needed to protect complex thinking in an AI-driven world And more. You can learn more about Jacob's work at https://www.jacobward.com. --- Jacob Ward is an American science and technology journalist, television correspondent, and author. He is best known as the former editor-in-chief of Popular Science, a technology correspondent for NBC News, and for his book examining artificial intelligence and human behavior. --- Interview Links: — Jacob's website: https://www.jacobward.com

Welcome to episode #1038 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). At a time when technology feels simultaneously more powerful and more opaque than ever, Marcus Fontoura is making a case for something many people feel they've lost: agency. A Technical Fellow and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, Marcus has spent decades helping build the infrastructure that powers the modern internet, including leadership roles at Microsoft Azure, Google and IBM. His new book, Human Agency In A Digital World, is both a guide to understanding the technologies shaping our lives and a reminder that we are not merely passengers along for the ride. Drawing on his experience building cloud computing platforms and large-scale digital systems, Marcus demystifies everything from search engines and social media to artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure, arguing that technological literacy should be as fundamental as understanding economics or government. In this episode, Marcus explores the growing gap between the people building technology and the people living with its consequences. He discusses social media's impact on mental health, misinformation, polarization, AI's role as a prediction engine rather than an autonomous intelligence, and the importance of regulation in areas where technological progress has outpaced public understanding. At the same time, Marcus offers a deeply optimistic vision of the future. He believes that access to information, computing power and AI tools can empower a new generation of scientists, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers to tackle challenges ranging from healthcare and education to climate change and scientific discovery. Rather than viewing technology as something happening to us, Marcus argues that understanding how these systems work is the first step toward shaping how they evolve. What emerges is a thoughtful conversation about curiosity, responsibility, innovation and the enduring role of human judgment in an increasingly digital world. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 47:25. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with Marcus Fontoura. Human Agency In A Digital World. A Platform Mindset. Follow Marcus on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Marcus Fontoura and His Role at Microsoft. (02:54) - Understanding the Cloud and Its Impact on Society. (06:06) - Human Agency in a Digital World. (08:57) - The Complexity of AI and Technology. (12:00) - The Role of Regulation in Technology. (15:07) - The Real-World Applications of AI. (17:59) - The Challenges of Social Media and Mental Health. (20:55) - The Need for Societal Engagement in Technology Regulation. (26:26) - The Challenge of Fake News and Agency. (27:00) - Empowering Future Generations. (31:27) - The Role of Human Agency in Technology. (34:01) - Concerns Over AI and Misinformation. (40:44) - Understanding AI Code Generation. (46:55) - The Pursuit of AGI and Its Implications. (50:08) - Technology's Role in Promoting Equality.

In this episode of the HR Insights Podcast, Stuart Elliott is joined by Marc Ramos, Chief Learning Officer, Harvard Learning Innovation Lab Fellow and MIT-trained AI strategist, to explore how organisations can approach AI adoption without losing sight of the people behind the technology.The conversation looks at the growing tension between AI-driven efficiency and employee trust, why some businesses may be moving too quickly into implementation, and how leadership communication can shape whether employees feel included or threatened by change.From trust and transparency to cognitive overload, workplace culture and the future of human connection, this episode offers practical insight for HR, talent and learning leaders navigating AI transformation inside their organisations.Key timestamps:01:06 - Introduction to AI and Learning Development03:58 - The Current State of AI in Business07:02 - Leadership and AI Implementation09:49 - The Spectrum of AI Adoption13:08 - Risk and Reward in AI Investments15:55 - Communication Strategies for AI Adoption18:56 - Change Management and AI22:00 - The Role of Trust in AI Acceptance25:34 - Trust and Society's Insular State29:19 - The Leadership Gap in Trust33:10 - Human Agency and Cognitive Traps37:27 - AI's Impact on Human Connection42:41 - A Human-Centric AI StrategyYou can listen to and download HR Insights from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps. Please subscribe so the latest episodes are directly available! You can also join our HR Community by following us on LinkedIn.Thank you for listening and please do review and rate us wherever you listen! 

In today's Cloud Wars Minute, I unpack Microsoft's Work Trend Index and what it reveals about the rise of agentic AI in the workplace. Highlights 00:09 — Microsoft's 2026 Work Trend Index annual report is titled "Agents, Human Agency, and the Opportunity for Every Organization." Microsoft analyzed trillions of anonymized M365 productivity signals, surveyed upwards of 20,000 workers in 10 countries, and consulted with experts in AI, work, and organizational psychology. Here are some of the most revealing insights. 01:25 — An analysis of 100,000 Copilot chats found that 49% of conversations were focused on supporting cognitive tasks, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of these human participants. On top of that, 66% of surveyed AI users reported that AI has enabled them to dedicate more time to high-value work. 01:49 — Microsoft states that close to one in five workers are in what they call the frontier zone, which refers to what they describe as "the sweet spot where organizational capability and individual readiness reinforce each other." 02:14 — Microsoft says that the key to alignment is for companies to focus on AI absorption rather than simply AI adoption, and this involves redesigning how work is done and turning AI outputs into actionable insights. Visit Cloud Wars for more.

Sophia Dew and Binji Pande speak with Vitalik Buterin about technology, human agency, and how the internet is changing the way people think, build, and relate to the world around them. Drawing from his writings and personal reflections, Buterin discusses how his worldview has evolved over the last decade, from creating Ethereum as a teenager to thinking more deeply about the social and philosophical implications of technology today. The conversation explores the idea of “sanctuary technology,” systems that provide safety and coordination without removing individual freedom or agency. They also discuss the changing relationship between humans and AI, the risks of over-relying on automated systems, and why actively learning and thinking for yourself may become even more important as AI capabilities improve. Along the way, Buterin reflects on creativity, community, identity, and the challenge of staying intentional in a world that increasingly pushes people toward autopilot.   Resources: Follow Vitalik Buterin on X: https://x.com/VitalikButerin Follow Sophia Dew on X: https://x.com/sodofi_ Follow Binji Pande on X: https://x.com/binji_x Stay Updated:Find a16z on YouTube: YouTubeFind a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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In this episode, Minter Dial welcomes back Rana Gujral, entrepreneur and longtime AI innovator, for a probing discussion around his new book, The AI Instinct: The Future of AI and Human Decision Making. With over two decades of hands-on experience building advanced cognitive systems, Rana unpacks how artificial intelligence is subtly entering—and even reshaping—the loop of human perception, attention, and judgement. The conversation delves into the heart of hybrid cognition, as Rana argues that the next frontier isn't man or machine alone, but the emergence of coupled human–AI systems. Drawing on both practical business experience and philosophical inquiry, he explores the dangers and promise of this integration: how AI tools extend and sometimes diminish our cognitive abilities, the emergence of artificial general experience (AGE) as a more meaningful benchmark than AGI, and what it means for team accountability when no single agent is fully in charge. The pair discuss the new challenges of agency and autonomy in a world where algorithms can sculpt our attention before we even realise it, and consider the critical importance of transparency, audit trails, and ethical guardrails in high-stakes environments. Whether you are wrestling with the practicalities of AI-enabled decision making, concerned about the future of human agency, or simply curious about how emotional signals and synthetic voices are shaping our everyday lives, this episode is an invitation to reflect on what makes us human in the age of the algorithm. Tune in as Speaker A and Rana debate the boundaries, responsibilities, and real-world implications of artificial intelligence—and offer a timely framework for leading and living alongside machines.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha's top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week:"Dear Shareholders: Your votes and your voice are needed more than ever," by As You Sow's Andrew Behar“Impact investors seek to assert human agency over the future of AI,” by David Bank and Dennis Price“Collaboration Fund sparks a conversation around M&A in impact investing field-building,” by David Bank and Amy CorteseTo try ImpactAlpha Edge for yourself, click here.Correction: Sorenson Impact Institute, not Foundation, is hosting the Collaboration Fund as well as the Webinar next week.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha's top stories with editor David Bank. Up this week:"⁠Dear Shareholders: Your votes and your voice are needed more than ever⁠," by As You Sow's Andrew Behar“⁠Impact investors seek to assert human agency over the future of AI⁠,” by David Bank and Dennis Price“⁠Collaboration Fund sparks a conversation around M&A in impact investing field-building⁠,” by David Bank and Amy CorteseTo try ImpactAlpha Edge for yourself, ⁠click here⁠.Correction: Sorenson Impact Institute, not Foundation, is hosting the Collaboration Fund as well as the Webinar next week.

What happens when a non-tech founder decides to stop "pushing" prompts and starts "pulling" solutions from AI? Kahlea Wade, founder of Alora Society, returns for her record-breaking third appearance to share how she is reinventing her luxury talent agency through the power of Claude and AI agents. Kahlea walks us through her "aha moment"—building a fully functional internal onboarding app from 500 pages of documentation in just a weekend—and explains why she now treats Claude as a strategic teammate. From streamlining soul-crushing admin tasks to navigating the ethical boundaries of generative AI in the creator economy, this episode is an essential guide for any professional ready to move from AI curiosity to AI proficiency.Key Takeaways:// The "Teammate" Mindset: Stop treating AI as a search engine or a tool; treat it as a brainstorming partner, market researcher, and strategist to unlock its true potential.// Pull vs. Push Prompting: Instead of telling AI what to do (push), describe your frustrations and goals and ask the AI to design the solution (pull).// The Claude Ecosystem Explained: Understand the difference between Claude Chat (ideation), Claude Co-work (agent building and connectors), and Claude Code (efficient, terminal-based execution).// "Life-Quake" Automation: Use AI to handle the "mental load" of tasks like email categorization, task prioritization in ClickUp, and daily industry news briefings.// Human Agency & Taste: While AI can take over "workflows," it cannot replace "roles." Humans remain the only ones capable of establishing "taste," sharing lived experiences, and navigating complex emotions.// The Experimentation Mandate: The only way to overcome AI fear is through "summer shred" style consistency—spending time tinkering with platforms like Lovable and Poppy AI to see what is actually possible.// Claude (Chat, Co-work, Code): Her primary "teammate" for writing and agency operations.// Lovable: The "no-code" savior used to build her internal team app.// Poppy AI: A visual "vision board" interface that houses multiple LLMs (Grok, Gemini, Claude) for content analysis.// ClickUp & Make: The connective tissue used to turn AI outputs into automated business tasks.Connect with Kahlea: Instagram____Join the MHH Collective! The MHH Collective is a community for marketers and business owners to connect, ask real questions, and grow their careers together. Join for access to live Q&As with industry experts, a private Slack community, and ongoing resources: https://www.marketinghappyhr.com/mhh-collectiveSay hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - We can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠Join the MHH Collective: ⁠Join now⁠Get the latest marketing trends, open jobs and MHH updates, straight to your inbox: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our email list!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kahlea's Tech Stack Mentioned:Follow MHH on Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

It is such a wild time to be in the world of training and development, isn't it? I've had this persistent hunch—call it a "zag" when everyone else is "zigging"—that as much as we're obsessing over AI, the real secret sauce is still our human intuition . I recently sat down with Anthony Salcito from Coursera, and it turns out my hypothesis wasn't just wishful thinking. We've all seen those robotic AI outputs that sound like they've never actually lived a day in their lives, and while I've certainly fumbled through my share of prompt engineering, the data shows that our soft skills are more critical than ever . We're navigating a world where we have more data than we know what to do with, and the magic happens when we decide how to use that information to lead with empathy and culture . Key Conversation Themes The Symbiotic Rise of AI and Human Agency. While technical enrollments are skyrocketing, they are being matched by a demand for leadership and critical thinking to ensure these tools are used ethically and effectively . "Humanity will always become more valuable when the technology is more pervasive or used in a sort of a paradigm-shifting way, like what's happening with AI." The Critical Need for Discerning Truth In an era of deepfakes and advanced data models, a core human talent is the ability to separate reality from generated content and prioritize what truly matters for an organization . "Discerning reality from what is created by Gen AI is certainly a core talent... that's really where that human is super critical." Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset Internally. Organizations are looking for intrapreneurs—people who use AI tools to think bigger and pivot quickly without being constrained by historical technological limits . "You want an entrepreneurial mindset to exist inside of learners in an organization that think differently about using these tools." AI as a Safe Space for Human Growth. One of the most exciting applications is using AI for role-playing, allowing employees to practice difficult conversations and gain confidence without the fear of being judged by a peer . "It's hard to roleplay with a human, because you're worried about being judged... I can see it being much safer to do with a robot." Actionable Takeaway Audit your AI prompts for Human Activation. The next time you use a generative tool, don't just accept the first output. Apply your unique lived experience to pivot the prompt, asking the tool to provide a multi-perspective view or a specific organizational culture lens to ensure the result has the humanity required to drive real business change . Follow Anthony's work at Coursera at https://www.coursera.org/.

“We shape our tools, and thereafter they shape us.” — Marshall McLuhan (attributed)Who gets to tell the AI story? A movie, a media company or Marshall McLuhan?1. The movie: the AI doc, How I Became an Apocaloptimist, which That Was The Week publisher Keith Teare dismissed because it failed to define AI.2. A media company: OpenAI bought the streaming show TBPN for hundreds of millions of dollars in a move that is akin to Lenin starting Pravda.3. Marshall McLuhan: Ezra Klein visited Silicon Valley and was reminded of McLuhan's (supposed) remark that “first we shape our tools, and thereafter they shape us.”Klein argues that AI agents are empowering tools that give humans a massive boost in productivity. But the effect, he writes, is to constantly reinforce a certain version of ourselves. These agentic tools are undermining our agency, he fears. So AI ultimately gets to tell the AI story.Agency is becoming simultaneously the political problem and the cure — the thing-in-itself. Writing in the New York Times, Sophie Haigney argues that all the worst people want to be high-agency. Out here, in Silicon Valley, we think that all the worst people want to be low-agency. Perhaps the only thing we all agree on is that nobody wants to be a bot. First we shape our AIs and thereafter they shape us. Five Takeaways•       The AI Doc Is a Massive Failure: Well made, technically fine, but it never establishes what the problem with AI actually is or what kind of solution it offers. All three leaders — Altman, Amodei, Hassabis — come across as unconvinced there will be a good future. The only opinion you can leave with is a negative one.•       OpenAI Bought a Media Company: TBPN acquired for what may be hundreds of millions. Om Malik compares it to Lenin starting Pravda. You don't buy a media outlet unless you want to influence the message. Keith thinks it's about winning the messaging war against Anthropic. Meanwhile, OpenAI's COO shifts to special projects and Fidji Simo takes medical leave.•       Ezra Klein Saw Something New in San Francisco: He noticed people using AI agents as personal assistants — empowering tools that give humans a massive boost in productivity. His observation: the effect is to constantly reinforce a certain version of yourself. We shape our tools, and thereafter they shape us.•       Agency Is the Defining Political Conversation: The New York Times argues all the worst people want to be high-agency. Keith argues the opposite: agency is the precondition for making history. The Meta verdict treated a depressed girl as a passive victim of media with no decision-making role. That depicts humans as infants. It isn't true.•       AI Is a Calculating Machine. You Have to Ask It Something: Agency hasn't been given up. The human shapes the AI completely. Each session starts from scratch. The fear is that the next generation won't be as clever as AI. But unless we have a strong sense of the self, we will be lost. If we do, we can shape these tools as we want. About the GuestKeith Teare is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and publisher of That Was The Week, a weekly newsletter on the tech economy. He is co-founder of SignalRank and a regular Saturday guest on Keen On America.References:•       That Was The Week — Keith's editorial: “Who Gets to Tell the AI Story?”•       Episode 2852: Don't Fight the Last War — last TWTW on the social media trial and the Anthropic trap.•       Episode 2850: Bring the Friction Back — Balkam on social media addiction. The agency debate continues.About Keen On AmericaNobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,800 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting.WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotify Chapters:(00:31) - Introduction: the AI doc, How I Became an Apocaloptimist (01:28) - Keith's verdict: a massive failure of a movie (03:20) - Daniel Roher's narrative: should I have a kid in an AI world? (05:30) - Who gets to tell the AI story? (07:55) - Brain surgeons vs. social policy: the trust problem (09:37) - OpenAI buys TBPN: Lenin, Pravda, and the propaganda play (11:57) - Executive churn at OpenAI: Lightcap, Simo, and the COO shuffle (15:22) - Stability is the enemy: the biggest startup the world has ever seen (17:28) - The markets: rear-view mirror meets speculation (19:48) - SpaceX with xAI: rumoured at $2 trillion (22:32) - Ezra Klein in San Francisco: I saw something new (24:19) - McLuhan: we shape our tools, and thereafter they shape us (26:42) - Why didn't the AI doc actually use AI? (31:19) - The agency debate: all the worst people want to be high-agency (38:09) - AI is a calculating machine. You have to ask it something.

Peggy Smedley and Surya Ramkumar, strategist, author, and speaker, talk about why progress feels stuck and human agency in a machine-accelerated world. She says we are taking the fastest path forward, cutting costs in the easiest parts to cut. They also discuss: · The future of industry and the leader of the future. · Key questions good leaders should be asking today. · Shorter hiring and firing cycles. https://suryaramkumar.com/

Peggy Smedley and Surya Ramkumar, strategist, author, and speaker, talk about why progress feels stuck and human agency in a machine-accelerated world. She says we are taking the fastest path forward, cutting costs in the easiest parts to cut. They also discuss: · The future of industry and the leader of the future. · Key questions good leaders should be asking today. · Shorter hiring and firing cycles. https://suryaramkumar.com/

In DisrupTV Episode 432, R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar explore how AI, algorithms, and global competition are reshaping human agency and technology. Guests Marcos Fontoura (Microsoft CTO, Human Agency in the Digital World) and Rebecca Fannin (Tech Titans of China) share insights on: Auditing your digital life and deploying AI to amplify human value China's tech, EV, and AI revolution amid global geopolitical tensions India's rapid emergence as a cost-efficient, talent-rich tech superpower From empowering humans to understanding global tech power shifts, this episode unpacks the forces defining the next decade.

Blair Wilcox & Chase Metcalf join host Tom Spahr to discuss AI in planning. Wargames show AI excels in data and control but cannot master the art of command. Human intuition remains vital to avoid strategically disastrous decisions.

Beyond Survival: Sustaining Human Agency in Challenging Times | Graham Leicester and Hosts Oren Slozberg and Katherine Fulton We are living in challenging times. Commonweal has been a trailblazer in recognizing this as a moment of long- and short-term peril and opportunity--a rolling “polycrisis.” It may feel overwhelming, but we have copious capacity to rise to the challenge of these times. What will it take to muster a fully human response to polycrisis? How can we draw on reserves of existential courage to face the reality of the present and mobilize our natural human capacities for growth, learning, wisdom, and hope? Join Commonweal Board Chair Katherine Fulton and Executive Director Oren Slozberg for a conversation with Graham Leicester, founder of International Futures Forum, a group established in 2001 precisely to address the challenge of effective agency in “a world we do not understand and cannot control.” Graham spent two weeks in residence at Commonweal in February as a visiting scholar, musing on these challenges with friends and fellow travelers. This conversation is the final event of the residency. *** The New School is Commonweal's learning community and podcast — we offer conversations, workshops, and other events in areas that Commonweal champions: finding meaning, growing health and resilience, advocating for justice, and stewarding the natural world. We make our conversations into podcasts for many thousands of listeners world wide and have been doing this since 2007. Please like/follow our channel for access to our library of more than 400 great podcasts. tns.commonweal.org #commonwealnewschool #commonweal #thirdhorizon #resilience

Who gets to define what intelligence means in the age of AI, and why are tech companies so keen to shift blame onto their creations? This episode digs into moral outsourcing, agency, and the urgent need for independent oversight in the world of artificial intelligence. Nvidia Unveils NemoClaw Agent Software Nvidia's NemoClaw is OpenClaw with guardrails Jensen just put Nvidia's Blackwell and Vera Rubin sales projections into the $1 trillion stratosphere Nvidia Unveils Groq-Based Chip System to Speed Up AI Tasks Like Coding Nvidia's DLSS 5 is like motion smoothing for video games, but worse Zuckerberg has "finished" with Alexandr Wang, worth US$14 billion Meta didn't buy Moltbook for bots — it bought into the agentic web Meta's Manus AI agent arrives on your desktop to take on OpenClaw Introducing GPT-5.4 mini and nano | OpenAI Sources: OpenAI signed a deal with AWS to sell its AI services to US government agencies for both classified and unclassified work, amid the Anthropic-DOD spat Inside OpenAI's Race to Catch Up to Claude Code OpenAI, Musk and Focus A mystery 1T-parameter AI model called Hunter Alpha, which appeared on OpenRouter on March 11, sparks speculation that DeepSeek is quietly testing its V4 model Hustlers are cashing in on China's OpenClaw AI craze Baidu is integrating OpenClaw with its Xiaodu devices to work as voice-controlled remotes, as it seeks to catch up with Tencent and Alibaba in the AI race Tennessee grandmother jailed after AI facial recognition error links her to fraud Judges Find AI Doesn't Have Human Intelligence in Two New Court Cases - Slashdot AI Agent Hacks McKinsey A study of ~1,500 US workers finds AI use can reduce burnout but also cause "AI brain fry", a mental fatigue from using AI tools beyond one's cognitive capacity AI companies want to harvest improv actors' skills to train AI on human emotion A Reddit Post, An AI Hallucination, And Two Lawyers Who Never Checked Citations Walk Into A Dog Custody Case Digg's open beta shuts down after just two months, blaming AI bot spam EchoPrime – Cedars-Sinai’s AI system can read echocardiograms and write the report Robotic Surgery Performed Remotely on Patient 1,500 Miles Away - Slashdot Ex-Uber CEO Kalanick Debuts Plan for 'Gainfully Employed Robots' German philosopher Jürgen Habermas dies at 96 CanIRun.ai — Can your machine run AI models? We tried White Castle from an airport vending machine. It was bleak. I tried BigArch. A big mess. Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ Guest: Rumman Chowdhury Download or subscribe to Intelligent Machines at https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: spaceship.com/twit outsystems.com/twit zscaler.com/security preview.modulate.ai

Who gets to define what intelligence means in the age of AI, and why are tech companies so keen to shift blame onto their creations? This episode digs into moral outsourcing, agency, and the urgent need for independent oversight in the world of artificial intelligence. Nvidia Unveils NemoClaw Agent Software Nvidia's NemoClaw is OpenClaw with guardrails Jensen just put Nvidia's Blackwell and Vera Rubin sales projections into the $1 trillion stratosphere Nvidia Unveils Groq-Based Chip System to Speed Up AI Tasks Like Coding Nvidia's DLSS 5 is like motion smoothing for video games, but worse Zuckerberg has "finished" with Alexandr Wang, worth US$14 billion Meta didn't buy Moltbook for bots — it bought into the agentic web Meta's Manus AI agent arrives on your desktop to take on OpenClaw Introducing GPT-5.4 mini and nano | OpenAI Sources: OpenAI signed a deal with AWS to sell its AI services to US government agencies for both classified and unclassified work, amid the Anthropic-DOD spat Inside OpenAI's Race to Catch Up to Claude Code OpenAI, Musk and Focus A mystery 1T-parameter AI model called Hunter Alpha, which appeared on OpenRouter on March 11, sparks speculation that DeepSeek is quietly testing its V4 model Hustlers are cashing in on China's OpenClaw AI craze Baidu is integrating OpenClaw with its Xiaodu devices to work as voice-controlled remotes, as it seeks to catch up with Tencent and Alibaba in the AI race Tennessee grandmother jailed after AI facial recognition error links her to fraud Judges Find AI Doesn't Have Human Intelligence in Two New Court Cases - Slashdot AI Agent Hacks McKinsey A study of ~1,500 US workers finds AI use can reduce burnout but also cause "AI brain fry", a mental fatigue from using AI tools beyond one's cognitive capacity AI companies want to harvest improv actors' skills to train AI on human emotion A Reddit Post, An AI Hallucination, And Two Lawyers Who Never Checked Citations Walk Into A Dog Custody Case Digg's open beta shuts down after just two months, blaming AI bot spam EchoPrime – Cedars-Sinai’s AI system can read echocardiograms and write the report Robotic Surgery Performed Remotely on Patient 1,500 Miles Away - Slashdot Ex-Uber CEO Kalanick Debuts Plan for 'Gainfully Employed Robots' German philosopher Jürgen Habermas dies at 96 CanIRun.ai — Can your machine run AI models? We tried White Castle from an airport vending machine. It was bleak. I tried BigArch. A big mess. Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ Guest: Rumman Chowdhury Download or subscribe to Intelligent Machines at https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: spaceship.com/twit outsystems.com/twit zscaler.com/security preview.modulate.ai

Helen and Dave Edwards are co-founders of the Artificiality Institute, a nonprofit research organization that helps people stay human in the age of AI. They explore how AI changes the way we think, who we become, and what it means to be human. Through story-based research, education, and community, they help people choose the relationship they want with machines, so they remain the authors of their own minds.Before founding the Artificiality Institute, they co-founded Intelligentsia.ai, an AI-focused research firm acquired by Atlantic Media. Helen previously led large-scale technology and transformation efforts in critical infrastructure, while Dave spent years shaping creative tools at Apple and investing in emerging technologies as a venture capitalist at CRV and an equity research analyst at Morgan Stanley and ThinkEquity.In this second part of our conversation, we talk about:Rethinking intelligence as something layered, embodied, and expressed in different forms The “SaaSpocalypse” moment on Wall Street The “Dust Bowl” metaphor and the risk of automating complex human systems too quickly Transition from the attention economy to the intimacy economy Dave and Helen's reflections on what is lost when we use AI How AI systems uncover hidden structures in language, science, and the natural world Practical ways creators can decide where AI belongs in their creative processTo learn more about Helen and Dave's work, you can find them at:https://artificialityinstitute.org/ Books and resources mentioned:The Artificiality, AI Culture, and Why the Future Will Be Co-Evolution (by Helen Edwards)This season of the podcast is sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust.Support the show

Tomicah Tillemann, President at Project Liberty Institute, joins the show. Tomicah offers a unique perspective on regulating emerging technology given his time as a venture capitalist and head of policy at Andreessen Horowitz and Haun Ventures. His contemporary focus is on identifying “policy solutions that enable human agency and human flourishing in an AI-powered world.” It's a tall order that he breaks down with Kevin Frazier, a Senior Fellow at the Abundance Institute, Adjunct Research Fellow at the Cato Institute, and a Senior Editor at Lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7. Guest Kevin Frazier addresses state-level AI regulation, warning against shortsighted laws that limit human agency. He advocates for transparencyand consumer choice over "regulatory capture" that mirrors historical over-litigation in other industries. (7)1968 ISAAC ASSIMOV,AUTHOR I, ROBOT

AI, under the dangerous control of tech oligarchs, is creating a world with shrinking human choice, creativity, and connection. Technology journalist Jacob Ward, author of The Loop: How Technology is Creating a World without Choices and How to Fight Back, describes why restraint and resistance are necessary to fight back against the AI juggernaut. Highlights include:   How tech journalism emphasizes novelty and business profits and amplifies tech companies' hype as journalists seek to maintain access to powerful tech leaders; How profit-driven AI exploits a human bias toward fast, easy thinking and decision-making that leads us to outsource our choices and judgment to automated systems; Why AI large language models (LLMs) are like cover bands providing the 'greatest hits' of humanity's past achievement - an 'artificial hive mind' that is biased toward middle-of-the-road, derivative, and unoriginal ideas; How impersonal, unaccountable, 'black box' AI decision-making creates Kafka-esque systems in government services, jobs, and loans - disproportionately harming the least powerful in society; Why AI large language models are 2 to 3 times more biased than the average person across various cultural and demographic dimensions; How AI will increase addiction and social isolation, replacing real-world relationships with flattering, always available chatbot 'friends'; Why our collective sense-making and democratic decision-making will be further threatened by AI - creating even more tightly sealed, individually customized information bubbles that conform to our feelings, not the truth; How many tech oligarchs pushing AI are also involved in genetic engineering projects with the aim of breeding 'optimized' babies; Why tech companies' legal liability and U.S. states' AI regulations are hopeful avenues of AI pushback; Why we need to rediscover the value of restraint and realize that not all innovation is beneficial for humanity and the planet.  See episode website for show notes, links, and transcript:  https://www.populationbalance.org/podcast/jacob-ward   OVERSHOOT | Shrink Toward Abundance OVERSHOOT tackles today's interlocked social and ecological crises driven by humanity's excessive population and consumption. The podcast explores needed narrative, behavioral, and system shifts for recreating human life in balance with all life on Earth. With expert guests from wide-ranging disciplines, we examine the forces underlying overshoot: from patriarchal pronatalism that is fueling overpopulation, to growth-biased economic systems that lead to consumerism and social injustice, to the dominant worldview of human supremacy that subjugates animals and nature. Our vision of shrinking toward abundance inspires us to seek pathways of transformation that go beyond technological fixes toward a new humanity that honors our interconnectedness with all beings.  Hosted by Nandita Bajaj and Alan Ware. Brought to you by Population Balance. Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.populationbalance.org/subscribe Support our work with a one-time or monthly donation: https://www.populationbalance.org/donate Learn more at https://www.populationbalance.org Copyright 2016-2026 Population Balance

Artificial intelligence is not only changing what we can do, but may be changing how we think. As AI systems increasingly participate in writing, reasoning, and decision-making, it becomes more urgent to ask what it means to retain human agency and ensure we're not losing our fundamental capabilities.My guests today, Helen and Dave Edwards, have been working seriously on this question.Helen and Dave Edwards are co-founders of the Artificiality Institute, a nonprofit research organization that helps people stay human in the age of AI. They explore how AI changes the way we think, who we become, and what it means to be human. Through story-based research, education, and community, they help people choose the relationship they want with machines, so they remain the authors of their own minds.Before founding the Artificiality Institute, they co-founded Intelligentsia.ai, an AI-focused research firm acquired by Atlantic Media. Helen previously led large-scale technology and transformation efforts in critical infrastructure, while Dave spent years shaping creative tools at Apple and investing in emerging technologies as a venture capitalist at CRV and an equity research analyst at Morgan Stanley and ThinkEquity.In this first part of our conversation, we discuss:Helen and Dave's early childhood experiences of beautyThe origin of the Artificiality Institute  How AI is already reshaping the way we reason, write, create, and make decisions What happens to human reasoning and decision-making when AI becomes part of our thinking process The difference between “drift” and intentional authorship when working with AI Cognitive sovereignty as the central challenge of the AI era How can people use AI deeply and skillfully The concept of symbolic plasticity and how AI can reshape the frameworks we use to understand the worldTo learn more about Helen and Dave's work, you can find them at:https://artificialityinstitute.org/ Books and resources mentioned:The Artificiality, AI Culture, and Why the Future Will Be Co-Evolution (by Helen Edwards)This season of the podcast is sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust.Support the show

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu! In today's episode, we dive deep into the powerful and provocative conversation between Tom Bilyeu and Amjad Massad, CEO and founder of Replit. Picking up in part two of their discussion, the two explore the societal—and even existential—impacts of technology, with a special focus on AI. The conversation ranges from reflections on Ted Kaczynski's (the Unabomber's) warnings about technology's effects on our sense of purpose and meaning, to the potential for AI to both empower individuals and centralize control in the hands of the elite. You'll hear Tom Bilyeu and Amjad Massad tackle tough questions: Does technology inevitably make us less happy? Can society self-correct when things go wrong, or are we at the mercy of powerful systems? They discuss everything from government regulation and the rise of social antibodies—like shifts in attitudes around smoking and junk food—to the risks of social unrest, information overload, and the war between centralization and decentralization in the digital age. Whether you're passionate about the promise of AI, worried about its pitfalls, or just fascinated by the big-picture consequences of our technological evolution, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you new insights. Get ready for a nuanced, no-holds-barred discussion that blends philosophy, politics, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Enjoy the episode! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impactKetone IQ: Visit https://ketone.com/IMPACT for 30% OFF your subscription orderHuel: High-Protein Starter Kit 20% off for new customers at https://huel.com/impact code impactCape: 33% off your first 6 months with code IMPACT at https://cape.co/impactPique: 20% off at https://piquelife.com/impactPlaud: Get 10% off with code TOM10 at https://plaud.ai/tomQuince: Free shipping and 365-day returns at https://quince.com/impactpod What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:  https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:  https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu's Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Follow Amjad Massad:X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/amssadBlog: https://amasad.meReplit: https://replit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu! In today's episode, we dive deep into the powerful and provocative conversation between Tom Bilyeu and Amjad Massad, CEO and founder of Replit. Picking up in part two of their discussion, the two explore the societal—and even existential—impacts of technology, with a special focus on AI. The conversation ranges from reflections on Ted Kaczynski's (the Unabomber's) warnings about technology's effects on our sense of purpose and meaning, to the potential for AI to both empower individuals and centralize control in the hands of the elite. You'll hear Tom Bilyeu and Amjad Massad tackle tough questions: Does technology inevitably make us less happy? Can society self-correct when things go wrong, or are we at the mercy of powerful systems? They discuss everything from government regulation and the rise of social antibodies—like shifts in attitudes around smoking and junk food—to the risks of social unrest, information overload, and the war between centralization and decentralization in the digital age. Whether you're passionate about the promise of AI, worried about its pitfalls, or just fascinated by the big-picture consequences of our technological evolution, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you new insights. Get ready for a nuanced, no-holds-barred discussion that blends philosophy, politics, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Enjoy the episode! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impactKetone IQ: Visit https://ketone.com/IMPACT for 30% OFF your subscription orderHuel: High-Protein Starter Kit 20% off for new customers at https://huel.com/impact code impactCape: 33% off your first 6 months with code IMPACT at https://cape.co/impactPique: 20% off at https://piquelife.com/impactPlaud: Get 10% off with code TOM10 at https://plaud.ai/tomQuince: Free shipping and 365-day returns at https://quince.com/impactpod What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:  https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:  https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu's Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Follow Amjad Massad:X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/amssadBlog: https://amasad.meReplit: https://replit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Mike and Tim navigate through a snowpocalypse while discussing the nuances of faith, hope, and the human experience. They delve into the complexities of optimism versus hope, the role of spiritual disciplines, and the unexpected ways God might work in our lives. Further, they explore various themes surrounding faith, politics, and the human experience. They discuss the impact of current events on personal and communal faith, the role of poetry in reflection, and the importance of spiritual disciplines. The conversation also delves into the influence of right-wing populism on Christianity, and the significance of being receptive to divine nudges. Join them for a thoughtful conversation that challenges conventional beliefs and encourages a deeper understanding of spirituality in today's world. Chapters 00:00 - Snowpocalypse and Family Celebrations 2:57 - Preparing for the Storm 05:48 - Poetry and Reflection 09:08 - MAGA Jesus vs. Real Jesus 11:58 - The Role of Faith in Politics 15:12 - Hope vs. Optimism 18:02 - God's Presence in Suffering 20:59 - Prayer as an Act of Resistance 33:15 - The Nature of Divine Influence 38:07 - Understanding Gifts and Human Agency 43:51 - Nudging and Spiritual Awareness 50:07 - The Power of Example and Influence 56:31 - The Role of Spiritual Disciplines As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Daniel Miessler shares his Personal AI Infrastructure (PAI) framework and vision for a future where single human owners are supported by armies of AI agents. He explains his TELOS system for defining purpose and goals, multi-layered memory design, and orchestration of multiple models and sub-agents. The conversation dives into cybersecurity impacts, from AI-accelerated testing to inevitable personalized spear-phishing and always-on defensive monitoring. Listeners will learn how scaffolding can turn frontier models into true digital assistants and even help reshape their own working habits. LINKS: PAI principles on GitHub README Daniel Miessler about page How Miessler's projects fit together AI changes predictions for 2026 Fabric open-source AI framework Personal AI Infrastructure GitHub repository Current definition of AGI article Why we'll have AGI by 2028 RAID AI definitions framework article Unsupervised Learning newsletter signup Daniel Miessler LinkedIn profile Sponsors: MongoDB: Tired of database limitations and architectures that break when you scale? MongoDB is the database built for developers, by developers—ACID compliant, enterprise-ready, and fluent in AI—so you can start building faster at https://mongodb.com/build Serval: Serval uses AI-powered automations to cut IT help desk tickets by more than 50%, freeing your team from repetitive tasks like password resets and onboarding. Book your free pilot and guarantee 50% help desk automation by week four at https://serval.com/cognitive MATS: MATS is a fully funded 12-week research program pairing rising talent with top mentors in AI alignment, interpretability, security, and governance. Apply for the next cohort at https://matsprogram.org/s26-tcr Tasklet: Tasklet is an AI agent that automates your work 24/7; just describe what you want in plain English and it gets the job done. Try it for free and use code COGREV for 50% off your first month at https://tasklet.ai PRODUCED BY: https://aipodcast.ing

 Change feels different every time—but it never is. From John Henry to today, this episode explores the recurring moment when the world moves on… and where people still fit.Every generation feels it—the sense that this time, change is different.Faster. Bigger. Final.But history tells another story.From the legend of John Henry to the modern moment, this episode explores the recurring human experience that appears whenever progress accelerates: the quiet question of where people fit when the world moves on.This isn't a story about winning, resisting, or keeping up.It's about the moment that keeps returning—and the small space where choice still exists.If this perspective resonated, consider liking, subscribing, or sharing.And thanks for spending the time here.________________________________________

Professor Fatemi introduces the concept of the “Cyber-Leviathan” to describe the totalising power of digital surveillance and algorithmic governance. From an Islamic ethical and theological perspective, he argues for rethinking human rights and moral responsibility in order to protect human agency in the digital age.

Technology is reshaping the world at a pace few people, inside or outside the industry, expected. But every so often, you meet someone who has not only witnessed the major waves of technological change, but helped build them. In this conversation, Marcus Fontoura, Technical Fellow and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, CTO for Azure Core, walks us through the story of AI, what leaders are getting wrong, and how to develop the one thing that will matter more than any model or algorithm: human agency. Marcus has lived through every major inflection point: early search, the rise of cloud computing, and now large-scale AI systems. One of the first things he challenges is the popular narrative that we are heading toward an AI apocalypse, or an AI utopia. Both extremes, he explains, miss the point: "My approach was more like, let me just explain what the technology is and what it does… it's basically a prediction system." Marcus offers a clear explanation of modern AI. He compares today's large models to a system that has: "Read nonstop for fifty thousand years… with near perfect memory." But this doesn't make AI a mastermind. It makes it a stochastic parrot, extraordinarily capable, but not self-directed. He also emphasizes that while AI will automate the mechanical layers of work, it will amplify, not replace, the leaders who know how to think: "If your job is typing in a spreadsheet… then I would feel scared. But if you have the knowledge and experience to really add value, I wouldn't feel scared." His point is: the danger isn't AI. The danger is becoming someone who only performs tasks AI can do. We also cover the uncomfortable but increasingly visible trend: people relying on AI so heavily that they lose their independent critical-thinking muscles. Marcus acknowledges the risk: "That is a little bit concerning… we will see good uses of technology and uses we don't want to happen." He stresses that organizations must raise the bar for juniors, not lower it, and that AI helps experts more than novices: "More experienced folks already know what to expect… junior employees may not know what is correct or incorrect." This is one of the most important insights in the entire episode: AI accelerates expertise; it does not create it. On hallucinations, Marcus is exceptionally candid: "The more we use it, the more you have techniques to avoid it… but we have to double-check those things." On leaders fearing displacement: "Use AI in a way that amplifies your skills… automate the mechanical tasks and focus on what only humans can do." And on what truly matters in this moment of technological upheaval: "Technology shouldn't influence us. We should influence what we want to see in our society." And he gave a useful explanation of the names of ChatGPT models: "When you say that bigger AI models, when you move from ChatGPT three to four, four to five, basically these models have more parameters. So this means that you read a lot more, but also you memorize a lot more." This conversation is a reminder that the most important focus should not be AI, it's the leader using AI with judgment, clarity, and agency.   Get Marcus's book, Human Agency in a Digital World, here: https://shorturl.at/v0lo8   Claim your free gift: Free gift #1 McKinsey & BCG winning resume www.FIRMSconsulting.com/resumePDF Free gift #2 Breakthrough Decisions Guide with 25 AI Prompts www.FIRMSconsulting.com/decisions Free gift #3 Five Reasons Why People Ignore Somebody www.FIRMSconsulting.com/owntheroom Free gift #4 Access episode 1 from Build a Consulting Firm, Level 1 www.FIRMSconsulting.com/build Free gift #5 The Overall Approach used in well-managed strategy studies www.FIRMSconsulting.com/OverallApproach Free gift #6 Get a copy of Nine Leaders in Action, a book we co-authored with some of our clients: www.FIRMSconsulting.com/gift

Are we truly characters with agency, or are we just playing out our programming in the great video game of life? Contrary to those in his field who claim that free will is an illusion, neuroscientist Kevin Mitchell insists that we're agents who wield our decision-making mechanism for our own purposes. Listen as the author of Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will explains to EconTalk's Russ Roberts why the debate between free will and determinism rests on a flawed foundation, and how the evolution of the ability to make choices and take actions provides the best argument for human agency. Topics include why habits, rather than simply limiting our freedom, also help us live better lives, and the role emotions such as guilt, shame, and regret play in building our character.

Marcus Fontoura has led engineering teams at IBM, Yahoo, Google, and Microsoft...building the very systems that power our digital lives. Now, as the author of Human Agency in a Digital World, he's asking a more profound question: how do we stay in charge of the technology we create? Scott and Marcus explore what it means to move from being passengers to pilots in an age of automation — through ethics, education, and intentional design.https://fontoura.org

In this episode, Matthew W. Johnson, PhD returns to discuss how psychedelics can be leveraged to catalyze human agency. Dr. Johnson has been at the forefront of psychedelic research for 21 years, having conducted seminal research on the effects of psilocybin on mystical experience, personality, and treatment of cancer distress, major depressive disorder, and tobacco addiction. His work with tobacco addiction received the first federal funding for a classic psychedelic in the modern era of research. In this conversation, Dr. Johnson explores psychedelics as powerful enhancers of human agency—the felt capacity to steer one's own life, make meaningful choices, and act from a place of inner autonomy. Drawing from two decades of research across depression, cancer distress, addiction, and healthy volunteer studies, he argues that increases in agency may be a core, yet under-recognized, mechanism behind therapeutic change. Dr. Johnson discusses agency as a "meta-executive" function intertwined with free will, mental flexibility, and meaning-making, and suggests that psychedelics may uniquely illuminate and strengthen this capacity. In closing, he shares thoughts on how individuals can better take advantage of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity to increase agency in their own lives.   In this episode, you'll hear: What Dr. Johnson means by "agency" and why he sees it as central to psychedelic healing Clinical examples of participants who rediscovered autonomy, changed behaviors, or reframed their suffering after psilocybin sessions Why psychedelics may enhance big-picture psychological flexibility, not just moment-to-moment cognitive flexibility How increased agency may help people with depression, addiction, and cancer distress shift entrenched patterns of thinking and behavior Potential future research directions for studying the neuroscience of agency   Quotes: "It's not just that enhancing agency is the elephant in the room of why psychedelics are working, it's also that I think psychedelics can be a tool for finally understanding this thing of human agency." [4:31] "Even if you think the sense of free will is an illusion, it has to be an evolutionarily advantageous illusion. Why else would it be seemingly universal?" [12:30] "When someone really has one of these 'ah-ha' experiences, they can really come to this perspective of 'no, no, no, no, no, I really am choosing how I'm thinking about myself.' In cancer [patients] it happened a lot." [21:51]   Links: Previous episode: The Latest Research on Psilocybin for Depression with Matthew Johnson, PhD Previous episode: Exploring DMT Entities with Matthew Johnson, PhD Previous episode: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Psychedelic Medicine with Matthew Johnson, PhD Dr. Johnson on X Dr. Johnson on InstagramDr. Johnson on LinkedIn Psychedelic Medicine Association Porangui

The post Diyi Yang on augmenting capabilities and wellbeing, levels of human agency, AI in the scientific process, and the ideation-execution gap (AC Ep24) appeared first on Humans + AI.

Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO and Futurist of Designing Schools, joins the podcast to discuss the rapid acceleration of AI and its impact on the future of work. She explores how schools can manage this change, move beyond app-focused training, and redefine learning to foster human agency.Designing SchoolsWings of Wisdom Podcast (Sabba's Podcast)Book: Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth GodinSparketype AssessmentDesert Sands Unified School District AI GuidanceForbes Article: "Agency Is The New Literacy" by Dan PatrickThe Knowledge Society (TKS)Alpha SchoolPodcast: The Diary of a CEOPodcast: The Artificial Intelligence Show

What does it look like when social impact efforts recognize the importance of people's own capacity to make choices and take action in their lives? In this episode, Richard Sedlmayr, co-founder of the Agency Fund, explores how human agency functions as a meaningful driver to achieve social impact. Richard explains how the Agency Fund supports ideas and organizations that expand individuals' access to information, options, and tools that help them navigate their circumstances more effectively. This perspective examines how people understand their environment, interpret opportunities, and decide on pathways forward. Drawing on their work with partners such as Rocket Learning in India, Richard highlights how parents and caregivers can be supported to take an active role in early childhood development, and how practical guidance and community engagement can translate into improvements in learning and wellbeing. This episode offers a clear, balanced look at how human agency can serve as a valuable dimension of social impact — one that recognizes individuals not as passive recipients of aid, but as active participants in shaping outcomes in their own lives and communities. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 350+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

In today's high-pressure world, leading with love isn't idealistic, it's essential. In this episode, I sit down with V.R. Ferose, 26-year SAP leader and Head of SAP Academy for Engineering and founder of the Autism at Work program, to talk about why love as a leadership practice, seeing people clearly, protecting dignity, and amplifying agency, is the most powerful business strategy of all. He shares why trust compounds over time, how to lead with both strength and compassion, and why the future belongs to leaders who lead with heart intelligence, not just artificial intelligence. Get ready to rethink success, rediscover meaning, and learn how leading with love can create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Meet V.R. Ferose, 26-year SAP leader and Head of SAP Academy for Engineering. 07:00 How history's great social movements teach modern leadership lessons. 15:45 What “only strength respects strength” really means when facing conflict. 24:00 Why heart intelligence, not AI, is our greatest human advantage. 32:45 How real learning and growth happen through in-person connection. 37:30 How AI is eroding creativity and reflection. 42:45 The link between social comparison and anxiety. 48:45 What is the origin of Autism at Work? 55:00 Why “Autism at Work” began as a choiceless decision. 01:04:00 Why do so many high-achievers feel boxed in and powerless? Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow V.R. on LinkedIn @ferosevr 

Jacob Ward, a technology journalist and author, delves into the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI), human behavior, and social change. He shares insights from his extensive experience in technology journalism, including his time as editor-in-chief of Popular Science and a correspondent for NBC News. Ward emphasizes the concerning trend of AI eroding our sense of agency, as companies increasingly deploy AI systems that exploit our cognitive shortcuts. He argues that while these technologies can enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks, they also risk diminishing our ability to engage in critical thinking and moral reasoning.Ward highlights the blind spots in how big tech companies market AI as productivity tools without addressing the psychological implications of their use. He warns that the commercial interests of these companies often align with amplifying our primitive decision-making instincts rather than fostering our rational and creative capacities. This dynamic can lead to a reliance on AI systems that ultimately detracts from our ability to make thoughtful decisions, similar to how over-reliance on navigation apps has impaired our sense of direction.The conversation also touches on the importance of intentionality when using AI tools in business contexts. Ward suggests that while it is beneficial to use AI for mundane tasks, users should be cautious not to let these systems dictate their work pace or decision-making processes. He advocates for using AI to free up time for more significant, creative thinking rather than allowing it to consume time with trivial tasks. This approach can help maintain a balance between leveraging technology and preserving our cognitive abilities.Finally, Ward discusses the regulatory landscape surrounding AI, noting that while innovation often outpaces policy, regulations are inevitable. He draws parallels between the current state of AI and historical industries like airlines and shipping, suggesting that the future of AI may resemble these heavily regulated sectors. As AI continues to evolve, Ward emphasizes the need for a thoughtful approach to its implementation, ensuring that it serves to enhance human capabilities rather than diminish them.

Peter's Greek wording in 1 Pet. 2:17 suggests a subtle but potent leveling of people and Roman king in Peter's kingdom vision. Dr. Jason Maston is Professor of Theology at Houston Christian University, where he is also Associate Dean, School of Christian Thought, and Director, BA to MDiv Program. His publications include (author) Divine and Human Agency in Second Temple Judaism and Paul: A Comparative Study and (co-editor) Five Views on the Gospel. He is currently writing a theology of 1 Peter as part of the New New Testament Theology series being published by Cambridge University Press.  Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4nmygUL M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: http://bit.ly/4nirWOe 

Trending in Ed is back for its 10th season! Mike Palmer is kicking things off by reflecting on the past nine seasons and sharing what's in store for the Fall. We're excited to announce that the podcast will be offering dedicated feeds for listeners who want to go deep on specific topics like AI, K-12, higher education / the future of work, and author interviews about books. In this kickoff episode, Mike shares his eight trends for Fall 2025: Independent Media & Free Speech: Highlighting the importance of independent media and calling out the "chilling effects" on free speech in mainstream and broadcast media. Discernment: The ability to find "the signal in the noise" and filter out misinformation in a world of information overload. AI Dexterity: A focus on what people can do with AI rather than what AI can do for them, a phrase coined by Mike Yates. Golden Age of Educational Media: The rise of generative AI tools is revolutionizing the development of educational content and instructional design. Co-Design & Co-Creation: The importance of listening to and co-creating with students, families, and parents to foster a sense of connection and ownership. Human Agency: The idea that purpose and goals are a "super skill" that allows individuals to engage with new capabilities more productively. Cognitive Neuroscience: Applying the science of how our brains are structured and how we learn to develop more effective learning systems. Tutors & Mentors: The crucial role of human coaches, tutors, and mentors in a world increasingly influenced by AI. We also bring back OG virtual co-host, Nancy, to discuss the Gartner Hype Cycle for 2025. We discuss how generative AI is now moving into the "Trough of Disillusionment" and that things like Model Ops and AI Engineering are quietly gaining momentum on the "Slope of Enlightenment". We also touch upon what's next, including AI agents and AI-native software engineering, and how AI is becoming a utility rather than a differentiator. Listeners can look forward to upcoming interviews with an incredible lineup of guests, including: Rich Braden and Tessa Forshaw, authors of Innovation-ish. Howard Blumenthal and Bob Pianta, authors of Kids on Earth. Michael Ioffe the Co-Founder and CEO of Arist. AJ Gutierrez from Equal Opportunity Schools. Michelle Vilchez and Sean Michael Hardy from Innovate Public Schools. Jeff Young hosts Learning Curve. Liz City and Rachel Curtis, authors of Leading Strategically. We are delighted to have you with us for Season 10! Follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Video versions are now available on YouTube and Spotify. Visit TrendinginEd.com for more. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Season 10 of Trending in Education 01:24 New Dedicated Feeds for Focused Content 02:42 Upcoming Trends and Sneak Peeks 07:05 Trend 1: Free Speech and Independent Media 10:44 Trend 2: Discernment in the Attention Economy 12:28 Trend 3: AI Dexterity 13:50 Trend 4: Golden Age of Educational Media 16:09 Trend 5: Co-Design and Co-Creation 19:22 Trend 6: Human Agency  26:07 Trend 7: Cognitive Neuroscience 27:26 Trend 8: Tutors/Coaches and Mentors 29:21 Recap of the Eight Trends in Education 31:43 Gartner Hype Cycle for 2025 34:21 Generative AI and the Trough of Disillusionment 37:22 Future Technologies and AI Agents 41:37 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Today I'm joined by Jamie Gerlach, an educator and leader who believes in the power of deep learning to build human agency and sees access to rigorous play as a basic right for all. For over a decade, he has designed and led professional learning in embodied literacy, 4C learning and school transformation, working with teachers and leaders across Australia and internationally. Jamie has also lectured at the University of Sydney and spoken at national conferences. In this conversation, we explore his philosophy, passion and practical insights for reimagining education.

Emily Yang's work sits at the intersection of AI ethics, governance, and human experience. She is an early advocate for bringing human-centered design and responsible innovation into the heart of enterprise AI, especially in HR and talent functions. For her, ethics is an activity — something we do, not just something we believe. In this episode, Dart and Emily talk about why AI feels both helpful and destabilizing, how bias and invisible harms emerge, and what it takes to preserve human agency as AI tools shape our work and lives.Emily Yang is the Head of Human-Centered AI and Innovation at Standard Chartered, where she leads efforts to embed ethics, governance, and design into enterprise AI. She is a global speaker and advisor on responsible AI and human-centered innovation.In this episode, Dart and Emily discuss:- How AI is changing the meaning of data consent- How training data bakes in human bias- Why checklists aren't the same as ethics- Trust between people vs. trust in companies- How design preserves or erodes human agency- Why councils alone can't govern AI responsibly- Emily's personal struggle with AI's big questions- How generative AI reshapes identity, craft, and trust- The rise of “AI stewards” in organizations- And other topics…Emily Yang is the Head of Human-Centered AI and Innovation at Standard Chartered. She works to bring ethics, governance, and human-centered design into AI, especially in HR and talent. Emily serves on the bank's Responsible AI Council, Data Ethics Working Group, and GenAI Task Force. She has more than a decade of experience in UX, innovation consulting, corporate venture building, and big tech. Emily began her AI journey researching empathy and emotional intelligence in virtual agents. She is also an advisor to the Centre for Synchronous Leadership's “Agents of Change” and a frequent global speaker on responsible AI.Resources Mentioned:Diaspora, by Greg Egan: https://www.amazon.com/Diaspora-Novel-Greg-Egan/dp/1597805424WFH Episode 11 with Don Norman: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-design-of-everyday-things-design-for-a/id1612743401?i=1000582265202Connect with Emily:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyyangy/ Work with Dart:Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what's most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.

In this conversation, David Krakauer discusses the complexities of life, the duality of agency in the face of technology, and the search for meaning in the 21st century. He explores how AI and human intelligence interact, the need for new governance and economic systems, and the importance of finding order in chaos.David Krakauer President of the Santa Fe InstituteChapters00:00 Exploring Complexity and Hidden Patterns06:55 The Duality of Agency and Technology13:53 Navigating the Meaning Crisis in the 21st Century20:18 The Role of AI and Human Intelligence26:58 Envisioning New Governance and Economic Systems35:14 Finding Order in Chaos: The Creative SpaceGrab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life -⁠⁠ https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠https://throughconversations.com⁠⁠Substack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ThruConvPodcast⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠https:⁠//www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

Want a powerful tool that doesn't cost a fortune? Omnisend has everything you need to scale your store - for a fraction of the price. Click here to start for free: https://your.omnisend.com/codiesanchez30 Codie and Brendan discuss the profound impact AI will continue to have on the business world, including how it will affect day to day business, the workforce, and even interpersonal relationships. They discuss the dual nature of AI as both a potential job creator and destroyer, the role of regulation in technological advancement, and the historical context of technological change. Maintaining human purpose and autonomy in an increasingly automated world is emphasized, alongside the need for community engagement and the cultivation of a new generation of thinkers to navigate the challenges posed by AI.  If you are ready to buy a business, get on a call with my team to learn how we can support you: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID?typeform-source=www.youtube.com Chapters 00:00 The Dual Nature of AI's Impact on Society 02:55 Navigating Job Displacement and Creation 05:56 The Role of Regulation in Technological Advancement 08:48 The Historical Context of Technological Change 12:02 The Future of Work and Human Purpose 15:04 The Importance of Human Agency in AI 17:48 The Philosophical Implications of AI Relationships 20:46 Building a New Generation of AI Thinkers 24:05 The Role of Community in a Technological World 26:58 The Quest for Autonomy in an AI-Driven Society 01:01:29 Navigating Relationships and AI Dependence 01:03:55 The Ethics of AI and Human Interaction 01:09:12 AI in Healthcare: Risks and Benefits 01:12:35 The Role of AI in Governance and Decision Making 01:17:41 The Future of AI: Autonomy and Labor 01:24:03 Competing in an AI-Driven Economy 01:30:01 Cosmos Institute: Bridging Philosophy and Technology 01:35:22 Lessons from Success: Philosophy and Learning MORE FROM BIGDEAL:

Ron Bienvenu joins us for a very intriguing chat about his philosophy and latest book  "The Fifth Shock - Human Agency in the Post Biological Age of the Stack".   We talk about his tangles in tech and Wall Street going back to the early 00's, his first book The Fourth Shock, asynchronous data, Big data, ai, block chain, The Stack, examples like Northern Telecom collapse, network supremacy, universal behavioural income, monetizing personal data, economic theories, taxes and money printing, capitalism, the Node State, and the LA machine version of beauty.   In the second half we get into King Trump of North America, meeting Trump, stick in the eye, people need to rise up, non violent revolutions, the Ptolemaic system, The Catholic Church and papacy, Copernicus, the Rise of Homo Noeticus, the scale example, more on the The Stack, TLC, pain and suffering, Making Love and Atlas Shrugged.   Philosopher, entrepreneur, and digital futurist exploring the collision between technology, ethics, and human identity.   The Fifth Shock is not just a book—it's a revelation. It proposes that we are living through a civilizational mutation more profound than the Agricultural or Industrial Revolutions. I call this mutation “The Stack”—a digital, planetary infrastructure that is reshaping reality, identity, economics, even death itself. But unlike previous shocks in history, this one targets the soul.   The book traces five evolutionary engines—Agriculture, Combustion, Electrification, Digitization, and now the Stack. Each turned the human being into something new. The Stack, however, does not just change what we do—it changes what we are. Surveillance, algorithmic prediction, biometric data mining, and behavioral finance are no longer science fiction—they are infrastructure. They are the new gods. https://x.com/TheFifthShock   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F53Q4K8W?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_Z2VJTF6SCWT6H5473B9N&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_Z2VJTF6SCWT6H5473B9N&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_Z2VJTF6SCWT6H5473B9N&bestFormat=true&previewDoh=1   To gain access to the second half of show and our Plus feed for audio and podcast please clink the link http://www.grimericaoutlawed.ca/support.   For second half of video (when applicable and audio) go to our Substack and Subscribe. https://grimericaoutlawed.substack.com/ or to our Locals  https://grimericaoutlawed.locals.com/ or Rokfin www.Rokfin.com/Grimerica Patreon https://www.patreon.com/grimericaoutlawed   Support the show directly: https://grimericacbd.com/ CBD / THC Tinctures and Gummies https://grimerica.ca/support-2/ Eh-List Podcast and site: https://eh-list.ca/ Eh-List YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEh-List Our Adultbrain Audiobook Podcast and Website: www.adultbrain.ca Our Audiobook Youtube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@adultbrainaudiobookpublishing/videos Darren's book www.acanadianshame.ca Check out our next trip/conference/meetup - Contact at the Cabin www.contactatthecabin.com Other affiliated shows: www.grimerica.ca The OG Grimerica Show www.Rokfin.com/Grimerica Our channel on free speech Rokfin Join the chat / hangout with a bunch of fellow Grimericans  Https://t.me.grimerica https://www.guilded.gg/chat/b7af7266-771d-427f-978c-872a7962a6c2?messageId=c1e1c7cd-c6e9-4eaf-abc9-e6ec0be89ff3   Leave a review on iTunes and/or Stitcher: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/grimerica-outlawed http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/grimerica-outlawed Sign up for our newsletter http://www.grimerica.ca/news SPAM Graham = and send him your synchronicities, feedback, strange experiences and psychedelic trip reports!! graham@grimerica.com InstaGRAM https://www.instagram.com/the_grimerica_show_podcast/  Purchase swag, with partial proceeds donated to the show www.grimerica.ca/swag Send us a postcard or letter http://www.grimerica.ca/contact/ ART - Napolean Duheme's site http://www.lostbreadcomic.com/  MUSIC Tru Northperception, Felix's Site sirfelix.bandcamp.com 

The New Yorker staff writer Kyle Chayka joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss Elon Musk's seizure of power within the U.S. government, the tech industry's slide into right-wing politics, and how the ideology of techno-fascism is taking root in Silicon Valley. Can the populists and the technologists coexist in Donald Trump's Washington? This week's reading: “Elon Musk's A.I.-Fuelled War on Human Agency,” by Kyle Chayka “The Second Trump Administration's New Forms of Distraction,” by Kyle Chayka “Make South Africa Great Again?,” by Isaac Chotiner “Elizabeth Warren Fights to Defend the Consumer Protection Agency She Helped Create,” by John Cassidy “A Fistfight Over Donald Trump at the Evangelical Version of Harvard,” by Emma Green To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send feedback on this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The essayist and cultural critic Brady Brickner-Wood talks with Tyler Foggatt about the opposition Donald Trump encountered in his first Presidential term, why many liberals are feeling a sense of resignation, and the Democratic Party's struggle to present a unifying message. Plus, the political commentary embedded in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show. This week's reading: “What Happened to the Trump Resistance?,” by Brady Brickner-Wood “The War on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor “The Fears of the Undocumented,” by Geraldo Cadava  “The Madness of Donald Trump,” by David Remnick “Elon Musk and Donald Trump Are Not Fixing U.S. Foreign Aid but Destroying It,” by John Cassidy “Elon Musk's A.I.-Fuelled War on Human Agency,” by Kyle Chayka “What Happens if Trump Defies the Courts,” by Isaac Chotiner To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send feedback on this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices