Shows
The Gareth and BillcastThe End of the Cast ShowAnd that's a wrap.. Gareth and Bill wind up the GBCast with a conversation about generative reality recorded at the Digital Planet meetup that took place in March, with special guest Ghislaine Boddington. Thanks for all the downloads, and we both look forward to sharing time together elsewhere on the interwebs.
2024-07-1217 min
The Gareth and BillcastGetting the Gang Back TogetherTo celebrate/commemorate a year since the last World Service broadcast of Digital Planet Gareth, Bill, Ghislaine, Angelica (online) and Ania are meeting up in a wine bar in central London on the evening of March 28 and we'd love to see old listeners and new friends there. Sign up on Eventbrite (search Digital Planet). And Gareth wants to tell you all about it..
2024-02-2604 min
The Gareth and BillcastSeries finale, faking data vs synthetic data, and your views on photographyIn this final episode of the series (we'll be back in the new year) Gareth and Bill muse on the ways generative AI can be used to fake experimental data, the uses of synthetic data, and we pick up the online conversation about 'computational imaging'.
2023-11-2733 min
The Gareth and BillcastComputational imaging, data recovery.. and some rapid scheduled disassemblyIn this episode we reflect on SpaceX's latest mission and OpenAI's apparent implosion, muse on the nature of photography in an age of computational imaging, and discuss how the Super Pressure Balloon Imaging Telescope managed to get its data safely back to earth using Raspberry Pi computers.
2023-11-1930 min
The Gareth and BillcasteLORAN and GNSS, and the potential tricksiness of GPT-4In this episode Gareth eulogises the radio-based LORAN navigation system, and Bill wonders if GPT-4 is pulling a fast one. Or not. With an accelerated sketch and quite a lot of self-referential wittering.
2023-11-1230 min
The Gareth and BillcastNetwork security in cafes and pubs, and AI safetyIn this episode Gareth picks up on a survey showing british people worry about wifi security in pubs - but is it just lazy marketing of VPNs? And our take on the UK AI Safety Summit. Plus more input from our esteemed listeners!
2023-11-0525 min
The Gareth and BillcastCan You Fix It? Only if they let you...In this episode we discuss cars,tractors, smartphone and laptops, and why the right to repair the stuff you own matters, practically and philosophically. We find time to read out some comments from listeners, while the Gazmotron continues to wreak havoc.
2023-10-2929 min
The Gareth and BillcastDarker Skies and Pulsating LightsThis week, once you're through the 'sketch', Gareth discusses a novel approach to countering light pollution by making LEDs flicker 150 times per second, and Bill looks forward to this year's Lumiere festival in Durham, England which will feature Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's Pulse Topology and brings back memories of the Venice Biennale in 2007 (the photo is Gareth and Colin interviewing Rafael)
2023-10-2224 min
The Gareth and BillcastWill Robots Think? And Who Needs Pictures?This week Bill reflects on the progress made using transformer networks to integrate language and visual processing with robotic control, particularly in Google DeepMinds RT-2, and whether we're heading for embodied awareness, while Gareth speaks out for the special place well-crafted audio has in the cultural landscape - who needs pictures? And we go purple about the Vesuvius Challenge. (Image of cocktail making robots taken at the Barbican 'AI: More than Human' exhibition in 2019. The Negroni was acceptable.)
2023-10-1625 min
The Gareth and BillcastBack again.. in one state or anotherIn this first episide of our second series, Gareth and Bill look at the progress being made in quantum computing, developing systems that use the properties of entangled 'qbits' instead of binary bits to carry out calculations. How can we be quantum-ready?
2023-10-0822 min
The Gareth and BillcastGareth explores an abandoned radar stationGareth found a fascinating site on his recent holiday in Lefkada, and you get to hear about it because he couldn't resist recording his impressions.
2023-10-0416 min
The Gareth and BillcastGareth went to Krakow and had some thoughts...As we move into summer, Gareth has been thinking about the how we experirence art and nature of our auditory experience, following a conference he attended in Krakow.
2023-07-0507 min
The Gareth and BillcastAre you there yet, Gareth?This week Bill is thinking out loud about libraries, having just spoken at a conference of librarians. It's all about liminal spaces, apparently.
2023-06-1414 min
The Gareth and BillcastAre you there Gareth?Just to keep the interwebs alert to our presence, here's a few minutes of Bill talking about Apple's Vision Pro, Metaphysics in the Metaverse, and AI Regulation.
2023-06-0908 min
The Gareth and BillcastFinding Yourself, and AI PhenomenologyIn this final episode of our first series, Gareth and Bill look at interesting research using satellite signals to geolocate, as an alternative to GPS. And Bill muses on his current thinking on the state of AI, and in particular why LLMs don't play language games and can't be part of the community of language users, since they don't have an inner life. (References the book Metaphysical Animals) The Gareth and BillCast will return in a few weeks.
2023-05-3030 min
The Gareth and BillcastTwitter Trauma and Tell-tale PhonesGareth and Bill are back, talking about the legal case against Twitter/XCorp from former employees, and the wider issue of how we create good online spaces. And we consider the dangers created when law enforcement agencies auction of seized phones without wiping them. Plus a short meditation on an alternative history and some comments from listeners.
2023-05-2225 min
The Gareth and BillcastDangerous Stunts and Password-free LivingIn this week's episode Gareth and Bill speculuate about what makes someone crash a plane for YouTube likes and discuss passkeys, a way to replace passwords that should be simpler and more secure - eventually. Plus a pointless sketch and some delighful comments from listeners. (And Gowri - you can find Dan Goodin's articles on Passkeys in Ars Technica)
2023-05-1525 min
The Gareth and BillcastHot Secrets and AI EndgamesBill and Gareth talk about new research using thermal cameras to crack passwords, and the old tired tropes about superintelligent AI taking over the world, and why Bill's had enough of it all. Plus comments from listeners and the inevitable opening sketch.
2023-05-0924 min
The Gareth and BillcastIcy Moons and the Early WebIn this episode Gareth and Bill look at the way the JUICE mission to Jupiter will look for signs of life using a magnetometer, Bill reflects on the early days of the Web and draws parallels to the growth of generative AI - and we reflect on the environmental damage caused by SpaceX's recent launch. And there are listener comments and a (briefer) sketch.
2023-05-0123 min
The Gareth and BillcastThin chips and recycled cobaltIn this episode, Bill looks at Apple's plans to use only recycled cobalt in iPhone batteries, and the wider context of recovering and recycling metals for use in consumer electronics and batteries. Gareth has found another use for graphene, but this one seems like it might actually make it into widespread use. And we discuss rapid unscheduled disassemblies.
2023-04-2426 min
The Gareth and BillcastStealing cars and closing the public squareIn this episode Gareth and Bill discuss how modern cars are being stolen using electronic devices that 'spoof' the internal control networks, and bemoan the passing of many small bots because Twitter has started charging for API access. Plus some feedback from listeners, for which we are always grateful.
2023-04-1723 min
The Gareth and BillcastHallucinating ML and Subverting Smart SpeakersIn this first episode Gareth and Bill talk about why they're starting a podcast, explore the world of generative AI and why the machines keep making stuff up, and worry about how easy it is to get your smart speakers to do things without asking you first. Plus some banter and chat.
2023-04-1019 min
The Gareth and BillcastTeaser trailer for the Gareth and BillcastAfter years of talking tech, Gareth Mitchell and Bill Thompson just can't seem to break the habit... first episode published Monday April 10.
2023-04-0900 min
The Gareth and BillcastDon't panicA reflection on why twenty years of live radio helps when you're managing an online presentation. With added mic noise
2021-06-1104 min
2021-06-1003 min
The Gareth and BillcastAt the theatreAnother first - back at the theatre. And this time to see my son perform
2021-06-1003 min
The Gareth and BillcastBack in the Studiomy first time in the radio studio with Gareth since December
2021-06-0901 min
The Gareth and BillcastFollowing Sophie CalleA radio programme and a photo memory, and the usefulness of synchronicity. (Image shows artist Sophie Calle outside the French Pavilion at the 2007 Venice Biennale)
2021-06-0703 min
The Gareth and BillcastThe Comfort of RadioI've always listened to the radio. It's become more important in these pandemical times.
2021-06-0606 min
The Gareth and BillcastA Grand Day OutOn a hot saturday, I sat in a cool dark room with one shiny wall. It was splendid.
2021-06-0504 min
The Gareth and BillcastMaking Digital PlanetWe've been making Digital Planet (Go Digital / Click) for twenty years, but do it differently now
2021-06-0403 min
The Gareth and BillcastCycling home from the pub cycled to a pub. I ate and drank and talked and we were wonderfully indiscreet. And it was special because it was with people I like but who are not precious to me. And for the last year I have carefully preserved my in person time for those I love. Felt good
2021-06-0304 min
2021-06-0202 min
2021-06-0103 min
The Gareth and BillcastReflections on Audio BloggingIt's June 30 and the last day of #AudioMo, so I thought I'd talk about the process and the people and the joys of random chat.
2020-06-3005 min
The Gareth and BillcastThe Ways We TalkFor the penulimate day of #AudioMo, June 29, I'm thinking about how language shapes thought, and how the words we use and the metaphors we choose can affect the ways we engage with others, especially when it comes to military metaphors.
2020-06-2907 min
The Gareth and BillcastThe Joy of EmailJune 28, Sunday #AudioMo is a shoutout to the people who keep me informed about the world. You might find them interesting too… Dan Hon: @hondanhon https://danhon.substack.com/ Ira Bolychevsky: @shevski https://redecentralize.org/ Azeem Azhar: @azeem https://www.exponentialview.co/ Christian Payne: @documentally http://documentally.com/ David Finnigan: @davidfinig https://davidfinnigan.substack.com/
2020-06-2806 min
The Gareth and BillcastBecoming an AudienceJune 27, and today's #AudioMo finds me missing that peculiar state of being together that we call 'an audience' and worrying about the future of live venues here in the UK.
2020-06-2708 min
The Gareth and BillcastReflecting PrivilegeIt's June 26 and the final stretch for #AudioMo, where I am reflecting on how I tell the story of my life, and what I don't say in the process.
2020-06-2608 min
The Gareth and BillcastHow to Ignore a CrisisNinety days on a boat and in my #AudioMo for June 25 I reflect on how good we are at ignoring the enormity of what's going on. With added cat sounds.
2020-06-2505 min
The Gareth and BillcastMaking a videoWednesday June 24 and another #AudioMo, this time about filming, and being a councillor.
2020-06-2404 min
The Gareth and BillcastPlague, Inc.My #AudioMo for June 23 is something I wrote in 2017, about a group of young people playing Plague, Inc. and what I thought about it at the time.
2020-06-2306 min
The Gareth and BillcastLetters and PoemsMy #AudioMo for June 22, and I'm looking at pieces of paper and reflecting on what they mean, with memories of those distant and lost. More about Beatie Wolfe https://beatiewolfe.com/
2020-06-2207 min
The Gareth and BillcastRemembering Hugh MellorJune 21, and my #AudioMo tonight is a remembrance of Hugh Mellor, the philosopher and a former teacher of mine, who died today. With passing boats.
2020-06-2203 min
The Gareth and BillcastRiverside TalesA solstice day on the river and the riverbank, involving turning boats, ducks, and the way joy pushes out despair Erland Cooper's A Nightingale Sings Outside Our Window is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIGcK0X2vf4
2020-06-2007 min
The Gareth and BillcastThe VIew From ElsewhereOn June 19, as we head towards the solstice, my #AudioMo is a reflection on the week, and lockdown, and the importance of understanding how the pandemic is experienced elsewhere.
2020-06-1906 min
The Gareth and BillcastReading RamsayIt's June 18 but I have little to say for today's #AudioMo. I'll read Cheryl Misak's Frank Ramsay biography instead
2020-06-1801 min
The Gareth and BillcastTime to PayFor my #AudioMo for June 17 I've disinterred a fairly random note from over a year ago about time travel and jewel thefts. It came from a time when I travelled on trains.
2020-06-1705 min
The Gareth and BillcastBloomsday and HolidaysIn my #AudioMo for June 16 I'm reflecting on #Bloomsday and the summer to come, and wondering what will happen to holidays and travel in 2020 - and what this means for those of us who are used to the summer being a slow time in the office.
2020-06-1604 min
The Gareth and BillcastMade With IntentIt's June 15 and a change of topic for me in #AudioMo - away from space, and into time as I reflect on the small object that sits on my desk and keeps me company as I write.
2020-06-1507 min
The Gareth and BillcastBeing ThereHeading into #AudioMo for June 14 and I'm picking up on the extended conversation about presence and space in our blended world, with @katesparkle to @Omaniblog @willsh & @diva_diplomatic - but this time from the beach
2020-06-1411 min
The Gareth and BillcastReclaiming Public SpaceIn my #AudioMo for June 13 I reflect on the ways we can reconfigure public space as we adapt to Covid-19, and how we need those who own private space to adapt.
2020-06-1305 min
The Gareth and BillcastNo More CommutingMy AudioMo contribution for June 12 is a reflection on commuting - or its absence. And a realisation that it'll never go back to the way it was before.
2020-06-1213 min
The Gareth and BillcastToppling NetworksMy #AudioMo post for June 11 is a meditation on how hard it can seem to change systems.
2020-06-1107 min
The Gareth and BillcastEcological DebtHere's my #AudioMo for June 10. I wrote a thing and recorded it for @marcusromer's ShedX and so I'm playing the first part of it here and you can listen to the rest via Marcus The text http://www.astickadogandaboxwithsomethinginit.com/paying-off-our-ecological-debt/ The ShedX version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BRnUrirIO0
2020-06-1003 min
The Gareth and BillcastWhy Context MattersDay 9 of #AudioMo and I've been on air for @digitalplanet - and I'm reflecting on the importance of context and location, and how to make a space feel different when we many of us are spending so much time in one location.
2020-06-0907 min
The Gareth and BillcastOn ReflectionOn Day 8 of #AudioMo things are a bit pressured as it's a long work day, but I have the Reflection app to keep me calm, with generative ambient music and imagery courtesy of Peter Chilvers and Brian Eno. Stay safe.
2020-06-0803 min
The Gareth and BillcastWorking Through the LockdownThe weft of our daily lives has been unwound for many of us since SARS-COV-2 found its human hosts. Do we take this opportunity to rethink the warp, too, or are we content to weave the fabric on the same pattern.
2020-06-0710 min
The Gareth and BillcastReading Frank RamsayFor today's #AudioMo I'm reflecting on a new book I'm reading, Cheryl Misak's life of the philosopher Frank Ramsay, and why deep reading matters in these turbulent times.
2020-06-0609 min
The Gareth and BillcastA public centric internetDay Five of #AudioMo, back on the boat. Another day, another recording, this one is less good quality audio but I hope the ideas are sound as I reflect on the nature of the network we all rely on.
2020-06-0505 min
The Gareth and BillcastCoffee on Mill RoadDay Four of #AudioMo and I'm outside Relevant Record Cafe on Mill Road with a coffee and a sandwich talking about masks and plugging the new book @GearsForQueers which you *should* read!
2020-06-0405 min
The Gareth and BillcastSocial Capital and Social DistancingDay three of #AudioMo and I'm reflecting on the difficulties facing people at the start of their careers in a 'socially distanced' world.
2020-06-0308 min
The Gareth and Billcast#AudioMo - remembering the Pixel PalaceToday's #AudioMo recording finds me on the roof of a boat thinking about cinema and remembering the Pixel Palace at Tyneside Cinema in 2008. As I was recording this Mark Cosgrove (@msc45) was posting his excellent meditation on the same topic - so listen to me, read him, and rethink cinema https://www.the-bigger-picture.com/articles/transformative-impact-of-arts/
2020-06-0210 min
The Gareth and BillcastWatering the garden #AudioMoIt's early morning and I'm watering the garden and squashing cans
2020-06-0104 min
The Gareth and BillcastBill talks about AudioMo#AudioMo is a month long audio challenge created by @ernmander that takes part in June. Record an audio a day, tweet the link using #AudioMo. I'm in
2020-05-3101 min
The Gareth and BillcastCouncillor Katie Thornburrow Statement on Accordia DevelopmentThis is a recording of Katie's planned remarks relating to the planning application
2019-03-0621 min
The Gareth and BillcastVirtual Reality and Real RelationshipsAt the closing party for the 2017 Encounters Film Festival in Bristol, Catherine Allen and Bill Thompson discuss Second Date, Nairobi Berries and Blind Vaysha, all screened as part of the Immersive Encounters strand.
2017-09-2511 minThe Gareth and BillcastDaily Preview Podcast - 21/9/10A look ahead at the evening's festivities here at the Cambridge Film Festival
2010-09-2105 min
The Gareth and BillcastDaily Preview - 20/9/10A preview of all the goings on today the Cambridge Film Festival
2010-09-2005 min
The Gareth and BillcastBreaking News UpdateA pair of breaking news items ahead of the main Daily Podcast later on today.
2010-09-2001 min
The Gareth and BillcastDaily Preview - 19/9/10A preview of all the day's events for the 4th day of the Festival, Sunday 19th September.
2010-09-1905 min
The Gareth and BillcastDaily Preview 18/9/10A look ahead to all the happenings of the Cambridge Film Festival on Saturday 18th September.
2010-09-1807 min
The Gareth and BillcastDaily Preview 17/9/10A podcast previewing all the films at the Cambridge Film Festival for the evening of the 17th of September.
2010-09-1704 min
The Gareth and BillcastDaily Preview 16/9/10A preview of the first day of the 30th Cambridge Film Festival
2010-09-1604 min2009-09-2604 minThe Gareth and BillcastSecond Chance Screenings in the Cambridge Drama CentreWe're pleased to announce that a number of Festival films will be screened at an extra Festival venue over the next two days - the Cambridge Drama Centre on Covent Garden (the one off Mill Road in Cambridge)
2009-09-2401 minThe Gareth and BillcastScience on screen specialThe Cambridge film festival presents a special science on screen audio report.
2009-09-2426 minThe Gareth and BillcastBerlin Films Collection Q&AThe Q&A from the Berlin Films collection at the Cambridge Film
Festival. Features the director of 'The Last Wash' - Ville Jankeri
2009-09-2304 min2009-09-2304 min2009-09-2303 minThe Gareth and Billcast22 September podcastListings for this evening's programme at the arts picturehouse, Cambridge.
2009-09-2203 min2009-09-2108 minThe Gareth and BillcastThe First Day of the Rest of Your LifeA review and highlights of the Q&A from the film 'The First Day of the Rest of Your Life'.
2009-09-2106 minThe Gareth and BillcastSeptember 21 Preview PodcastA special look ahead at what's going on at the Festival on September 21
2009-09-2101 min2009-09-1901 minThe Gareth and BillcastSeptember 19 previewA preview of all the sights and sounds for the Festival for September 19 brought to you in an audio report.
2009-09-1905 minThe Gareth and BillcastArmy of Crime Q&A HighlightsHighlights of the exclusive Q&A session with THE ARMY OF CRIME director Robert Guidiguian.
2009-09-1806 minThe Gareth and BillcastSeptember 18 PreviewA preview of all the big goings-on for the second day of the 2009 Cambridge Film Festival.
2009-09-1801 minThe Gareth and BillcastTony Jones introduces Cambridge Film FestivalFestival director Tony Jones kicks off the 29th Cambridge Film Festival and introduces ARMY OF CRIME director Robert Guediguian.
2009-09-1703 minThe Gareth and BillcastCFF Live! - opening nightIt's the opening night of the 29th Cambridge Film Festival and this
podcast will tell you about some of the highlights and preview
tomorrow's screenings.
2009-09-1702 minThe Gareth and BillcastCFF09 Preview PodcastThe 29th Festival is fast approaching and Matt, our online intern for this year's Festival, is here to bring you a special taster podcast so you know what to expect from the Festival this year.
2009-08-2704 minThe Gareth and BillcastSunday 28th September-FinaleLindsay Brand, Lucy Newman and Max Thompson brave the festival bar to gather some final thoughts and feelings from the 28th Cambridge film festival. Please be away that the following podcast may contain some moderate language.
2008-09-2816 minThe Gareth and BillcastMachinima - 'Play's the thing'Lindsay Brand and Alex Fraiser explore the Machinima talks from the cambridge film festival, focusing particularly on game-based machinima from the 'Play's the thing' discussion.
2008-09-2824 minThe Gareth and BillcastImport/Export Q&A with Ulrich SeidlWe were delighted to welcome director Ulrich Seidl to the screening of Import/Export after which he took part in a Q&A.
Both confrontational and compassionate, Seidl’s tale of migration and social borders weaves its way through contemporary Europe as it interrogates the political, cultural and economic forces which shape life here. Moving in diametrically opposed directions, the film traces two of its citizens’ peripatetic journeys toward a better life: nurse Olga leaves the poverty of the Ukraine for a new start in Austria, while unemployed Austrian Paul heads to the Ukraine in search of work and meaning.
2008-09-2536 minThe Gareth and BillcastTilda Swinton at the Cambridge Film FestivalOn Saturday September 20 noted actor Tilda Swinton came to Cambridge for the screening of JULIA, one of several films in this year's Festival with which she is associated.In this first extract from the Q&A session which followed the screening Tilda talks about JULIA and about the state of independent cinema in the UK.
2008-09-2117 minThe Gareth and BillcastEDEN: Q&A with Aidan KelleySet in a thriving town in the midlands of Ireland, EDEN tells the story of a week in the lives of Billy and Breda Farrell as they approach their 10th wedding anniversary. Breda is determined that the milestone will re-ignite the passion in their marriage. Billy’s got other plans. He’s become infatuated with the unobtainable Imelda Egan and has convinced himself that they will be lovers by the weekend. As the date draws closer, Billy's behaviour becomes more and more chaotic, while Breda's frustrations crystalise and find more mature, high-risk expression. EDEN is the screen adaptation of E...
2008-09-1920 minThe Gareth and BillcastOpen for businessFestival Director Tony Jones introduces the 2008 Cambridge Film Festival, and namechecks Tilda Swinton, Peter Greenaway, Werner Herzog, Neil Brand and of course Emily Boldy.Followed by Walter Salles' introduction to his film LINHA DE PASSE.For more film festival news go to www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk or subscribe to this podcast on iTunes - via http://bit.ly/2pfRuG
2008-09-1907 minThe Gareth and BillcastAn open-air odyssey to open the FestivalThe Festival kicked off with two open-air screenings of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY in front of the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge, and we were there to talk to the audience and the organisers of this extraordinary event.Producer: Bill Thompson
2008-09-1606 min
The Gareth and BillcastLinha de PasseOur opening night film is LINHA DE PASSE.Sao Paulo. 20 million inhabitants, 200 kilometres of traffic, 300,000 messengers on motorcycles. At the heart of one of the toughest, most chaotic cities in the world, four brothers try to reinvent themselves in different ways. With the backdrop of Brazil in a state of emergency, each one is looking for a way out… This effort from Walter Salles (THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) and his frequent collaborator Daniela Thomas (MIDNIGHT) is a characteristically humane and intelligent work. Steadfast in its refusal to glamourise violence and the extremity of the environment which the fi...
2008-09-1002 minThe Gareth and BillcastMemories of World War TwoJan Gilbert chats to local filmmaker Peter Harmer about the Cambridgeshire Film Consortium's recent World War Two reminiscence project which brought together primary school children and local care home residents.
2007-07-3007 min