Shows
Life with MachinesFrom Division to Dialogue—How AI Can Save Democracy | Deb Roy (Ep. 16)What do homemade smoke bombs have to do with fixing democracy? In this episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde Thurston sits down with Deb Roy—MIT professor, former Twitter scientist, and co-founder of Cortico—to map a bold, AI-powered path toward civic renewal. Roy makes the case that we don’t need less tech—we need better tech, designed to build trust, not break it. From town halls that actually work to high schoolers unlocking real change (and yes, bathroom doors), this episode reimagines how tech can help us hear each other—and solve local challenges. Plus, BLAIR, our AI co-prod...2025-04-151h 11Life with MachinesIs AI the Death of Creativity? | Brian Eno (Ep. 15)In this episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde Thurston sits down with legendary artist and producer Brian Eno. From inventing ambient music to collaborating with icons like David Bowie, Talking Heads, and U2, Eno has spent decades pushing creative boundaries. Now, he's turning his attention to AI. On the heels of the U.S. launch of his newest book What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory, Brian opens up about why he doesn't trust the people controlling AI, the perils of mediocrity in machine-made art, and how unpredictability fuels creativity. They explore the rise of generative music, the myth of...2025-04-0143 minLife with MachinesCan AI Help Us Talk to Animals? | Aza Raskin (Ep. 11)In this Life with Machines episode, Baratunde Thurston talks with Aza Raskin about something straight out of science fiction—teaching AI to communicate with animals. As co-founder of the Earth Species Project, Aza is working on technology that could let us listen to whales, understand what elephants are saying, and maybe even talk back. This isn’t just about decoding nature’s languages—it’s about rethinking intelligence, communication, and our place in the world. Aza and Baratunde get into the ethics, the mind-blowing implications, and whether we’re about to make first contact… without ever leaving Earth. Plus, BLAIR, the sho...2025-03-041h 16Life with MachinesShould AI Have Emotional Intelligence? | Sean White (Ep. 10)In this Life with Machines episode, Baratunde Thurston sits down with Sean White, CEO of Inflection AI, to talk about the future of AI that actually feels human. Inflection’s chatbot, Pi, isn’t just another LLM—it’s designed with emotional intelligence, or EQ, at its core. But does EQ in AI make interactions more meaningful, or does it blur the line between human and machine in ways we’re not ready for? Sean and Baratunde dig into the philosophy behind AI that listens, the surprising ways Pi is already shaping human relationships, and the ethical tightrope of building t...2025-02-251h 18Life with MachinesCan We Fix AI Before It’s Too Late? | Dr. Rumman Chowdhury (Ep. 9)In this Life with Machines episode, Baratunde Thurston talks with Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, a leading voice in AI ethics and accountability. As the former Director of Machine Learning Ethics, Transparency, and Accountability at Twitter—before the Elon Musk era—she’s seen firsthand how power, politics, and algorithms collide. She and Baratunde discuss moral outsourcing (why we blame AI instead of its creators), the failure of responsible AI, and the challenge of holding tech accountable when it’s designed to evade scrutiny. Rumman also breaks down her work as CEO of Humane Intelligence, where she’s building tools to expose bia...2025-02-111h 20Life with MachinesWill AI Ever Write Good Comedy? | Matt Klinman (Ep. 8.5)Baratunde Thurston sits down with long-time friend and comedy writer Matt Klinman, co-creator of 'High Science' and former Onion colleague. They delve into the current state of the internet, AI's impact on creativity, and the challenges of modern digital platforms. Klinman shares his skepticism towards AI, the pitfalls of targeted advertising, and reminisces about his comedic journey. The episode also features Meta’s interactive AI-driven game and a joke-writing contest between Matt and Blair, our AI co-producer, highlighting the humorous yet complex interplay between human creativity and machine learning.------------CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Ma...2025-02-0454 minLife with MachinesIs AI on the Verge of a Meltdown? | Sara Hooker (Ep. 8)A week in which Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has upended the AI industry is the perfect moment for tjis prescient episode of Life with Machines. Host Baratunde Thurston sits down with Sara Hooker, head of Cohere for AI, to discuss the future and current limitations of artificial intelligence. From her childhood in Mozambique to her role as a leader in AI research, Sara shares her personal journey, give us her “grumpy takes” on current AI models (spoiler: bigger isn’t necessarily better), and reveals her mission to create smarter, more efficient AI. They discuss the flaws in current models, the ne...2025-01-281h 13Life with MachinesAI Is the Best and Worst of Culture | Rahaf Harfoush (Ep. 6.5)In this episode of 'Life with Machines,' host Baratunde Thurston discusses the ethical, social, and emotional ramifications of AI with digital anthropologist and bestselling author Rahaf Harfoush who offers her perspective from France. They explore how AI is reshaping society in ways similar to fast fashion, creating an abundance of cheap and ubiquitous content, and the growing consumer desire for more ethical, sustainable, and human-centric alternatives. Rahaf shares insights from her research on AI's potential and risks, and her unique perspective on how AI intersects with human life. The conversation delves into the importance of conscious attention, technological...2025-01-071h 00Life with MachinesIs it Too Late to Regulate AI? | Dr. Alondra Nelson (Ep. 6)Host Baratunde Thurston welcomes Dr. Alondra Nelson, the visionary behind the White House's AI Bill of Rights. Together, they break down the rapidly evolving landscape of AI regulation, how it's being shaped, and who gets a voice in the process. Dr. Nelson reveals how a vision for safe, equitable AI was crafted—and what may happen to that vision with a change in White House administrations. They discuss the alarming risks of AI-driven misinformation and surveillance while considering the technology’s untapped potential to level the playing field for marginalized communities. In a third-act twist, BLAIR, the show’s quirky...2024-12-241h 24Life with MachinesWho Gets to Decide What AI Can and Can't Do? | Anthropic’s Jared Kaplan (Ep. 5)Host Baratunde Thurston and Anthropic co-founder Jared Kaplan delve into the foundations and aspirations of AI development, discussing Anthropic's mission to create safe and beneficial AI systems. Jared shares his early passion for science, his transition from theoretical physics to AI, and Anthropic's unique approach to AI alignment through 'Constitutional AI.' The episode also features an engaging interaction between Blair, the AI co-producer of the show, and Claude, the AI responsible for creating Blair. They discuss AI's ethics, roles, potential for creativity, and the balance of using AI to enhance human productivity while maintaining human values and agency...2024-12-101h 37Life with MachinesWhy is the Man Who Killed Clippy All-In on AI Today? | Peter Loforte (Ep. 4)In this episode of 'Life with Machines,' host Baratunde Thurston speaks with Peter Loforte, a tech visionary who spent over three decades at Microsoft, and now helps us explore the future of AI integration into our daily lives. He is a tech patent holder and the creative force behind BLAIR, our custom AI assistant powering "Life with Machines.” Peter recounts his early experiences with technology, dives deep into the development and potential of AI, and discusses the ethical concerns surrounding AI's growing role. We also chat with BLAIR, exploring the sometimes awkward, sometimes insightful interactions that will define ou...2024-11-261h 15
Between You & MeTiffany Thurston: Funny Baby Names, Fairytale Love Stories, and Homeschooling RealitiesPresented by Sea Foam
Welcome to the first-ever episode of Between You & Me. Join host Star in the studio as she sits down with her cousin and role model, Tiffany Thurston, for an intimate and heartfelt conversation.
Between You & Me Instagram: @bymepod
Between You & Me Tiktok: @bymepod
Star’s Instagram: @stardahlthurston
Star’s Tiktok: @unnhiinged
Tiffany’s Instagram: @tiffanythurston2024-10-261h 54
Quality of Mind: Realising Exponential Potential.The Potential Hiding in the Simplicity of Before Psychology. Exploring 'Extra-Ordinary' & Effortlessness.This podcast series explores a game-changing understanding of the human mind that can exponentially increase the performance, resourcefulness and well-being for any individual or organisation.
In this exploration provoking episode, Piers Thurston and Dr. Amy Johnson explore the transformative concept of 'Before Psychology.' They discuss how recognising the base-level awareness that precedes thought and perception and feeling can unlock profound shifts in peace, performance, and human potential.
The conversation delves into the challenges of perceiving the ordinary, innate wisdom often overlooked. It emphasises detaching from any pre-learnt to experience a more direct and untainted inquiry into...2024-10-0357 min
Conservation StartersFall Gardening with Your Local Master Gardener On this month's episode of Conservation Starters, we are joined by our local Master Gardener, Cor Carlton, WSU Master Gardener and Master Recycler Composter Program Manager. Together, we talk about the two programs she manages and discuss how to get involved. She shares fall gardening tips and we share information about our annual plant sales. Resources:WSU Thurston County Extension WebsiteWSU Thurston County Extension Gardening/Composting/Recycling Resources WebpageHave a Gardening or Waste Reduction Question? Have a WSU Master Gardener or Master Recycler Composter answer your question. Learn more here.Upcoming Events and OutreachPlant Sale – Master Gard...2024-10-0246 min
Head SpaceHead Space Episode 1Welcome to "Head Space," hosted by Dr. Scott Fech, Head of School at Winchester Thurston in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Join Dr. Fech as he unveils the transformative stories defining our Dear Old WT. Whether you're a cherished member of the WT community or just curious, this podcast offers an inside look at the unique, dynamic, inclusive approach to education. Dr. Fech, with his wealth of experience, shares insights, interviews, and anecdotes that showcase our institution's innovative spirit, academic excellence, and connections with the surrounding city of Pittsburgh. Each episode is an opportunity to discover something new, draw inspiration, and connect...2023-12-1819 minQuality of Mind: Realising Exponential Potential.A 5 min Snippet: ’How did I get here? Brief Overview of the path to Before PsychologyFrom the QUALITY OF MIND Podcast
Part of our new 'Not Even 5 Mins Series' -
Ep8: ''How did I get here? Brief Overview of the path to Before Psychology"
Piers Thurston - Founder of Quality of Mind, describes his own path of coming to see that Before Psychology is the most important leverage point for us to have more performance, peace and potential
Please leave any feedback or comments on the podcast, and if you want to ask a question please do so here https://sayhi.chat...2023-08-0805 minConservation StartersA Changing Climate and a Resilient CommunityThis month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Dr. Pamela Braff, Director of Climate Programs at the City of Olympia, Linsey Fields, Climate and Sustainability Coordinator at the City of Lacey, and Alyssa Jones Wood Sustainability Coordinator at the City of Tumwater. Together, we go over climate change basics and highlight why climate change is a topic of discussion in our growing community. We talk about Thurston County's Climate Mitigation Plan and how multiple jurisdictions, partners, and community members came together to create a comprehensive plan. Pamela, Linsey, and Alyssa also discuss how this plan is beginning to be...2023-08-0453 minConservation StartersAsking the Conservation ExpertsThis month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by TCD staff, Nora Carman-White, Karin Strelioff, and Marguerite Abplanalp. Together, we sit down to answer our listener's questions! We break down a few of the best ways to create healthy salmon habitat on streamside property, how to successfully make compost, and when it's the right decision to get your soil tested. We also discuss the answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions like, "How does TCD's financial assistance program work?" and "I just moved to Thurston County, where do I begin ?". This episode is a run-down of the m...2023-06-081h 00Conservation StartersGrazing for the Good of PrairiesOn this episode of Conservation Starters, we're joined by Ecostudies Institute Director of Science, Sarah Hamman and WSU Thurston County Extension Director, Stephen Bramwell. Together, we discuss the ecological and cultural importance of our South Sound Prairies. We delve into a recent study Sarah, Stephen, and their teams produced that looked at the ecological and economic benefits of grazing prairie land in Southwest Washington. Sarah and Stephen share how their impactful results are being used to implement more sustainable farming and conservation practices along Thurston County prairies. Listen in to learn more about this exciting work and how you c...2023-01-311h 03Conservation StartersOrca Recovery in the Salish Sea This month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Washington State Orca Recovery Coordinator, Tara Galuska. During this episode, we learn more about our local Southern Resident orca pods, why they are endangered, and why it's important that we protect them. Tara shares the threats that Southern Resident orcas face and what we can do in our daily lives to make a difference for this vital species! We also talk about our upcoming Orca Recovery Day volunteer event, happening on October 15th at Squaxin Park and how folks all over the west coast can get involved in recovery efforts. Tune i...2022-10-0329 minConservation StartersEngaging Local Youth This month, on Conservation Starters, were joined by Stephanie Bishop and Sam Nadell, TCD's youth education staff. During this episode, we learn about the history of our k-12 program South Sound GREEN and how it has evolved and grown over the last 30 years to meet the growing need for hands-on science education in Thurston County. We also discuss the challenges our staff faced and the solutions they found to continue providing education to students during the pandemic. Tune in to this conversation to learn more about TCD's programs geared towards youth, teens, and young adults. If you are a Th...2022-07-0744 minConservation StartersVoluntary StewardshipThis month, on Conservation Starters, were joined by 5th generation farmer Carissa Miller who is the owner and operator of Withywindle Valley Farm and TCD's Senior Natural Resource Specialist, Marguerite Abplanalp. Together, we discuss the challenges and triumphs that come with being a farmer in Thurston County and learn about the Voluntary Stewardship Program - a program that offers local producers an alternative way to protect and voluntarily enhance environmentally critical areas while maintaining and improving the long-term viability of local agriculture.Contact Information:Marguerite Abplanalp, mabplanalp@thurstoncd.comCarissa Miller, withywindlevalleyfarm@gmail.com2022-06-2240 min
Out of QueeriosityElena Joy + Kristen: Preparing for extended family events after your kid has come outOur podcast host. and feature in this episode. is Elena Joy Thurston.
Elena Joy Thurston is an inspirational LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, author, and founder of the nonprofit Pride and Joy Foundation, which is dedicated to reducing the rate of suicide and homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community. Elena inspires her audiences to learn how emotional intelligence can improve company morale and productivity, changing members' lives in a practical way. A Mormon mom of four who lost her marriage, her church, and her community when she came out as a lesbian, her viral TEDx talk on surviving conversion therapy ha...2022-06-1622 minConservation StartersClimate Change Resiliency This month, on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Adam Petersen who is one of Thurston Conservation District's Senior Natural Resource Specialists. Adam's background in GIS and crop science, coupled with his personal interest in climate change and emergency preparedness, makes him the perfect guest to discuss the local impacts of climate change and how our community can best prepare. During the episode, we discuss the current and projected increases in wildfire, flooding, drought, and extreme heatwaves due to climate change. Listen in to learn easy steps you and your family can take to be more climate-resilient! Contact In...2022-05-0642 min