Counting Tokens, Controlling Complexity
from AI and the Human Future Hosted by Daniel Altman and Emily Carter
A veteran developer ships a two-line update to a command-line tool that counts tokens — the hidden unit behind every AI bill — and the same day highlights an essay arguing programming remains a viable career under AI. Daniel and Emily trace why a bare number in a terminal, a fixed deprecation warning, and the skill of containing complexity add up to something ordinary workers should actually care about. ## Hosts ### Daniel Altman Daniel Altman is a computer scientist and AI strategist with a background in engineering, quantitative research, and emerging technologies. He studies how technological breakthroughs reshape industries, markets, work, and human capabilities. ### Emily Carter Emily Carter is a business strategist and former technology product leader with experience building digital products and studying how innovation reaches millions of users. She focuses on AI adoption, business transformation, work, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. ## Sources - https://simonwillison.net/2026/Oct/8/ttok/ - https://simonwillison.net/2026/Oct/8/carson-gross/ ## Episode Information Language: en Published: 2026-10-07T10:00:00+00:00
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