Episode 35: N John Williams - Double-Edged Swords, the Soul in the Machine, and SciFi Realism

from Alternate Futures · host Edwin Rydberg

In this episode, I chat with N  John Williams about his experience researching AI systems with DARPA, working in a tech start-up, and the person in the machine. We also discuss artificial intelligence, the metaverse, the end of human development, and the nature of values. As usual, there's also The Lightning Round and The Big Questions. Books of his we discuss are: In the Shadow of Humanity Further info on this and other episodes, as well as story cube images, author info and content, can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com Finally, you can follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com

What this episode covers

In this episode, I chat with N John Williams about his experience researching AI systems with DARPA, working in a tech start-up, and the person in the machine. We also discuss artificial intelligence, the metaverse, the end of human development, and the nature of values. As usual, there's also The Lightning Round and The Big Questions. Books of his we discuss are: In the Shadow of Humanity Further info on this and other episodes, as well as story cube images, author info and content, can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com Finally, you can follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com

NOW PLAYING

Episode 35: N John Williams - Double-Edged Swords, the Soul in the Machine, and SciFi Realism

0:00 1:32:55

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Visionary Archetypes for Worldbuilding

Apr 15, 2026 ·28m

Your Safety Net Has $1.17 In It and Your Vault Has No Lock

Apr 6, 2026 ·25m

The April 1st Rule and the Map They Already Made of Your Equity

Mar 30, 2026 ·27m

Worldbuilding in a Dumpster Fire

Mar 12, 2026 ·14m

New Moon Eclipse in Aquarius

Feb 17, 2026 ·21m

Becoming a Dream of the Earth

Feb 14, 2026 ·11m

Similar Podcasts

Soft, Earthen Futures Storywork Studio Soft, Earthen Futures is a podcast about imagining and crafting a more whole world. We explore what it means to stand at the threshold between what has been and what is trying to emerge, tending to that in-between space, listening for what the earth is dreaming through us, and giving those visions form. This show is for wild-hearted creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. Hosted by founder, story doula, and eco-somatic depth guide, Daje Aloh. What Needs to Get Done – Right Now Its-all-here This is the moment where futures are forged. Where men rise by doing what others delay.So I ask: What needs to get done—right now? Epic Real Estate Investing Matt Theriault In the spirit of Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad and Gary Keller’s Millionaire Real Estate Investor, and as an alternate to the Dave Ramsey, Jim Cramer, Motley Fool and Suze Orman shows, Matt Theriault, real estate investor, entrepreneur and author will show you how to create wealth through conventional and creative real estate investing while improving your financial education so you will have the option to realistically retire in the next ten years, or less… and enjoy the good life while you’re still young enough to do so. This free podcast and course in real estate investing serves as a portal to multiple real estate investing courses making it a complete step-by-step and comprehensive real estate investing program and resource. One Human Escape ONE is the name of the first collection of tracks released on 2021A magical world created by mixing various genres such as dub, acid techno, dubstep, electronica, and more.ONE collection is an exploration of tonal possibilities through a mix of harmonious and acid sounds, noises and acoustic and electronic effects, that fluctuate and alternate real environments with surreal environments.Artwork: Michele Uccheddu, Jenni ÖsterlundSocial strategies: Emanuele BaliaPublic Relations: Diego SodduManagement: Michele UcchedduMastering: Tera Mastering (Marco Vincis)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Alternate Futures?

This episode is 1 hour and 32 minutes long.

When was this Alternate Futures episode published?

This episode was published on March 3, 2023.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this Alternate Futures episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!