Frequency Shift Keying

What does it really mean to have a “personal style”? And why are we so obsessed with rejecting trends while unknowingly creating new ones? In this episode of Frequency Shift Keying, I unpack the contradictions between the "I don't care about fashion" tech bros and the "personal style over microtrends" TikTok experts—two seemingly opposite camps that are actually playing the same game of status signaling. I explore the social, economic, and cultural layers of fashion, from Veblen’s theory of conspicuous consumption to the rise of "rebel consumerism". How does clothing reflect privilege, power, and social positioning? Is authenticity just another trend? And why do we keep bullying people for participating in the same system we all exist within? If you've ever questioned whether your style is truly "yours" or if you're just part of the next curated aesthetic wave, this episode is for you. Let’s get real about the illusion of individuality in fashion.

AI policy is an exciting but messy, ever-evolving space—so how do you break in? In this first episode of the Frequency Shift Keying audio series, I share my journey into AI policy, governance, and ethics. From my first AI policy class in 2017 to navigating think tanks, civil society, and academia, I reflect on what it takes to enter this field. Do you need a technical background? Is a degree in AI ethics worth it? How do you actually get in the room where decisions happen? I answer these questions candidly, while also unpacking the challenges of working in this ecosystem—from institutional gatekeeping to finding your own voice in a field shaped by power. If you’re curious about AI policy, wondering where to start, or just want to hear a brutally honest take, this episode is for you. Let’s talk AI, policy, and the realities of making a career in this space.

Remember back in the early 2000s when your desktop computer buzzed with the noise of dial-up, signaling someone’s call? Mobile phones and the internet felt new, full of possibility, much like frequency shift keying translating signals into connection. This episode is about the concept and the general approach of the audio series. You will hear early desktop memories, a pinch of self-doubt of someone who tries to make sense of a transitionary period.