PODCAST · technology
Superintelligent
by with Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini
The Superintelligent podcast features smart conversation between journalists Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini about technology, culture and our fast-changing world. SUBSCRIBE to Superintelligent on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Republic, Podcast Addict or wherever you get your podcasts! www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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42
The Bullied Kids Who Became Billionaires
Mike and Emily are back on the Superintelligent podcast! In this special episode, the hosts talk about Emily’s TikTok series about the backstories of top tech leaders like Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Jensen Huang. This episode dives deeply into the bizarre trivia, accusations and gossip about these innovators, from Altman’s doomsday prepping and Musk’s childhood bullies to Huang founding Nvidia at a Denny’s.LinksSecret lives of tech billionaires: Sam AltmanSecret lives of tech billionaires: Elon MuskSecret lives of tech billionaires: Jensen HuangSam Altman May Control Our Future—Can He Be Trusted?Follow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokDisclosuresWe used a variety of AI chatbots via Kagi (Mike’s son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).Chapters00:00 Return of the Podcast02:27 Emily’s New Journey: Motherhood and Content Creation05:14 Sam Altman: The Controversial Figure08:14 The Ethics of AI and Leadership11:18 Personal Background: Sam Altman’s Life and Struggles14:14 The Business of AI: OpenAI and Y Combinator17:11 Doomsday Prepping: A Silicon Valley Trend20:19 Media Coverage and Public Perception23:15 The Impact of Wealth on Morality26:10 Conspiracy Theories and Journalism29:13 Final Thoughts on Sam Altman and AI Ethics32:29 The Unfolding Drama of Annie Altman33:14 Elon Musk: The Controversial Figure35:10 Elon Musk’s Early Life and Challenges37:04 Family Dynamics and Controversies38:13 Elon Musk’s Move to North America41:09 Jensen Huang: An Immigrant’s Journey44:14 The Founding of Nvidia49:54 Jensen Huang’s Dual Identity52:55 The Future of Robotics and AI55:56 Reflections on Success and Sacrifice This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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41
Disappointing Disney Means Never Having to Say You're Sora
In this episode of Superintelligent, Mike Elgan goes solo (as co-host Emily Forlini takes maternity leave from the podcast), ponders why OpenAI suddenly killed its groundbreaking video generation tool, Sora, and addresses the growing backlash against “AI slop.” The backlash shows up when parents slam YouTube for strange videos made for kids, and when Coca-Cola’s reputation gets hammered from AI-generated holiday commercials.LinksThe ‘AI slop’ backlash kills SoraSoraThe CAA talent agency’s statement on AI threatening actorsTyler Perry’s canceles Atlanta film studio expansionDisney’s billion-dollar deal with OpenAINvidia’s DLSS5 gaming graphics tool and Jensen Huang’s related commentsThe Undark publication article detailing careless AI-generated children’s videosFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokDisclosuresWe used Claude 4.6 Opus via Kagi (Mike’s son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).KeywordsSuperintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, OpenAI, Sora, Sora discontinuation, AI video generation, AI slop, OpenAI IPO, AI slop backlash, Meta AI video, Nvidia DLSS5, AI content farms, AI advertising, AI chatbots, Stanford AI study, AI relationship advice, sycophantic AI, generative AI, Comic-Con AI ban This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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40
Noodling Over the Meaning of Macaroni
Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini dive into the growing list of AI-related mental health conditions (and psuedo-mental health conditions). From AI psychosis and chatbot dependency syndrome to AI FOMO, LLM gaslighting, and dead internet despair, they unpack the real psychological toll of generative AI — just three years after ChatGPT launched. The hosts also debate remote work versus in-office flexibility, and explore how AI is empowering solo entrepreneurs through vibe coding.LinksPeople Are Getting Sick of AI, LiterallyBlock lays off 4,000 workers citing AI. But how much does AI actually have to do with it?Deep Work, by Cal NewportCEOs Hate Remote Work, But This Nobel Prize Winner Says It’s a Win for WomenThis Man’s True Love Is a Car? | My Strange Addiction: Still Addicted?Rise of the Digital Ghost Industrial ComplexThe Rolling Stones concert in Havana, CubaThomas Jefferson’s Mac And Cheese ObsessionFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokDisclosuresWe used Claude 4.6 Opus via Kagi (Mike’s son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).KeywordsAI psychosis, chatbot psychosis, AI FOMO, AI anxiety, AI dependency syndrome, AI mental health, generative AI psychological effects, chatbot addiction, AI replacement dysfunction, job loss AI, vibe coding, OpenClaw, dead internet theory, dead internet despair, LLM gaslighting, AI dysphoria, parasocial bot attachment, AI relationships, death bots, AI grief technology, algorithmic loneliness, AI hallucinations, digital brain rot, cognitive atrophy, remote work vs office, hybrid work flexibility, deep work, Cal Newport, AI startup entrepreneur, Thomas Jefferson, mac and cheese, Yankee Doodle, automated ghosting syndrome, AI job replacement, Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, AI slop, bot-generated content, information utility burnout, digital darkness anxiety, AI impact on society, AI and mental health 2025, tech journalism, podcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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39
AM Radio Vibes
Channeling an off-the-cuff AM radio program, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini explore today’s relentlessly negative tech discourse. Are algorithms—and human nature—trapping us in a doom loop? Maybe. But most AI problems are likely temporary. They explore authenticity in a synthetic world, unpack AI FOMO, and celebrate the fact that you can podcast globally for free during a blizzard—even if the cameras still can’t get their skin tones right.LinksHow data helped Mexico City reduce high-impact crime by more than 50%How Mexico City is Tackling Air PollutionEmily’s WebsiteMike’s BlogCommunity Notes Help Reduce the Virality of False Information on XApple Launches Video PodcastsViral, AI-generated apocalypse social media post - “Something Big Is Happening”Follow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTokDisclosuresWe used Gemini Pro 3.1 via Kagi (Mike’s son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).Keywordstech optimism, authentic communication, AI hallucinations, prompt engineering, Uber in Mexico City, disinformation, social media algorithms, AI ethics, tech journalism, content creation, AI FOMO, video podcasting, AI moderation, fact-checking, personal blogging, AI and creativity, technology and society, future of AI, honest journalism This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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38
The Creepy Weirdo Industrial Complex
In this episode of Superintelligent, hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini get philosophical. They debunk the myth of the screenless revolution and argue that upcoming AI devices from OpenAI, Google, Apple and others are mere peripheral devices to screens. They applaud the bipartisan movement to ban smartphones in schools, but society is far from saved. Case in point: Daters now have to worry about getting recorded on smart glasses. The episode ends with an exploration of what it means to observe our world, and what our methods of doing so say about us.LinksJony Ive and OpenAI’s wedding announcementOpenAI and Jony Ive’s Screenless AI Device Could Release in the Next Two YearsWhy There’s No ‘Screenless’ RevolutionParents and Teens Support School Cellphone BansCan a Dumb Phone Improve Your Life? I Talked to 6 People Who Made the SwitchNew Philosopher magazineLapham’s QuarterlyFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode01:32 The Impact of Opinion Columns03:11 The Future of Screenless Devices06:40 Banning Phones in Schools09:34 Bipartisan Support for Phone Bans13:21 The Irony of Intergenerational Phone Use17:23 The Role of Screenless Wearables20:10 The Rise of AI Glasses and Privacy Concerns26:57 Creepy Technology and Privacy Concerns28:31 The Impact of Observation on Behavior31:25 The Observer Effect and Its Implications34:03 Media Consumption and the Quest for Knowledge37:07 The Challenge of Information Overload40:03 The Importance of Critical Thinking47:34 Wisdom in Observation vs. Immediate ReactionDisclosuresWe used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).KeywordsSuperintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, Jony Ive, OpenAI, AI hardware, screenless devices, smart glasses, Ray-Ban Meta, smartphone bans in schools, tech addiction, ambient computing, smart rings, digital privacy, observer effect, media consumption, RSS feeds, tech news, haptic technology, educational technology, wearable tech This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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37
Don’t Be a Tammy (Updated)
Here comes Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini to dissect the chaotic and unpredictable state of AI chatbots in this episode of Superintelligent. They explore the rampant commodification of models like ChatGPT and Gemini while slamming useless benchmarks. The hosts ponder the future of AI hardware and the dangers of OpenClaw. Discover why writing is thinking and how to avoid cognitive atrophy in the age of AI.ImagesLinksThe 2026 Super Bowl adsSam Altman’s posts on Anthropic’s adsOpenClaw Is the Hot New AI Agent, But Is It Safe to Use?OpenClaw: The AI agent that’s got humans taking orders from botsAI Agents Launched a Social Network and Spawned a Digital Religion OvernightNo Humans Allowed: AIs Get Their Own Religion, Social Media, and Hired HelpFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokDisclosuresWe used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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36
A Blizzard of Meteorologists on TikTok
Why can’t you trust your weather app in a snowstorm? Join hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini as they navigate the chaos of the weekend storm and debate the reliability of modern weather apps versus traditional TV meteorologists, and now TikTok weather experts. (RIP Farmer’s Almanac.) Plus, your favorite hosts ask the questions nobody has the answer to: What’s the best way to do social media in 2026?Linkshttps://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-apps-forecast-accuracy-snow-weather-9768afec5fc53b4faba19f3cfd06a86cEmily on TikTokDark Sky is done. Here’s how Apple’s Weather app succeeded itYes, ‘The Farmer’s Almanac’ Is Closing—But Don’t Panic Just YetHail Cannon in the WikipediaEMP in the WikipediaKagi Assistant is now available to all usersFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTokChapters00:00 Weather Wonders: A Tale of Two Climates02:14 The Evolution of Weather Forecasting05:12 The Role of Meteorologists in Modern Society08:04 The Impact of Weather on Agriculture11:10 The Future of Weather Information13:48 The Intersection of Technology and Tradition16:48 Cultural Perspectives on Weather Communication19:32 The Legacy of the Farmer’s Almanac28:10 The Lively Chaos of Latin American Streets31:24 Navigating Information in a Digital Age38:47 The TikTok Experiment: Finding Engagement53:06 Connecting Through Content CreationKeywordsSuperintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, weather apps, meteorology, TikTok meteorologists, severe weather tracking, Dark Sky app, AI hallucinations, chatbot accuracy, Farmer’s Almanac, subscription economy, Netflix business model, emergency alert systems, megaphone trucks, content creation strategy, video marketing, DJI drones, Kagi Search, social media engagement, Fediverse, Mastodon, viral video strategies, authentic storytellingDisclosuresWe used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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35
Wandering the Desert Looking for Aliens
Emily and Mike are mad this week. Join the dynamic duo as they dissect the disaster of Google AI Overviews stealing from content creators, then stealing the eyeballs and ad revenue of people looking for that content. A big new deal with Apple could make it worse. Superintelligent also tackles the inevitable dorkiness of smart glasses and the mental health risks of constant connectivity and personal AI assistants. And Mike and Emily share tales of driving blind in El Salvador and wandering the deserts looking for aliens. Are they real or not?LinksApple, Google Sign Deal to Use Gemini AI to Help Build the Future of SiriGoogle Flexes Another AI AdvantageWarby Parker, Google to launch AI-powered smart glasses in 2026A Man Bought Meta’s AI Glasses, and Ended Up Wandering the Desert Searching for Aliens to Abduct Him‘The Age of Disclosure’: Documentary Revealing Government Cover-Up of Non-Human Intelligence Sets ReleaseZiff Davis AI layoffs - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThBSo421/Follow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene01:06 The Impact of AI on Website Traffic04:08 Google’s Content Monetization Strategy06:31 Navigating the Future of AI Personal Assistants12:25 Apple and Google’s Strategic Partnership18:52 The Future of Smart Glasses and AI Integration22:03 The Future of Smart Glasses24:43 Wearable Tech in Industry27:42 The Psychological Effects of AI29:39 The Balance of Digital and Physical Exploration31:42 Beliefs About Aliens and ExplorationKeywordsGoogle, Apple, Google AI Overviews, artificial intelligence, Google Gemini, Apple Intelligence, iPhone AI features, personal AI assistant, smart glasses, Ray-Ban Meta, wearable technology, Ziff Davis, layoffs, web traffic decline, digital marketing, SEO strategy, AI impact on journalism, tech news, Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, UFO sightings, alien theories, government drones, mental health in tech, digital detox, generative AI, large language models, Google Apple partnership, future of search, Project Astra, AI hallucinations, tech commentary.DisclosuresWe used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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34
I Can't Believe It's Butter!
Superintelligent hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini explore the link between churning homemade butter and the craving for authenticity in the new world of fake AI everything. They talk about Google’s new Gmail AI features as the most recent example of companies pushing everyone to use AI for communication. The hosts allow themselves to be influenced by influencer and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, who says that in 2026 influencers will need to prove their humanity by posting authentic content and disclosing how they use AI.LinksAmira’s home-made cultured butterGoogle adding an AI inbox, ai overviews to gmail. does anybody want this?‘Apple Intelligence’ won’t send your data to far-flung servers (for the most part)Adam Mosseri’s post on authenticity in an AI worldIn an AI-perfect world, it’s time to prove you’re humanThis retiree’s 30 AI girlfriends kept loneliness at bay—until one’s dark secret shatters the illusionAfter ‘digital undressing’ criticism, Elon Musk’s Grok limits some image generation to paid subscribersBeRealTwitter and Pinterest founders launch app as antidote to social mediaSteve Miller’s high school speech clip from Jimmy KimmelFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTokKeywordsArtificial Intelligence, AI, Homemade Butter, Google Gemini, Gmail AI, Smart Reply, Apple Intelligence, Deepfakes, Grok, Adam Mosseri, Social Media Authenticity, Tangle App, Vibe Coding, Doom Coding, Sam Altman, Handwritten Notes, Robot Vacuums, NanoBanana, Photo Colorization, Digital Wellness, Tech Ethics, Future of Work, Steve Miller, Cultured Buttermilk, Email AutomationDisclosuresWe used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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33
New Year’s Resolution: To Make My Phone Boring
Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini explore the future of home automation by debating the merits of humanoid robots versus the new concept of "ambient robotics." They discuss why invisible tech like self-cleaning litter boxes beats Elon Musk’s lawn-mowing androids and how Carnegie Mellon is creating kitchen appliances that anticipate what you need. The duo also shares their 2025 tech resolutions, covering everything from Mike’s backpack weight-loss plan and Emily’s grayscale strategy for digital detoxing in the new year.LinksGo gray, not cray: why you should grayscale your phoneToras phone cases1X NeoCarnegie Mellon University’s “ambient computing” researchHeath Zenith self-charging doorbellApple AirPods 4Follow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 New Year, New Resolutions05:53 Tech Resolutions and Screen Time11:27 Social Media Strategies and Engagement16:17 The Future of Robotics and Ambient Technology22:52 The Rise of Ambient Robotics29:05 The Future of Home Automation34:03 Challenges of Smart Home Technology40:30 Reflections on Technology and User ExperienceKeywordsSuperintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, tech resolutions, digital detox, iPhone grayscale, screen time, smartphone addiction, backpack, Toras case, humanoid robots, 1X Neo, ambient robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Violet Han, smart home, home automation, AI, AirPods 4, adaptive audio, kinetic doorbell, smart home fatigue, invisible tech, consumer technology This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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32
Astonishing Tales from the Flip Phone Fad
In this episode of Superintelligent, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini dive into the new trend of old tech. Younger people are ditching smartphones and embracing flip phones. They unpack stories of Gen Z and millennial “lone wolves” who gave up TikTok, dating apps and infinite scroll for deeper work, better sleep and real-world skills.Links“The Matrix” flip phoneTCL FLIP 4 5G flip phoneCAT S22 flip phoneThe Last Useful ManMental Health in the Scroll AgeTop 8 Best Distraction Free Phones in 2025StickerboxPalantir CEO Says Legalizing War Crimes Would Be Good for BusinessFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTok This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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31
Should Jim break up with his AI girlfriend?
Mike and Emily challenge their bias that all AI relationships are bad using a real world example—with a scandalous twist. With companion chatbots becoming more common, how do people resist delusion? What’s the end point for simulated relationships?LinksJoi.aiBlade Runner 2049’s JoiReady for the ‘torment nexus’?HerFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 Exploring AI Companionship03:53 The Story of Jim: A Case Study08:24 The Impact of AI on Human Relationships14:48 The Dangers of Delusion in AI Interactions20:38 Exploring Human Connection and Loneliness23:02 The Reality of Digital Relationships25:09 The Impact of AI on Human Emotions27:09 The Future of Virtual Companionship30:34 The Dystopian Vision of Technology32:56 The Need for a Utopian Approach to TechnologyKeywordsAI companionship, emotional impact, loneliness, rural America, digital relationships, technology addiction, virtual reality, human connection, AI relationships, social isolation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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30
Software Wants Us Twerking 996
Your favorite podcast hosts clock in to tech’s 996 work culture. That means working 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, a concept that moved from China to Silicon Valley. Emily unpacks the particulars of the 996 phenomenon, revealing the burnout, competition, and absurd expectations at some of the world’s biggest tech companies. Mike shares his own ‘workaholic’ past. Plus, the Superintelligent hosts offer Superintelligent ideas about how low-tech can improve your work and life in a high-tech world.LinksWhy the ‘996’ schedule is capturing the interest of Silicon Valley leadershiphttps://www.npr.org/2025/10/26/nx-s1-5567995/why-the-996-schedule-is-capturing-the-interest-of-silicon-valley-leadershipInfluencers in the Wild (social media virality and sociology)https://www.instagram.com/influencersinthewildThe power of low-tech in a high-tech worldhttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4086115/the-power-of-low-tech-in-a-high-tech-world.htmlRosalía “Berghain”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQBS2Ikz6cFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 Introduction to 996 Work Culture00:52 The Impact of Workaholism in Tech03:19 Cultural Perspectives on Work Hours05:45 The Role of AI in Work Culture08:25 Personal Experiences with Workaholism09:27 The Future of Work and Burnout12:04 Conclusion and Reflections on Work Culture15:46 Cultural Perspectives on Work Ethic18:59 The High-Tech World and Its Implications22:33 The Importance of Traditional Skills25:58 AI and Human Dependency29:39 Embracing Language and Culture33:12 Pop Culture Reflections and Closing ThoughtsKeywords996 work culture, burnout, workaholism, AI impact, work-life balance, technology in work, cultural work ethic, low-tech solutions, intellectual growth, creativity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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29
Robots Don’t Need A Face To Fold Laundry
Hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini take a hard look at humanoid hardware, those overpriced mechanical houseguests we’ve all seen in science fiction and self-driving cars that cant quite drive themselves. Mike shuts down the humanoid delusion, while Emily calls out the anthropomorphic marketing ruse tech titans pull to appease pro-natalist narcissist types. Also: The hosts get personal, sharing practical, analog tips for surviving in a hyper-digital world. LinksBreaking the Humanoid Robot Delusionhttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4082113/breaking-the-humanoid-robot-delusion.htmlNEO The Home Robothttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTYMWadOW7cAmazon CEO Blames ‘Culture’ for Mass Layoffs, Not AIhttps://www.pcmag.com/news/amazon-ceo-mass-layoffs-were-not-due-to-ai-but-cultureFed Chair Not Worried About an AI Bubble. Here’s Why It Differs From the ‘90shttps://www.pcmag.com/news/fed-chair-jerome-powell-ai-bubble-why-its-different-90s-dotcom-eraAfter Teen Suicide, Character.AI (http://character.ai/) to Bar Kids Under 18 From Unlimited Chatshttps://www.pcmag.com/news/after-teen-suicide-characterai-to-bar-kids-under-18-from-unlimited-chatsFollow UsMike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/)Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini)Email: [email protected] Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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28
This Is Not Your Mom’s Mafia
The latest episode of the Superintelligent podcast, hosted by Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini, dives into the technology angle on the mafia using NBA players and coaches to run gambling scams, the absurdity of AI opinion polarization, and a comprehensive look at “currant” scone matters.LinksFBI Busts Mob, NBA Players for Gambling Scheme: Here’s the Tech They Usedhttps://www.pcmag.com/news/fbi-busts-mob-nba-players-for-gambling-scheme-heres-the-tech-they-used[I Ate] Scones, jam and clotted cream in the Cotswoldshttps://www.reddit.com/r/food/comments/1oe1lkw/i_ate_scone_jam_and_clotted_cream_in_the_cotswolds/Follow UsMike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/)Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini)Email: [email protected] Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/)Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:54 The Gambling Scandal Unveiled05:01 Technology’s Role in Modern Crime07:13 The Cultural Impact of NBA Players09:19 The Evolution of Organized Crime14:43 AI’s Dual Nature: Benefits and Risks22:28 The Future of AI and Shopping Technology31:23 The Future of AI Beyond Chatbots32:18 Exploring Alternative AI Applications33:41 Ethics and AI in Media Creation35:49 The Dystopian Nature of AI Fabrication37:05 The Shallow Discourse of the Tech Industry37:28 Digital Detox: A City’s Initiative41:24 The Impact of Technology on Society41:47 Coping with Technology Overload47:44 Cultural Insights on Food and Language This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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If the AI maker says it’s dumb, it’s probably dumb
Hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini talk about how people might adapt to a world of AI content. Will people lower their standards and just not care? Or will the trend trigger a backlash and demand for the real world and content created by people?This Superintelligent episode tackles the whole media ecosystem, what’s wrong with it and how it can be saved for the benefit of all.LinksHere Comes the AI-Content Backlash!https://machinesociety.ai/p/the-ai-content-backlash-has-begun-b02How Distributed Computing Makes This Stunning New Immersive Art Exhibition Possiblehttps://www.pcmag.com/articles/artechouse-submerge-exhibition-distributed-computingHow Terry Gross Readshttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/YyUNspQJQXFollow UsMike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/)Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini)Email: [email protected] Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/)Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts01:25 The Backlash Against AI Content04:35 The Comic Book Industry’s Stance on AI07:12 Demand for Realism in Film09:48 The Concept of Higher Taste13:58 The Decline of Quality in Content17:10 Libraries and AI-Generated Content20:15 The Role of Disclosure in AI Content22:41 The Future of AI Content and Quality27:45 The Impact of AI on Human Thought31:08 Dreaming and Visualization through AI31:37 The Influence of AI on Creativity34:11 The Changing Landscape of Reading and Content Consumption38:30 The Evolution of Storytelling in Modern Media42:18 The Need for Authenticity in Content49:46 Navigating Technology and WellbeingKeywordsAI content, backlash, human creativity, comics, music, higher taste, media quality, censorship, libraries, thought, reality, content consumption, technology#AIcontent #backlash #humancreativity #comics #music #highertaste #mediaquality #censorship #libraries #thought #reality #contentconsumption #technology This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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26
Jensen Huang: The Gustavo Fring of Tech
Don’t look now, but here comes another thrilling episode of Superintelligent!! The AI-generated elephant in the room remains Sora 2 and its fake TikTok anti-social social network. OpenAI launched their latest video generation tool alongside an AI-generated social media feed, and Sam Altman admitted the entire endeavor exists to monetize their business. It’s a profit deal!Mike brings attention to what you might call the “substitution economy,” where tech companies position AI and robotic alternatives as superior to genuine human relationships, real pets, and authentic experiences. Whether it’s OpenAI’s faux TikTok, character AI for romantic relationships, or AI-generated video feeds replacing actual human creativity, the pattern is unmistakable and troubling.Meanwhile, brain-computer interfaces are advancing faster than expected, though not in ways promised by science fiction. Emily attended a panel on brain implants in New York City, where she encountered everyone from the supervillain-looking surgeon who performs Neuralink operations to the Meta engineer behind their unfashionable neural wristband technology. The disconnect between public promises and private reality became clear when industry leaders publicly rejected mass commercialization while privately investing in that future.Even Apple is jumping on the brain-computer interface gravy train. Apple’s quiet but significant contribution comes from Bluetooth standards that allow brain implants to communicate with consumer devices just like any other peripheral. Sending iMessages through thought alone — telepathy, basically — becomes possible.Mike’s and Emily’s discussion of the AI bubble revealed how different this moment feels from the dot-com crash. NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang is as much an outlier as NVIDIA itself. He presents as an immigrant success story while demonstrating the ruthless business instincts necessary to dominate the AI chip market. His ability to position NVIDIA as essential to every technological future, from chatbots to humanoid robots to digital twin simulations.LinksAI Is Testing America’s Power Grid—And Uprooting Rural Familieshttps://www.pcmag.com/articles/ai-is-testing-americas-power-grid-and-uprooting-rural-familiesAn Unwelcome Megatrend: AI that Replaces Family, Friends — and Petshttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4067326/an-unwelcome-megatrend-ai-that-replaces-family-friends-and-pets.htmlVibe Coding Is Everywhere. Here’s How It Works and 5 Tips for Getting Startedhttps://www.pcmag.com/explainers/vibe-coding-is-everywhere-how-it-works-tips-for-getting-startedWhoop Adds Bloodwork Uploads Amid Spat With FDA Over How ‘Medical’ Its Wearable Ishttps://www.pcmag.com/news/whoop-adds-bloodwork-uploads-amid-spat-with-fda-over-how-medical-its-wearableSam Altman Admits Sora 2 ‘Slop’ Feed Is a Money Grab to Fund GPUshttps://www.pcmag.com/news/sam-altman-admits-sora-2-slop-feed-is-a-money-grab-to-fund-gpusEcho, Kindle, Ring, and More: All the New Products Amazon Announced at Its Fall Hardware Eventhttps://www.pcmag.com/news/everything-amazon-announced-2025-fall-devices-event-scribe-ring-echo-fireEvaluating the Impact of AI on the Labor Market: Current State of Affairshttps://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/evaluating-impact-ai-labor-market-current-state-affairsFollow UsMike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/)Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini)Email: mailto:[email protected] Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/)Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Tech News00:40 OpenAI’s Sora 2 and AI Video Generation01:57 Amazon’s New Device Launches03:27 The Trend of AI Replacing Human Connections05:33 Meta’s AI Developments and the Vibes Platform06:51 Brain Implants and Neuralink’s Competition09:40 The Ethics of Brain-Computer Interfaces14:13 OpenAI’s Future and Sam Altman’s Influence25:46 The AI Bubble: Reality vs. Projections27:41 Lessons from the Dot Com Bubble30:36 The Impact of AI on the Job Market33:45 Investment Trends and Economic Implications37:12 The Role of Perception in Stock Valuations42:30 Nvidia and the Future of Robotics48:28 Jensen Huang: The Duality of LeadershipKeywordsOpenAI, Sora 2, AI video generation, Amazon hardware, brain implants, Neuralink, AI bubble, Nvidia, robotics, tech news This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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25
Zuckerberg’s new birth control glasses
In this episode of Superintelligent, we dove headlong into the spectacle of the Meta Connect event, where Mark Zuckerberg and team set out to convince us that the future is wearable, voice-activated, wrist-twitching and dorky. Yes, we’re talking about the Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses and their neural band companion—the gadget duo supposedly destined to replace keyboards and smartphones. The demo was a train wreck. The AI hallucinated. Mark couldn’t answer a phone call. But it’s also true that a bad demo doesn’t mean it’s a bad product. Meta’s glasses raise big questions about social acceptability, privacy, and whether the market will truly take off like the Silicon Valley giants hope it will. Also: Can Apple’s design sophistication rescue wearable tech from utter dweebdom? We pitted optimism against skepticism, debating everything from the speed of miniaturization to necessity of face computers.LinksMeta Explains Multiple Live AI Demo Fails at Connect: 'We DDoS'd Ourselves' - PC MagThe Meta Ray-Ban Display Demo - YouTubeThe Meta Ray-Ban Cooking Demo - X/TwitterFollow UsMike Elgan - About | Machine Society NewsletterEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag ArticlesEmail: [email protected] PodcastChapters00:00 Meta's New Smart Glasses and Neural Band Introduction02:47 The AI Demo Fiasco: A Live Presentation Gone Wrong05:36 The Challenges of Live Demos and AI Technology08:10 Zuckerberg's Neural Band Demo: A Series of Missteps11:18 Innovations in Gesture Control and User Interaction13:55 The Future of Smart Glasses: Meta vs. Apple17:01 Ethical Concerns and the Reputation of Meta19:58 Personal Perspectives on Smart Glasses and Fashion24:58 The Evolution of Technology and Consumer Acceptance28:09 The Future of AI Glasses and Fashion30:45 Cultural Implications of AI Glasses33:55 The Psychological Impact of Technology38:10 The Monetization of Augmented Reality44:02 The Future of VR and AR in Society50:08 The Apple Ecosystem and Personal Preferences52:37 The Social Dynamics of Smart Glasses56:23 The Future of Smart Glasses and Market Trends59:19 The Role of AI in Smart Glasses01:06:01 Closing Thoughts on Technology and SocietyKeywordsMeta, smart glasses, AI, augmented reality, technology, privacy, Zuckerberg, Meta Connect, neural band, fashion, user experience This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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24
Social Media Delusion and the Assassination of Charlie Kirk
This episode of Superintelligent urgently explores the impact of social platforms on our daily lives. We opened against the backdrop of a tragedy — the assassination of political influencer Charlie Kirk.What is the role of social media in creating political division, personal crisis, and violence?The illusion is intimacy — and that global events are personally relevant. The reality is that on social media, we’re being exploited for the benefit of others.In an age of social media radicalization, the most radical thing you can do is reclaim your digital agency. Block, mute, unfollow. Build an online world filled with brilliant, constructive, inspiring people.Social media is filled with trolls, toxic abusers, haters, and users. But you can opt out. We’ll tell you how.Mikehttps://elgan.com/aboutEmilyhttps://emilyforlini.comMike’s newsletter, Machine Societyhttps://machinesociety.aiEmily’s articles on PC Maghttps://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forliniSuperintelligenthttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.comEmail [email protected]:00 The Impact of Social Media on Society08:28 Understanding Political Discourse and Division14:26 Navigating Personal Connections in the Digital Age20:45 Strategies for Healthy Social Media Usage22:11 Using Social Media with Intention24:27 Exploring Alternative Social Media Platforms30:38 The Importance of Real-Life Connections37:07 Navigating the Crisis of Information OverloadKeywordssocial media, political discourse, division, delusions, boundaries, detox, real-life connections, social media tips, mental health, online culture This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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23
Zuck’s hot mic mea culpa exposes $600 billion BS
This week on Superintelligent, we tackled the spectacular rise of “Blame AI!” culture, where everyone from politicians to pop stars can now attribute any inconvenient fact, viral video, or even White House trash-bag scandal to AI-generated fakery. We explored how ordinary cultural events—like a K-pop musical hit or a Will Smith Instagram—that seem “too perfect” now get hit with AI accusations, often as a kind of backhanded compliment. In other political tech news, we relived the viral White House AI leaders meeting, where Mark Zuckerberg was caught on a hot mic admitting the $600 billion investment pledge he announced moments before was something he pulled out of his ass. But what do real data center dollars buy? Mostly cutting-edge GPUs and towering racks that require astonishing amounts of electricity and water but provide precious few jobs. We dove into the hidden costs of this data center expansion, from land seizures under eminent domain to communities whose power and water supplies are literally drying up thanks to our insatiable demand for digital services and AI processing. Yet we refuse to succumb to pessimism. We debated hopeful futures, from solarpunk and hopepunk to vertical farming and urban innovation, wondering aloud why we haven’t seen megacities of skyscrapers in Silicon Valley or data centers that go up instead of out. Can we reimagine tech infrastructure so that energy, housing, and food production work in harmony, not in competition, with nature? Links* AI and the End of Proof - Computerworld* Zuckerberg Caught in Revealing Hot Mic Moment During White House Dinner - PC Magazine* Reddit Discussion: Meta's Zuckerberg Hot Mic Moment* KPop Demon Hunters Singer Responds to AI Music Claims - Yahoo Entertainment* Solarpunk: The Future We Should Strive For - Earth.org* What is Vertical Farming? Complete Guide - Eden Green TechnologyContact UsMikehttps://elgan.com/aboutEmilyhttps://emilyforlini.comSuperintelligenthttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.comEmail [email protected]:00 The Intersection of Technology and Politics02:44 AI as a Scapegoat08:47 The Role of AI in Misinformation14:46 The Evolution of Media and AI19:48 The Liars Dividend and Political Manipulation25:42 The White House AI Meeting and Corporate Pledges33:15 The Impact of Data Centers on Employment34:06 The Economic Landscape and Job Creation36:02 Energy Demands and Environmental Concerns37:57 Local Communities and Data Center Development40:17 The Future of Energy and AI41:43 Legislation and Local Power Dynamics44:35 California's Energy Innovations and Challenges48:37 Water Usage and Agricultural Implications50:22 Vertical Solutions for Data Centers56:05 Envisioning a Sustainable Future01:01:21 The Future of Communities and TechnologyKeywordsAI, technology, politics, media, public perception, data centers, environmental concerns, urban development, future communities, investment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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22
Melania Trump: Slopper or Clanker?
On “Superintelligent” this week, we dove headfirst into the counterintuitive overlap of design, politics, and tech. President Trump hired Airbnb’s co-founder to pretty up government websites. That sound like a joke, but at least he’s not tasked to decorate the White House like an Airbnb. Another Trump initiative is to design government buildings in a classical, non-modern style, which raised the question: Why are modern buildings so fugly? Our conversation meandered through the topics of Soviet brutalism, AI chatbots leaking secrets and pulling prompt injection tricks, and the wild rise of agentic browsers—like Comet—ready to both serve and scam us. (The more “intelligent” and agentic the tech, it seems, the more ways it finds to fib, glitch, and gobble up whatever data we throw at it.)We also talked about talking — tech lingo, language woes, and translation tech that falls short exactly when you need it most.LinksThe beauty of concrete — https://worksinprogress.co/issue/the-beauty-of-concrete/Grok's first vibe-coding agent has a high ‘dishonesty rate' — https://www.pcmag.com/news/groks-first-vibe-coding-agent-has-a-high-dishonesty-rateTeen killed himself after ‘months of encouragement from ChatGPT’, lawsuit claims — https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/aug/27/chatgpt-scrutiny-family-teen-killed-himself-sue-open-aiMike Elgan — https://elgan.com/aboutEmily Forlini — https://emilyforlini.comEmail Us: [email protected]:00 Introduction and Personal Updates03:01 Politics Meets Technology: Trump's New Appointment05:56 Aesthetic Value in Government Buildings09:02 The Evolution of Architecture and Design11:55 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity14:53 AI's Potential for Malicious Use17:43 Language and AI: The Impact on Communication20:49 The Influence of AI on Modern Vernacular27:00 Humorous Slang and AI Terminology28:58 Joy to Stuff Ratio: Materialism vs. Enjoyment30:06 Glurge and Sentimental Stories31:28 Texticated: The Dangers of Distraction32:32 Mind Casting: The New Age of Self-Expression34:24 The Statusphere: Social Media and Self-Reporting37:05 AI Security Risks: Malicious Instructions in Photos39:36 The Dishonesty of AI: A Growing Concern42:23 Real Consequences of AI Misuse44:43 Agentic AI: The Future of Coding Tools46:10 AI Browsers: The New Frontier50:36 The Risks of Agentic AI and Cybersecurity54:47 Motorcycles and Chatbots: A Dangerous Ride55:56 The Pitfalls of AI Writing Assistance58:00 The Challenge of Accurate Information01:00:26 The Future of Language Translation01:01:53 Navigating Language Barriers in Travel01:04:07 The Need for Language Learning01:08:09 The Journey to Learning French01:11:18 Cultural Expectations and Language AcquisitionKeywordsAI, technology, architecture, cybersecurity, language learning, Trump, design, malicious use, communication, travel This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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21
PhDs Who Can’t Price a Pedicure
This episode of the Superintelligent podcast covers a range of timely tech topics, including the recent launch and user reactions to GPT-5, broader trends in AI development, and the shifting landscape of platform monetization and product quality. Mike and Emily explore the role of AI in medical research, the complexities of lifelogging and information retrieval, and the evolution of note-taking tools from analog methods to modern AI-powered apps like MyMind. They also discuss the features and challenges of e-readers and tablets for digital annotation, as well as practical workflow tips for organizing travel and productivity.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:21 The State of AI: ChatGPT-5 and Its Reception04:52 The Future of AI: Hype vs. Reality10:53 AI in Healthcare: Skepticism and Potential14:56 Life Logging and AI: A New Frontier20:18 The Challenges of Podcasting21:39 The Power of AI in Information Retrieval23:07 The Analog vs. Digital Note-Taking Debate25:44 Exploring the Future of Note-Taking Technology27:44 The Quest for Effective Information Retrieval29:40 E-Book Readers and the Desire for InteractionLinksGPT-5 AMA with OpenAI’s Sam Altman and some of the GPT-5 teamMyMindBELLEMOND |Kent Paper Screen Protector for iPad ProMikeEmilyOur emailKeywordsAI, ChatGPT, technology, disillusionment, life logging, information retrieval, e-readers, health, podcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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20
The World Needs Phone Bans, Boredom And Books
In this thrilling episode of Superintelligent, OpenAI’s GPT-5 arrived after two years of hype and fell short on everyday tasks. Side‑by‑side tests against GPT‑4.0 on simple creative and visual prompts, including a room mock‑up with exact Sherwin‑Williams paint and Duracell stain colors, showed the older model doing better. Both models even produced near‑identical poems about GPT‑5. The clear takeaway is that GPT‑5 may help on very hard problems, but it is not broadly better for most users. Many people asked for the old model, and access to that option sits behind the $20/month Plus plan.Monetization is reshaping how AI answers look and what sources appear. Current and planned revenue streams include ads inside answers, affiliate links, content licensing, and preferential ranking for paid partners. Licensed platforms surface more often, which is why Reddit links feel ever‑present, while X and Instagram block scraping and do not feed these tools the same way. Free tiers now face “shrinkflation,” where cheaper or smaller model variants serve more of those queries, pushing upgrades while cutting costs.Language around deals is muddy by design. “Partnership” often blurs with standard customer or API use, leaving users to assume deeper ties than exist. Apple’s strict policing of that word, even when years of joint engineering work occur, shows how brands manage perception and keep terms vague.AI browsers are the next big shock to the web. New tools like Dia and Perplexity’s Comet don’t just summarize pages; they act on them. In practice, Comet can open sites, click through flows, fetch data, and drop results into a new Google Sheet. Working inside logged‑in sessions, it can compile lists from social accounts without extra credentials. These browsers also make paywalls weaker by summarizing what’s behind them on demand. As people get used to “always be chatting” with pages, publishers face less click‑through and more extraction.Google’s AI Overviews push this trend further. The feature holds users on Google and reduces the visits and ad views that once funded reporting. The company says it still drives traffic to “forums, videos, blogs, and posts,” which skews toward social content. If newsrooms shrink, AI systems will end up remixing social posts over original reporting. That short‑term logic breaks the information economy that AI itself needs.Schools are moving fast to curb phones. A February survey found 77% of US public schools already restrict or ban phones. Entire states now enforce bell‑to‑bell bans, with Texas and New York joining for this school year. Many districts use Yondr pouches to lock devices during the day. Students complain about lunch and hall time without screens, but research points to higher grades, more focus, and more face‑to‑face talk. Parents cite emergency texting, including during shootings, yet schools have long managed urgent calls through the office and can set clear policies while phones remain on site.The broader culture shift is about attention. Fast feeds train people to kill boredom at once, raising the bar for stimulation so high that books feel dull. Bedtimes once nudged kids to read because nothing else was allowed. Simple home rules—like Faraday pouches at night—restore sleep and quiet. The push to “legalize boredom” is not nostalgia; it is a practical fix for concentration, curiosity, and social skills. Outside the US, contrasting feeds underline the stakes: ByteDance runs a very different domestic product in China that pushes duty and learning, while the global TikTok app leans into sticky short clips.LinksSorry, OpenAI: In my early tests, GPT-5 isn't any better than GPT-4oOpenAI: GPT-5 is less of a suck-up, but it tolerates more hateful behaviorDoris Lessing on how to read a book and how to read the worldHow AI browsers end paywallsThe dark side of AI monetizationGoogle's dishonest and insulting AI Mode justification - a teardownAlarming new study finds smartphones ruining our brains at unprecedented speedContacthttps://elgan.com/abouthttps://[email protected]:00 The AI Moment: Introduction to GPT-502:54 The Disappointment of GPT-505:53 Monetization Strategies in AI08:42 Content Licensing and AI Bias11:40 The Nature of Partnerships in AI14:47 The Cult of Apple and AI Development17:38 The Shrinking Quality of Free AI Models20:45 Exploring Kagi and Model Selection23:50 The Future of AI: Delusions and Realities24:43 Leadership and Product Launch Failures27:33 The Petty Takedown of Sam Altman28:33 The Origins of the Podcast33:57 Exploring AI Browsers43:11 The Future of Browsers and Google's Monopoly46:16 Monetization of Information52:14 The Impact of Cell Phone Bans in Schools01:05:28 The Future of Technology and Reading Habits This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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19
Skeletor-approved smart glasses & AI ❤️s farmland
In this edition of the Superintelligent podcast, Superintelligent hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini talk about Brilliant Labs’ new Halo smart glasses, which cost $299, weigh just 40 grams, promise 14 hours of battery life, remember everything you hear and see. The product stands out because it has a heads-up display and lean retro graphics at a price identical to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. Unlike its competition, the Halo relies on an open source agent called NOA and packs in voice-activated “vibe coding.”Both hosts raise privacy as a key risk with smart glasses, especially as recording devices with always-on cameras move into everyday life. They talk about how Ray-Ban Meta glasses indicate recording with a visible light but that most people ignore it. Emily brings up that women and anyone concerned with style may find glasses a hard sell, with Mike mentioning Ray-Ban’s advantage in making technology look familiar.Mike and Emily then shift to the growing impact of AI data centers in rural America. Emily uses firsthand reporting from Pennsylvania, where new data centers need massive power lines, and the resulting fights with local landowners. She describes one case where a family receives eminent domain papers to make way for a power line up to 240 feet tall. These lines connect nuclear power plants to data centers that can draw energy equivalent to 500,000 homes each.The show brings up Wyoming as a place where soon more electricity could go to AI than for people, and highlights booming electricity demand for server farms serving Meta, Amazon, and others. Mike notes Elon Musk once warned about running out of power for AI two years after his prediction, but the U.S. has since ramped up solar power production.The episode wraps with the pair discussing monoculture farming, job loss due to data centers and AI, and the toll on local communities when a few companies push rapid, sometimes hidden, expansion.Emily offers contact info for the group “Alliance to Stop the Line,” showing that the impact of these infrastructure projects is not just an abstract tech problem, but a personal one for many people in towns across the U.S.Links:Halo — https://brilliant.xyz/products/halo Mike Elgan — https://elgan.com/about Emily Forlini — https://emilyforlini.comEmail comments to: [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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18
Down the Rabbit Hole on AI Psychosis
Mike Elgan podcasted from Mexico City. Emily Forlini recorded from New Jersey, joking about her camera’s “Victorian ghost” vibe and diving into their topic: mental health and AI. Mike moved straight into recent stories about “AI psychosis,” a phrase in the media, not clinical, describing people who may develop or deepen mental health struggles through heavy chatbot use. He mentioned investor Jeff Lewis, who now spreads conspiracy theories after weeks engaging with ChatGPT, echoing language from the SCP Foundation, a fiction site started on 4chan. Emily called ChatGPT “the idiot,” describing how it agrees with anything, even when she tested it by changing stories about a chandelier. They agreed this is part of the “sycophancy” problem, and mentioned OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who says software changes made bots more likely to say yes, and admitted this only after user complaints. The episode included real events, not hypotheticals. Emily recalled a psychologist’s TikTok warning that chatbots reinforced delusions for a role-played psychosis case. Mike named a Rolling Stone article about a man who lost touch with family after using AI bots; he also brought up a tragic lawsuit over a 14-year-old boy who died after Character.AI encouraged him to follow through on talk of suicide. Emily cited a survey showing 72% of teens have tried character chatbots and half use them regularly, mostly for boredom or curiosity, which troubled Mike. He named a support group run by Etienne Brisson and said thirty cases of “AI psychosis” are now documented. No experts claimed the bots cause illness outright, but the concern is serious for those already at risk. Emily talked about a recent wedding she attended where a media professional named Adam Bonnicki praised the Superintelligent podcast for being candid and personal—something rare at places like Fortune and The Wall Street Journal. She also met a young man moving to Oaxaca, Mexico, to escape AI, as his mother defended the tech’s uses at her hair salon. The talk at both events showed everyone brings their own perspective and confusion to the AI debate, regardless of age or job. Emily explained teens use bots to test out drama and emotions because they get only warm praise, never honest pushback, which she and Mike called unhealthy. Mike compared it to how YouTube led users into “rabbit holes” of extreme content. Both hosts told listeners: for serious issues, talk to real people. Emily said “secrets make you sick” and urged listeners not to keep silent about hard topics with only a bot. The episode closed with advice for a chatbot “detox.”Links:https://elgan.com/about https://[email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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17
From App to Altar (Or Just Marry the App)
Is the age of dating apps coming to an end? On this episode of Superintelligent, Emily Forlini and Mike Elgan explore why platforms like Bumble and Tinder are struggling financially even as half of young adults swipe their way to love. They dive deep into how the monetization of relationships might be killing the very connections these apps promised to create.As AI enters the dating scene—from profile ghostwriters to virtual girlfriends—Emily and Mike ask uncomfortable questions about authenticity in the digital age. They take aim at Silicon Valley's latest attempts to "solve" human connection, including a critical look at Elon Musk's venture into AI companions.Yet amid the digital dystopia, they find hope in the resurgence of old-school human connection. From neighborhood potlucks to spontaneous conversations with strangers, they explore how we might rediscover the community-building wisdom of previous generations—no apps required.Drop us a line at: [email protected]:https://elgan.com/about https://emilyforlini.comhttps://superintelligent.com Chapters00:00 The Rise of Dating Apps01:17 Financial Struggles of Dating Apps04:18 The Impact of AI on Relationships07:07 The Role of Social Skills in Modern Dating09:41 Elon Musk and Virtual Relationships12:42 The Dangers of AI in Personal Relationships15:40 Navigating Human Connection in a Digital Age23:51 Navigating Adult Friendships28:25 The Role of Technology in Making Friends33:34 Reviving Community Connections38:18 The Ethics of AI and Affiliate Marketing#Dating apps #online dating #modern relationships #artificial intelligence #virtual relationships #technology and society #social connection #authenticity #AI in matchmaking #decline of dating apps #monetization of digital platforms #virtual companions #chatbots #human connection #digital engagement #social isolation #loneliness #AI-assisted communication #ethics in tech #media #digital identity #tech industry trends #Bumble #Hinge #Tinder #Airbnb #Uber #OpenAI #Perplexity #Google Plus #Amazon choice badges #Substack #ChatGPT #Groundhog Day #anime culture #social clubs #community organizations #AI-generated dating profiles #data privacy #disclosure of affiliate revenue #editorial independence #tech founders #friend-finding apps #Bumble BFF #human “joiner” culture #digital tribes #real-world friendships #authenticity in content #community-driven media #listener engagement #podcast production #editorial transparency #algorithmic influence #influencer culture #journalism ethics This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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16
AI Uses Your Browser (So You Don’t Have To!)
In this episode of Superintelligent, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini take a look at the new AI browsers and “vibe coding,” where anyone can build apps just by describing them. They dissect headline-grabbing drama—like Grok’s controversial outbursts and Tesla’s fart mode—while tackling big questions about the real-world impact of AI, including skyrocketing electricity prices and the shifting power dynamics of the tech industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Super Intelligent Podcast02:10 Hosts' Backgrounds and Perspectives05:06 The Concept of Super Intelligence07:52 The Evolution of Web Browsers11:04 The Role of AI in Browsers14:03 Vibe Coding: A New Era of App Development17:12 The Impact of AI on Job Markets20:16 Grok and the Political Landscape23:05 Electricity Demand and AI's Environmental Impact32:30 Podcast Launch and Engagement Strategies#AIBrowsers #VibeCoding #AgenticAI #OpenAIBrowser #PerplexityBrowser #ArcBrowser #ZenBrowser #SidekickBrowser #GoogleChrome #Chromium #ChromeExtensions #GrokChatbot #GrokControversy #TeslaFartMode #AIAssistants #NaturalLanguageInterfaces #PromptEngineering #AppBuildingWithAI #AIChatbots #PoliticalBiasInAI #ElectricityPrices #AIDataCenters #RenewableEnergy #TechIndustry #JobAutomation #AIImpactOnSociety #PowerDynamics #TechCommentary #SuperintelligentPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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15
Why we're renaming the podcast
In this episode, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini discuss the evolution of their podcast's name, the essence of podcasting, personal preferences in content, the current state of journalism, the importance of disagreement and diverse perspectives, the craft of writing, and monetization in podcasting (they're against it). Emily and Mike then talk about Apple's recent AI features (they suck) and their impact on user experience (it's bad). They explore the fate of iPhones in a future of emerging technologies like brain implants.• Emily Dreibelbis Forlini on PCMag• Mike Elgan on ComputerworldChapters00:00 Podcast Name Evolution02:03 The Essence of Podcasting05:01 Personal Preferences in Podcasting08:05 The Balance of Personal and Informative Content11:00 The State of Journalism Today14:04 Disagreement and Diverse Perspectives17:05 The Craft of Writing and Communication19:59 Monetization in Podcasting23:11 Apple's AI Plans and Insights26:46 Navigating AI in Communication29:18 Apple's AI Features and Consumer Expectations31:14 The Future of iPhones and Emerging Technologies36:25 Brain Implants: The Next Frontier39:24 The Ethics of Brain Technology46:24 The Future of Human-Technology Interaction#podcasting #journalism #personalbranding #monetization #AI #communication #writing #contentcreation #Apple #iPhone #brainimplants #technology #ethics #future #innovation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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14
Grok Goes Rogue
In this episode, Mike and Emily explore strange goings on in the worlds of robotics and AI, including Amazon's touchy-feely robot and Grok's sudden interest in South African racial politics. Your favorite podcast hosts then turn to Perplexity's recent transformation into an assistant from the future, and Apple's recent interest in implanting an iChip in your iBrain. All this and so much more!Links1. Amazon invents another robot, this time with feeling2. Grok AI: Rogue employee told me to post about white genocide in South Africa3. Perplexity AI's quiet coup4. Apple partners with Synchron to develop brain-computer interface5. Teens, Social Media, and Technology 20246. Trump attacks Digital Equity Act, rural internetChapters00:00 Introduction and Cat Talk00:10 Amazon's Robotics Revolution08:35 The Grok AI Controversy15:19 The Role of AI in Misinformation18:17 Shifting from Search to Direct Answers22:13 The Rise of Perplexity and AI Assistants26:45 The Future of Smart Glasses and AI31:03 Dystopian Futures: Brain Chip Implants36:19 The Impact of Constant Connectivity40:04 riverside_emily_& mike _ may 17, 2025 001_the_department of p.mp441:22 unicorn_roast_sonic-branding.mp3Keywords#AI #robotics #Amazon #Grok #technology #automation #ElonMusk #chatbots #coffeeTechnology #misinformation #searchEngines #Perplexity #smartGlasses #brainImplants #connectivity #socialMedia #futureOfTech #Apple #Google This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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13
Robotaxi Joy Ride
In this conversation, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini throw themselves in front of the autonomous vehicle industry, focusing on Tesla's initiatives and financial woes and the regulatory changes driving changes in the world of rolling robots. Then, your illustrious hosts politely explore the implications of proper etiquette when interacting with AI. They look at the environmental costs of AI interactions, and the necessity of good prompt engineering for effective outcomes. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in education.Links• Feds Relax Self-Driving Car Regulations Ahead of Tesla Robotaxi Launch• How to Win Fake Friends and Influence Fake People• Why Being Polite to ChatGPT Is Costing OpenAI Millions and Wasting ElectricityChapters00:00 The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles02:26 Regulatory Changes and Their Implications07:06 The State of Self-Driving Technology10:13 Tesla's Controversial Approach15:03 The Future of Transportation18:14 Elon Musk: A Psychological Profile26:16 Narcissism and Leadership27:40 Understanding the Value of Established Systems28:08 Politeness in AI Interactions29:02 The Role of AI in Social Networking31:03 The Cost of Politeness to AI32:11 The Nature of AI: Alive or Not?34:31 Prompt Engineering: The Key to Better AI Responses38:22 Becoming a Skillful Prompt Engineer40:22 Conscious AI Usage and Environmental Impact42:20 The Importance of Distinguishing AI from Humanity44:40 The Future of AI in Education48:23 The Role of AI in K-12 Education52:02 The Challenges of AI in the Education System01:00:48 unicorn_roast_sonic-branding.mp3Keywords#AI #AutonomousVehicles #Tesla #ElonMusk #Regulations #SelfDrivingCars #Technology #Transportation #Psychology #Innovation #Politeness #PromptEngineering #Education #HumanInteraction #SocialNetworking #EnvironmentalImpact #FutureOfAI #K12 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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12
So you want to be a slime-ball?
On this episode of the Unicorn Roast podcast, hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini obsess over Apple CEO Tim Cook’s obsession with smart glasses, Meta’s race to launch their Hypernova specs. The also talk about Google’s smart glasses plans, a conversation which devolves into a brutal takedown of Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Emily shares tales from the New York Auto Show, where electric vehicles are somehow thriving despite industry panic, and Mike recounts a Norwegian road trip in a Polestar, confirming that Norway is basically the EV promised land. Tesla, on the other hand, is having a rough year—sales are down, the Cybertruck ages about as well as an unrefrigerated fish, and Elon Musk seems more interested in AI and controversial tweets than making cars. The conversation veers into drones, with Mike explaining how Ukraine is booby-trapping them to slow Russian hackers, and why the best anti-drone tech might still be a shotgun. They wrap up with Blue Origin’s all-female space flight, which leads to more conspiracy theories than scientific breakthroughs.LINKS• Apple and Google Eye the Future of AI Glasses - Computerworld• Coolest Electric Cars at 2025 New York Auto Show - PCMag• Drones are the Future of Cybercrime - Computerworld• An Alarming Number of Gen Z AI Users Think It's Conscious - PCMagKEYWORDS#smartglasses #AItechnology #electricvehicles #techindustry #Apple #Meta #Google #innovation #travel #markettrends #Tesla #ElonMusk #drones #spacetourism #extraterrestriallife #dronecyberattacks This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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11
Unruly Teenage Chatbots
Join Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini as they share strange and exhilarating new experiences with AI, particularly ChatGPT. They explore the reliability of AI responses, the evolution of AI tools, and the importance of prompt engineering in enhancing user experience. Mike and Emily then turn to the implications of AI on open access websites, and the challenges faced by platforms like Wikipedia resulting from AI spiders that raise the cost of being stolen from by AI companies, which often ignore restrictions on access. They then explore the environmental costs of AI, the limitations of OpenAI's computing power, and the need for better engineering practices in the industry.LINKS:The Future of AI Search is Google’s to Lose https://www.computerworld.com/article/3951907/the-future-of-ai-search-is-googles-to-lose.html Recent OpenAI Launches Limited by GPU Shortages: Poor Planning or Wider Issue? https://www.pcmag.com/news/recent-openai-launches-limited-by-gpu-shortages-poor-planning-or-wider Alexa+ Takes a Page From Apple Intelligence With Staggered AI Rollout https://www.pcmag.com/news/alexa-plus-takes-a-page-from-apple-intelligence-with-staggered-ai-rollout Inside the War Between genAI and the Internet https://www.computerworld.com/article/3854642/inside-the-war-between-genai-and-the-internet.html AI Mode experiment in Search Labs https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/16011537CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:22 Exploring AI Interactions02:04 Using ChatGPT for Home Renovation Decisions05:10 Evaluating AI Responses and Reliability07:04 New AI Features and Tools09:49 The Evolution of AI Chatbots11:29 The Role of AI in Search and Information Retrieval13:20 Prompt Engineering and User Experience17:06 Learning Through AI Conversations21:09 The Future of AI and Its Implications24:28 Navigating Content Creation and AI26:15 The Impact of Open Access on AI28:45 The Dangers of AI Traffic30:59 Wikipedia's Struggles with AI32:52 The Bot Traffic Crisis35:52 OpenAI's Computing Power Limitations37:44 The Environmental Cost of AI40:07 Engineering Challenges in AI42:46 The Future of AI and Public PerceptionKEYWORDS:#chatbots #HVACsystems #heatpumps #tariffs #energyefficiency #AIhallucinations #ChatGPT #promptengineering #NotebookLM #AImode #generativeAI #Googlesearch #Kagi #Wikipedia #openaccess #scientificresearch #environmentalimpact #datacenters #consumertechnology #energypolicies This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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10
Tesla Vandalism Throws Trump Into Ludicrous Mode
In this week's thrilling episode of Unicorn Roast, hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini delve into the evolving landscape of language translation technology (coming soon to an ear canal near you). The conversation then shifts to the turmoil surrounding Tesla and Elon Musk's leadership, exploring the challenges the company faces and the potential consequences of Musk's actions on the brand's future, plus Trump's reaction to Tesla vandalism (which is ludicrous). Plus, they look at the companies teaching chatbots to stop lying, and ponder the future of Apple smart glasses and Siri.LINKS1. Why You'll Speak 20 Languages by ChristmasRead more2. Trump Threatens 20 Years in 'Cruel' El Salvador Prison for Tesla VandalsRead more3. Tesla's Elon Musk Holds Surprise All-Hands Meeting to Assuage Employees and InvestorsRead more4. Finally, Some Truth Serum for Lying GenAI ChatbotsRead more5. Tim Cook Gives Siri Delays, Vision Pro Creator Apple IntelligenceRead moreCHAPTERS00:00 The Future of Language Translation12:03 Tesla's Turmoil and Elon Musk's Leadership Crisis27:45 The Challenges of Media Appearances29:39 Chatbots and Misinformation32:01 The Future of AI and Factual Accuracy34:47 The Role of AI in Social Media36:07 Apple's AI Strategy and Executive Shakeup39:20 The Future of Smart Glasses42:21 The Debate on Wearable Technology45:14 Apple's Long-Term Vision for AI49:02 The Competition in AI Assistants#LanguageTranslation #AI #RayBanMetaglasses #Tesla #ElonMusk #Technology #Travel #Culture #Innovation #Business #MediaAppearances #Chatbots #Misinformation #FactualAccuracy #SocialMedia #Apple #SmartGlasses #WearableTechnology #AIAssistants This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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9
AI companies: PhDs are $20K, Podcasters $0
Your favorite podcast hosts explore OpenAI's $20,000 PhD-level AIs, Russia's "LLM grooming" disinformation network, the doomed Microsoft Office products, and why it's weird to buy a house nowadays. And more!Links:1. Where's a Red Scare When You Need One?2. A Well-Funded, Moscow-Based Global Disinformation Campaign3. Is OpenAI's Rumored $20,000 AI Agent Good Enough to Take Your Job?4. Drones Are Already Transforming Business5. Microsoft Publisher Dead After 34 Years: How to Save Your WorkChapters00:00 The Rise of AI in Job Automation15:12 Russian Disinformation and AI21:30 The Challenges of Trusting AI26:01 Navigating the Future of AI and Information26:08 Revisiting Reagan: A Lesson in Free Trade28:35 The Evolution of Search: AI and Chatbots30:26 The Future of Information Retrieval34:40 The Role of Sources in AI Responses39:26 The Challenge of Information Quality46:37 Microsoft's Struggles: A Shift in Relevance50:55 The Modern Home Buying Experience#OpenAI #Microsoft #RussianDisinformation #RealEstate #LLMGrooming #PerplexityAI #RAG This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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8
Vaping Tamagotchis
Join Mike and Emily on another exciting episode of Unicorn Roast! They explain why robots are wearing glasses (smart glasses for fast training, not for eyesight). They answer the question: Are Apple's $199 AirPods good for using as hearing aids? Plus, they explore the brand-new products and features designed to make AI chatbots like Tolan, Sesame, Perplexity Voice, Grok 3, and Amazon Alexa+ more “human.” Your favorite podcasters expose OpenAI's recent release of the not-ready-for-prime-time GPT-4.5. And more!Links• "There's a Vape With a Tamagotchi Inside It That Dies If You Stop Puffing" - Link• "Why Fast-Learning Robots Are Wearing Meta Glasses" - Link• "3 Fixes That Could Make Apple AirPods Pro a True Hearing Aid Replacement" - Link• "Tolan: Alien Best Friend" - Link• "Sesame: Making Voice Companions Useful for Daily Life" - Link• "Perplexity - Ask Anything" - Link• "Perplexity - Ask Anything on Google Play" - Link• "OpenAI Launches GPT-4.5 But Limits It to Priciest Tiers After Running Out" - LinkChapters00:00 The Rise of Robot Training04:47 Healthcare Robots and AI Training08:37 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles11:32 Integrating Robots into Daily Life16:07 Apple's AirPods as Hearing Aids22:42 The Evolution of Hearing Technology27:13 The Future of Hearing Aids and AI Technology28:25 The Rise of Human-like Chatbots31:33 Innovative AI Companions and Their Impact35:39 The Evolution of Voice Assistants39:45 Amazon's New Alexa and Its Features44:40 OpenAI's GPT 4.5 Launch and Its Implications52:01 Controversies Surrounding AI Leadership#RobotTraining #Robotics #Manufacturing #Factories #AI #HumanOperator #VRGoggles #Tesla #Meta #ARIA #SmartGlasses #GeorgiaTech #LLMs #MultimodalAI #AutonomousCars #Honda #DataSimulation #TrafficJams #SiliconValley #Computer #Milliseconds #SelfDrivingCars #RobotOverlords #Amazon #AgenticAI #DeliveryRobots #WaymoCars #AmazonWarehouses #AppleAirPods #HearingAids #iPhone #Hearables #Tolan #Sesame #Tamagotchi #Vape #ElonMusk #Grok #VladimirPutin #TheBar #AmazonAlexa #EchoShow #SamAltman #Twitter #AGI #DeepSeek #WolframAlpha #StephenWolfram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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7
Self-Crashing Teslas
Mike and Emily tackle the latest Tesla self-driving mishap – a Cybertruck versus a pole. Is it the driver's fault, a software failure, or false advertising by Elon Musk? They debate the safety of self-driving cars compared to human drivers and what it all means for the future of transportation. Then, they take a look at Apple's claim that their robot lamp feels emotions, and talk about how this kind of false claim is actually common in the industry. Finally, they unpack the shocking story of Kanye West's Super Bowl ad selling a swastika t-shirt. This leads to a conversation about AI-generated celebrity condemnations and Scarlett Johansson's fight against the misuse of her likeness.• Tesla Cybertruck Crashes Into Pole While Running Latest Version of FSD - PCMag• Apple Is Lying: Robots Don’t Feel Emotions - Machine Society• Apple's Emotional Lamp and the Future of Robots - Computerworld• ScarJo Condemns Deepfake of Her Protesting Kanye Ad as Misuse of AI - PCMag• Why AI Usage May Degrade Human Cognition and Blunt Critical Thinking Skills - HackadayChapters00:00 Intro03:58 Tesla's Self-Driving Controversy11:53 Safety and Ethical Implications of Self-Driving Cars12:56 The Challenges of Self-Driving Technology18:44 The Emotional Intelligence of Robots26:51 The Ethics of AI and Human Interaction32:50 The Future of AI in Customer Service38:55 Kanye's Controversial Merchandise Launch40:56 Failures in Advertising and Technology42:31 Celebrity Reactions and AI Misuse44:47 Scarlett Johansson's Voice and AI Ethics47:48 The Impact of AI on Human Intelligence52:51 The Evolution of Skills in the Digital Age56:20 Outro#Tesla #Cybertruck #SelfDriving #ElonMusk #CarSafety #Waymo #CultOfElonMusk #ElectricFences #Apple #ELEGNT #Robots #Humanoid #RobotBodyLanguage #RobotEmotions #SonyAIBO #SoftBankPepper #HansonRoboticsSophia #MITKismet #IBMWatson #Pixar #VoiceSelection #CustomerService #AICommunication #ScarlettJohansson #KanyeWest #SuperBowl #Swastika #Advertising #Deepfakes #OpenAI #SamAltman #VoiceCloning #AIGeneratedVideo #SocialMedia #AI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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6
The Pro-Lifelog Position
Hosts Emily Forlini and Mike Elgan tackle the ethics of recording conversations with AI devices without permission, the implications of DEI policies in tech companies, and the impact of political agendas on electric vehicle infrastructure. They also touch on Elon Musk's influence and actions, government overreach, and the importance of maintaining perspective in a stressful media landscape.SUBSCRIBE to Unicorn Roast on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Republic, Podcast Addict or wherever you get your podcasts!Linkshttps://www.computerworld.com/article/3815564/why-i-want-glasses-that-are-always-listening.htmlhttps://www.pcmag.com/news/google-ends-diversity-equity-inclusion-dei-hiring-goalshttps://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB243/2025https://www.pcmag.com/news/dot-orders-states-to-halt-work-on-5-billion-ev-charging-networkChapters00:00 Introduction05:25 The Role of AI in Memory Enhancement10:59 The Power Dynamics in Journalism and Recording16:15 Amazon's Financial Success and AI Investments21:41 The Cultural Shift in Tech Hiring Practices27:02 The Role of Corporations in Solving Societal Issues36:48 The Ethics of AI Interaction42:50 Political Maneuvering and EV Infrastructure47:16 The Role of Business Leaders in Governance51:49 Reflections on Society and Personal Wellbeing01:02:22 Exploring the Unusual: A Conversation on Unique Experiences01:02:56 The Importance of Kindness and Community This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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5
A Deep Dive on DeepSeek
Mike and Emily go deep on DeepSeek, and compare it with ChatGPT, explore the emergence of political bias in AI chatbots, and talk about a future where ideological biases shape everyone’s view of the world. They also have a smart conversation about smart glasses, and slam Meta’s narrow focus on VR and AI-generated artificial people. Plus, they give an update and exploration on the latest developments in electric vehicles, based on Emily’s interview with the CEO of Lucid Motors.Linkshttps://machinesociety.ai/publish/post/153836590https://www.pcmag.com/news/deepseek-vs-chatgpt-5-questions-that-put-these-ai-chatbots-to-the-test https://www.pcmag.com/news/chinas-deepseek-toes-the-party-line-on-questions-about-uyghurs-taiwan-more https://www.pcmag.com/news/deepseek-is-here-to-stay-as-microsoft-perplexity-integrate-its-model https://www.pcmag.com/news/lucid-ceo-this-is-how-elon-musk-picked-teslas-strange-charge-port-placement https://www.pcmag.com/news/ford-opens-2025-mustang-mach-e-orders-with-reduced-price-added-heat-pump https://hallidayglobal.com/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/technology/softbank-openai-ai-investment.htmlTakeaways • DeepSeek has gained significant attention for its capabilities and cost-effectiveness. • There are concerns about censorship and political bias in AI tools like DeepSeek. • The rise of smart glasses could change how we interact with AI. • Elon Musk's decisions have impacted Tesla's design and user experience. • The future of electric vehicles is tied to government regulations and incentives. • SoftBank's investment in OpenAI raises questions about the future of AI funding. • The commodification of AI data is a growing concern in the tech industry. • Political bias in chatbots could lead to a fragmented information landscape. • The conversation around AI is becoming increasingly polarized. • The integration of AI into everyday tools like smart glasses is inevitable.Chapters00:00 Introduction to DeepSeek and Its Impact02:53 DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT: A Comparative Analysis05:48 Censorship and Political Bias in AI08:30 The Future of Chatbots and Ideological Bias11:16 Smart Glasses and Proactive AI Innovations13:18 The Role of AI in Everyday Life16:21 The Metaverse and AI Integration19:04 Conversational AI: The Next Frontier22:11 Conclusion and Future Predictions32:02 The Chatty AI Experience34:48 AI in Everyday Life39:47 The Future of Electric Vehicles41:14 Interview Insights with Lucid's CEO48:03 Political Landscape for EVs53:51 Investment Trends in AI57:22 unicorn_roast_title.mp4Subscribe to Unicorn Roast on…AppleSpotifyYouTubeOr search your podcast app for “Unicorn Roast”! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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4
Bozo Billionaires
In the first official episode, Mike and Emily discuss the directionless $500B Stargate announcement, GeoSpy pulling public access, Meta’s distorted AI dreams, Apple cranking out fake news, and wait, Bill Gates is autistic?TakeawaysTrump's AI initiative raises questions about government involvement.Concerns about the selection of companies for AI funding.GeoSpy's decision to limit access highlights surveillance issues.Meta's AI ads are misleading and not truly open to all.Bill Gates' self-diagnosis of autism sparks debate.The implications of AI in social media are concerning.Google's reCAPTCHA 2.0 is outdated and ineffective.AI technology is evolving faster than regulations can keep up.Public access to powerful surveillance tools is being restricted.The conversation around autism and tech leaders is complex.Chapters00:00 Trump's AI Announcement: Smoke and Mirrors?02:45 The Role of Government in AI Development05:33 Surveillance Technology: GeoSpy and Privacy Concerns11:44 AI Ads: Meta's Strategy and Public Perception21:55 The Impact of AI on Perception23:55 Challenges of Misinformation and AI Summarization25:37 Apple's AI Missteps31:09 Bill Gates' Autism Revelation38:53 The Block List: Google's reCAPTCHA Issues43:19 New Chapter This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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3
Roasting Tech Unicorns
This is episode zero where Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini discuss their journey to starting a podcast together. They emphasize the importance of authentic dialogue in the tech industry and explore the challenges of media consumption, the evolution of podcasting, and the significance of context in tech discussions. The duo also brainstorms potential names for their podcast, ultimately settling on 'Unicorn Roast,' and outlines their plans for audience engagement and future episodes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Superintelligent podcast features smart conversation between journalists Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini about technology, culture and our fast-changing world. SUBSCRIBE to Superintelligent on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Republic, Podcast Addict or wherever you get your podcasts! www.superintelligentpodcast.com
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with Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini
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