Modem Futura Podcast
Episode 2, October 22 2024
In this episode Sean and Andrew discuss the implications of AI in podcasting, particularly focusing on Google’s Notebook LM and its ability to create engaging audio summaries. They discuss the evolution of AI technologies, the challenges of discerning truth in AI-generated content, and the potential future of AI in creating virtual worlds and enhancing human-robot interactions. The conversation highlights the need for critical engagement with AI tools and the exciting possibilities they present for learning and innovation.
Links:
H.G. Wells 1902 / 1913 “The Discovery of the future” (available via HathiTrust)
Andrew’s Article on NotebookLM (available via Substack)
Also available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and anywhere good podcasts are available.
Main talking points and takeaways
- Notebook LM allows AI to create podcast-like summaries.
- AI-generated content can sound convincingly human.
- Listening to AI can challenge our perception of truth.
- Generative AI is evolving beyond simple text generation.
- Spatial intelligence in AI could revolutionize interactions.
- AI’s biases reflect human biases in its training data.
- The future of AI includes more sophisticated architectures.
- AI can create immersive virtual environments.
- Humanoid robots are becoming more accessible and relevant.
- Critical engagement with AI is essential for its ethical use.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring AI in Podcasting
02:59 The Evolution of Notebook LM
06:00 The Impact of AI on Perception
09:11 The Role of AI in Content Creation
11:58 The Future of AI and Spatial Intelligence
15:06 The Next Generation of AI Models
17:54 The Promise of AI in Virtual Worlds
21:03 The Intersection of AI and Robotics
24:12 Concluding Thoughts on AI’s Future
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Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit – https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD – ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.
Andrew Maynard, PhD – ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.