Bellwether

A podcast of speculative journalism—stories of the world as it is through the lens of what it might become. From Sam Greenspan. Learn more: http://bellwether.show

For the first time in human history, a self-driving car killed a pedestrian. But who’s really at fault? If the person behind the wheel takes the fall, suddenly we are living in a world where one can go to jail for the crimes of an AI. This non-fiction story is told within the frame of a sci-fi radio serial, in which we meet Cass and Icarus, who discover this reportage in the future.  This is episode 01 of BELLWETHER, a podcast of speculative journalism from Sam Greenspan. Support our Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bellwether/   Learn more: http://bellwether.show

"I see Bellwether as this structure that allows us to deal with what would otherwise be dreams or nightmares or uncertainties that feel like a mess. It's not a mess—if you have the right equation." NPR's Robert Smith on why he's backing Bellwether's Kickstarter campaign, and why you should, too. Even a donation of $1 can help us reach our 1,000 backer goal! Kickstarter: tinyurl.com/bellwetherKS Website: bellwether.show    

"I'm backing the Bellwether Kickstarter because I think it's revolutionary to dream together, and I need that kind of spirit in my life."   Claire Vaye Watkins, author of Gold Fame Citrus and Battleborn, on how she got involved with Bellwether.   Kickstarter: tinyurl.com/bellwetherKS Website: bellwether.show

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Coming September 27, 2021: BELLWETHER, a new podcast of speculative journalism From award-winning radiomaker Sam Greenspan Listen for free at http://bellwether.show & anywhere you find podcasts --   BELLWETHER VISUAL TRAILER DANCE FILM Directed by Sam Greenspan Cinematography by Jacki Huntington Assistant Director: Rebecca Rufer Featuring Cierra Crowley and Sam Greenspan Choreography by Tess Hewlett Set design by Jacqui Vaca and Nat Souza Wardrobe by Jacqui Vaca Produced by Rebecca Rufer Edited by Tova Goodman Filmed at DC Dance LA, in Culver City, California

BELLWETHER is a podcast of speculative journalism: true stories of the world as it is, presented through the lens of what it might become. Host Sam Greenspan presents original reporting about collisions with technology—and all framed within a sci-fi radio serial, set in a future where the internet has disappeared, and humans are learning how to live alongside sentient A.I. This extended trailer is your skeleton key for understanding the forthcoming show. More info at bellwether.show. And please consider supporting this independent project at thisisbellwether.bandcamp.com.  

In 2018, Elaine Herzberg became the first pedestrian to be killed by a self-driving car. But who is to blame? We prosecute the person who was behind the wheel at our own peril. Elsewhere: short-term cryo has put Cass and Icarus in a relationship crisis. (Note: this is an updated version of the Bellwether pilot, originally released in 2019) More info at http://bellwether.show. Please consider supporting this independent project at thisisbellwether.bandcamp.com.

After a deadly fire at an Oakland arts space called The Ghost Ship, cities across America responded by cracking down on unofficial live-work spaces. Alt-right internet trolls took notice, and launched a culture war, pitting local governments about the people they are tasked with keeping safe. Elsewhere: Icarus and Cass learn of an autonomous Juggalo community, and hear from an autonomophobic blogger back east. Learn more at http://bellwether.show. Please consider supporting this independent project at thisisbellwether.bandcamp.com.

A law that was supposed to stop sex trafficking is making life more dangerous for the people it’s supposed to protect. It’s also collapsing the entire internet. Elsewhere: Icarus and Cass call on a spurned lover, who reveals that there's more to Bellwether than meets the ear.   Learn more at http://bellwether.show. Please consider supporting this independent project at http://thisisbellwether.bandcamp.com.

An autopsy on a dead link, and the anthropology of trying to find transgender health care at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles. Elsewhere: Icarus and Cass receive a call to adventure. Cycle 1 Finale.  Learn more at http://bellwether.show. Please consider supporting this independent project at http://thisisbellwether.bandcamp.com.