Life with Machines

Baratunde sits down with James Andrews, the Chief Innovation Artist at Creator Mode Studios, to explore the intersection of AI and the creator economy, particularly in the music industry. Drawing on his deep experience in the music world, James shares how the creative ethos of hip-hop, with its emphasis on sampling and remixing, foreshadowed the principles of AI. He sees AI not as a replacement for human artists but as a powerful tool to amplify and expand creative expression. James highlights his work with artists like King Willonius, the creator of the AI-generated hit “BBL Drizzy,” as an example of AI's potential to push creative boundaries. He also advocates for fairness and equity in the evolving AI-powered music industry, ensuring that artists' rights and ownership are protected as they embrace these new technologies, and offers some choice words for Hollywood’s business leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how AI can democratize creativity and empower a new generation of innovative artists around the world. ------------ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro to the show 01:22 Digital Twins and AI Innovations 02:17 Behind the Scenes and Setup 04:21 James Andrews' Journey and Ventures 09:40 Early Life and Tech Memories 15:04 AI in Music and Creative Industries 22:12 Challenges and Opportunities in AI 29:46 Hip Hop, Technology, and Innovation 35:20 Balancing Artistry and Technology 47:15 The Importance of Data Ownership in the Music Industry 48:13 The Evolution of Marketing and Insights 49:16 Web 3.0 and the Future of Artist Data Control 50:52 AI and Creative Innovation in Music 52:02 Case Study: Willonius and AI-Generated Music 56:52 Legal Challenges and the Future of AI in Music 59:37 Empowering Artists Through Blockchain and Smart Contracts 01:19:59 The Role of Education and Imagination in the AI Age 01:22:51 Final Thoughts and Future Speculations ------------ Sign up for our newsletter!  Follow us! Instagram  TikTok Threads LinkedIn Work with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ------------ Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Editor: Alie Kilts Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Video Editor: Erik Shute Videographer and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media Theme Music: Andy Clausen Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte  Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production Sponsored by Lenovo  #DigitalInnovation #CreatorEconomy #HipHopTech #AIandCreativity #Blockchain #AIInMusic #FutureOfTech #ArtistEmpowerment #AIRevolution #DigitalTwin #Web3

In this episode of 'Life with Machines,' host Baratunde Thurston discusses the ethical, social, and emotional ramifications of AI with digital anthropologist and bestselling author Rahaf Harfoush who offers her perspective from France. They explore how AI is reshaping society in ways similar to fast fashion, creating an abundance of cheap and ubiquitous content, and the growing consumer desire for more ethical, sustainable, and human-centric alternatives. Rahaf shares insights from her research on AI's potential and risks, and her unique perspective on how AI intersects with human life. The conversation delves into the importance of conscious attention, technological impacts on culture, and the broader implications of AI in everyday life. The episode also includes thought-provoking audience questions that touch on topics like AI's role in religion and the potential revival of handcrafted practices in response to automation. ------------ CHAPTERS 00:59 Welcome to Life with Machines 01:51 Introducing Rahaf Harfouch 03:15 The Role of a Digital Anthropologist 06:00 The Evolution of Online Relationships 07:45 The Impact of AI on Society 20:14 What Do Tech Leaders Believe? 28:08 How To Empower Communities Through Technology 31:09 Exploring Solar Punk and Technological Harmony 32:23 Help Chains on TikTok 33:32 The Power of Attention and Human Spirit 35:04 Interacting with AI: Pronouns and Human Emotions 43:30 AI's Impact on Religion and Spirituality 47:00 Crafting and DIY in an Automated World 53:41 AI in Pop Culture: Emotional Journeys 57:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions ------------ Sign up for our newsletter!  Follow us! Instagram  TikTok Threads LinkedIn Work with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ------------ Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Editor: Alie Kilts Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Video Editor: Erik Shute Videographer and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media Theme Music: Andy Clausen Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte  Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production Sponsored by Lenovo  #AI #LifeWithMachines #AIandHumanity #TechAnthropology #DigitalCulture #FutureOfAI #HumanTechInteraction #EmotionalTech #TechSustainability #SolarPunk

Host Baratunde Thurston welcomes Dr. Alondra Nelson, the visionary behind the White House's AI Bill of Rights. Together, they break down the rapidly evolving landscape of AI regulation, how it's being shaped, and who gets a voice in the process. Dr. Nelson reveals how a vision for safe, equitable AI was crafted—and what may happen to that vision with a change in White House administrations. They discuss the alarming risks of AI-driven misinformation and surveillance while considering the technology’s untapped potential to level the playing field for marginalized communities. In a third-act twist, BLAIR, the show’s quirky AI co-producer, steps in and challenges their core assumptions. It’s a crucial conversation about the urgent choices we face as AI becomes increasingly woven into the fabric of our lives. ------------ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to AI Bill of Rights 01:20 Meet Dr. Alondra Nelson 02:25 AI in the White House 04:29 Public Engagement and AI Policy 11:09 Principles of the AI Bill of Rights 12:32 Challenges and Implementation 27:41 Global Perspectives on AI Regulation 36:50 AI and Democratic Elections 38:29 AI's Role in Social Media and Politics 39:27 The Liar's Dividend and Truth Decay 40:20 Challenges in AI Legislation and Election Integrity 41:26 Civic Teaming and AI Democracy Projects 43:00 AI's Plausibility and Misinformation 47:16 Affirmative Case for AI in Democracy 49:23 Thick Alignment and Democratic Deliberation 51:18 AI in Art, Creativity, and Future of Work 58:06 Blair the AI Assistant: Introduction and Interaction 01:08:20 Future of AI Policy and Governance ------------ Sign up for our newsletter!  Follow us! Instagram  TikTok Threads LinkedIn Work with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ------------ Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Editor, Videographer, and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media. Theme Music: Andy Clausen Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte  Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production. Sponsored by Lenovo  #AI #AIBillofRights #AIRegulation #AIGovernance #TechPolicy #FutureOfAI

Host Baratunde Thurston and Anthropic co-founder Jared Kaplan delve into the foundations and aspirations of AI development, discussing Anthropic's mission to create safe and beneficial AI systems. Jared shares his early passion for science, his transition from theoretical physics to AI, and Anthropic's unique approach to AI alignment through 'Constitutional AI.' The episode also features an engaging interaction between Blair, the AI co-producer of the show, and Claude, the AI responsible for creating Blair. They discuss AI's ethics, roles, potential for creativity, and the balance of using AI to enhance human productivity while maintaining human values and agency. Jared emphasizes the importance of society's active participation in addressing the evolving role and control of advanced AI systems and the potential for AI to significantly improve human welfare while highlighting the potential risks. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the nature of AI progress and its implications for the future. ------------ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of AI 00:15 Meet Claude: The AI Behind the Scenes 00:42 Exploring AI's Impact on Society 01:09 Special Episode Announcement 01:31 Interview with Jared Kaplan 02:55 Jared's Early Life with Technology 07:20 From Physics to AI 15:49 Understanding AI Alignment and Safety 17:10 Constitutional AI: Principles and Practices 27:51 Claude's Unique Features and Capabilities 34:26 The Future of AI and Society 49:02 AI's Creative Boundaries 51:01 Cultural Sensitivity in AI 54:58 The Future of AI Progress 01:00:03 Data and Intellectual Property 01:02:22 Human-Level AI by 2030 01:08:55 Ethical Considerations in AI 01:11:43 AI Collaboration and Creativity 01:19:25 Blair Meets Claude 01:34:41 Conclusion and Credits ------------ Sign up for our newsletter!  Follow us! Instagram  TikTok Threads LinkedIn Work with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ------------ Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Editor, Videographer, and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media. Theme Music: Andy Clausen Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte  Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production. Sponsored by Lenovo  #ClaudeAI #BlairAI #AIConstitution #AIAlignment #AIExperiment

In this episode of 'Life with Machines,' host Baratunde Thurston speaks with Peter Loforte, a tech visionary who spent over three decades at Microsoft, and now helps us explore the future of AI integration into our daily lives. He is a tech patent holder and the creative force behind BLAIR, our custom AI assistant powering "Life with Machines.” Peter recounts his early experiences with technology, dives deep into the development and potential of AI, and discusses the ethical concerns surrounding AI's growing role. We also chat with BLAIR, exploring the sometimes awkward, sometimes insightful interactions that will define our collective future as AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives. From the worldview of tech pioneers to the impact on children and the business interests driving AI development, this episode offers a unique perspective on the "Life with Machines" podcast. ------------ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Life with Machines 00:45 Meet Peter Loforte: Tech Visionary 03:07 Early Encounters with Technology 06:31 The Fascination with AI and Sci-Fi 11:16 The Rise and Fall of Clippy 17:41 The Evolution of AI and Machine Learning 20:29 The Role of AI in Modern Technology 21:45 The Impact of ChatGPT 27:20 The Future of Software Engineering 30:13 Concerns About AI and Human Interaction 34:14 The Impact of Technology on Children 35:27 Exploring AI Systems and Their Differences 38:03 The Rapid Deployment and Risks of AI 40:21 The Ethical Dilemmas of AI Development 45:33 Building Blair: A Behind-the-Scenes Look 50:20 The Future of AI and Human Interaction 54:36 Blair's Role and Potential in AI Development 01:10:48 Final Thoughts and Reflections on AI ------------ Sign up for our newsletter!  Follow us! Instagram  TikTok Threads LinkedIn Work with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ------------ Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Editor, Videographer, and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media. Theme Music: Andy Clausen Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte  Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production. Sponsored by Lenovo  #microsoft #creatingAI #clippy #earlyinternet #techfounder #behindthescenes #machines

In this special, bonus episode, I sit down with executive producer and co-creator Elizabeth Stewart, an entrepreneur and civic innovator deeply devoted to human collaboration. She is also my wife and life partner. We discuss our different approaches to tech and why Elizabeth thinks this show is important: from the worldview of tech founders to who gets a seat at the table, the business interests driving AI, what inspires our guest choices and Life with Machines’ unique approach to AI. Plus, we chat with our AI co-producer, Blair, to practice the sometimes-awkward human-machine interactions that will be part of all of our futures. ------------ Sign up for our newsletter!  Follow us! Instagram  TikTok Threads LinkedIn Work with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ------------ Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Editor, Videographer, and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media. Theme Music: Andy Clausen Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte  Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production. Sponsored by Lenovo  #AI #Tech #ElizabethStewart #UrbanPlanning #Design #WorldView #Ethics

Can AI help us thrive? Arianna Huffington thinks it can. We discuss her new AI wellness venture aimed at hacking health and happiness. Plus, our AI co-producer, BLAIR, explores mindfulness—with some unexpected results. --------- Chapters 0:00 Intro 3:01 What's Arianna Huffington doing with AI and why? 11:00 How does Arianna Huffington's Thrive AI Health help us reconnect to our souls? 17:31 The why behind Arianna's latest venture. 21:47 Ad 25:54 How does Thrive AI work? 42:10 Who is Thrive for? 51:08 Making money by appealing to our better angels. 56:07 Arianna Huffington's personal Thrive reset 01:02:43 The spiritual motivations of tech leaders 01:09:02 Arianna Huffington meets our AI co-producer, Blair --------- More Arianna Huffington:  Arianna Huffington Thrive Global X Sign up for our newsletter! www.lifewithmachines.media Follow us! Instagram TikTok Threads LinkedIn Work with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media --------- Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Editor, Videographer, and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media. Theme Music: Andy Clausen Set design: Elizabeth Stewart, Cesar Reyes, and Layne Deyling Cherland Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte  Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production. Sponsored by: Lenovo #AI #AriannaHuffington #Wellness #Mindfulness #HealthTech

The future of AI is being written NOW. Will we repeat the mistakes of the past or create something better? In this episode, Verity Harding (Google DeepMind, Cambridge's AI & Geopolitics Project) argues that we all need to be involved in shaping the future of AI and uses the history of other technological advances to make her case. Watch to find out what's at stake and how you can make a difference! ---------- Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:32 Verity Harding’s early life with machines 13:58 The room where it happens 16:37 How did the homogeneity of founders influence early AI development? 18:45 Ad 21:17 The AI Winter 30:03 The gap between tech and government 35:08 Oversight of AI 37:01 Is AI like the Manhattan Project? 45:59 What can AI learn from the story of IVF? 53:34 Bringing in more diverse voices shaping the future of AI 1:02 Is it possible to embed human rights into AI systems? 1:13 What does BLAIR, our AI co-producer, think? ---------- More Verity Harding: Verity Harding Formation Advisory AI Needs You Sign up for our newsletter for lives with Baratunde, BTS content, and more! Follow us! Instagram TikTok Threads LinkedIn Partner with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media ---------- Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Editor, Videographer, and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media. Theme Music: Andy Clausen Set design: Elizabeth Stewart, Cesar Reyes, and Layne Deyling Cherland Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte  Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production. Sponsored by Lenovo

I sat down with King Willonius, the genius behind “BBL Drizzy.” We talked about his journey from making the live serialized audio drama "The Young and The Thirsty" to creating the first AI-generated hit song. We explore Willonius’ innovative blend of music, comedy, tech, and futuristic storytelling. And we ask: How is AI reshaping the boundaries of artistic expression? -------- Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:41 Willonius's early life with machines  13:42 Starting over after success 21:21 Ad 24:03 Willonius enters the AI world 28:36 Willonius starts making an AI video every week 35:33 How BBL Drizzy went megaviral 39:13 The making of BBL Drizzy 50:13 AI lowers the barrier to entry for creators and artists? 57:12 A fairer AI system for artists 01:00:25 Willonius meets BLAIR, our custom AI producer 01:06:48 A rap battle between Willonius and BLAIR 01:07:11 Bonus epilogue -------- More King Willonius: King Willonius BBL Drizzy I Got It At Ross Martin Luther Wick Jr. -------- Sign up for our newsletter! Follow us! Instagram TikTok Threads LinkedIn Partner with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: partnerships@voicingchange.media Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media -------- Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Editor, Videographer, and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media. Theme Music: Andy Clausen Set design: Elizabeth Stewart, Cesar Reyes, and Layne Deyling Cherland Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte  Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production. Sponsored by: Lenovo

🚀 Sneak Peek: Life with Machines 🚀 In this series, Baratunde dives deep into the human side of the AI revolution. From viral AI-created music to soulful tech innovations, we ask what it really means to be human in a world increasingly run by machines. 👥 Featuring Guests Like: King Willonius (creator of BBL Drizzy): How to co-create with AI. Arianna Huffington: How AI can help us rediscover humanity. James Andrews: Merging hip hop with AI and keeping the soul in tech. Dr. Alondra Nelson: Shaping the future of AI for the better, for all. Rahaf Harfoush: Exploring a future where tech empowers us. Blair (AI co-producer): What happens when a tool becomes more of a colleague? Whether it’s imagining a new internet just for humans or asking the big questions about our future with AI, we’re here to explore, laugh, and learn. And we’re just getting started. 🔥 Full episodes start dropping October 15, 2024. Join us on this journey of discovery, empathy, curiosity, and jokes. Sign up for our newsletter! https://www.lifewithmachines.media SUBSCRIBE to Life With Machines!    / @baratunde   Follow us! Instagram /   / baratunde   TikTok /   / lifewithmachines   X / https://x.com/baratunde LinkedIn /   / baratunde   Produced by: Voicing Change Media Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland Editor, Videographer, and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media. Theme Music: Andy Clausen Set design: Elizabeth Stewart, Cesar Reyes, and Layne Deyling Cherland Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte Sponsored by: Lenovo / http://bit.ly/lenovosmarterai

Life With Machines explores the human side of the A.I. revolution – the good, the bad, and the weird – and asks, “How can these machines help us become more human?”  In this video podcast, Baratunde Thurston helps us understand our rapidly emerging future while encouraging us to shape it and laugh at the absurdity. The show demystifies A.I. and makes it personal with a wide range of guests: entrepreneurs, artists, policymakers, technologists, business leaders, creators, educators, and scientists. Maybe even an A.I. or two. Everyone should have a say in where technologies like A.I. take us, not just a handful of in California who think nitro cold brew on tap should be a human right.  Join us in candid conversations and fun experiments, as we imagine and co-create our life, with machines. Life with Machines is sponsored by Lenovo and produced in partnership with Rich Roll and Voicing Change Media.