Send us a text Political anthropologist Eduardo Albrecht joins us to explore how artificial intelligence is quietly transforming the way governments think, decide, and rule. From the rise of “political machines” to the idea of a new Third House of democracy, we unpack what happens when citizens become data—and how power itself is being rewritten in the age of automation. Links: https://eduardoalbrecht.com/Political Automation: An Introduction to AI in Government and Its Impact on Citizens

In this episode, Chris Lamont sits down with Oscar Avatare and Akshay Chalana, co-founders of Saphira AI, for an in-depth exploration of AI robotics transitioning from controlled laboratory environments into complex, real-world applications. Drawing on their experience building hardware controls and virtualization systems for companies including Tesla and Amazon, as well as their work on Hyperloop technology—where they worked on challenges like making propulsion, braking, and electronics func...

Why do people sometimes trust AI—even when it's prone to error? In this episode, Medlir explores this question and more with business communication expert Peter Cardon, author of Business Communication: Developing Leaders for a Networked World and co-author of Business and Professional Communication: Putting People First. They dive into how AI is reshaping interpersonal relationships, communication, and public confidence in institutions. From emotional authenticity to regulatory challenges, t...

Four years ago, two Tokyo-based academics and a Diogenes-inspired persona sparked a conversation that became The Age of AI podcast. Today we celebrate our 100th episode—a milestone reflecting on humanity's journey through the LLM explosion, AI's disruptive rise, and the ethical crossroads we now face. Our co-host Young Diogenes, re-trained and more philosophical than ever, is asked a deceptively simple question: "In a world increasingly shaped by machine logic, what makes us human?" From civi...

What does it mean for Europe to be digitally sovereign in a world dominated by tech giants and geopolitical power struggles? In this episode, Oskar Gstrein joins Chris to unpack that question. Against the backdrop of U.S.-China tech competition and shifting global alliances, they explore the boundaries of digital sovereignty and delve into the emerging idea of data autonomy as a guiding principle for Europe’s digital strategy. Links: https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/118967610...

With the Trump administration reversing previous US AI strategy with a focus on security and US-China competition, Chris sits down with Medlir and Caryn at the Global Governance Institute in Brussels to analyze the new administration's approaches to AI. Links: https://www.justsecurity.org/113944/what-comes-next-after-trumps-ai-deals-in-the-gulf/https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/679852/trump-ai-safety-institute-name-mission-change Send us a text

Links: https://www.volt.ai/abouthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/egoro/https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/01/10/safer-schools-tech-strategies-for-digital-and-physical-security/https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/volt-ai-discusses-physical-security-data-privacy-and-future-of-companyhttps://wjla.com/news/local/attempted-assassination-trump-pennsylvania-rally-security-shooting-prevention-threats-ai-artificial-intelligence-technology-system-track-shooter-suspect-weapons-gun...

Medlir sits down with Jesse Anglen, CEO and Founder of Rapid Innovation, a company that helps entrepreneurs build AI and blockchain-powered products. They discuss the transition into a digital workforce and how best to prepare for a post-work economy. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseanglen/https://www.rapidinnovation.io/about-us Send us a text

Adalberto Gonzalez, AI Strategic Advisor for Design Thinking Japan, joins Chris for a conversation on his pioneering work on GenAI for Accenture in North America. We discuss his more recent work with Design Thinking Japan and his AI Signal’s comprehensive report that tells us where breakthroughs in AI will have the greatest impact. Plus, what worries him most and what excites him most about these developments. Links: AI Signals 2025 Report Design Thinking Japan, Brittany Arthur, CE...

As Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) moves closer to reality, the world faces a crucial question: Who—if anyone—should govern it? In this episode of Age of AI, host Medlir Mema sits down with governance expert Justin Bullock to explore the challenges of regulating AGI at a global scale. Could a Global AGI Agency provide the oversight we need, or is international cooperation on AI doomed to fail? From the risks of unchecked AGI development to the hurdles of enforcing global AI policy, this...

In this episode of Age of AI, host Medlir Mema sits down with Caryn Lusinchi—AI auditor, policy advisor, and former AI leader at Meta and Google—to explore the tensions between innovation and regulation. Can international AI governance truly work, or are we heading toward fragmented, sovereign AI ecosystems? Join us as we discuss the EU AI Act, the Paris AI Action Summit, the rise of national AI programs, and the future of AI regulation in an era of accelerating change. Links: https://www.g...

In this episode, David Mas, Chief AI Officer at Make.org, and Medlir explore how AI can strengthen democratic participation and institutional transparency. They discuss the ambitious AI for Democracy Democratic Commons initiative, consider how AI can help counter the erosion of democratic legitimacy, and examine how democracies can respond to weaponization of AI by authoritarian regimes. Links: AI For Democracy Democratic CommonsAI & Democracy: Insights from Make.org’s Roundtable Discuss...

Medlir is joined by Dr. Nafiseh (Cati) Molaei, a Postdoctoral Scholar specializing in Biomedical Data Science at Northwestern University to discuss how AI is reshaping the medical landscape. From diagnosing complex diseases to personalizing treatment plans, AI is driving innovations that were once thought impossible. Links: https://datascience.uchicago.edu/events/nafiseh-cati-mollaei-uchicago-aiscience-schmidt-fellows-speaker-series/https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/epdf/10.1377/hlthaff.2024....

Today we dive into the evolving conversation on AI risk and governance. Our guests, Torben Swoboda and Risto Uuk, discuss the challenges of defining AI risk, the debate over acceptable thresholds, and common critiques of the existential risk perspective. We also examine the feasibility of global AI governance and historical parallels that may guide our path forward. Links: Examining Popular Arguments Against AI Existential Risk: A Philosophical AnalysisPause Giant AI Experiments: An Open Lett...

In this episode Ritwik Gupta of the Berkeley AI Research Lab returns to talk with Chris about what DeepSeek really means for the AI Industry, Trump’s recent Stargate AI initiative, US-China AI competition, policy responses to DeepSeek, and where we should be looking for the next big disruptive event in the world of AI. Links: https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.14425https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-hawley-act-threatens-ai-innovation #DeepSeek #Stargate #Policy Send us a text

In this episode we’re joined by Jeremy Tamanini, founder of Dual Citizen LLC, to explore the intersection of AI and environmental sustainability during the Trump 2.0 era. From the environmental impacts of AI infrastructure, to innovative practices and emerging legislation, this conversation dives deep into how AI can be both a challenge and a tool for sustainability.Links:Jeremy Tamanini, Dual Citizen: https://www.greenpolicyplatform.org/person/jeremy-tamaniniAnatomy of an AI System: https://...

Medlir Mema engages in an insightful discussion with Matt Van Itallie, the CEO of Sema Software, a company at the forefront of revolutionizing software analytics and risk management in the age of artificial intelligence. Sema has transformed the field of software analytics and set new standards for monitoring and risk management in AI-driven development. Matt shares insights into the evolving responsibilities of CTOs, the creation of transformative tools like the GenAI Code Monitor and Genera...

Medlir sits with Iva Mema to discuss how AI shapes architectural design and public policy decision-making. They also explore the risks of perpetuating discrimination through biased algorithms, the potential for job displacement, and the over-reliance on technology that might diminish human creativity and expertise. https://www.ivamema.com/ #AI, #Algorithmic_Bias; #Architecture; #Public_Policy; #Smart_Cities Send us a text

Medlir is joined by Melanie Rideout, a climate tech expert and Global Governance Institute (GGI) fellow, who shares her insights from working with Shayp and international organizations like the Red Cross and UN bodies. Together they explore the opportunities, challenges, and complexities of leveraging technology for global development and climate action.#SustainableDevelopment #EmergingTech #ClimateAction #GlobalDevelopment #AIforGoodSend us a text

In today's episode, Medlir chats with Elena Ardelean. We discuss the Matrix Framework for Inclusive AI in Sustainable Development, focusing on three pillars: the regulatory environment, digital infrastructure, and the empowerment of youth as the next generation of changemakers. We further explore how lessons from AI's rapid evolution inform strategies for equitable integration into the future of work and daily life. Finally, we highlight how governments—particularly in developing countries—ar...