Episodios

  • The importance of investing in space infrastructure with Bridgit Mendler and Mariel Borowitz

    The importance of investing in space infrastructure with Bridgit Mendler and Mariel Borowitz
    Jul 20 2026
    The space economy is accelerating at a rapid pace with advances in space tourism, mining, exploration, communications, and defense, but to expand upon these activities, the U.S. needs to invest in ground stations and space infrastructure to help commercial firms take advantage of the growing opportunities. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Bridgit Mendler of Northwood Space and Mariel Borowitz of the Georgia Institute of Technology to discuss the importance of these investments and how the government can best support new advancements.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    26 m
  • How robotics is reshaping manufacturing

    How robotics is reshaping manufacturing
    Jul 6 2026
    Technological advances are reshaping manufacturing processes, and robotics, in particular, are important to improve efficiency and advance military preparedness. Yet there are questions about what robotics can do and what governments and businesses should be doing to accelerate these technologies. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Suzy Teele of the ARM Institute to discuss these questions and her work on advancing innovations.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    29 m
  • How technology can help save democracy

    How technology can help save democracy
    Jun 15 2026
    Technology is accelerating rapidly, raising concerns about how artificial intelligence and other tools are altering communications, decisionmaking, and governance. Yet, these important conversations often overlook how technology can strengthen democratic institutions by expanding participation and improving service delivery. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Beth Simone Noveck to discuss these possibilities explored in her new book, “Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy.”

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    33 m
  • Maintaining privacy and security with connected cars

    Maintaining privacy and security with connected cars
    May 4 2026
    Cars and trucks are being digitally connected through online sensors, safety devices, and entertainment systems, leading some observers to call vehicles today "smart phones on wheels." These features offer tremendous convenience for drivers and passengers, though the ubiquitous connections raise questions about privacy, security, legal liability, and consumer protection. In this episode, Darrell West is joined by Ian Barlow to discuss connected vehicles and opportunities to protect consumers.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    22 m
  • How should we approach chatbots' mental health and privacy concerns?

    How should we approach chatbots' mental health and privacy concerns?
    Apr 20 2026
    Large language models are now marketed for more than just efficiency—some companies are encouraging them for more personal use cases, such as health questions or companionship. These uses carry some privacy and mental health concerns, which lawmakers are currently trying to address. In this episode, guest host Josie Stewart is joined by Shae Gardner and Sydney Saubestre to discuss these approaches and what else we need to know to best address various harms.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    44 m
  • Teens are using AI—but not how we think

    Teens are using AI—but not how we think
    Apr 6 2026
    A recent survey examined how U.S. teens use and view AI, finding the majority have used chatbots for schoolwork or searching for information. Teens reported varying opinions about how AI would impact them personally versus society, and these feelings and use cases varied across certain demographics. In this episode, Co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Monica Anderson, co-author of the study, to discuss these findings and how they relate to past studies on teens and technology.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    29 m
  • Does the Anthropic–Pentagon feud mean the end of responsible AI?

    Does the Anthropic–Pentagon feud mean the end of responsible AI?
    Mar 23 2026
    In February, Anthropic faced an ultimatum from the Pentagon to provide unrestricted use of its AI models. When the company refused, the defense secretary labeled it as a "supply-chain risk" and soon after entered into a contract with OpenAI. In this episode, guest host Josie Stewart is joined by Stephanie Pell and Valerie Wirtschafter to discuss this feud, how it may affect perceptions of AI, and additional questions around who controls AI systems and more broadly how they are used within the federal government.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    28 m
  • Going back to the moon

    Going back to the moon
    Mar 9 2026
    The U.S. will soon launch a crewed ship to circle the moon and test equipment for takeoff and reentry, raising interesting questions about space exploration and the role of private companies. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Casey Dreier of the Planetary Society to discuss this mission and the China-U.S. rivalry over space.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    36 m