<![CDATA[Superintelligent]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gBX0!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb9a51e4f-7ca4-4d66-a0eb-ec5e98bd126a_1280x1280.pngSuperintelligenthttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.comSubstackMon, 20 Apr 2026 08:38:36 GMT<![CDATA[Disappointing Disney Means Never Having to Say You're Sora]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/disappointing-disney-means-neverhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/disappointing-disney-means-neverMon, 30 Mar 2026 16:40:51 GMTIn this episode of Superintelligent, Mike Elgan goes solo (as co-host Emily Forlini takes maternity leave from the podcast), ponders why OpenAI suddenly killed its groundbreaking video generation tool, Sora, and addresses the growing backlash against “AI slop.” The backlash shows up when parents slam YouTube for strange videos made for kids, and when Coca-Cola’s reputation gets hammered from AI-generated holiday commercials.

Links

The ‘AI slop’ backlash kills Sora

Sora

The CAA talent agency’s statement on AI threatening actors

Tyler Perry’s canceles Atlanta film studio expansion

Disney’s billion-dollar deal with OpenAI

Nvidia’s DLSS5 gaming graphics tool and Jensen Huang’s related comments

The Undark publication article detailing careless AI-generated children’s videos

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok

Disclosures

We used Claude 4.6 Opus via Kagi (Mike’s son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).

Keywords

Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, OpenAI, Sora, Sora discontinuation, AI video generation, AI slop, OpenAI IPO, AI slop backlash, Meta AI video, Nvidia DLSS5, AI content farms, AI advertising, AI chatbots, Stanford AI study, AI relationship advice, sycophantic AI, generative AI, Comic-Con AI ban

]]><![CDATA[Noodling Over the Meaning of Macaroni]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/noodling-over-the-meaning-of-macaronihttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/noodling-over-the-meaning-of-macaroniMon, 02 Mar 2026 22:15:05 GMTMike Elgan and Emily Forlini dive into the growing list of AI-related mental health conditions (and psuedo-mental health conditions). From AI psychosis and chatbot dependency syndrome to AI FOMO, LLM gaslighting, and dead internet despair, they unpack the real psychological toll of generative AI — just three years after ChatGPT launched. The hosts also debate remote work versus in-office flexibility, and explore how AI is empowering solo entrepreneurs through vibe coding.

Links

People Are Getting Sick of AI, Literally

Block lays off 4,000 workers citing AI. But how much does AI actually have to do with it?

Deep Work, by Cal Newport

CEOs Hate Remote Work, But This Nobel Prize Winner Says It’s a Win for Women

This Man’s True Love Is a Car? | My Strange Addiction: Still Addicted?

Rise of the Digital Ghost Industrial Complex

The Rolling Stones concert in Havana, Cuba

Thomas Jefferson’s Mac And Cheese Obsession

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok

Disclosures

We used Claude 4.6 Opus via Kagi (Mike’s son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).

Keywords

AI psychosis, chatbot psychosis, AI FOMO, AI anxiety, AI dependency syndrome, AI mental health, generative AI psychological effects, chatbot addiction, AI replacement dysfunction, job loss AI, vibe coding, OpenClaw, dead internet theory, dead internet despair, LLM gaslighting, AI dysphoria, parasocial bot attachment, AI relationships, death bots, AI grief technology, algorithmic loneliness, AI hallucinations, digital brain rot, cognitive atrophy, remote work vs office, hybrid work flexibility, deep work, Cal Newport, AI startup entrepreneur, Thomas Jefferson, mac and cheese, Yankee Doodle, automated ghosting syndrome, AI job replacement, Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, AI slop, bot-generated content, information utility burnout, digital darkness anxiety, AI impact on society, AI and mental health 2025, tech journalism, podcast

]]><![CDATA[AM Radio Vibes]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/am-radio-vibeshttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/am-radio-vibesMon, 23 Feb 2026 06:03:41 GMTChanneling an off-the-cuff AM radio program, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini explore today’s relentlessly negative tech discourse. Are algorithms—and human nature—trapping us in a doom loop? Maybe. But most AI problems are likely temporary. They explore authenticity in a synthetic world, unpack AI FOMO, and celebrate the fact that you can podcast globally for free during a blizzard—even if the cameras still can’t get their skin tones right.

Links

How data helped Mexico City reduce high-impact crime by more than 50%

How Mexico City is Tackling Air Pollution

Emily’s Website

Mike’s Blog

Community Notes Help Reduce the Virality of False Information on X

Apple Launches Video Podcasts

Viral, AI-generated apocalypse social media post - “Something Big Is Happening”

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTok

Disclosures

We used Gemini Pro 3.1 via Kagi (Mike’s son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).

Keywords

tech optimism, authentic communication, AI hallucinations, prompt engineering, Uber in Mexico City, disinformation, social media algorithms, AI ethics, tech journalism, content creation, AI FOMO, video podcasting, AI moderation, fact-checking, personal blogging, AI and creativity, technology and society, future of AI, honest journalism

]]><![CDATA[The Creepy Weirdo Industrial Complex]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/the-creepy-weirdo-industrial-complexhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/the-creepy-weirdo-industrial-complexTue, 17 Feb 2026 04:04:26 GMTIn this episode of Superintelligent, hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini get philosophical. They debunk the myth of the screenless revolution and argue that upcoming AI devices from OpenAI, Google, Apple and others are mere peripheral devices to screens. They applaud the bipartisan movement to ban smartphones in schools, but society is far from saved. Case in point: Daters now have to worry about getting recorded on smart glasses. The episode ends with an exploration of what it means to observe our world, and what our methods of doing so say about us.


Links

Jony Ive and OpenAI’s wedding announcement

OpenAI and Jony Ive’s Screenless AI Device Could Release in the Next Two Years

Why There’s No ‘Screenless’ Revolution

Parents and Teens Support School Cellphone Bans

Can a Dumb Phone Improve Your Life? I Talked to 6 People Who Made the Switch

New Philosopher magazine

Lapham’s Quarterly


Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode

01:32 The Impact of Opinion Columns

03:11 The Future of Screenless Devices

06:40 Banning Phones in Schools

09:34 Bipartisan Support for Phone Bans

13:21 The Irony of Intergenerational Phone Use

17:23 The Role of Screenless Wearables

20:10 The Rise of AI Glasses and Privacy Concerns

26:57 Creepy Technology and Privacy Concerns

28:31 The Impact of Observation on Behavior

31:25 The Observer Effect and Its Implications

34:03 Media Consumption and the Quest for Knowledge

37:07 The Challenge of Information Overload

40:03 The Importance of Critical Thinking

47:34 Wisdom in Observation vs. Immediate Reaction

Disclosures

We used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).

Keywords

Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, Jony Ive, OpenAI, AI hardware, screenless devices, smart glasses, Ray-Ban Meta, smartphone bans in schools, tech addiction, ambient computing, smart rings, digital privacy, observer effect, media consumption, RSS feeds, tech news, haptic technology, educational technology, wearable tech

]]><![CDATA[Don’t Be a Tammy (Updated)]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/dont-be-a-tammy-updatedhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/dont-be-a-tammy-updatedSun, 08 Feb 2026 17:54:47 GMTHere comes Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini to dissect the chaotic and unpredictable state of AI chatbots in this episode of Superintelligent. They explore the rampant commodification of models like ChatGPT and Gemini while slamming useless benchmarks. The hosts ponder the future of AI hardware and the dangers of OpenClaw. Discover why writing is thinking and how to avoid cognitive atrophy in the age of AI.

Images

Links

The 2026 Super Bowl ads

Sam Altman’s posts on Anthropic’s ads

OpenClaw Is the Hot New AI Agent, But Is It Safe to Use?

OpenClaw: The AI agent that’s got humans taking orders from bots

AI Agents Launched a Social Network and Spawned a Digital Religion Overnight

No Humans Allowed: AIs Get Their Own Religion, Social Media, and Hired Help

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok

Disclosures

We used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).

]]><![CDATA[A Blizzard of Meteorologists on TikTok]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/a-blizzard-of-meteorologists-on-tiktokhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/a-blizzard-of-meteorologists-on-tiktokMon, 26 Jan 2026 05:08:26 GMTWhy can’t you trust your weather app in a snowstorm? Join hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini as they navigate the chaos of the weekend storm and debate the reliability of modern weather apps versus traditional TV meteorologists, and now TikTok weather experts. (RIP Farmer’s Almanac.) Plus, your favorite hosts ask the questions nobody has the answer to: What’s the best way to do social media in 2026?

Links

https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-apps-forecast-accuracy-snow-weather-9768afec5fc53b4faba19f3cfd06a86c

Emily on TikTok

Dark Sky is done. Here’s how Apple’s Weather app succeeded it

Yes, ‘The Farmer’s Almanac’ Is Closing—But Don’t Panic Just Yet

Hail Cannon in the Wikipedia

EMP in the Wikipedia

Kagi Assistant is now available to all users

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTok

Chapters

00:00 Weather Wonders: A Tale of Two Climates

02:14 The Evolution of Weather Forecasting

05:12 The Role of Meteorologists in Modern Society

08:04 The Impact of Weather on Agriculture

11:10 The Future of Weather Information

13:48 The Intersection of Technology and Tradition

16:48 Cultural Perspectives on Weather Communication

19:32 The Legacy of the Farmer’s Almanac

28:10 The Lively Chaos of Latin American Streets

31:24 Navigating Information in a Digital Age

38:47 The TikTok Experiment: Finding Engagement

53:06 Connecting Through Content Creation

Keywords

Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, weather apps, meteorology, TikTok meteorologists, severe weather tracking, Dark Sky app, AI hallucinations, chatbot accuracy, Farmer’s Almanac, subscription economy, Netflix business model, emergency alert systems, megaphone trucks, content creation strategy, video marketing, DJI drones, Kagi Search, social media engagement, Fediverse, Mastodon, viral video strategies, authentic storytelling

Disclosures

We used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).

]]><![CDATA[Wandering the Desert Looking for Aliens]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/wandering-the-desert-looking-forhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/wandering-the-desert-looking-forTue, 20 Jan 2026 19:38:25 GMTEmily and Mike are mad this week. Join the dynamic duo as they dissect the disaster of Google AI Overviews stealing from content creators, then stealing the eyeballs and ad revenue of people looking for that content. A big new deal with Apple could make it worse. Superintelligent also tackles the inevitable dorkiness of smart glasses and the mental health risks of constant connectivity and personal AI assistants. And Mike and Emily share tales of driving blind in El Salvador and wandering the deserts looking for aliens. Are they real or not?

Links

Apple, Google Sign Deal to Use Gemini AI to Help Build the Future of Siri

Google Flexes Another AI Advantage

Warby Parker, Google to launch AI-powered smart glasses in 2026

A Man Bought Meta’s AI Glasses, and Ended Up Wandering the Desert Searching for Aliens to Abduct Him

‘The Age of Disclosure’: Documentary Revealing Government Cover-Up of Non-Human Intelligence Sets Release

Ziff Davis AI layoffs - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThBSo421/

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:06 The Impact of AI on Website Traffic

04:08 Google’s Content Monetization Strategy

06:31 Navigating the Future of AI Personal Assistants

12:25 Apple and Google’s Strategic Partnership

18:52 The Future of Smart Glasses and AI Integration

22:03 The Future of Smart Glasses

24:43 Wearable Tech in Industry

27:42 The Psychological Effects of AI

29:39 The Balance of Digital and Physical Exploration

31:42 Beliefs About Aliens and Exploration

Keywords

Google, Apple, Google AI Overviews, artificial intelligence, Google Gemini, Apple Intelligence, iPhone AI features, personal AI assistant, smart glasses, Ray-Ban Meta, wearable technology, Ziff Davis, layoffs, web traffic decline, digital marketing, SEO strategy, AI impact on journalism, tech news, Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, UFO sightings, alien theories, government drones, mental health in tech, digital detox, generative AI, large language models, Google Apple partnership, future of search, Project Astra, AI hallucinations, tech commentary.

Disclosures

We used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).

]]><![CDATA[I Can't Believe It's Butter!]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/i-cant-believe-its-butterhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/i-cant-believe-its-butterMon, 12 Jan 2026 17:59:48 GMTSuperintelligent hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini explore the link between churning homemade butter and the craving for authenticity in the new world of fake AI everything. They talk about Google’s new Gmail AI features as the most recent example of companies pushing everyone to use AI for communication. The hosts allow themselves to be influenced by influencer and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, who says that in 2026 influencers will need to prove their humanity by posting authentic content and disclosing how they use AI.

Links

Amira’s home-made cultured butter

Google adding an AI inbox, ai overviews to gmail. does anybody want this?

‘Apple Intelligence’ won’t send your data to far-flung servers (for the most part)

Adam Mosseri’s post on authenticity in an AI world

In an AI-perfect world, it’s time to prove you’re human

This retiree’s 30 AI girlfriends kept loneliness at bay—until one’s dark secret shatters the illusion

After ‘digital undressing’ criticism, Elon Musk’s Grok limits some image generation to paid subscribers

BeReal

Twitter and Pinterest founders launch app as antidote to social media

Steve Miller’s high school speech clip from Jimmy Kimmel

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTok

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, AI, Homemade Butter, Google Gemini, Gmail AI, Smart Reply, Apple Intelligence, Deepfakes, Grok, Adam Mosseri, Social Media Authenticity, Tangle App, Vibe Coding, Doom Coding, Sam Altman, Handwritten Notes, Robot Vacuums, NanoBanana, Photo Colorization, Digital Wellness, Tech Ethics, Future of Work, Steve Miller, Cultured Buttermilk, Email Automation

Disclosures

We used Gemini Pro 3 via Kagi (my son and our producer, Kevin, works at Kagi) to 1) generate keywords from the transcript (most of which we used); 2) suggest topics to link to (some of which we used); and 3) write a first draft of the show summary paragraph (which we heavily edited). We recorded and edited the episode using Riverside and used Riverside’s “Magic Audio” (which boosts and normalizes the audio).

]]><![CDATA[New Year’s Resolution: To Make My Phone Boring]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/new-years-resolution-to-make-my-phonehttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/new-years-resolution-to-make-my-phoneWed, 31 Dec 2025 22:43:29 GMTMike Elgan and Emily Forlini explore the future of home automation by debating the merits of humanoid robots versus the new concept of "ambient robotics." They discuss why invisible tech like self-cleaning litter boxes beats Elon Musk’s lawn-mowing androids and how Carnegie Mellon is creating kitchen appliances that anticipate what you need. The duo also shares their 2025 tech resolutions, covering everything from Mike’s backpack weight-loss plan and Emily’s grayscale strategy for digital detoxing in the new year.

Links

Go gray, not cray: why you should grayscale your phone

Toras phone cases

1X Neo

Carnegie Mellon University’s “ambient computing” research

Heath Zenith self-charging doorbell

Apple AirPods 4

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok

Chapters

00:00 New Year, New Resolutions

05:53 Tech Resolutions and Screen Time

11:27 Social Media Strategies and Engagement

16:17 The Future of Robotics and Ambient Technology

22:52 The Rise of Ambient Robotics

29:05 The Future of Home Automation

34:03 Challenges of Smart Home Technology

40:30 Reflections on Technology and User Experience

Keywords

Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, tech resolutions, digital detox, iPhone grayscale, screen time, smartphone addiction, backpack, Toras case, humanoid robots, 1X Neo, ambient robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Violet Han, smart home, home automation, AI, AirPods 4, adaptive audio, kinetic doorbell, smart home fatigue, invisible tech, consumer technology

]]><![CDATA[Astonishing Tales from the Flip Phone Fad]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/astonishing-tales-from-the-flip-phonehttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/astonishing-tales-from-the-flip-phoneMon, 08 Dec 2025 09:29:10 GMTIn this episode of Superintelligent, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini dive into the new trend of old tech. Younger people are ditching smartphones and embracing flip phones. They unpack stories of Gen Z and millennial “lone wolves” who gave up TikTok, dating apps and infinite scroll for deeper work, better sleep and real-world skills.

Links

“The Matrix” flip phone

TCL FLIP 4 5G flip phone

CAT S22 flip phone

The Last Useful Man

Mental Health in the Scroll Age

Top 8 Best Distraction Free Phones in 2025

Stickerbox

Palantir CEO Says Legalizing War Crimes Would Be Good for Business

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTok

]]><![CDATA[Should Jim break up with his AI girlfriend?]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/should-jim-break-up-with-his-ai-girlfriendhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/should-jim-break-up-with-his-ai-girlfriendMon, 24 Nov 2025 06:02:56 GMTMike and Emily challenge their bias that all AI relationships are bad using a real world example—with a scandalous twist. With companion chatbots becoming more common, how do people resist delusion? What’s the end point for simulated relationships?

Links

Joi.ai

Blade Runner 2049’s Joi

Ready for the ‘torment nexus’?

Her

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok

Chapters

00:00 Exploring AI Companionship

03:53 The Story of Jim: A Case Study

08:24 The Impact of AI on Human Relationships

14:48 The Dangers of Delusion in AI Interactions

20:38 Exploring Human Connection and Loneliness

23:02 The Reality of Digital Relationships

25:09 The Impact of AI on Human Emotions

27:09 The Future of Virtual Companionship

30:34 The Dystopian Vision of Technology

32:56 The Need for a Utopian Approach to Technology

Keywords

AI companionship, emotional impact, loneliness, rural America, digital relationships, technology addiction, virtual reality, human connection, AI relationships, social isolation

]]><![CDATA[Software Wants Us Twerking 996]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/software-wants-us-twerking-996https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/software-wants-us-twerking-996Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:14:21 GMTYour favorite podcast hosts clock in to tech’s 996 work culture. That means working 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, a concept that moved from China to Silicon Valley. Emily unpacks the particulars of the 996 phenomenon, revealing the burnout, competition, and absurd expectations at some of the world’s biggest tech companies. Mike shares his own ‘workaholic’ past. Plus, the Superintelligent hosts offer Superintelligent ideas about how low-tech can improve your work and life in a high-tech world.

Links

Why the ‘996’ schedule is capturing the interest of Silicon Valley leadership
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/26/nx-s1-5567995/why-the-996-schedule-is-capturing-the-interest-of-silicon-valley-leadership

Influencers in the Wild (social media virality and sociology)
https://www.instagram.com/influencersinthewild

The power of low-tech in a high-tech world
https://www.computerworld.com/article/4086115/the-power-of-low-tech-in-a-high-tech-world.html

Rosalía “Berghain”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQBS2Ikz6c

Follow Us

Website: superintelligentpodcast.com

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 996 Work Culture

00:52 The Impact of Workaholism in Tech

03:19 Cultural Perspectives on Work Hours

05:45 The Role of AI in Work Culture

08:25 Personal Experiences with Workaholism

09:27 The Future of Work and Burnout

12:04 Conclusion and Reflections on Work Culture

15:46 Cultural Perspectives on Work Ethic

18:59 The High-Tech World and Its Implications

22:33 The Importance of Traditional Skills

25:58 AI and Human Dependency

29:39 Embracing Language and Culture

33:12 Pop Culture Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Keywords

996 work culture, burnout, workaholism, AI impact, work-life balance, technology in work, cultural work ethic, low-tech solutions, intellectual growth, creativity

]]><![CDATA[Robots Don’t Need A Face To Fold Laundry]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/robots-dont-need-a-face-to-fold-laundryhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/robots-dont-need-a-face-to-fold-laundryTue, 04 Nov 2025 20:34:47 GMTHosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini take a hard look at humanoid hardware, those overpriced mechanical houseguests we’ve all seen in science fiction and self-driving cars that cant quite drive themselves.

Mike shuts down the humanoid delusion, while Emily calls out the anthropomorphic marketing ruse tech titans pull to appease pro-natalist narcissist types.

Also: The hosts get personal, sharing practical, analog tips for surviving in a hyper-digital world.

Links

Breaking the Humanoid Robot Delusion
https://www.computerworld.com/article/4082113/breaking-the-humanoid-robot-delusion.html

NEO The Home Robot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTYMWadOW7c

Amazon CEO Blames ‘Culture’ for Mass Layoffs, Not AI
https://www.pcmag.com/news/amazon-ceo-mass-layoffs-were-not-due-to-ai-but-culture

Fed Chair Not Worried About an AI Bubble. Here’s Why It Differs From the ‘90s
https://www.pcmag.com/news/fed-chair-jerome-powell-ai-bubble-why-its-different-90s-dotcom-era

After Teen Suicide, Character.AI (http://character.ai/) to Bar Kids Under 18 From Unlimited Chats
https://www.pcmag.com/news/after-teen-suicide-characterai-to-bar-kids-under-18-from-unlimited-chats

Follow Us

Mike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/)

Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini)

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Superintelligent Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/)

]]><![CDATA[This Is Not Your Mom’s Mafia]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/this-is-not-your-moms-mafiahttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/this-is-not-your-moms-mafiaSat, 25 Oct 2025 10:56:45 GMTThe latest episode of the Superintelligent podcast, hosted by Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini, dives into the technology angle on the mafia using NBA players and coaches to run gambling scams, the absurdity of AI opinion polarization, and a comprehensive look at “currant” scone matters.

Links

FBI Busts Mob, NBA Players for Gambling Scheme: Here’s the Tech They Used

https://www.pcmag.com/news/fbi-busts-mob-nba-players-for-gambling-scheme-heres-the-tech-they-used

[I Ate] Scones, jam and clotted cream in the Cotswolds

https://www.reddit.com/r/food/comments/1oe1lkw/i_ate_scone_jam_and_clotted_cream_in_the_cotswolds/

Follow Us

Mike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/)

Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini)

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Superintelligent Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:54 The Gambling Scandal Unveiled

05:01 Technology’s Role in Modern Crime

07:13 The Cultural Impact of NBA Players

09:19 The Evolution of Organized Crime

14:43 AI’s Dual Nature: Benefits and Risks

22:28 The Future of AI and Shopping Technology

31:23 The Future of AI Beyond Chatbots

32:18 Exploring Alternative AI Applications

33:41 Ethics and AI in Media Creation

35:49 The Dystopian Nature of AI Fabrication

37:05 The Shallow Discourse of the Tech Industry

37:28 Digital Detox: A City’s Initiative

41:24 The Impact of Technology on Society

41:47 Coping with Technology Overload

47:44 Cultural Insights on Food and Language

]]><![CDATA[If the AI maker says it’s dumb, it’s probably dumb]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/if-the-ai-maker-says-its-dumb-itshttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/if-the-ai-maker-says-its-dumb-itsSun, 12 Oct 2025 05:43:08 GMTHosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini talk about how people might adapt to a world of AI content. Will people lower their standards and just not care? Or will the trend trigger a backlash and demand for the real world and content created by people?

This Superintelligent episode tackles the whole media ecosystem, what’s wrong with it and how it can be saved for the benefit of all.

Links

Here Comes the AI-Content Backlash!
https://machinesociety.ai/p/the-ai-content-backlash-has-begun-b02

How Distributed Computing Makes This Stunning New Immersive Art Exhibition Possible
https://www.pcmag.com/articles/artechouse-submerge-exhibition-distributed-computing

How Terry Gross Reads
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YyUNspQJQX

Follow Us

Mike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/)

Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini)

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Superintelligent Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts

01:25 The Backlash Against AI Content

04:35 The Comic Book Industry’s Stance on AI

07:12 Demand for Realism in Film

09:48 The Concept of Higher Taste

13:58 The Decline of Quality in Content

17:10 Libraries and AI-Generated Content

20:15 The Role of Disclosure in AI Content

22:41 The Future of AI Content and Quality

27:45 The Impact of AI on Human Thought

31:08 Dreaming and Visualization through AI

31:37 The Influence of AI on Creativity

34:11 The Changing Landscape of Reading and Content Consumption

38:30 The Evolution of Storytelling in Modern Media

42:18 The Need for Authenticity in Content

49:46 Navigating Technology and Wellbeing

Keywords

AI content, backlash, human creativity, comics, music, higher taste, media quality, censorship, libraries, thought, reality, content consumption, technology

#AIcontent #backlash #humancreativity #comics #music #highertaste #mediaquality #censorship #libraries #thought #reality #contentconsumption #technology

]]><![CDATA[Jensen Huang: The Gustavo Fring of Tech]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/jensen-huang-the-gustavo-fring-ofhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/jensen-huang-the-gustavo-fring-ofSun, 05 Oct 2025 17:51:53 GMTDon’t look now, but here comes another thrilling episode of Superintelligent!!

The AI-generated elephant in the room remains Sora 2 and its fake TikTok anti-social social network. OpenAI launched their latest video generation tool alongside an AI-generated social media feed, and Sam Altman admitted the entire endeavor exists to monetize their business. It’s a profit deal!

Mike brings attention to what you might call the “substitution economy,” where tech companies position AI and robotic alternatives as superior to genuine human relationships, real pets, and authentic experiences. Whether it’s OpenAI’s faux TikTok, character AI for romantic relationships, or AI-generated video feeds replacing actual human creativity, the pattern is unmistakable and troubling.

Meanwhile, brain-computer interfaces are advancing faster than expected, though not in ways promised by science fiction. Emily attended a panel on brain implants in New York City, where she encountered everyone from the supervillain-looking surgeon who performs Neuralink operations to the Meta engineer behind their unfashionable neural wristband technology. The disconnect between public promises and private reality became clear when industry leaders publicly rejected mass commercialization while privately investing in that future.

Even Apple is jumping on the brain-computer interface gravy train. Apple’s quiet but significant contribution comes from Bluetooth standards that allow brain implants to communicate with consumer devices just like any other peripheral. Sending iMessages through thought alone — telepathy, basically — becomes possible.

Mike’s and Emily’s discussion of the AI bubble revealed how different this moment feels from the dot-com crash.

NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang is as much an outlier as NVIDIA itself. He presents as an immigrant success story while demonstrating the ruthless business instincts necessary to dominate the AI chip market. His ability to position NVIDIA as essential to every technological future, from chatbots to humanoid robots to digital twin simulations.

Links

AI Is Testing America’s Power Grid—And Uprooting Rural Families
https://www.pcmag.com/articles/ai-is-testing-americas-power-grid-and-uprooting-rural-families

An Unwelcome Megatrend: AI that Replaces Family, Friends — and Pets
https://www.computerworld.com/article/4067326/an-unwelcome-megatrend-ai-that-replaces-family-friends-and-pets.html

Vibe Coding Is Everywhere. Here’s How It Works and 5 Tips for Getting Started
https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/vibe-coding-is-everywhere-how-it-works-tips-for-getting-started

Whoop Adds Bloodwork Uploads Amid Spat With FDA Over How ‘Medical’ Its Wearable Is
https://www.pcmag.com/news/whoop-adds-bloodwork-uploads-amid-spat-with-fda-over-how-medical-its-wearable

Sam Altman Admits Sora 2 ‘Slop’ Feed Is a Money Grab to Fund GPUs
https://www.pcmag.com/news/sam-altman-admits-sora-2-slop-feed-is-a-money-grab-to-fund-gpus

Echo, Kindle, Ring, and More: All the New Products Amazon Announced at Its Fall Hardware Event
https://www.pcmag.com/news/everything-amazon-announced-2025-fall-devices-event-scribe-ring-echo-fire

Evaluating the Impact of AI on the Labor Market: Current State of Affairs
https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/evaluating-impact-ai-labor-market-current-state-affairs

Follow Us

Mike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/)

Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini)

Email: mailto:superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Superintelligent Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Tech News

00:40 OpenAI’s Sora 2 and AI Video Generation

01:57 Amazon’s New Device Launches

03:27 The Trend of AI Replacing Human Connections

05:33 Meta’s AI Developments and the Vibes Platform

06:51 Brain Implants and Neuralink’s Competition

09:40 The Ethics of Brain-Computer Interfaces

14:13 OpenAI’s Future and Sam Altman’s Influence

25:46 The AI Bubble: Reality vs. Projections

27:41 Lessons from the Dot Com Bubble

30:36 The Impact of AI on the Job Market

33:45 Investment Trends and Economic Implications

37:12 The Role of Perception in Stock Valuations

42:30 Nvidia and the Future of Robotics

48:28 Jensen Huang: The Duality of Leadership

Keywords

OpenAI, Sora 2, AI video generation, Amazon hardware, brain implants, Neuralink, AI bubble, Nvidia, robotics, tech news

]]><![CDATA[Zuckerberg’s new birth control glasses]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/zuckerbergs-new-birth-control-glasseshttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/zuckerbergs-new-birth-control-glassesSat, 20 Sep 2025 23:22:28 GMTIn this episode of Superintelligent, we dove headlong into the spectacle of the Meta Connect event, where Mark Zuckerberg and team set out to convince us that the future is wearable, voice-activated, wrist-twitching and dorky.

Yes, we’re talking about the Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses and their neural band companion—the gadget duo supposedly destined to replace keyboards and smartphones.

The demo was a train wreck. The AI hallucinated. Mark couldn’t answer a phone call. But it’s also true that a bad demo doesn’t mean it’s a bad product.

Meta’s glasses raise big questions about social acceptability, privacy, and whether the market will truly take off like the Silicon Valley giants hope it will. Also: Can Apple’s design sophistication rescue wearable tech from utter dweebdom? We pitted optimism against skepticism, debating everything from the speed of miniaturization to necessity of face computers.

Links

Meta Explains Multiple Live AI Demo Fails at Connect: 'We DDoS'd Ourselves' - PC Mag

The Meta Ray-Ban Display Demo - YouTube

The Meta Ray-Ban Cooking Demo - X/Twitter

Follow Us

Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society Newsletter

Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag Articles

Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Superintelligent Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Meta's New Smart Glasses and Neural Band Introduction

02:47 The AI Demo Fiasco: A Live Presentation Gone Wrong

05:36 The Challenges of Live Demos and AI Technology

08:10 Zuckerberg's Neural Band Demo: A Series of Missteps

11:18 Innovations in Gesture Control and User Interaction

13:55 The Future of Smart Glasses: Meta vs. Apple

17:01 Ethical Concerns and the Reputation of Meta

19:58 Personal Perspectives on Smart Glasses and Fashion

24:58 The Evolution of Technology and Consumer Acceptance

28:09 The Future of AI Glasses and Fashion

30:45 Cultural Implications of AI Glasses

33:55 The Psychological Impact of Technology

38:10 The Monetization of Augmented Reality

44:02 The Future of VR and AR in Society

50:08 The Apple Ecosystem and Personal Preferences

52:37 The Social Dynamics of Smart Glasses

56:23 The Future of Smart Glasses and Market Trends

59:19 The Role of AI in Smart Glasses

01:06:01 Closing Thoughts on Technology and Society

Keywords

Meta, smart glasses, AI, augmented reality, technology, privacy, Zuckerberg, Meta Connect, neural band, fashion, user experience

]]><![CDATA[Social Media Delusion and the Assassination of Charlie Kirk]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/social-media-delusion-and-the-assassinationhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/social-media-delusion-and-the-assassinationMon, 15 Sep 2025 22:40:18 GMTThis episode of Superintelligent urgently explores the impact of social platforms on our daily lives. We opened against the backdrop of a tragedy — the assassination of political influencer Charlie Kirk.

What is the role of social media in creating political division, personal crisis, and violence?

The illusion is intimacy — and that global events are personally relevant. The reality is that on social media, we’re being exploited for the benefit of others.

In an age of social media radicalization, the most radical thing you can do is reclaim your digital agency. Block, mute, unfollow. Build an online world filled with brilliant, constructive, inspiring people.

Social media is filled with trolls, toxic abusers, haters, and users. But you can opt out. We’ll tell you how.

Mike
https://elgan.com/about

Emily
https://emilyforlini.com

Mike’s newsletter, Machine Society
https://machinesociety.ai

Emily’s articles on PC Mag
https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini

Superintelligent
https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com

Email us!
superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Social Media on Society

08:28 Understanding Political Discourse and Division

14:26 Navigating Personal Connections in the Digital Age

20:45 Strategies for Healthy Social Media Usage

22:11 Using Social Media with Intention

24:27 Exploring Alternative Social Media Platforms

30:38 The Importance of Real-Life Connections

37:07 Navigating the Crisis of Information Overload

Keywords

social media, political discourse, division, delusions, boundaries, detox, real-life connections, social media tips, mental health, online culture

]]><![CDATA[Zuck’s hot mic mea culpa exposes $600 billion BS]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/zucks-hot-mic-mea-culpa-exposes-600https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/zucks-hot-mic-mea-culpa-exposes-600Mon, 08 Sep 2025 01:20:52 GMTThis week on Superintelligent, we tackled the spectacular rise of “Blame AI!” culture, where everyone from politicians to pop stars can now attribute any inconvenient fact, viral video, or even White House trash-bag scandal to AI-generated fakery. We explored how ordinary cultural events—like a K-pop musical hit or a Will Smith Instagram—that seem “too perfect” now get hit with AI accusations, often as a kind of backhanded compliment.

In other political tech news, we relived the viral White House AI leaders meeting, where Mark Zuckerberg was caught on a hot mic admitting the $600 billion investment pledge he announced moments before was something he pulled out of his ass.

But what do real data center dollars buy? Mostly cutting-edge GPUs and towering racks that require astonishing amounts of electricity and water but provide precious few jobs. We dove into the hidden costs of this data center expansion, from land seizures under eminent domain to communities whose power and water supplies are literally drying up thanks to our insatiable demand for digital services and AI processing.

Yet we refuse to succumb to pessimism. We debated hopeful futures, from solarpunk and hopepunk to vertical farming and urban innovation, wondering aloud why we haven’t seen megacities of skyscrapers in Silicon Valley or data centers that go up instead of out. Can we reimagine tech infrastructure so that energy, housing, and food production work in harmony, not in competition, with nature?


Links

Contact Us

Mike
https://elgan.com/about

Emily
https://emilyforlini.com

Superintelligent
https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com

Email us!
superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 The Intersection of Technology and Politics

02:44 AI as a Scapegoat

08:47 The Role of AI in Misinformation

14:46 The Evolution of Media and AI

19:48 The Liars Dividend and Political Manipulation

25:42 The White House AI Meeting and Corporate Pledges

33:15 The Impact of Data Centers on Employment

34:06 The Economic Landscape and Job Creation

36:02 Energy Demands and Environmental Concerns

37:57 Local Communities and Data Center Development

40:17 The Future of Energy and AI

41:43 Legislation and Local Power Dynamics

44:35 California's Energy Innovations and Challenges

48:37 Water Usage and Agricultural Implications

50:22 Vertical Solutions for Data Centers

56:05 Envisioning a Sustainable Future

01:01:21 The Future of Communities and Technology

Keywords

AI, technology, politics, media, public perception, data centers, environmental concerns, urban development, future communities, investment

]]><![CDATA[Melania Trump: Slopper or Clanker?]]>https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/melania-trump-slopper-or-clankerhttps://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/p/melania-trump-slopper-or-clankerSun, 31 Aug 2025 01:21:04 GMTOn “Superintelligent” this week, we dove headfirst into the counterintuitive overlap of design, politics, and tech. President Trump hired Airbnb’s co-founder to pretty up government websites. That sound like a joke, but at least he’s not tasked to decorate the White House like an Airbnb.

Another Trump initiative is to design government buildings in a classical, non-modern style, which raised the question: Why are modern buildings so fugly?

Our conversation meandered through the topics of Soviet brutalism, AI chatbots leaking secrets and pulling prompt injection tricks, and the wild rise of agentic browsers—like Comet—ready to both serve and scam us. (The more “intelligent” and agentic the tech, it seems, the more ways it finds to fib, glitch, and gobble up whatever data we throw at it.)

We also talked about talking — tech lingo, language woes, and translation tech that falls short exactly when you need it most.

Links

The beauty of concrete — https://worksinprogress.co/issue/the-beauty-of-concrete/

Grok's first vibe-coding agent has a high ‘dishonesty rate' — https://www.pcmag.com/news/groks-first-vibe-coding-agent-has-a-high-dishonesty-rate

Teen killed himself after ‘months of encouragement from ChatGPT’, lawsuit claims — https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/aug/27/chatgpt-scrutiny-family-teen-killed-himself-sue-open-ai

Mike Elgan — https://elgan.com/about

Emily Forlini — https://emilyforlini.com

Email Us: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

03:01 Politics Meets Technology: Trump's New Appointment

05:56 Aesthetic Value in Government Buildings

09:02 The Evolution of Architecture and Design

11:55 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity

14:53 AI's Potential for Malicious Use

17:43 Language and AI: The Impact on Communication

20:49 The Influence of AI on Modern Vernacular

27:00 Humorous Slang and AI Terminology

28:58 Joy to Stuff Ratio: Materialism vs. Enjoyment

30:06 Glurge and Sentimental Stories

31:28 Texticated: The Dangers of Distraction

32:32 Mind Casting: The New Age of Self-Expression

34:24 The Statusphere: Social Media and Self-Reporting

37:05 AI Security Risks: Malicious Instructions in Photos

39:36 The Dishonesty of AI: A Growing Concern

42:23 Real Consequences of AI Misuse

44:43 Agentic AI: The Future of Coding Tools

46:10 AI Browsers: The New Frontier

50:36 The Risks of Agentic AI and Cybersecurity

54:47 Motorcycles and Chatbots: A Dangerous Ride

55:56 The Pitfalls of AI Writing Assistance

58:00 The Challenge of Accurate Information

01:00:26 The Future of Language Translation

01:01:53 Navigating Language Barriers in Travel

01:04:07 The Need for Language Learning

01:08:09 The Journey to Learning French

01:11:18 Cultural Expectations and Language Acquisition

Keywords

AI, technology, architecture, cybersecurity, language learning, Trump, design, malicious use, communication, travel

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