

James B. Meigs
Former editor of Popular Mechanics and commentator on technology and science; guest on the episode to discuss AI, its risks, and implications for society and NASA policy.
Best podcasts with James B. Meigs
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17 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 18min
Could Machines Blackmail Us?
James B. Meigs, former editor of Popular Mechanics, dives into the complexities of AI and its societal implications. He explores whether AI could possess self-preservation instincts, even discussing hypothetical scenarios like blackmail. The conversation also dissects the cultural narratives surrounding AI, linking fears to sci-fi tropes. Additionally, Meigs highlights AI's potential in medicine, while cautioning about market corrections and the risks of centralized infrastructure. Insightful and thought-provoking, the discussion unpacks both the promises and perils of emerging technologies.

Apr 14, 2026 • 26min
The Artemis II Moon Mission—and What NASA Is Planning Next
James B. Meigs, journalist and senior fellow who edited Popular Mechanics, brings space-policy and tech perspective. He reacts to Artemis II's splashdown and the emotional pull of human spaceflight. He weighs lunar costs, why the south pole and refueling matter, and how reusable rockets and commercial landers like Starship and Blue Origin reshape timelines and strategy.


