Possible
Reid Hoffman
What if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Possible is an award-winning, weekly podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Hosts Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger explore what’s possible with forward-thinking leaders, deep thinkers, and ambitious builders across many fields, such as technology, art, education and healthcare. These conversations center on the ways technology—and, in particular, AI—is shaping the future. In episodes, AI tools such as OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Inflection’s Pi are at work, offering informational asides, prompting guests, or demoing what they can do. Lastly, between guest episodes, Aria interviews her co-host Reid on his latest takes on what’s possible if we use technology—and our collective effort—effectively.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 44min
Spencer Hyman on flavor and chocolate
Spencer Hyman is the founder and chair of chocolate at Cocoa Runners, a sustainable artisan chocolate distributor. He discusses the difference between flavor and taste, and how AI could reshape our understanding of chocolate. Spencer emphasizes the environmental challenges of chocolate production and the importance of sustainability. He advocates for communal eating experiences and highlights the potential for chocolate to foster meaningful connections. The conversation also touches on future food technologies and personalized nutrition.
12 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 13min
Reid riffs on AI and public service technology
The transformative impact of AI on public service technology takes center stage, especially in education and legal systems. Innovative initiatives like Code for America and Promise demonstrate how AI supports underserved communities. The conversation also delves into the intersection of technology and ethical governance, emphasizing collaboration to avoid corruption. Additionally, the significant venture capital funding received by OpenAI sheds light on future trends in the industry, revealing a dynamic landscape that links AI advancements with changing investment needs.
5 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 49min
Devshi Mehrotra on AI, justice, and public defense
Devshi Mehrotra, co-founder and CEO of JusticeText, dives into the challenges faced by America’s public defenders and how AI can alleviate their burdens. She shares insights on how JusticeText’s software enhances efficiency and promotes police accountability. Devshi discusses the evolving attitudes of local governments towards technology and the critical need for innovative solutions in public defense. A public defender also shares her firsthand experience using the platform, illustrating the transformative potential of AI in this crucial area.
Nov 6, 2024 • 9min
Reid riffs on Bill Gates and promising technology developments
Bill Gates, a renowned philanthropist and technologist, discusses his impactful initiatives in climate change, health, and education. He highlights the role of AI in accelerating innovation across various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare. Gates shares his optimism about breakthroughs in renewable energy and the transformative potential of personalized medicine. The conversation also touches on how advanced technologies can tackle global inequities, ultimately aiming for sustainable and equitable solutions for the future.
Nov 5, 2024 • 34min
Feed Drop: Reid Hoffman: Entrepreneurship, AI, and the Battle for Democracy
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a partner at Greylock, dives into a lively discussion on entrepreneurship and AI's future. He shares insights on blitzscaling, emphasizing the balance between rapid growth and market fit. Hoffman reflects on the moral responsibilities of wealthy tech leaders and the impact of political dynamics on democracy. He also explores how gaming influences entrepreneurial skills while maintaining an optimistic outlook on AI's contributions to society. It's an engaging journey through innovation and civic responsibility!
Nov 4, 2024 • 36min
Feed Drop: Masters of Scale: President Bill Clinton in conversation with Reid Hoffman
In a compelling conversation, former President Bill Clinton delves into the state of American democracy and the dangers of polarization ahead of the upcoming election. He discusses the erosion of trust in democratic institutions and the pressing need for civic engagement. Clinton also touches on economic challenges like inflation and housing, advocating for innovative solutions. With a focus on unity, he highlights the importance of addressing political threats and the gap between political promises and economic realities, ultimately calling for a collaborative future.
37 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 10min
Bill Gates on possibility, AI, and humanity
Bill Gates, Co-founder of Microsoft and renowned philanthropist, shares his insights on climate change, global health, and education. He discusses how AI will revolutionize these areas, with a focus on its potential to save lives and tackle malnutrition. Gates highlights innovative energy solutions like nuclear fusion and the vital role of technology in addressing food security. His optimism shines through as he outlines the promise of AI in education and healthcare, emphasizing humanity's capacity for positive change.
Oct 23, 2024 • 14min
Reid riffs on iterative development and cultural differences
Explore the dynamic collaboration between tech giants and startups, highlighting how competition fuels innovation through iterative development. Discover the interplay between safety testing and iterative processes, improving tech usability. Delve into the societal implications of AI, the need for truth, and the strategic advantages of diversity in hiring. Finally, the discussion navigates varied cultural perspectives on individual rights and responsibilities, contrasting views from the U.S., China, and India.
8 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 46min
James Manyika on global AI and inclusion
In this engaging discussion, James Manyika, Senior VP of Technology and Society at Google, shares his insights on global AI accessibility. He highlights AI's role in tackling climate change and improving disaster response, like predicting floods worldwide. Manyika also addresses the need for inclusive dialogues reflecting diverse perspectives from the Global South. With tools like NotebookLM, he emphasizes turning ambition into responsible AI development, ensuring all communities reap the benefits of this technological revolution.
7 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 12min
Reid riffs on the next generation of LLMs
Reid discusses the appointment of Sean White as Inflection's CEO, focusing on the importance of human values in tech. The conversation shifts to how startups are navigating the competitive landscape of large language models, often forming partnerships with industry giants. There's an intriguing examination of the efficiency versus size debate in language models, and the potential for individual empowerment through Inflection's Pi. The vision is a future where personal intelligence enhances our everyday experiences.
