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
5 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 41min
Sean White on Inflection and AI frontiers
Sean White, the CEO of Inflection AI, champions a humanistic approach to technology and AI. He explores the fascinating concept of empathetic AI, emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence alongside raw capability. The discussion delves into how AI can enhance workplace interactions and lead difficult conversations with grace. Sean also touches on evolving career skills in an AI-driven world and innovative neuroscience research, including the exciting Earth Species Project that aims to decode animal communication, opening new frontiers in human-animal relationships.
Sep 25, 2024 • 17min
Reid riffs on Silicon Valley, politics, and the election
As Election Day nears, the podcast dives deep into Silicon Valley's shifting political landscape, questioning whether it’s leaning red. It discusses the integration of technology in voting, balancing its benefits against potential security risks. Trust and transparency in democratic systems take center stage, particularly regarding AI's evolving role in politics. The conversation highlights the importance of truth and technological progress as key factors in shaping the upcoming election and encourages active participation in the electoral process.
8 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 11min
Sarah Longwell on politics, AI, and elections
Sarah Longwell, a Republican political strategist and co-founder of The Bulwark, discusses the critical political landscape ahead of the 2024 election. She delves into the complexities of undecided voters and the emotional weight of topics like abortion in political engagement. Longwell also emphasizes the importance of listening through focus groups to bridge divides and combat misinformation. Additionally, she explores how AI can transform political communication, questioning its impact on authenticity and trust in messaging.
Sep 11, 2024 • 11min
Reid riffs on his personal history with AI
Fei-Fei Li, a leading advocate for human-centered AI, joins Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, and Kevin Scott, Microsoft’s CTO, to discuss their journeys in AI. The conversation navigates Reid’s early Stanford experiences, the transformation of academic concepts into industry applications, and the crucial role of technology in drug discovery. They emphasize the need for ethical considerations and public communication in scientific advancements, particularly highlighting the collaborative successes during the COVID vaccine development.
18 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 60min
Daphne Koller on drug discovery and AI
Daphne Koller, a trailblazing computer scientist and entrepreneur, discusses her groundbreaking work at Insitro, where AI is revolutionizing drug discovery. She highlights how machine learning accelerates understanding of complex diseases and enhances drug development processes. Koller shares insights on the balance between personalized and precision medicine, the significance of data privacy, and the importance of human oversight in AI applications. She also reflects on her transition from academia to industry, emphasizing collaboration for societal impact.
Aug 28, 2024 • 10min
Reid riffs on the future of human connectivity
David Brin, a celebrated author and futurist, delves into intriguing discussions about the future of human connectivity. He explores the possibility of a single mentally-linked network and the implications of advanced technology on personal autonomy. The conversation shifts to the ethical responsibilities we hold towards other sentient beings, prompting a reevaluation of our relationships with life forms amidst rapid advancements in genetic engineering. Brin's insights challenge us to think deeply about consciousness and the future.
37 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 53min
Nick Thompson on our AI future
Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, joins Reid for a riveting discussion on AI's role in shaping democracy and social equality. They explore how AI can enhance journalistic integrity and deepen empathy in an increasingly digital world. The duo tackles the complexities of friendship in the age of AI, while also addressing pressing concerns about privacy and data ethics. With an eye on the future, they share thoughts on how emerging technologies can redefine communication and the importance of fostering equality through responsible AI use.
Aug 14, 2024 • 14min
Reid riffs on AI regulation
Reid, an expert in AI regulation, dives into the complexities of government oversight in the AI landscape. He discusses the U.S.'s positioning globally and lessons learned from social media regulation missteps. Reid emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while prioritizing citizen safety. He also highlights initiatives like the AI Safety Institute and the importance of cooperation between industry, government, and academia to address key challenges in AI governance effectively.
Aug 7, 2024 • 33min
Gina Raimondo on AI, government, and commerce
Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, dives into the government’s role in navigating AI's dual role as a driver of innovation and a source of societal challenges. She highlights the importance of global partnerships in AI regulation and shares her vision for making hardware appealing again. Raimondo discusses how technology leaders can forge public-private collaborations to ease job security anxieties and improve sectors like healthcare and education, ensuring that advancements benefit all Americans.
10 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 15min
Reid riffs on AI agents and investments
Reid, an influential investor known for his insights into emerging technologies and AI, shares his investment philosophies. He explains what attracts him to AI pitches and the red flags to watch out for. The discussion covers the transformative power of AI in business and daily life, including the rise of personal AI agents. Reid also highlights the exciting advancements in robotics and the future potential of agentic AI, emphasizing its impact across various sectors.
