Harvard Data Science Review Podcast

In this month’s episode of the Harvard Data Science Review Podcast, we explore a timeless yet increasingly urgent question: What does it mean to flourish as a human being in an age of artificial intelligence? We are joined by experts Noreen Herzfeld and Tyler VanderWeele, who together bring empirical, philosophical, and theological perspectives to a wide-ranging conversation on human well-being, relationships, and the role of technology in each. The guests examine whether AI can support human flourishing—or whether it may erode the very capacities that make flourishing possible. They discuss the limits of AI in addressing deeper human longings for meaning and transcendence, the risks of replacing human connection with artificial interaction, and the ethical responsibilities of developers in shaping these tools. This episode invites listeners to reflect on what it truly means to live well in a technological age. Join in and add your voice to the conversation. The episode also highlights Dr. VanderWeele’s recent Psychology Today article, “Can We Remain Human in the Age of AI” and Dr. Herzfeld’s recent writings. Our guests: Noreen Herzfeld is the director of the Benedictine Spirituality and the Environment program at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. Tyler VanderWeele is the John L. Loeb and Frances Lehman Loeb Professor of Epidemiology and the director of the Human Flourishing Program and the co-director of the Initiative on Health, Spirituality, and Religion at Harvard University.  

Amy Andersen, founder of Linx Dating and Silicon Valley matchmaker with decades of experience, explains human-driven matching and deep intake. She discusses curating smaller pools, reducing choice, and non-digital signals like emotional safety. Conversation covers post-date feedback as data and cautious uses of AI for coaching rather than replacing judgment.

Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen, co-CEO of DAIN Studios Finland, expert in data, AI strategy and agentic applications. Dirk Hofmann, co-CEO of DAIN Studios Germany, focused on applying AI to transform workflows. They discuss agentic AI as workflow-embedded agents with memory and guardrails. Conversation covers outcome-driven redesign, practical governance, course design for applied agentic systems, and reframing AI as augmentation.

Rachel Franklin, executive director at Harvard's Center for Geographic Analysis, and Patrick Johnson, EVP at Dassault Systèmes, dive into the world of digital and virtual twins. They explore how digital twins replicate complex systems, particularly in urban environments, and discuss industrial applications like those used in aerospace. The conversation also touches on ethical concerns around data privacy and surveillance, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the potential of these technologies to improve elderly care and social connections.

Eric LeVine, the founder of CellarTracker and an ex-Microsoft program manager, shares insights into the intersection of wine and data science. He recounts how CellarTracker evolved from a personal project to a global wine database with millions of users. LeVine discusses using AI to predict wine preferences and identifies 'digital twins' for personalized recommendations. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining human elements in wine discovery and privacy principles in data usage. Dive into how technology is transforming the way we experience wine!

Victor R. Lee, an associate professor at Stanford focused on AI in education, and Chad Dorsey, CEO of the Concord Consortium, share insights on AI's role in the classroom. They tackle misconceptions about AI and cheating, while emphasizing its potential as a creative partner in learning. The conversation covers the evolving roles of teachers, the importance of data literacy, and the equity risks of AI use in schools. They also highlight the need for thoughtful AI use at home and how to measure AI's impact on education.

Join Ben Waber, a workplace analytics pioneer and former CEO of Humanyze, alongside Raffaella Sadun, Harvard Business School's expert on managerial productivity. They dive into how AI is reshaping job roles rather than replacing them, and discuss the critical need for firms to adapt through experimentation. Insights include the changing landscape of skills, with an emphasis on creativity and collaboration, and the importance of treating AI as a collaborative tool rather than a threat. They also highlight the risks of widening productivity gaps among slower adopters.

Join Kia Behnia, CEO of Scout and a vineyard proprietor, alongside Katerina Axelsson, founder of Tastry and expert in sensory sciences. They delve into how AI is revolutionizing viticulture and consumer preferences in wine. Kia discusses the power of camera-based monitoring for grapes, while Katerina reveals her innovative approach to predicting wine likability using analytical chemistry and machine learning. Plus, they explore the implications of these technologies for sustainability and beyond, blending art and science in winemaking.

Lisa Lefferts, an environmental health consultant and former FDA committee member, alongside Marion Nestle, a renowned nutritionist from NYU, dive into the colorful world of food dyes and additives. They unravel the safety controversies surrounding synthetic food dyes like Red No. 30, discussing their potential effects on children's behavior. The duo also tackles the health implications of ultra-processed foods and legislative measures like those in West Virginia. Tune in for insights on how science, politics, and public perception shape what we eat!

Join experts Hany Farid, a digital forensics pioneer from UC Berkeley, and Siwei Lyu, director of the UB Media Forensic Lab, as they tackle the implications of deepfake technology. They discuss how it blurs reality and misinformation, emphasizing the urgent need for robust detection techniques. The conversation dives into the ethical responsibilities of developers, user education, and systemic regulation to combat these challenges. Tune in to discover how to preserve truth in an era of synthetic media and navigate the future of information integrity.