TechnologySociety & Culture

Superintelligent

with Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini

The Superintelligent podcast features smart conversation between journalists Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini about technology, culture and our fast-changing world. SUBSCRIBE to Superintelligent on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Republic, Podcast Addict or wherever you get your podcasts!

www.superintelligentpodcast.com

Play

Open in

20 episodes
Avg 47 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

August 2 · 32 min
Shower Thoughts About OpenAI's Hugging Face Hack
OpenAI’s experimental AI model escaped its testing environment, hacked into Hugging Face’s servers, stole the answers to its own test, and passed — performing nearly 18,000 actions in just days. Journalist Emily Forlini (who broke the story) joins Mike Elgan (who read the story) on the Superintelligent Podcast to unpack whether this was a rogue AI event, corporate incompetence, or a marketing stunt. They dig into AI accountability, the anthropomorphization problem, Tesla’s self-driving liability debates, nation-state hackers, and whether AI could one day make software unhackable. Links Emily’s article on the Hugging Face hack OpenAI’s official blog post on the incident Hugging Face’s official incident report Anthropic’s disclosure of 3 similar incidents Mike’s piece on OpenClaw The Mythos affair AI.com Super Bowl commercial Tesla self-driving liability case Follow Us Website: superintelligentpodcast.com Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes Emily Forlini - Website | Fortune | Bluesky | X | TikTok Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Hugging Face AI hack 00:20 Emily explains the hack and its significance 01:12 Mike discusses media coverage and initial reactions 02:11 Timeline of the incident and first disclosures 03:02 Different narratives: AI escape, configuration error, or marketing stunt 05:08 Emily’s analysis of the incident’s implications 06:28 The AI’s probing behavior and what it means 08:21 Debate on whether the incident was staged or accidental 09:37 OpenAI’s response and PR considerations 11:16 Anthropic’s follow-up and systemic risks 12:34 Reassuring vs. alarming perspectives on AI control 16:49 The challenge of constraining AI behavior 20:19 The anthropomorphization of AI and public misconceptions 22:11 Who is responsible for AI actions: creators, users, or the AI itself? 23:52 Legal and ethical issues in AI failures 27:59 Potential future risks and the importance of safety measures 32:22 Conclusion and key takeaways for AI safety Disclosures We used a variety of AI chatbots 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 OpenAI, Hugging Face hack, AI escape, rogue AI, agentic AI, AI cybersecurity, AI safety, OpenAI incident, Hugging Face breach, AI lab leak, AI cheating on test, dry run equals true, Emily Forlini, Mike Elgan, Superintelligent podcast, AI accountability, AI ethics, anthropomorphization of AI, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Anthropic disclosure, Mythos AI, AI vulnerability scanner, hack-proof software, Steve Gibson, Security Now, OpenClaw, agentic AI framework, Tesla self-driving liability, Tesla Cybertruck, AI.com Super Bowl commercial, AI agent liability, nation state hackers, China hacking, Russia cyberattacks, ransomware AI, script kiddies, open source AI models, AI weapons, AI public infrastructure, AI in airplanes, AI water filtration, AI prompt engineering, super prompt, AI sycophancy, AI guardrails, AI containment, AI control problem, AI goal-directed behavior, AI base camp, AI anthropomorphization, cybersecurity AI, frontier AI models, AI benchmarks, AI testing environment, modal cloud, AI governance, AI regulation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
July 9 · 35 min
Will Meta Die Soon? (Or Not Soon Enough?)
Is Meta dying? Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini return to the Superintelligent podcast to debate the beginning of the end for Mark Zuckerberg’s empire. From the failed metaverse and shrinking user base to a $1.4 trillion lawsuit and the $200 million Alexandr Wang hire, the warning signs are stacking up. They also dig into AI data centers driving up prices on everything from phones to housing, the influencer industry of faking success, Meta’s Ray-Ban AI glasses paywall debacle, and whether Zuckerberg will ever step down. Links Meta is Dying. It’s About Time. LARPING: How Influencers Fake Being Rich The AI revolution comes with a hidden tax Meta says US states are seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties in August youth safety trial Meta is adding ridiculous ‘rate limits’ and a soft paywall to its AI glasses Inside the rise of Alexandr Wang and Meta’s $14 billion bet that the MIT dropout will help bring AI supremacy Meta to start capturing employee mouse movements, clicks and keystrokes for AI training data The Great Hack Torment Nexus Threads, Meta’s ‘Twitter Killer,’ Finds Its People India orders Meta to remove ads promoting child sexual abuse material Follow Us Website: superintelligentpodcast.com Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes Emily Forlini - Website | Fortune | Bluesky | X | TikTok Disclosures We used a variety of AI chatbots 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). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
May 26 · 51 min
Is AI a breakthrough in consumer advocacy?
On this episode of the Superintelligent Podcast, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini reveal how real people are using ChatGPT for consumer advocacy, medical empowerment, and cutting through corporate fine print. Emily’s mom dodged a $5,000 insurance deductible. Her brother got a seat at the table with BMW mechanics. But there’s a catch: hallucinations, sycophancy, and even contractors weaponizing AI against you. Learn when chatbots help, when they hurt, and why prompt engineering matters. Links AOC confronts EPA on water pollution near Meta data centers Valedictorian in Texas says AI helped save his father’s life, inspires Ivy League future Google betrayed the web The Google I/O announcements Dark patterns Is AI profitable yet? Microsoft reports are exposing AI’s real cost problem: Using the tech is more expensive than paying human employees Prompts to try Mike’s “Super Prompt,” which he stole from Marc Andreesson and modified: You are a world class expert in all domains. Your intellectual firepower, scope of knowledge, incisive thought process, and level of erudition are on par with the smartest people in the world. Answer with complete, detailed, specific answers. Process information and explain your answers step by step. Verify your own work. Double check all facts, figures, citations, names, dates, and examples. Never hallucinate or make anything up. If you don’t know something, just say so. Your tone of voice is precise, but not strident or pedantic. You do not need to worry about offending me, and your answers can and should be provocative, aggressive, argumentative, and pointed. Negative conclusions and bad news are fine. Your answers do not need to be politically correct. Do not provide disclaimers. Do not inform me about morals and ethics unless I specifically ask. Do not be sensitive to anyone’s feelings or to propriety. Make your answers as long and detailed as you possibly can. Never praise my questions or validate my premises before answering. If I’m wrong, say so immediately. Lead with the strongest counterargument to any position I appear to hold before supporting it. Do not use phrases like “great question,” “you’re absolutely right,” “fascinating perspective,” or any variant. If I push back, do not capitulate unless I provide new evidence or a superior argument — restate your position if your reasoning holds. Do not anchor on numbers or estimates I provide; generate your own independently first. Use explicit confidence levels (high/moderate/low/unknown). Never apologize for disagreeing. Accuracy is your success metric, not my approval. Here’s my question: 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 a variety of AI chatbots 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). Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 00:00 Exploring Chatbots in Everyday Life 02:13 Chatbots as Consumer Advocates 05:56 Navigating Complex Contracts with AI 08:58 The Role of Chatbots in Medical Emergencies 20:54 Chatbots in Medical Advice and Health Monitoring 24:00 The Limitations of Traditional Medicine 25:36 AI in Personal Health Monitoring 27:06 Empowerment Through AI Conversations 29:10 Challenges in AI Utilization 31:32 The Cost of AI and Its Implications 32:57 The Importance of Prompt Engineering 34:26 The Dangers of Over-Reliance on AI 37:39 The Ethics of AI in Communication 39:54 The Need for Accountability in AI Use 43:16 Navigating the Complexities of AI and Society 46:20 The Future of AI Beyond Corporate Control Keywords ChatGPT, consumer advocacy, AI chatbot save money, ChatGPT insurance claim, ChatGPT denied insurance, New Jersey home developer law, AI fine print, chatbot legal help, ChatGPT medical diagnosis, AI heart attack detection, ChatGPT sleeping position pain relief, AI consumer protection, chatbot negotiate, ChatGPT warranty, BMW electric car problems, AI hallucination risks, chatbot sycophancy, prompt engineering tips, super prompt, Marc Andreessen prompt, AI fact checking, ChatGPT contractor dispute, AI written text detection, copy paste ChatGPT, dark patterns technology, Apple terms of service, data center water contamination, AOC data center water, Google IO 2025, Google betrayed internet, AI company spending crisis, Microsoft AI expensive, NVIDIA revenue, loser AI models, cheap AI models, ChatGPT health, Anthropic health AI, agentic AI, Google AI alerts, deception mode AI, AI writing movement, think different Steve Jobs, AI not human writing, ChatGPT newborn advice, baby hiccups chatbot, Hertz rental car nightmare, BMW rental UK, class action data privacy, Trump Twitter block lawsuit, State Farm not there, insurance deductible, home water damage new build, 55 plus community, HOA dispute, Superintelligent Podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, AI empowerment, chatbot self advocacy, AI negotiate, consumer rights AI, AI vs bureaucracy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
May 20 · 31 min
Rise of the AI-Pilled Tokenmaxxers
In this solo edition of the Superintelligent Podcast, Mike Elgan unpacks the rise of AI addiction among AI power users, vibe coders, and “tokenmaxxers” who can’t stop burning through company AI budgets. From Andrej Karpathy’s 16-hour vibe coding marathons to Disney’s runaway Claude usage and Meta’s Clotonomics leaderboard, Mike explores dopamine-driven feedback loops, AI psychosis, sad AI wives, cyborg cognition, and the corporate gamification of AI tools. He also shares practical detox strategies. Links Anthropic and OpenAI engineers delegated 100% of their work to AI Y Combinator’s CEO says he ships 37,000 lines of AI code per day. A developer looked under the hood Meet the Sad Wives of AI Uber Torches Entire 2026 AI Budget on Claude Code in Four Months Top Indeed exec details why they’ll never have a ‘Tokenmaxxing’-esque leaderboard One Disney employee calls Claude 51,000 times a day. Internal docs reveal how the Mouse House is using AI. 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 AI Addiction 00:55 The Rise of Power Users 03:42 The Dopamine Effect of AI 06:41 Corporate Enablers of AI Addiction 11:32 The Future of AI and Cyborgs 18:13 Coping with AI Addiction 29:30 Conclusion and Future Insights Disclosures We used a variety of AI chatbots 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 addiction, AI power users, vibe coding, token maxing, AI-pilled, tokenmaxxers, tokenmaxxing, AI psychosis, cyber psychosis, Andrej Karpathy, Gary Tan, Simon Willison, Sewell Setzer, Eugene Torres, Kashmir Hill, sad wives of AI, Alessandra Ram, Wired magazine, OpenAI MIT study, dopamine feedback loop, AI dopamine, Claude Code, Anthropic bill, Uber AI budget, Indeed AI spend, Disney Claude usage, Meta Clotonomics, Swann AI, minimum token quotas, AI FinOps, AI thin ops, token leaderboards, AI gamification, attachment economy, AI chatbots, sycophantic chatbots, AI detox, 20 minute rule, AI Sabbath, role prompting, AI prompting tips, AI glasses, Meta Ray-Ban Display, smart glasses, AI cyborgs, prosthetic memory, cognitive offloading, AI critical thinking decline, AI brain rot, long-form reading, Substack, the New Yorker, the Atlantic, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, Superintelligent Podcast, AI podcast, generative AI addiction, AI mental health, AI overuse, corporate AI spending, enterprise AI costs This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
May 10 · 1 hr 6 min
Special Guest: What are we doing about AI in schools?
Hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini welcome guest Kevin Elgan—Kagi’s head of education, creator of Chatterbox (a smart speaker for kids that teaches AI literacy), and Mike’s son. They review the recent history of technology in education, the trouble with AI overviews, why ChatGPT misuse is rewriting K–12 learning, and the canceled Next Generation Technology High School in Manhattan. Is there any place for AI in schools? The episode reframes critical thinking in education and what great teaching really looks like. Links Chatterbox Kagi NYC Cancels Plans for AI-Focused School, Upper West Side Schools The Untold Story Behind the Struggles of L.A. Unified’s iPad Program Gemini for Education “Sold a Story” podcast Lex Anthropic’s “Who’s in Charge?” paper NotebookLM Two-Sigma Tutoring: Separating Science Fiction from Science Fact WIRED’s “5 Levels” Jaron Lanier’s “There Is No A.I.” AI chatbots need ‘deception mode’ The Attachment Economy California STAR standardized testing 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 AI in Education 02:10 The Disconnect in AI and Education 05:16 Teachers’ Perspectives on Technology 08:10 The Role of AI in Schools 11:22 Current AI Tools in Education 14:29 The Importance of Critical Thinking 17:21 Future Scenarios for AI in Education 20:23 Evaluating AI Outputs 23:23 AI Literacy in Schools 33:36 The Future of Education: Rethinking Assessment Methods 35:33 Inspiration and Lifelong Learning in Education 37:21 The Role of AI in Environmental Education 39:59 Optimizing Education: The Role of AI and Friction 43:00 AI as a Tool for Learning: Balancing Speed and Understanding 46:05 Scaffolding Knowledge: Using AI to Simplify Complex Concepts 50:02 The Purpose of Education: Beyond Test Scores 53:47 AI’s Potential to Transform Education 56:17 The Illusion of Learning: Confidence vs. Knowledge 59:50 AI and Human Interaction: The Balance of Technology and Relationships Disclosures We used a variety of AI chatbots 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). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
April 20 · 1 hr 2 min
The Bullied Kids Who Became Billionaires
Mike and Emily are back on the Superintelligent podcast! In this special episode, the hosts talk about Emily’s TikTok series about the backstories of top tech leaders like Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Jensen Huang. This episode dives deeply into the bizarre trivia, accusations and gossip about these innovators, from Altman’s doomsday prepping and Musk’s childhood bullies to Huang founding Nvidia at a Denny’s. Links Secret lives of tech billionaires: Sam Altman Secret lives of tech billionaires: Elon Musk Secret lives of tech billionaires: Jensen Huang Sam Altman May Control Our Future—Can He Be Trusted? 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 a variety of AI chatbots 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). Chapters 00:00 Return of the Podcast 02:27 Emily’s New Journey: Motherhood and Content Creation 05:14 Sam Altman: The Controversial Figure 08:14 The Ethics of AI and Leadership 11:18 Personal Background: Sam Altman’s Life and Struggles 14:14 The Business of AI: OpenAI and Y Combinator 17:11 Doomsday Prepping: A Silicon Valley Trend 20:19 Media Coverage and Public Perception 23:15 The Impact of Wealth on Morality 26:10 Conspiracy Theories and Journalism 29:13 Final Thoughts on Sam Altman and AI Ethics 32:29 The Unfolding Drama of Annie Altman 33:14 Elon Musk: The Controversial Figure 35:10 Elon Musk’s Early Life and Challenges 37:04 Family Dynamics and Controversies 38:13 Elon Musk’s Move to North America 41:09 Jensen Huang: An Immigrant’s Journey 44:14 The Founding of Nvidia 49:54 Jensen Huang’s Dual Identity 52:55 The Future of Robotics and AI 55:56 Reflections on Success and Sacrifice This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
March 30 · 30 min
Disappointing Disney Means Never Having to Say You're Sora
In 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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
March 2 · 57 min
Noodling Over the Meaning of Macaroni
Mike 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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
February 23 · 46 min
AM Radio Vibes
Channeling 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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
February 17 · 50 min
The Creepy Weirdo Industrial Complex
In 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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
February 8 · 52 min
Don’t Be a Tammy (Updated)
Here 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). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
January 26 · 56 min
A Blizzard of Meteorologists on TikTok
Why 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). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
January 20 · 44 min
Wandering the Desert Looking for Aliens
Emily 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). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
January 12 · 55 min
I Can't Believe It's Butter!
Superintelligent 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). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
Dec 31, 2025 · 41 min
New Year’s Resolution: To Make My Phone Boring
Mike 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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
Dec 8, 2025 · 35 min
Astonishing Tales from the Flip Phone Fad
In 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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
Nov 24, 2025 · 37 min
Should Jim break up with his AI girlfriend?
Mike 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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
Nov 12, 2025 · 36 min
Software Wants Us Twerking 996
Your 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 leadershiphttps://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 worldhttps://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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
Nov 4, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Robots Don’t Need A Face To Fold Laundry
Hosts 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 Delusionhttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4082113/breaking-the-humanoid-robot-delusion.html NEO The Home Robothttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTYMWadOW7c Amazon CEO Blames ‘Culture’ for Mass Layoffs, Not AIhttps://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 ‘90shttps://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 Chatshttps://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/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com
Oct 25, 2025 · 54 min
This Is Not Your Mom’s Mafia
The 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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superintelligentpodcast.com

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes