Podcast
Superintelligent
Hosted by with Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini · EN
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
www.superintelligentpodcast.com
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Special Guest: What are we doing about AI in schools?
1w ago01:06:37Tap to summarizeHosts 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.LinksChatterboxKagiNYC Cancels Plans for AI-Focused School, Upper West Side SchoolsThe Untold Story Behind the Struggles of L.A. Unified’s iPad ProgramGemini for Education“Sold a Story” podcastLexAnthropic’s “Who’s in Charge?” paperNotebookLMTwo-Sigma Tutoring: Separating Science Fiction from Science FactWIRED’s “5 Levels”Jaron Lanier’s “There Is No A.I.”AI chatbots need ‘deception mode’The Attachment EconomyCalifornia STAR standardized testingFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Education02:10 The Disconnect in AI and Education05:16 Teachers’ Perspectives on Technology08:10 The Role of AI in Schools11:22 Current AI Tools in Education14:29 The Importance of Critical Thinking17:21 Future Scenarios for AI in Education20:23 Evaluating AI Outputs23:23 AI Literacy in Schools33:36 The Future of Education: Rethinking Assessment Methods35:33 Inspiration and Lifelong Learning in Education37:21 The Role of AI in Environmental Education39:59 Optimizing Education: The Role of AI and Friction43:00 AI as a Tool for Learning: Balancing Speed and Understanding46:05 Scaffolding Knowledge: Using AI to Simplify Complex Concepts50:02 The Purpose of Education: Beyond Test Scores53:47 AI’s Potential to Transform Education56:17 The Illusion of Learning: Confidence vs. Knowledge59:50 AI and Human Interaction: The Balance of Technology and RelationshipsDisclosuresWe 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
Transcribe →
The Bullied Kids Who Became Billionaires
4w ago01:02:19Tap to summarizeMike 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.LinksSecret lives of tech billionaires: Sam AltmanSecret lives of tech billionaires: Elon MuskSecret lives of tech billionaires: Jensen HuangSam Altman May Control Our Future—Can He Be Trusted?Follow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokDisclosuresWe 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).Chapters00:00 Return of the Podcast02:27 Emily’s New Journey: Motherhood and Content Creation05:14 Sam Altman: The Controversial Figure08:14 The Ethics of AI and Leadership11:18 Personal Background: Sam Altman’s Life and Struggles14:14 The Business of AI: OpenAI and Y Combinator17:11 Doomsday Prepping: A Silicon Valley Trend20:19 Media Coverage and Public Perception23:15 The Impact of Wealth on Morality26:10 Conspiracy Theories and Journalism29:13 Final Thoughts on Sam Altman and AI Ethics32:29 The Unfolding Drama of Annie Altman33:14 Elon Musk: The Controversial Figure35:10 Elon Musk’s Early Life and Challenges37:04 Family Dynamics and Controversies38:13 Elon Musk’s Move to North America41:09 Jensen Huang: An Immigrant’s Journey44:14 The Founding of Nvidia49:54 Jensen Huang’s Dual Identity52:55 The Future of Robotics and AI55:56 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
Transcribe →
Disappointing Disney Means Never Having to Say You're Sora
Mar 3000:30:07Tap to summarizeIn 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.LinksThe ‘AI slop’ backlash kills SoraSoraThe CAA talent agency’s statement on AI threatening actorsTyler Perry’s canceles Atlanta film studio expansionDisney’s billion-dollar deal with OpenAINvidia’s DLSS5 gaming graphics tool and Jensen Huang’s related commentsThe Undark publication article detailing careless AI-generated children’s videosFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokDisclosuresWe 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).KeywordsSuperintelligent 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
Transcribe →
Noodling Over the Meaning of Macaroni
Mar 200:57:26Tap to summarizeMike 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.LinksPeople Are Getting Sick of AI, LiterallyBlock lays off 4,000 workers citing AI. But how much does AI actually have to do with it?Deep Work, by Cal NewportCEOs Hate Remote Work, But This Nobel Prize Winner Says It’s a Win for WomenThis Man’s True Love Is a Car? | My Strange Addiction: Still Addicted?Rise of the Digital Ghost Industrial ComplexThe Rolling Stones concert in Havana, CubaThomas Jefferson’s Mac And Cheese ObsessionFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokDisclosuresWe 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).KeywordsAI 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
Transcribe →
AM Radio Vibes
Feb 2300:46:43Tap to summarizeChanneling 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.LinksHow data helped Mexico City reduce high-impact crime by more than 50%How Mexico City is Tackling Air PollutionEmily’s WebsiteMike’s BlogCommunity Notes Help Reduce the Virality of False Information on XApple Launches Video PodcastsViral, AI-generated apocalypse social media post - “Something Big Is Happening”Follow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTokDisclosuresWe 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).Keywordstech 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
Transcribe →
The Creepy Weirdo Industrial Complex
Feb 1700:50:12Tap to summarizeIn 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.LinksJony Ive and OpenAI’s wedding announcementOpenAI and Jony Ive’s Screenless AI Device Could Release in the Next Two YearsWhy There’s No ‘Screenless’ RevolutionParents and Teens Support School Cellphone BansCan a Dumb Phone Improve Your Life? I Talked to 6 People Who Made the SwitchNew Philosopher magazineLapham’s QuarterlyFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode01:32 The Impact of Opinion Columns03:11 The Future of Screenless Devices06:40 Banning Phones in Schools09:34 Bipartisan Support for Phone Bans13:21 The Irony of Intergenerational Phone Use17:23 The Role of Screenless Wearables20:10 The Rise of AI Glasses and Privacy Concerns26:57 Creepy Technology and Privacy Concerns28:31 The Impact of Observation on Behavior31:25 The Observer Effect and Its Implications34:03 Media Consumption and the Quest for Knowledge37:07 The Challenge of Information Overload40:03 The Importance of Critical Thinking47:34 Wisdom in Observation vs. Immediate ReactionDisclosuresWe 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).KeywordsSuperintelligent 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
Transcribe →
Don’t Be a Tammy (Updated)
Feb 800:52:14Tap to summarizeHere 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.ImagesLinksThe 2026 Super Bowl adsSam Altman’s posts on Anthropic’s adsOpenClaw Is the Hot New AI Agent, But Is It Safe to Use?OpenClaw: The AI agent that’s got humans taking orders from botsAI Agents Launched a Social Network and Spawned a Digital Religion OvernightNo Humans Allowed: AIs Get Their Own Religion, Social Media, and Hired HelpFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokDisclosuresWe 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
Transcribe →
A Blizzard of Meteorologists on TikTok
Jan 2600:56:19Tap to summarizeWhy 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?Linkshttps://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-apps-forecast-accuracy-snow-weather-9768afec5fc53b4faba19f3cfd06a86cEmily on TikTokDark Sky is done. Here’s how Apple’s Weather app succeeded itYes, ‘The Farmer’s Almanac’ Is Closing—But Don’t Panic Just YetHail Cannon in the WikipediaEMP in the WikipediaKagi Assistant is now available to all usersFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTokChapters00:00 Weather Wonders: A Tale of Two Climates02:14 The Evolution of Weather Forecasting05:12 The Role of Meteorologists in Modern Society08:04 The Impact of Weather on Agriculture11:10 The Future of Weather Information13:48 The Intersection of Technology and Tradition16:48 Cultural Perspectives on Weather Communication19:32 The Legacy of the Farmer’s Almanac28:10 The Lively Chaos of Latin American Streets31:24 Navigating Information in a Digital Age38:47 The TikTok Experiment: Finding Engagement53:06 Connecting Through Content CreationKeywordsSuperintelligent 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 storytellingDisclosuresWe 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
Transcribe →
Wandering the Desert Looking for Aliens
Jan 2000:44:18Tap to summarizeEmily 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?LinksApple, Google Sign Deal to Use Gemini AI to Help Build the Future of SiriGoogle Flexes Another AI AdvantageWarby Parker, Google to launch AI-powered smart glasses in 2026A 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 ReleaseZiff Davis AI layoffs - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThBSo421/Follow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTokChapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene01:06 The Impact of AI on Website Traffic04:08 Google’s Content Monetization Strategy06:31 Navigating the Future of AI Personal Assistants12:25 Apple and Google’s Strategic Partnership18:52 The Future of Smart Glasses and AI Integration22:03 The Future of Smart Glasses24:43 Wearable Tech in Industry27:42 The Psychological Effects of AI29:39 The Balance of Digital and Physical Exploration31:42 Beliefs About Aliens and ExplorationKeywordsGoogle, 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.DisclosuresWe 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
Transcribe →
I Can't Believe It's Butter!
Jan 1200:55:05Tap to summarizeSuperintelligent 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.LinksAmira’s home-made cultured butterGoogle 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 worldIn an AI-perfect world, it’s time to prove you’re humanThis retiree’s 30 AI girlfriends kept loneliness at bay—until one’s dark secret shatters the illusionAfter ‘digital undressing’ criticism, Elon Musk’s Grok limits some image generation to paid subscribersBeRealTwitter and Pinterest founders launch app as antidote to social mediaSteve Miller’s high school speech clip from Jimmy KimmelFollow UsWebsite: superintelligentpodcast.comEmail: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.comMike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | NotesEmily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTokKeywordsArtificial 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 AutomationDisclosuresWe 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
Transcribe →