Promise Sean

In this episode, Ben and I talk about everything from real-time deepfake romances, to new battery tech, to dumb phones, and AIs predicting human motion and expression. All the topics begin to converge around social isolation, connection, and how emerging tech would look to fight it. Where do we draw the line between human and synthetic emotional connection? And how does that extend into our physical world? And finally, is this something we want, or are we headed there anyway?
Sean’s links:
* AI predicting humanoid locomotion
* The Dumbphone Boom
* The vaccine to end all vaccines?
Ben’s links:
* AI predicting human smiles
* Real-time deepfake romance scams
* Rapid charge/discharge sodium batteries
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In this episode, Ben and I explore a plethora of groundbreaking topics that blur the lines between the fantastical and the tangible. From the advanced manipulation of light that brings us one step closer to real-life 'lightsabers,' to controversy of 'totally not eugenics' that could redefine what we understand about genetic selection and the future of human evolution. We also cover potential ways swarming nanobots could help us rethink what 'infrastructure' means, how it works, and so much more.
Sean’s links:
* Socially swarming nanorobots
* Bending light signals around corners
* Levitating materials (shared with Ben)
Ben’s links:
* Controlling light and making it “hard”
* Gene screening startup that is totally not eugenics
* Quantum breakthroughs in predicting material science suitability
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit promisefm.substack.com

This week, Ben and I cover AI assistance, gene and chromosomal editing, 3D-printing skin, real-world deepfakes, and much more.
A side note: the 2 AI tools we covered are Devin and OpenInterpreter. Devin’s capabilities have since been debunked quite comprehensively here, while OpenInterpreter 01 made it onstage at Coachella via Grimes’ mechanical spider.
We also mention Neuralink, and must point out that since recording, researchers at UT Austin can now achieve the same effect without any form of surgery!
Sean’s links:
* https://www.openinterpreter.com/01
* https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202314757
* https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/speaking-without-vocal-cords-ucla-engineering-wearable-tech
Ben’s links:
* https://www.cognition-labs.com/introducing-devin
* https://phys.org/news/2024-03-scientists-technique-human-artificial-chromosomes.html
* https://scitechdaily.com/molecular-majesty-this-is-how-the-bodys-building-blocks-are-made/
* https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/neuralink-shows-first-brain-chip-patient-playing-online-chess-2024-03-21/
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit promisefm.substack.com

Welcome to Season 5!
We’re changing the format up a little bit. I’m now joined by a co-host Ben. You won’t find much of him on social media, but once you meet him I’m sure you’ll agree he more than makes up for that with deep curiosity and a remarkable ability to explain complex topics in simple terms.
Together, we will cover news in emerging science and tech, and discuss how that might shape humanity in the near future. Hopefully, the discussion we have will inspire you to make change, and consider what the future you want should look like.
In this episode, we cover printable solar panels, alternate realities, and autonomous vehicles. When all these converge, what do utopia and dystopia look like? Join us as we explore all this and more.
Big shoutout to AG for the new intro music!
Sean’s links:
* IIHS Automated Driving Evaluation Results
* Carmakers tracking drivers for insurance data
* Visionary Machines coming out of stealth
* BMW’s i Vision Dee concept at CES2023
Ben’s links:
* Scientists reveal the first unconventional superconductor that can be found in mineral form in nature
* Printable solar panels from CSIRO
* The best of digital and analog computing
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit promisefm.substack.com

I wrap up Season 4 with Chris Pymble, founder of Graphics et al. Chris is on a mission to help the world build better health literacy, through the Graphics et al. software platform. What is health literacy you might ask? Chris breaks it down in simple terms for us!
We chat about the root causes of poor health literacy, the downstream impacts algorithms from TikTok and Google can cause, the value of co-design and building accessible software, and kicking down doors to make change happen.
As the final episode of 2023, Wishing you the happiest of holidays, and see you next year for Season 5.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit promisefm.substack.com

My guest this week is Nadia Lee, co-founder of ThatsMyFace. ThatsMyFace is out to combat and eliminate deepfakes at the source.
In this energetic conversation, we talk about the real-world impacts of deepfakes, what the rapid expansion of AI means for societal trust, how we’ve gotten to this point, what government needs to be doing more of, how ThatsMyFace targets the source of the issue, why convenience or safety doesn’t need to be a choice, and sharing a vision of a safer more trusting world.
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Otherwise, you can find Promise on your favorite podcast platforms:
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit promisefm.substack.com