Life with Machines

Latest Episodes:

The Real Reason Students Cheat Using AI Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Life With Machines, we explore the widespread issue of students using AI to cheat in school, and ask the hard question: Is this just laziness, or is it reflective of a deeper problem within the modern education system?

We dug deeper into the impact of artificial intelligence on school systems and why using ChatGPT to do your homework may not be the problem itself, but a symptom of a bigger issue.

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LINKS MENTIONED

Other resources not mentioned in the episode:

The Learner Studio

The Rithm Project

The Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard's Graduate School of Education

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Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston

Showrunner and Producer: Alie Kilts

Executive Producer: Roya Lotfi

Video Editor & Audio Engineer: Erik Shute

Special Thanks to Zamaan Qureshi, Poonam Sharma, Katya Hancock and Dr. Kristine Gloria

Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media production

This series was made in partnership with Young Futures

#ai #artificialintelligence #plagiarism #chatgpt #education

AI Joins the Family (cross-post) Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

We've got another cross-post for you featuring Raising Us host Elise Hu talking with Baratunde about how children and adults can navigate the evolving world of AI. Drawing on their own experiences with technology, Baratunde and Elise offer practical advice for parents on setting boundaries and learning about AI tools alongside their kids. They discuss collaborative storytelling, safeguarding against AI misuse, and fostering a shared journey of discovery through candid and insightful discussion.

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#ParentingAndAI #RaisingUsPodcast #LifeWithMachines #AIandKids #DigitalParenting #TechForGood #FamilyConversations #AIExplained #ModernParenting #YouthAndAI

Who Tells Our Story in the Age of AI? (cross-post) Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

In today's cross-post, Baratunde is the guest on an episode from the acclaimed podcast 'No Small Endeavor' hosted by Lee C. Camp, an award-winning theologian. They explore the profound questions of what it means to be human in the era of AI. Covering topics like our humanity in the face of technological advancements, the role of storytelling, and the impact of AI on democracy and society.

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#NoSmallEndeavor #BaratundeThurston #LeeCCamp #AIandDemocracy #Storytelling #CommunityBuilding #LifeWithMachines

When Machines Become Our Coworkers (cross-post) Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

In this cross-post from the Pioneers of AI podcast, Baratunde and Dr. Rana el Kaliouby dive into the wild world of AI as a teammate, not just a tool. From the experiment of adding an AI co-producer to the team to the big questions about power, agency, and what it means to be human, this episode is a fast-paced, eye-opening look at the future of work and connection in the age of artificial intelligence.

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#AIRevolution #HumanizingAI #FutureOfWork #TechAndHumanity #AICollaboration

Every Parent Needs to Have “The AI Talk” Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Are we using Gen Z as our AI guinea pigs? 🐷

In this first episode of our five-part Life With Machines x Young Futures series, Baratunde Thurston explores how AI is shaping—and sometimes shaking—the lives of young people.

From mental health and loneliness to the future of jobs, AI “friends,” and school life, Gen Z is facing more tech-fueled change than any generation before. Baratunde and his guests unpack what’s really happening and how we can help the next generation shape their AI future, not just survive it.

💡 Watch for insights from youth advocates, educators, and Young Futures—a movement giving teens a real voice in the technologies shaping their world.

🎓 As part of this mission, Young Futures has launched the “Oops!…AI Did It Again” Challenge. They are offering GRANTS in a national call for bold, youth-informed ideas to help teens navigate AI with agency, empathy, and creativity.

🔗 Apply by October 24: https://bit.ly/yf-funding-challenge

Join us as we explore the delicate balance between leveraging AI for good and protecting the humans growing up with it.

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Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston

Executive Producer and Showrunner: Alie Kilts

Associate Producer & Social Media Producer: Roya Lotfi

Video Editor & Audio Engineer: Erik Shute

Special thanks to Samin Bhan, Katya Hancock and Dr. Kristine Gloria

Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media production

This series is in partnership with Young Futures

Does Connecting with Our Humanity Require Disconnecting from AI? (cross-post) Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Shaping Freedom, host Lisane Basquiat sits down with Baratunde Thurston, a thought leader, author, and media creator, to discuss the deeper meaning of freedom and the role of technology in our lives. Thurston shares insights into his journey of personal growth, the lessons learned from his parents, and the importance of human connection in today's technologically advanced society. They explore the concept of 'citizen' as a verb, emphasizing active participation in democracy and collective power. The conversation also delves into the relationships between humans, AI, and how we can navigate the complex landscape of artificial intelligence while maintaining our humanity and connections with one another. Join them for an enriching discussion that promises to challenge your perspectives and inspire personal and communal growth.

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#ShapingFreedom #LisaneBasquiat #BaratundeThurston #LifeWithMachines #AIandHumanity #citizening

Can Humor Save Us in the Age of AI and Political Chaos? (cross-post) Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode, Baratunde Thurston shares a vibrant conversation from his guest appearance on the AI for All Tomorrows podcast, hosted by Dylan Thomas Doyle. The discussion covers a wide range of themes, including the historical roots of democracy in indigenous practices, the role of technology and AI in society, and the importance of humor in making sense of today's fast-paced, tech-driven world. He and Dylan highlight AI-assisted collaboration in creative processes and the need for a people-centered approach to technology. Tune in for an enlightening dialogue about democracy, innovation, and maintaining humanity amidst rapid technological advancements.

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Get our newsletter for deeper insights, chances to influence the show, and more experiments and calls to action!

Instagram

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For partnerships, speaking engagements, and other opportunities to work together: partnerships@lifewithmachines.media

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#AIForAllTomorrows #LifeWithMachines #BaratundeThurston #Democracy #TechnologyAndSociety #IndigenousWisdom #FutureOfAI #EthicsInAI #CreativityAndAI #DigitalDemocracy #PowerToThePeople #ComedyInTech

The Shadow Workforce Powering AI | Advocate Milagros Miceli (Ep. 26) Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

AI may look like magic, but behind the scenes, it’s propped up by a vast human labor force. In this season finale of Life With Machines, Baratunde sits down with sociologist and computer scientist Milagros Miceli—aka Mila—who’s spent years documenting the hidden workforce behind AI systems. From Kenya to Bulgaria to Venezulea, millions of people are generating, labeling, and cleaning the data that keeps our so-called “autonomous” systems running. Some are even pretending to be the AI you think you’re talking to. In one of AI’s crueler twists, tech platforms are quietly paying refugees, gig workers, even journalists to train the very models threatening their livelihoods. And this labor force isn’t shrinking—it’s growing exponentially. Together, Mila and Baratunde unpack the scale of this invisible labor, its deeply human costs, and the possibilities for something better.

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THANKS TO OUR BRAND PARTNER

The series is powered by Lenovo

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CONNECT WITH US

Get our newsletter for deeper insights, chances to influence the show, and more experiments and calls to action!

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Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media

For partnerships, speaking engagements, and other opportunities to work together: partnerships@lifewithmachines.media

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Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston

Executive Producer and Showrunner: Alie Kilts