IM 856: SecretlyBriti.sh - From Humans to Hive Minds

IM 865: Mythic - Too Dangerous to Release?

Apr 9, 20262h 26mSummary

In this episode of Intelligent Machines, hosts Jeff Jarvis and Paris Martineau are joined by security expert and researcher Daniel Meisler to discuss the implications of Anthropic’s new AI model, Mythos. The conversation centers on the provocative claim that the model is too dangerous for a public release due to its unprecedented ability to identify zero-day vulnerabilities in software. The participants explore whether this level of capability is a genuine security breakthrough or a byproduct of the model’s overall intelligence, which has demonstrated massive gains across software engineering benchmarks. Meisler offers insights into the potential for such powerful models to leak into the wider research community and the resulting risks for global infrastructure. The discussion also touches on the intense competitive landscape between AI labs and the pervasive sense of "cultish" behavior within these organizations as they navigate the ethical dilemma of potentially world-changing technology. Beyond the security concerns, the guests delve into the profound disruption AI poses to the traditional workforce, advocating for individuals to focus on personal actualization and creative pursuits in an era where automation is rapidly transforming the modern career landscape.

IM 864: And Artemis Too - Journalism In The Age Of AI

Apr 2, 20262h 25mSummary

In this episode of Intelligent Machines, hosts Paris Martineau and Jeff Jarvis welcome Kate Lee, editor-in-chief of the newsletter and AI site Every.to. The conversation explores the intersection of journalism, culture, and emerging technology, focusing on how Every has integrated AI into its editorial workflows. Lee explains that their approach is not about replacing writers with machines, but rather using AI as a "facilitator." She details how the platform has developed proprietary tools—such as a writing assistant called Spiral and an AI word processor called Lex—to help writers refine their work, maintain consistency, and automate repetitive tasks. A significant portion of the discussion centers on the use of a comprehensive, 400-rule style guide that helps train their AI models to maintain high editorial standards, tone, and rhythm. The hosts and Lee discuss the shifting perception of AI in media, addressing the balance between human creativity and machine-assisted productivity. Lee emphasizes that for her team, AI is an optional tool for "builders" that allows them to focus on high-level analysis and storytelling by offloading technical and stylistic drudgery to their AI partners.

IM 863: Fire and Ash - Hot Takes on Tech Trials

Mar 26, 20262h 44mSummary

In this episode of Intelligent Machines, hosts Jeff Jarvis and Paris Martineau are joined by veteran tech journalist and entrepreneur Marshall Kirkpatrick. The conversation opens with an exploration of Kirkpatrick’s latest venture, a browser extension called What's Up With That. Designed to reduce cognitive load, the tool uses various AI models to analyze web content, providing users with real-time insights, identifying truly novel information, and offering structured analytical techniques to place articles into a broader context. The hosts pivot to a timely discussion on AI safety, sparked by recent security concerns at the RSA Conference. They examine the critical risks of supply chain attacks—specifically the recent malware found in the popular Python library LightLLM—and discuss the importance of keeping human oversight when using AI agents. The episode features insights from industry experts regarding the development of new, secure standards for AI agents to manage API keys and credentials without exposing sensitive data. Finally, the group touches upon the broader, shifting landscape of artificial intelligence, including the industry’s ongoing debate over the definition and feasibility of achieving AGI.

IM 862: Ménage à Claude - AI, Human Agency, and Economic Value

Mar 19, 20263h 0mSummary

In this episode of Intelligent Machines, host Jeff Jarvis is joined by Father Robert Balisaire to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence, human agency, and societal values. The guest is Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, founder of Humane Intelligence, who is currently writing a book exploring the fundamental questions surrounding intelligence. Chowdhury challenges the prevailing, narrow definition of intelligence, arguing that it has historically been constructed as a tool for economic productivity rather than an objective measure of capability. She emphasizes that societal structures have long used these skewed definitions to justify the marginalization of certain groups, and warns that current AI discourse often mirrors these same biases. The discussion highlights how tech companies frequently anthropomorphize AI to deflect accountability—a phenomenon Chowdhury calls moral outsourcing—which ultimately diminishes human agency. Father Balisaire adds a theological perspective, distinguishing between mere knowledge and true intelligence, which he defines as the capacity to act intentionally based on values. Together, the participants explore the necessity of moving beyond the fear of sci-fi-inspired existential threats to address the concrete, present-day harms and biases inherent in how AI systems are developed, tested, and deployed.

IM 861: We Have Computer At Home - Coffee and the Rise of the Machines

Mar 12, 20263h 12mSummary

In this episode of Intelligent Machines, the hosts are joined by legendary Apple evangelist and author Guy Kawasaki to discuss his latest book, Everybody Has Something to Hide: How and Why to Use Signal to Protect Your Privacy, Security, and Well-Being. Kawasaki explains that in an increasingly complex and often dystopian political landscape, he views it as a moral duty to encourage the adoption of secure communication tools. He emphasizes that while most messaging platforms claim to offer end-to-end encryption, users often overlook the vulnerability of metadata, which Signal minimizes significantly. Beyond privacy, the conversation explores Kawasaki's unconventional career path and his evolving relationship with technology. He shares his perspective on the role of artificial intelligence, noting that he utilizes AI tools to refine his writing and has even created a custom version of himself, Kawasaki GPT, to distill his life’s work into a searchable resource. The discussion also touches on the ethical responsibilities of tech leaders and the importance of maintaining an open, growth-oriented mindset in an era where digital tools are rapidly reshaping the human experience.

IM 860: You Gotta Get Computer - Claude Surges to No. 1

Mar 5, 20262h 8mSummary

In this episode of Intelligent Machines, host Jason Heiner, alongside regulars Jeff Jarvis and Paris Martineau, welcomes guest Dan Patterson from Blackbird AI to navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of artificial intelligence. The conversation centers on the escalating challenge of narrative-based disinformation and how emerging technology is being used to both amplify and combat these threats. Patterson highlights how perception has become a critical attack surface, with bad actors utilizing generative AI to craft coordinated campaigns that target governments, organizations, and individuals. The discussion explores how Blackbird AI employs sophisticated tools—such as their constellation platform and Raven Recon—to track these narrative attacks across a fragmented digital ecosystem, including chat applications and the dark web. A key insight from the episode is the importance of strategic restraint; Patterson explains that recognizing bot-driven traffic allows organizations to avoid counterproductive engagement that might otherwise amplify harmful misinformation. The hosts also discuss the evolution of AI-driven intelligence, emphasizing that for modern leaders, understanding these complex digital patterns is no longer optional but a fundamental requirement for informed decision-making in an era of rapid technological change.

IM 859: What's Behind the Fox? - Tech's Gilded Age

Feb 26, 20263h 5mSummary

In this episode of Intelligent Machines, hosts Jeff Jarvis and Paris Martineau welcome special guest Jeff Atwood, the influential creator of Stack Overflow and the forum software Discourse. The conversation kicks off with a lively discussion about Atwood’s career, his deep appreciation for classic computing history, and his unique approach to community building. The hosts explore how his philosophy—prioritizing kindness and constructive dialogue—helped shape the success of his platforms. A significant portion of the episode focuses on Atwood’s latest mission: the Rural Guaranteed Minimum Income Initiative. He explains the motivations behind this philanthropic project, which aims to provide financial stability to families in rural American counties. Atwood discusses the logistical challenges of such initiatives, the importance of trust, and the impact of providing consistent support to those in need. Throughout the episode, Atwood challenges common misconceptions regarding welfare and poverty, arguing that basic financial security is a foundational necessity for human progress. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in professional spaces and the enduring value of clear, written communication in an increasingly digital and video-centric world.

IM 858: The Itinerant Salt Miner from Buffalo - Silicon Valley's Military Dilemma

IM 857: Taskrabbit Arbitrage - Disposable Code and Automation

IM 855: When You're Right, You're Right - Why Firefox Still Matters