13 episodes

Utopia or dystopia? It’s up to us.In the 21st century, powerful technologies have been appearing at a breathtaking pace—related to the internet, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and more. They have amazing potential upsides, but we can’t ignore the serious risks that come with them.Brave New Planet is a podcast that delves deep into the most exciting and challenging scientific frontiers, helping us understand them and grapple with their implications. Dr. Eric Lander, president and founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, is a geneticist, molecular biologist, and mathematician who was a leader of the Human Genome Project and for eight years served as a science advisor to the White House for President Obama. He’s also the host of Brave New Planet, and he’s talked to leading researchers, journalists, doctors, policy makers, activists, and legal experts to illuminate how this generation’s choices will shape the future as never before.Brave New Planet is a partnership between the Broad Institute, Pushkin Industries, and The Boston Globe's Opinion team.

Brave New Planet Pushkin

    • Science
    • 4.4 • 434 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Utopia or dystopia? It’s up to us.In the 21st century, powerful technologies have been appearing at a breathtaking pace—related to the internet, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and more. They have amazing potential upsides, but we can’t ignore the serious risks that come with them.Brave New Planet is a podcast that delves deep into the most exciting and challenging scientific frontiers, helping us understand them and grapple with their implications. Dr. Eric Lander, president and founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, is a geneticist, molecular biologist, and mathematician who was a leader of the Human Genome Project and for eight years served as a science advisor to the White House for President Obama. He’s also the host of Brave New Planet, and he’s talked to leading researchers, journalists, doctors, policy makers, activists, and legal experts to illuminate how this generation’s choices will shape the future as never before.Brave New Planet is a partnership between the Broad Institute, Pushkin Industries, and The Boston Globe's Opinion team.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    What’s at Stake

    What’s at Stake

    Malcolm Gladwell joins host Dr. Eric Lander for a conversation about science, society, and how the decisions we make today will impact generations to come. At a moment when science is becoming more important than ever for meeting the challenges ahead, can we solve the growing tensions between society and science?

    For links to materials referenced in the episode, suggestions for further learning, and guest bios, visit bravenewplanet.org. 

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 19 min
    Deepfakes and the Future of Truth

    Deepfakes and the Future of Truth

    It’s getting easy to create convincing—but false—videos through artificial intelligence. These “deepfakes” can have interesting applications in art and education, but they can also cause great harm—from ruining the reputation of an ex-partner to provoking international conflicts or swinging elections. When seeing is not believing, who can we trust, and can democracy and truth survive? 

    For links to materials referenced in the episode, suggestions for further learning, and guest bios, visit bravenewplanet.org. 

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 1 hr 11 min
    A Radical Approach to Climate Change

    A Radical Approach to Climate Change

    Could altering the Earth’s atmosphere to reflect back some of the sun’s rays be a solution to climate change? It would likely decrease global temperatures, but it might lead to climate wars. Humanity might become “addicted” to it for survival. And ultimately, would this technology only distract us from tackling the real problem of carbon emissions?
    For links to materials referenced in the episode, suggestions for further learning, and guest bios, visit bravenewplanet.org. 

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 58 min
    From Higher Animals: A New Audiobook by New Yorker writer Michael Specter

    From Higher Animals: A New Audiobook by New Yorker writer Michael Specter

    This excerpt from Pushkin's new audiobook, Higher Animals: Vaccines, Synthetic Biology, and the Future of Life, features the introduction to Michael Specter's exciting exploration into how MRNA vaccines have transformed the scientific landscape and helped spark a biotechnology revolution. Go buy yourself a copy at pushkin.fm, Audible, Apple Books, or anywhere audiobooks are sold.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 12 min
    Killer Robots and the Future of War

    Killer Robots and the Future of War

    Fully autonomous lethal weapons—robots that can select and engage targets without human intervention—are fast becoming possible. They might minimize casualties and protect civilians in times of war. But is it morally wrong to put a computer in charge of life or death decisions? Could system errors lead to flash wars? But, as war gets faster and more complex, is it even feasible to keep humans in the loop?

    For links to materials referenced in the episode, suggestions for further learning, and guest bios, visit bravenewplanet.org. 

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Introducing Death of an Author, A Groundbreaking AI Mystery

    Introducing Death of an Author, A Groundbreaking AI Mystery

    What happens when artificial intelligence comes for the novelists? Journalist Stephen Marche investigates in Death of an Author, a gripping speculative mystery that was written 95% by AI, aka “Aidan Marchine,” and 5% by Marche, who skillfully crafted the story outline and machine prompts. You can get Death of an Author now at https://www.pushkin.fm/audiobooks/death-of-an-author or wherever you get your audiobooks and eBooks.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 10 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
434 Ratings

434 Ratings

Lololullaby ,

Stewardship

An amazing podcast that will stir you to take ownership of this planet that we all share and want to leave behind as a healthy planet for the generations coming after us . Thank you for doing this .

Shirley Jones nickname ,

Podcast

Probably be a really really really really good podcast.

Max10207 ,

Interesting idea, but…

This podcast is an interesting idea and could be great. But the editing is not good and the hosting is hard to stand. Pleases get a voice coach or you should change the host. Very irritating and ruins the podcast.

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