Superintelligent

with Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini

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

  1. A Blizzard of Meteorologists on TikTok

    JAN 26

    A Blizzard of Meteorologists on TikTok

    Why 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? Links https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-apps-forecast-accuracy-snow-weather-9768afec5fc53b4faba19f3cfd06a86c Emily on TikTok Dark Sky is done. Here’s how Apple’s Weather app succeeded it Yes, ‘The Farmer’s Almanac’ Is Closing—But Don’t Panic Just Yet Hail Cannon in the Wikipedia EMP in the Wikipedia Kagi Assistant is now available to all users Follow Us Website: superintelligentpodcast.com Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes Emily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTok Chapters 00:00 Weather Wonders: A Tale of Two Climates 02:14 The Evolution of Weather Forecasting 05:12 The Role of Meteorologists in Modern Society 08:04 The Impact of Weather on Agriculture 11:10 The Future of Weather Information 13:48 The Intersection of Technology and Tradition 16:48 Cultural Perspectives on Weather Communication 19:32 The Legacy of the Farmer’s Almanac 28:10 The Lively Chaos of Latin American Streets 31:24 Navigating Information in a Digital Age 38:47 The TikTok Experiment: Finding Engagement 53:06 Connecting Through Content Creation Keywords Superintelligent 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 storytelling Disclosures We 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

    56 min
  2. Wandering the Desert Looking for Aliens

    JAN 20

    Wandering the Desert Looking for Aliens

    Emily 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? Links Apple, Google Sign Deal to Use Gemini AI to Help Build the Future of Siri Google Flexes Another AI Advantage Warby Parker, Google to launch AI-powered smart glasses in 2026 A 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 Release Ziff Davis AI layoffs - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThBSo421/ Follow Us Website: superintelligentpodcast.com Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 01:06 The Impact of AI on Website Traffic 04:08 Google’s Content Monetization Strategy 06:31 Navigating the Future of AI Personal Assistants 12:25 Apple and Google’s Strategic Partnership 18:52 The Future of Smart Glasses and AI Integration 22:03 The Future of Smart Glasses 24:43 Wearable Tech in Industry 27:42 The Psychological Effects of AI 29:39 The Balance of Digital and Physical Exploration 31:42 Beliefs About Aliens and Exploration Keywords Google, 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. Disclosures We 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

    44 min
  3. I Can't Believe It's Butter!

    JAN 12

    I Can't Believe It's Butter!

    Superintelligent 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. Links Amira’s home-made cultured butter Google 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 world In an AI-perfect world, it’s time to prove you’re human This retiree’s 30 AI girlfriends kept loneliness at bay—until one’s dark secret shatters the illusion After ‘digital undressing’ criticism, Elon Musk’s Grok limits some image generation to paid subscribers BeReal Twitter and Pinterest founders launch app as antidote to social media Steve Miller’s high school speech clip from Jimmy Kimmel Follow Us Website: superintelligentpodcast.com Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes Emily Forlini -Website |PC Mag |Bluesky |X |TikTok Keywords Artificial 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 Automation Disclosures We 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

    55 min
  4. New Year’s Resolution: To Make My Phone Boring

    12/31/2025

    New Year’s Resolution: To Make My Phone Boring

    Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini explore the future of home automation by debating the merits of humanoid robots versus the new concept of "ambient robotics." They discuss why invisible tech like self-cleaning litter boxes beats Elon Musk’s lawn-mowing androids and how Carnegie Mellon is creating kitchen appliances that anticipate what you need. The duo also shares their 2025 tech resolutions, covering everything from Mike’s backpack weight-loss plan and Emily’s grayscale strategy for digital detoxing in the new year. Links Go gray, not cray: why you should grayscale your phone Toras phone cases 1X Neo Carnegie Mellon University’s “ambient computing” research Heath Zenith self-charging doorbell Apple AirPods 4 Follow Us Website: superintelligentpodcast.com Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok Chapters 00:00 New Year, New Resolutions 05:53 Tech Resolutions and Screen Time 11:27 Social Media Strategies and Engagement 16:17 The Future of Robotics and Ambient Technology 22:52 The Rise of Ambient Robotics 29:05 The Future of Home Automation 34:03 Challenges of Smart Home Technology 40:30 Reflections on Technology and User Experience Keywords Superintelligent podcast, Mike Elgan, Emily Forlini, tech resolutions, digital detox, iPhone grayscale, screen time, smartphone addiction, backpack, Toras case, humanoid robots, 1X Neo, ambient robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Violet Han, smart home, home automation, AI, AirPods 4, adaptive audio, kinetic doorbell, smart home fatigue, invisible tech, consumer technology 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

    42 min
  5. Software Wants Us Twerking 996

    11/12/2025

    Software Wants Us Twerking 996

    Your favorite podcast hosts clock in to tech’s 996 work culture. That means working 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, a concept that moved from China to Silicon Valley. Emily unpacks the particulars of the 996 phenomenon, revealing the burnout, competition, and absurd expectations at some of the world’s biggest tech companies. Mike shares his own ‘workaholic’ past. Plus, the Superintelligent hosts offer Superintelligent ideas about how low-tech can improve your work and life in a high-tech world. Links Why the ‘996’ schedule is capturing the interest of Silicon Valley leadershiphttps://www.npr.org/2025/10/26/nx-s1-5567995/why-the-996-schedule-is-capturing-the-interest-of-silicon-valley-leadership Influencers in the Wild (social media virality and sociology)https://www.instagram.com/influencersinthewild The power of low-tech in a high-tech worldhttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4086115/the-power-of-low-tech-in-a-high-tech-world.html Rosalía “Berghain”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQBS2Ikz6c Follow Us Website: superintelligentpodcast.com Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com Mike Elgan - About | Machine Society | Bluesky | Mastodon | Notes Emily Forlini - Website | PC Mag | Bluesky | X | TikTok Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 996 Work Culture 00:52 The Impact of Workaholism in Tech 03:19 Cultural Perspectives on Work Hours 05:45 The Role of AI in Work Culture 08:25 Personal Experiences with Workaholism 09:27 The Future of Work and Burnout 12:04 Conclusion and Reflections on Work Culture 15:46 Cultural Perspectives on Work Ethic 18:59 The High-Tech World and Its Implications 22:33 The Importance of Traditional Skills 25:58 AI and Human Dependency 29:39 Embracing Language and Culture 33:12 Pop Culture Reflections and Closing Thoughts Keywords 996 work culture, burnout, workaholism, AI impact, work-life balance, technology in work, cultural work ethic, low-tech solutions, intellectual growth, creativity 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

    37 min
  6. Robots Don’t Need A Face To Fold Laundry

    11/04/2025

    Robots Don’t Need A Face To Fold Laundry

    Hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini take a hard look at humanoid hardware, those overpriced mechanical houseguests we’ve all seen in science fiction and self-driving cars that cant quite drive themselves. Mike shuts down the humanoid delusion, while Emily calls out the anthropomorphic marketing ruse tech titans pull to appease pro-natalist narcissist types. Also: The hosts get personal, sharing practical, analog tips for surviving in a hyper-digital world. Links Breaking the Humanoid Robot Delusionhttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4082113/breaking-the-humanoid-robot-delusion.html NEO The Home Robothttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTYMWadOW7c Amazon CEO Blames ‘Culture’ for Mass Layoffs, Not AIhttps://www.pcmag.com/news/amazon-ceo-mass-layoffs-were-not-due-to-ai-but-culture Fed Chair Not Worried About an AI Bubble. Here’s Why It Differs From the ‘90shttps://www.pcmag.com/news/fed-chair-jerome-powell-ai-bubble-why-its-different-90s-dotcom-era After Teen Suicide, Character.AI (http://character.ai/) to Bar Kids Under 18 From Unlimited Chatshttps://www.pcmag.com/news/after-teen-suicide-characterai-to-bar-kids-under-18-from-unlimited-chats Follow Us Mike Elgan - About (https://elgan.com/about) | Machine Society Newsletter (https://machinesociety.ai/) Emily Forlini - Website (https://emilyforlini.com/) | PC Mag Articles (https://www.pcmag.com/authors/emily-dreibelbis-forlini) Email: superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com Superintelligent Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/) 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

    1h 2m
4.5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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

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