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

    6D AGO

    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
  2. Astonishing Tales from the Flip Phone Fad

    12/08/2025

    Astonishing Tales from the Flip Phone Fad

    In this episode of Superintelligent, Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini dive into the new trend of old tech. Younger people are ditching smartphones and embracing flip phones. They unpack stories of Gen Z and millennial “lone wolves” who gave up TikTok, dating apps and infinite scroll for deeper work, better sleep and real-world skills. Links “The Matrix” flip phone TCL FLIP 4 5G flip phone CAT S22 flip phone The Last Useful Man Mental Health in the Scroll Age Top 8 Best Distraction Free Phones in 2025 Stickerbox Palantir CEO Says Legalizing War Crimes Would Be Good for Business 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 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

    35 min
  3. Should Jim break up with his AI girlfriend?

    11/24/2025

    Should Jim break up with his AI girlfriend?

    Mike and Emily challenge their bias that all AI relationships are bad using a real world example—with a scandalous twist. With companion chatbots becoming more common, how do people resist delusion? What’s the end point for simulated relationships? Links Joi.ai Blade Runner 2049’s Joi Ready for the ‘torment nexus’? Her 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 Exploring AI Companionship 03:53 The Story of Jim: A Case Study 08:24 The Impact of AI on Human Relationships 14:48 The Dangers of Delusion in AI Interactions 20:38 Exploring Human Connection and Loneliness 23:02 The Reality of Digital Relationships 25:09 The Impact of AI on Human Emotions 27:09 The Future of Virtual Companionship 30:34 The Dystopian Vision of Technology 32:56 The Need for a Utopian Approach to Technology Keywords AI companionship, emotional impact, loneliness, rural America, digital relationships, technology addiction, virtual reality, human connection, AI relationships, social isolation 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

    38 min
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. This Is Not Your Mom’s Mafia

    10/25/2025

    This Is Not Your Mom’s Mafia

    The latest episode of the Superintelligent podcast, hosted by Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini, dives into the technology angle on the mafia using NBA players and coaches to run gambling scams, the absurdity of AI opinion polarization, and a comprehensive look at “currant” scone matters. Links FBI Busts Mob, NBA Players for Gambling Scheme: Here’s the Tech They Used https://www.pcmag.com/news/fbi-busts-mob-nba-players-for-gambling-scheme-heres-the-tech-they-used [I Ate] Scones, jam and clotted cream in the Cotswolds https://www.reddit.com/r/food/comments/1oe1lkw/i_ate_scone_jam_and_clotted_cream_in_the_cotswolds/ 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/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:54 The Gambling Scandal Unveiled 05:01 Technology’s Role in Modern Crime 07:13 The Cultural Impact of NBA Players 09:19 The Evolution of Organized Crime 14:43 AI’s Dual Nature: Benefits and Risks 22:28 The Future of AI and Shopping Technology 31:23 The Future of AI Beyond Chatbots 32:18 Exploring Alternative AI Applications 33:41 Ethics and AI in Media Creation 35:49 The Dystopian Nature of AI Fabrication 37:05 The Shallow Discourse of the Tech Industry 37:28 Digital Detox: A City’s Initiative 41:24 The Impact of Technology on Society 41:47 Coping with Technology Overload 47:44 Cultural Insights on Food and Language 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

    54 min
  7. If the AI maker says it’s dumb, it’s probably dumb

    10/12/2025

    If the AI maker says it’s dumb, it’s probably dumb

    Hosts Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini talk about how people might adapt to a world of AI content. Will people lower their standards and just not care? Or will the trend trigger a backlash and demand for the real world and content created by people? This Superintelligent episode tackles the whole media ecosystem, what’s wrong with it and how it can be saved for the benefit of all. Links Here Comes the AI-Content Backlash!https://machinesociety.ai/p/the-ai-content-backlash-has-begun-b02 How Distributed Computing Makes This Stunning New Immersive Art Exhibition Possiblehttps://www.pcmag.com/articles/artechouse-submerge-exhibition-distributed-computing How Terry Gross Readshttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/YyUNspQJQX 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/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 01:25 The Backlash Against AI Content 04:35 The Comic Book Industry’s Stance on AI 07:12 Demand for Realism in Film 09:48 The Concept of Higher Taste 13:58 The Decline of Quality in Content 17:10 Libraries and AI-Generated Content 20:15 The Role of Disclosure in AI Content 22:41 The Future of AI Content and Quality 27:45 The Impact of AI on Human Thought 31:08 Dreaming and Visualization through AI 31:37 The Influence of AI on Creativity 34:11 The Changing Landscape of Reading and Content Consumption 38:30 The Evolution of Storytelling in Modern Media 42:18 The Need for Authenticity in Content 49:46 Navigating Technology and Wellbeing Keywords AI content, backlash, human creativity, comics, music, higher taste, media quality, censorship, libraries, thought, reality, content consumption, technology#AIcontent #backlash #humancreativity #comics #music #highertaste #mediaquality #censorship #libraries #thought #reality #contentconsumption #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

    58 min
  8. Jensen Huang: The Gustavo Fring of Tech

    10/05/2025

    Jensen Huang: The Gustavo Fring of Tech

    Don’t look now, but here comes another thrilling episode of Superintelligent!! The AI-generated elephant in the room remains Sora 2 and its fake TikTok anti-social social network. OpenAI launched their latest video generation tool alongside an AI-generated social media feed, and Sam Altman admitted the entire endeavor exists to monetize their business. It’s a profit deal! Mike brings attention to what you might call the “substitution economy,” where tech companies position AI and robotic alternatives as superior to genuine human relationships, real pets, and authentic experiences. Whether it’s OpenAI’s faux TikTok, character AI for romantic relationships, or AI-generated video feeds replacing actual human creativity, the pattern is unmistakable and troubling. Meanwhile, brain-computer interfaces are advancing faster than expected, though not in ways promised by science fiction. Emily attended a panel on brain implants in New York City, where she encountered everyone from the supervillain-looking surgeon who performs Neuralink operations to the Meta engineer behind their unfashionable neural wristband technology. The disconnect between public promises and private reality became clear when industry leaders publicly rejected mass commercialization while privately investing in that future. Even Apple is jumping on the brain-computer interface gravy train. Apple’s quiet but significant contribution comes from Bluetooth standards that allow brain implants to communicate with consumer devices just like any other peripheral. Sending iMessages through thought alone — telepathy, basically — becomes possible. Mike’s and Emily’s discussion of the AI bubble revealed how different this moment feels from the dot-com crash. NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang is as much an outlier as NVIDIA itself. He presents as an immigrant success story while demonstrating the ruthless business instincts necessary to dominate the AI chip market. His ability to position NVIDIA as essential to every technological future, from chatbots to humanoid robots to digital twin simulations. Links AI Is Testing America’s Power Grid—And Uprooting Rural Familieshttps://www.pcmag.com/articles/ai-is-testing-americas-power-grid-and-uprooting-rural-families An Unwelcome Megatrend: AI that Replaces Family, Friends — and Petshttps://www.computerworld.com/article/4067326/an-unwelcome-megatrend-ai-that-replaces-family-friends-and-pets.html Vibe Coding Is Everywhere. Here’s How It Works and 5 Tips for Getting Startedhttps://www.pcmag.com/explainers/vibe-coding-is-everywhere-how-it-works-tips-for-getting-started Whoop Adds Bloodwork Uploads Amid Spat With FDA Over How ‘Medical’ Its Wearable Ishttps://www.pcmag.com/news/whoop-adds-bloodwork-uploads-amid-spat-with-fda-over-how-medical-its-wearable Sam Altman Admits Sora 2 ‘Slop’ Feed Is a Money Grab to Fund GPUshttps://www.pcmag.com/news/sam-altman-admits-sora-2-slop-feed-is-a-money-grab-to-fund-gpus Echo, Kindle, Ring, and More: All the New Products Amazon Announced at Its Fall Hardware Eventhttps://www.pcmag.com/news/everything-amazon-announced-2025-fall-devices-event-scribe-ring-echo-fire Evaluating the Impact of AI on the Labor Market: Current State of Affairshttps://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/evaluating-impact-ai-labor-market-current-state-affairs 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: mailto:superintelligentpodcast@gmail.com Superintelligent Podcast (https://www.superintelligentpodcast.com/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Tech News 00:40 OpenAI’s Sora 2 and AI Video Generation 01:57 Amazon’s New Device Launches 03:27 The Trend of AI Replacing Human Connections 05:33 Meta’s AI Developments and the Vibes Platform 06:51 Brain Implants and Neuralink’s Competition 09:40 The Ethics of Brain-Computer Interfaces 14:13 OpenAI’s Future and Sam Altman’s Influence 25:46 The AI Bubble: Reality vs. Projections 27:41 Lessons from the Dot Com Bubble 30:36 The Impact of AI on the Job Market 33:45 Investment Trends and Economic Implications 37:12 The Role of Perception in Stock Valuations 42:30 Nvidia and the Future of Robotics 48:28 Jensen Huang: The Duality of Leadership Keywords OpenAI, Sora 2, AI video generation, Amazon hardware, brain implants, Neuralink, AI bubble, Nvidia, robotics, tech news 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

    51 min
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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

Information

  • Creator
    with Mike Elgan and Emily Forlini
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Unicorn Roast
  • Show Website
    Superintelligent

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