Bridging the Gaps: A Portal for Curious Minds

Nov 16 2024 81 ep. 54 mins 541

Bridging the Gaps: A Portal for Curious Minds Podcast artwork

In-depth conversations with researchers, explorers and thought leaders from around the world, on cutting edge research and original ideas.

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“The Painful Truth about Hunger in America” with Professor Mariana Chilton

Nov 16 2024 59 mins

Hunger is far more than the immediate and tangible experience of not being able to find or buy food. While it is true that hunger is often depicted as the physical sensation of an empty stomach—a condition that can be temporarily alleviated by food—the issue runs much deeper. Hunger is more than the absence of food; it is a manifestation of deeper, societal and structural

“The Network of Life: A New View of Evolution” with Professor David Mindell

Oct 19 2024 61 mins

For a long time, the prevailing perspective on evolution has been that it follows a vertical pathway, where genetic information is passed down from one generation to the next in a linear fashion, resembling a "tree of life." This classical view suggests that species evolve through a process of divergence from common ancestors, resulting in a branching tree structure that traces the

“Middle Tech: Software Work and the Culture of Good Enough” with Professor Paula Bialski

Oct 06 2024 46 mins

Contrary to the widespread belief that all technology is sleek, flawless, and cutting-edge, much of it isn’t designed to meet such high standards or be revolutionary. In many environments, the goal isn’t always to create perfect, futuristic products. Instead, the focus is often on functionality—producing tech that is good enough to meet immediate needs without striving for pe

“Lessons from the Global South on Designing Inclusive Tech” with Professor Payal Arora

Oct 03 2024 48 mins

The news about emerging technologies often sounds alarming as well as discouraging. Headlines talk about how algorithms control and oppress people. There are fears that AI could harm democracy, damage our social connections, or even cause human extinction. While these fears come from real concerns, it’s also important to recognize the good that technology offers. For young people

“The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience” with Professor Adam Frank

Sep 22 2024 43 mins

Since the Enlightenment, humanity has turned to science to answer profound questions about who we are, where we come from, and where we’re headed. However, we've become stuck in the belief that we can fully understand the universe by viewing it from a detached, external perspective. In focusing solely on external physical realities, imagined from this objective standpoint, we ove

“The Secret Life of Data: Navigating Hype and Uncertainty” with Aram Sinnreich and Jesse Gilbert

May 19 2024 67 mins

As fresh algorithms and new analytical methods emerge, existing datasets can uncover insights beyond their original purpose. Regardless of their intended use, data often possess hidden potentials and always have a “secret life”. “How this data will be used, by other people in other times and places, has profound implications for every aspect of our lives—from our intimate r

“Off-Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space” with Dr Erika Nesvold

Apr 28 2024 48 mins

As humanity sets its sights on venturing beyond the confines of Earth, it is immensely important to acknowledge that the journey to space is not merely a technological feat, but a profoundly human endeavour. From pinpointing destinations to preparing flight plans, from developing generational ships to designing habitats, from selecting teams to establishing communities, there is a

“Evolutionary Intelligence: How Technology Will Make Us Smarter” with Professor W. Russell Neuman

Mar 31 2024 42 mins

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most remarkable advancements of our time. It is a powerful evolving technology that has transformed the way we interact with machines and perceive the capabilities of computer systems. However, with this newfound power comes a natural apprehension. There is a noticeable fear surrounding the unintentional consequences and uninte

“Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity Centered” with Professor Don Norman

Mar 05 2024 60 mins

Has human behaviour pushed our world to the edge, especially the mistaken belief that the earth’s resources are infinite? And can a shift in human behaviour rescue us? The challenges we face, from collapsing social structures to the climate crisis, have been centuries in the making. It is immensely critical that we take immediate and decisive actions; we must transform ourselves

“The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment” with Eric Siegel

Feb 11 2024 45 mins

The most powerful tool often comes with the greatest challenges. In recent times Machine learning has emerged as the world's leading general-purpose technology, yet its implementation remains notably complex. Beyond the realm of Big Tech and a select few leading enterprises, many machine learning initiatives don’t succeed, failing to deliver on their potential. What's lacking? A