Best Italian Impact Weekly Podcasts (2025)

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Meta Bets on Scale + Apple’s A.I. Struggles + Listeners on Job Automation 1:07:27

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3d ago1:07:27

1:07:27

This week, Meta hits the reset button on A.I. But will a new research lab and a multibillion-dollar investment in Scale AI bring the company any closer to its stated goal of “superintelligence”? Then we break down Apple’s big developer conference, WWDC: What was announced, what was noticeably absent, and why Apple seems a little stuck in the past. …

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The Trump-Musk Fallout + A DOGE Coder Speaks + ChefGPT 1:06:58

11d ago1:06:58

1:06:58

This week, Kevin and Casey discuss the sudden breakdown between President Trump and Elon Musk, whose disagreements over the policy bill before Congress quickly erupted into an all-out feud. Then, an ex-DOGE coder explains what it was really like to work inside the Trump administration’s cost-cutting arm. And finally, the former New York Times resta…

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IIW - Episode 108 - Samuele Bozzolla 42:43

13d ago42:43

42:43

This week's guest is the great Samuele Bozzolla. Samuele is grandson of the late opera singer Ezio Fortunato Pinza, famous for his starring role in the Broadway hit, "South Pacific", and son of the great opera singer and Claudia Pinza Bozzolla. In this episode we talk everything from Luciano Pavarotti, his mothers work with various opera singers, t…

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The A.I. Jobpocalypse + Building at Anthropic with Mike Krieger + Hard Fork Crimes Division 1:08:02

18d ago1:08:02

1:08:02

This week, we dive into Kevin’s recent column about how A.I. is affecting the job market for new graduates, and debate whether the job apocalypse is already here for entry-level work. Then Mike Krieger joins us to discuss the new Claude 4 model, the future of work and the online chatter over whether an A.I. system could blackmail you. And finally, …

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IIW - Episode 107 - Glenn Beech 48:22

19d ago48:22

48:22

What a wonderful episode! Glenn and I have a very good conversation about memories and what the difference is between living in the past and remembering the past. Glenn has been slowly gathering memories and writing them down so he can pass them on to his family, what a great idea! Tune in to understand more about why we need to record and pass dow…

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Google DeepMind C.E.O. Demis Hassabis on Living in an A.I. Future 1:13:42

25d ago1:13:42

1:13:42

This week, we take a field trip to Google and report back about everything the company announced at its biggest show of the year, Google I/O. Then, we sit down with Google DeepMind’s chief executive and co-founder, Demis Hassabis, to discuss what his A.I. lab is building, the future of education, and what life could look like in 2030. Guest: Demis …

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IIW - Episode 106 - Marco Permunian 35:16

26d ago35:16

35:16

Wanted to get your Italian citizenship but worried about changes in the law? Never fear! This week I was able to interview Marco Permunian. Marco is an attorney and founder of the Italian Citizenship Assistance group. In this interview he provides invaluable assistance and clarity on the new laws. You can also check out his podcast which focuses on…

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Ed Helms Answers Your Hard Questions 56:03

1M ago56:03

56:03

The actor, comedian and author Ed Helms has a new book out about historical blunders. He swings by Hard Fork to tell us about it and answer your moral quandaries, ethical dilemmas and etiquette questions about technology: How do I tell my mom she can’t post about her grandkids on Facebook? Am I being an A.I. hypocrite at work? And is it OK to troll…

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IIW - Episode 105 - Lou Ignarro, Melissa Marinaro, and Mary Ferro 1:07:03

1M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Nobel Prize winner, Louis Ignarro, is my guest this week. Lou and I discuss how a first generation Italian-American can grow up to win a Nobel Prize! What a tremendous story. Learn more about Lou and his research which is literally saving lives here: https://www.drignarro.com/ I am also very blessed to have Melissa Marinaro, Director, Italian Ameri…

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Bad Apple + The Rise of the AI Empire + Italian Brain Rot 1:11:48

1M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

This week, iPhone users started to feel the impact of a stern court order against Apple that requires the company to stop collecting a commission on some app sales. We break down what this means for apps like Kindle and Spotify and why the judge suggested that Apple and a top executive should be investigated for criminal contempt. Then, Karen Hao j…

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IIW - Episode 104 Lou Bruno and Lauren Ronayne 1:14:27

1M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

This week's episode has two very special guests. Lou Bruno, author and proud Italian-America. His most recent work, The Love of San Demetrio, is an absolutely wonderful story of his experience in connecting the past to the present. Please check out his book here: https://www.byloubruno.com/ Lauren Ronayne is a driving force behind the San Rocco Fou…

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IIW - Episode 103 - Michael Troiani 39:25

2M ago39:25

39:25

This week I interview Michael Troiani, owner of PaPa Js Twin Plaza Restaurant in Pittsburgh. Michael is passionate about Italian culture but his dedication to authentic Italian cooking is above reproach. Michael and I talk a lot but you can tell his passion and knowledge about Italian cooking are something he holds very dear. This is a great episod…

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The Dangers of A.I. Flattery + Kevin Meets the Orb + Group Chat Chat 1:07:24

2M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

This week we dig into the ways chatbots are starting to manipulate us, including ChatGPT’s sycophantic update, Meta’s digital companionship turn and a secret experiment run on Reddit users. Then Kevin reports back from the unveiling of a new eye-scanning orb. And finally, we’re joined by PJ Vogt for a brand-new segment called Group Chat Chat. Ticke…

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Is Google Breaking Up? + Seasteading Is Back + Tool Time 1:07:37

2M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

This week, with big developments in two antitrust cases against Google, we discuss how the company may be forced to change its business. Then we’re joined by the journalist Mark Yarm to discuss his recent visit to an underwater home for his article about techno-utopians who want to colonize the ocean. And finally, it’s tool time! We’ll tell you abo…

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Meta on Trial + Is A.I. a ‘Normal’ Technology? + HatGPT 1:20:28

2M ago1:20:28

1:20:28

This week Meta is on trial, in a landmark case over whether it illegally snuffed out competition when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp. We discuss some of the most surprising revelations from old email messages made public as evidence in the case, and explain why we think the F.T.C.’s argument has gotten weaker in the years since the lawsuit was …

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IIW - Episode 102 - Tony Colega 33:55

2M ago33:55

33:55

In this week's episode, I interview the great voice man and vice-president of the United Lodges of Pittsburgh, Tony Colega. Tony and I talk about his work with the United Lodges, everything from bocce in the mountains to the Italian restaurant tour. If you are looking for some ideas to revitalize your group, this is a great episode to tune into.…

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IIW - Episode 101 - Mary Menniti 52:56

2M ago52:56

52:56

This week I interview Mary Menniti. Mary enjoyed a close relationship with both her maternal and paternal immigrant grandparents. As a result, she learned to cherish the memories of gardening! This week's interview is very powerful as we discuss this dying experience of simple gardening but also how the advent of large corporations has changed ever…

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Big Tech's Tariff Chaos + A.I. 2027 + Llama Drama 1:09:18

2M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

This week, with the tech world in chaos over President Trump’s tariffs, we look at how four specific companies are navigating the new day-to-day reality. Then, the A.I. researcher Daniel Kokotajlo returns to the show to discuss a new set of predictions for how artificial intelligence could transform the world in just the next few years and how we a…

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Tech Stock Shock + Solving the Mystery of OpenAI's "Blip" + Tinder's Flirt-Off 1:02:27

2M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

This week, President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs that are roiling the global economy. We discuss what this could mean for the tech sector and whether this will give China a competitive advantage over the United States in the development of A.I. Then, we chat with a Wall Street Journal reporter, Keach Hagey, about her new book on Sam Altman…

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IIW - Episode 100 - Nick Vizzoca 55:24

3M ago55:24

55:24

The big 100 and what a guest to have for it! This week, I interview author, businessman, philanthropist, and basically all around great guy, Nick Vizzoca. Nick is a Pittsburgh native, first-generation son of Italian immigrants, and survivor of childhood cancer but more importantly, he is a leader and someone who understands people. Nick and I talk …

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The Tech Behind Signalgate + Dwarkesh Patel's "Scaling Era" + Is A.I. Making Our Listeners Dumb? 1:07:49

3M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

This week, we dig into the group chat that’s rocking the Trump administration and talk about why turning to Signal to plan military operations probably isn’t a great idea. Then, we’re joined by the podcaster Dwarkesh Patel to discuss his new book “The Scaling Era,” and whether he’s still optimistic about the broad benefits of A.I. And finally, a co…

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IIW - Episode 99 - Stephanie Detton 41:32

3M ago41:32

41:32

This week I interview the co-host of the "Italian American Stories Podcast", Stephanie Detton. Stephanie and I have an absolute wonderful time talking about a myriad of things. When she is not researching stories, she is busy teaching and spending time with friends and family but she absolutely entertains us with some incredible stories from histor…

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A.I. Action Plans + The College Student Who Broke Job Interviews + Hot Mess Express 1:01:50

3M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

With all of Silicon Valley weighing in on the Trump administration’s new action plan for artificial intelligence, Kevin and Casey break down what’s on everybody’s wish list. Then, a Columbia undergrad explains why he built a tool that lets coders use A.I. to cheat on job interviews. And finally, we climb aboard the Hot Mess Express to talk Solana’s…

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IIW - Episode 98 - Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner 1:02:26

3M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

This week, I interview the great musician Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner of the band AMICI. Stephen has been doing this for a long time, beginning his exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery at the early age of 9 years old. Having played to a million listeners, you will definitely appreciate the passion and talent he brings to his work. To follow …

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Apple's Siri-ous Problem + How Starlink Took Over the World + Is AI Making Us Dumb? 1:02:46

3M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

This week, as the long-promised new Siri faces increasing delays, we explore why Apple seems to be falling even further behind in artificial intelligence. Then, the New York Times reporter Adam Satariano joins us to explain how Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider Starlink took over the world. And finally, we look at a new study that asks: Is A.…

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Is Google Search Cooked? + We’re Getting a U.S. Crypto Reserve? + What You’re Vibecoding 1:10:23

3M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

This week, Google introduced a new way to search, which could mean that Googling as we know it is on the way out. It’s called AI Mode and it is essentially the company’s response to the growing number of people turning to A.I. chat bots instead of Google search. We walk through what this new product looks like, who can use it and what it could mean…

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IIW - Episode 97 - Bill Sunseri 42:46

3M ago42:46

42:46

This week I have the great pleasure of interviewing Bill Sunseri, owner of the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. here in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. Penn Mac, as it is known, has a nearly 120 year history here. In this episode we talk about how losing traditional Italian businesses takes away from the community. Definitely worth a listen and if you a…

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IIW - Episode 96 - Domenico Mariani 43:03

4M ago43:03

43:03

This week I interview Domenico Mariani. This is exactly why I do the show!!! Domenico's story about his family from the war is incredible. Never mind the fact that Domenico spent 30 years in law enforcement and has his own incredible memories. There are just some incredible, incredible stories from his history in this episode...please tune in and u…

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Anthropic’s C.E.O. Dario Amodei on Surviving the A.I. Endgame 1:07:28

4M ago1:07:28

1:07:28

This week, Anthropic’s C.E.O., Dario Amodei, returns to the show for a candid, wide-ranging interview. We discuss Anthropic’s brand-new Claude 3.7 Sonnet model, the A.I. arms race against China, and his hopes and fears for this technology over the next two years. Then, we gather up recent tech stories, put them into a hat and close out the week wit…

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IIW - Episode 95 - Sam Bozzolla and the team from The Lion's Den @ 213 1:01:16

4M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

This week I have 2 segments with 2 very different, but fantastic, guests. How lucky can I get! First, I interview the great Sam Bozzolla. Sam is the grandson of the famous Italian actor Ezio Pinza. In this segment we talk Sam's famous roots to the proper way to begin enjoying opera! This was such a great interview, I will have Sam back soon. Also, …

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How Based is Grok 3? + Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on Markets For Everything + Vibecoding 101 1:11:40

4M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

This week, Elon Musk brought a new chatbot into the crowded A.I. universe — Grok 3, the latest model from his company xAI. We break down how it compares with other leading models and what it reveals about Musk’s larger ambitions. Then, Vlad Tenev, the chief executive of the investing platform Robinhood, lays out his vision for the future of investi…

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IIW - Episode 94 - Robert Campana 39:39

4M ago39:39

39:39

This week, I interview the great Robert Campana! Robert is the founder of Stop Italian Sounding ® (SIS). He tells the story of Italian food and beverage products on social media platforms by creating awareness on the differences between real and Italian sounding food & beverage products. We talk everything from how to pronounce food names to the im…

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A.I. Accelerates in Paris + Can A.I. Fix Your Love Life? 1:12:07

4M ago1:12:07

1:12:07

Kevin reports back from the A.I. Action Summit in Paris, where it was full speed ahead toward artificial general intelligence, with a conspicuous lack of action on the safety front. Also, Happy Valentine’s Day! We’re taking a look at A.I. on dating apps. First, our producer Rachel Cohn explains what happened when she applied all of the advice from …

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IIW - Episode 93 - Erica D’Arcangelo 27:27

4M ago27:27

27:27

Erica D’Arcangelo is a storyteller, author, and content creator with a passion for weaving narratives that reflect her Italian heritage and cultural roots. In August 2024, Erica published her debut book, A Story About Pizza, a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of her grandfather, an Italian immigrant and coal miner with dreams of o…

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The Musketeers Take Washington + Spotify's Ghost Music + Tool Time 1:22:59

4M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

This week, we’re joined by the Times reporter Jonathan Swan to discuss Elon Musk’s tech takeover of Washington, D.C. Then, Liz Pelly, author of a new book about Spotify, stops by to discuss “ghost musicians” and how Spotify’s algorithms are reshaping music culture. And finally — it’s Tool Time! We’ll tell you all about the new A.I. tools we’re usin…

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DeepSeek DeepDive + Hands-On With Operator + Hot Mess Express! 1:05:51

5M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

This week we go even deeper on DeepSeek. ChinaTalk's Jordan Schneider joins us to explain the Chinese A.I. industry and to break down the reaction inside of China to DeepSeek’s sudden success. Then … hello, Operator! We put OpenAI’s new agent software to the test. And finally, all aboard for another ride on the Hot Mess Express! Guest: Jordan Schne…

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IIW - Episode 92 - Jay Warhola 41:13

5M ago41:13

41:13

Warhola...Warhola...why does that ring a bell? Well, tune in to find out as I interview the great Jay Warhola who founded Warhola Video Productions, Inc. in 2001. Spoiler alert: Jay is also a cousin of Andy Warhol and we have some great conversation about a lot of topics! This is a don't miss episode. For more information on Jay Warhola, check out …

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Your Guide to the DeepSeek Freakout: an Emergency Pod 24:04

5M ago24:04

24:04

A Chinese firm called DeepSeek managed to upend global markets at the start of the week, to drag down chipmaker Nvidia — and to surge to No. 1 in the iPhone app store, all in basically no time at all. Today, in this bonus episode, we talk through the news behind the freakout. How is a new A.I. model from one Chinese A.I. company making such a big s…

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Quantum TikTok + Memecoin Mania + Chris Hayes on the Attention Wars 1:12:20

5M ago1:12:20

1:12:20

This week, TikTok died, came back to life — and now exists in a kind of limbo state. We break down what that may signal for how tech does business with the new Trump administration. Then we pump up the fun with memecoins and explore how the Trump family is cashing in. And finally, MSNBC’s Chris Hayes joins us to discuss his new book about attention…

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IIW - Episode 91 - Cittadinanza! Francesco and Chrissy 42:04

5M ago42:04

42:04

Francesco and Chrissy Pircio are a husband-and-wife duo that are passionate about their Italian culture and heritages, striving to create ways to help others who share the same passion. In this interview we talk Italian citizenship, Italian language, and their thoughts on what it means to be Italian. They have two projects to help others who are in…

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Goodbye TikTok, Ni Hao RedNote? + A.I.'s Environmental Impact + Meta's Masculine Energy 1:13:08

5M ago1:13:08

1:13:08

The deadline for TikTok to sell or to face a ban is fast approaching. We discuss how Supreme Court justices — who opted on Friday to uphold the law — reacted to arguments in the case, whether the Chinese government might allow Elon Musk to buy the app, and why self-proclaimed TikTok refugees are rushing to a different Chinese app, called RedNote. T…

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IIW - Episode 90 - Joe Puglisi 34:38

5M ago34:38

34:38

This week I interview the great actor/filmmaker Joe Puglisi. His interest in acting began in earnest in 2012 and he has since appeared in both commercials and films. In 2017 he formed Little Italy Productions, LLC with his business partner and they wrote, acted in and produced their first film entitled "That's Amore" which was released in 2020. You…

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Meta Goes MAGA Mode +A Big Month in A.I. + HatGPT 1:10:55

5M ago1:10:55

1:10:55

This week, Meta announced a series of content moderation changes that will transform the way the social media company’s platforms deal with misinformation and hate speech. We break down what these changes will mean for users and why the company seems to be caving to the right’s arguments on censorship. Then, we’ll explain why 2025 is already shapin…

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IIW - Episode 89 - Margaret Fontana 45:09

5M ago45:09

45:09

Happy New Year! And what a great way to start with an incredible guest, Margaret Fontana! Margaret is a first generation Italian and a highly accomplished media executive renowned for her extensive expertise spanning various industries, including nonprofit, healthcare, film, media, television, technology, and digital-driven broadcast. She is also t…

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Our 2025 Tech Predictions and Resolutions + We Answer Your Questions 1:08:39

5M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

This week, it’s our yearly tech predictions. We’ll review what we got right and wrong about 2024, and tell you what we think is going to happen in 2025. Then we’ll discuss how we want to interact with tech in the new year. Plus, we’ll answer some of your listener questions. We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]. Find “Hard Fork…

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The Wirecutter Show: Kitchen Gear That Lasts a Lifetime (or Extremely Close) 41:10

6M ago41:10

41:10

Happy Holidays, everybody! We are off this week, but we wanted to bring you a recent episode from another New York Times podcast: The Wirecutter Show. It’s called “Kitchen Gear That Lasts a Lifetime (or Extremely Close)” and features Michael Sullivan, one of the senior staff writers on Wirecutter’s kitchen team. Michael walks through tips and trick…

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IIW - Episode 88 - Andrew Speicher 36:11

6M ago36:11

36:11

Who said Italian American youths weren't interested in social organizations? In fact, this week I am joined by Andrew Speicher who helped start a new Italian-American organization called La Prossima. This is a group dedicated to rejuvenating the Italian culture here in American, specifically in Columbus Ohio, among younger folks. This is a great ep…

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Is Amazon's Drone Delivery Finally Ready for Prime Time? 1:03:16

6M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

This week, we took a field trip to the Phoenix suburbs to see Amazon’s newest iteration of drone delivery service in action. We toured the facility where these drones are in operation, spoke with the vice president and general manager of Prime Air, David Carbon, and watched from a local backyard as our own order dropped from the sky. Guest: David C…

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IIW - Episode 87 - Vinny Fasline 37:20

6M ago37:20

37:20

This week's guest is the very talented Vinny Fasline. Vinny is a quasi-Pittsburgh guy. He has been seen touring with comedians Dane Cook, Nick Swardson, Michael Rappaport, Drew Lynch and Jamie Kennedy. He Has performed at the New York Comedy Festival, Cabo Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs tour, and seen on ABC Fablife and CBS. He is has recently ac…

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TikTok's Last Stand + Google's Quantum Breakthrough + Cult of Claude 1:13:06

6M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

Last Friday, a panel of federal judges denied TikTok’s petition to overturn the law that could force the ban of the app in the United States. We walk through the judges reasoning and explain why TikTok’s First Amendment argument was unsuccessful. Then, Julian Kelly, the director of quantum hardware at Google Quantum AI, explains how close we are to…