Best UC Science Today Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 29: Why AI Adoption Fails: A Behavioral Framework for AI Implementation 49:25

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1d ago49:25

49:25

Liz Costa of the Behavioral Insights Team returns to High Signal to deliver a critical behavioral science playbook for the AI era focused on human and business impact. We discuss why the potential of AI can only be fulfilled by understanding a single bottleneck: human behavior. The conversation reveals why leaders must intervene now to prevent temp…

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Dealing with Difficult People 38:51

15d ago38:51

38:51

If you feel like there's more rudeness in the world, you're not alone. According to John O'Brien, psychologist and author of "Rudeness Rehab," there's a pandemic of incivility. O'Brien says we're seeing bad behavior everywhere, from the streets to the workplace to even the operating room. As part of our Osher Author Talk series, host Henry DeVries …

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Episode 28: From Context Engineering to AI Agent Harnesses: The New Software Discipline 50:34

18d ago50:34

50:34

Lance Martin of LangChain joins High Signal to outline a new playbook for engineering in the AI era, where the ground is constantly shifting under the feet of builders. He explains how the exponential improvement of foundation models is forcing a complete rethink of how software is built, revealing why top products from Claude Code to Manus are in …

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Mobile Mental Health for Students: Triton CORE 17:03

1M ago17:03

17:03

Campus-based mental health response matters everywhere, providing timely help that prevents crises and keeps students thriving. At UC San Diego, Triton CORE’s mobile, trauma-informed clinicians meet students where they feel safest and connect them to least restrictive care. Series: "Education Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Show ID: 409…

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Episode 27: Why Your Data Team Doesn't Have a Seat at the Table (And How to Earn It) 41:35

1M ago41:35

41:35

Paras Doshi (Head of Data, Opendoor; former data leader at Amazon) joins High Signal to unpack the playbook for building an indispensable data function. He shares his experience tackling the classic scaling challenge of fragmented data at Opendoor, where rapid growth led to inconsistent metrics across the business, and turning the data function int…

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Episode 26: Gen AI's True Cost: Why Today's Wins Are Tomorrow's Debts 43:14

2M ago43:14

43:14

Vishnu Ram Venkataraman (Generative AI Executive & Entrepreneur; former AI Leader at Credit Karma and Intuit) joins High Signal to unpack the true cost of generative AI. Having scaled AI solutions impacting over 140 million users, Vishnu reveals why the ease of shipping Gen AI prototypes often masks significant operational and engineering debts, ch…

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Episode 25: How Data-Driven Growth Redefined a Media Giant 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

Sergey Fogelson (VP of Data Science, Televisa Univision) joins High Signal to reveal how the world’s largest Spanish-language media company built a sophisticated data engine from the ground up. This transformation fueled a tenfold expansion of its digital streaming business by redefining how the company connects with 300 million viewers worldwide. …

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Episode 24: Rebuilding an Airline for the 21st Century: LATAM's Data-Driven Transformation 49:56

3M ago49:56

49:56

Andrés Bucchi (Chief Data Officer, LATAM Airlines) joins High Signal to unpack how a century-old airline reinvented itself with data and AI—and how that transformation is unlocking value from fuel efficiency to fraud detection. LATAM has built a massive data operation, experimenting across everything from pricing to operations, while customers bene…

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Episode 23: Why Most AI Agents Fail (and What It Takes to Reach Production) 51:17

3M ago51:17

51:17

Anu Bharadwaj (President, Atlassian) joins High Signal to unpack how humans and AI agents will work together across the enterprise, and how that shift could change the very nature of teamwork. Atlassian employees have already built thousands of agents across product, marketing, engineering, and HR teams, while customers like HarperCollins are cutti…

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Episode 22: Why a Trillion Dollars of Market Cap Is Up for Grabs (and How AI Teams Will Win It) 46:50

3M ago46:50

46:50

Tomasz Tunguz (Theory Ventures) joins High Signal to unpack why a trillion dollars of market cap is up for grabs as AI reshapes enterprise software. He explains why workflows are now changing faster than packaged software can keep up, how “liquid software” is redefining CRM and marketing automation, and why background agents will require a new kind…

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Episode 21: Why Great Data Still Leads to Bad Decisions (And How to Fix It) 50:38

4M ago50:38

50:38

Amy Edmondson (Harvard Business School) and Mike Luca (Johns Hopkins) join High Signal to unpack what actually drives good decisions in data‑rich organizations. Using contrasts like the Bay of Pigs vs. the Cuban Missile Crisis and product cases such as Airbnb’s work on measuring discrimination, they show how decision quality tracks conversation qua…

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Episode 20: Incentives, Accountability, and the Data Leader’s Dilemma 1:03:13

4M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

Daragh Sibley, Chief Algorithms Officer at Literati and former Director of Data Science at Stitch Fix, joins High Signal to unpack how machine-learning moves from slide-deck promise to bottom-line impact. He walks through his shift from academic research on how kids learn to read to owning inventory and personalization algorithms that decide which …

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Episode 19: Defaults, Decisions, and Dynamic Systems: Behavioral Science Meets AI 54:08

5M ago54:08

54:08

Lis Costa, Chief of Innovation and Partnerships at the Behavioural Insights Team, joins High Signal to explore how behavioral science is reshaping public policy, digital platforms, and machine learning. She explains how defaults influence behavior at scale, why personalization and chatbots are unlocking new kinds of interventions, and what happens …

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The Writer and Educator: Eduardo Corvera 38:14

5M ago38:14

38:14

Frank Silva talks with writer and educator Eduardo Corvera about the power of reading, writing, and the humanities. They explore how stories help us understand ourselves and the world around us. Corvera shares insights on teaching, the writing process, and why being honest and curious is essential for young writers. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring …

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Episode 18: High-Stakes AI Systems and the Cost of Getting It Wrong 58:45

5M ago58:45

58:45

Sudarshan Seshadri—VP of AI, Data Science, and Foundations Engineering at Alto Pharmacy—joins us to explore what it takes to build high-stakes AI systems that people can actually trust. He shares lessons from deploying machine learning and LLMs in healthcare, where speed, safety, and uncertainty must be carefully balanced. We talk about designing A…

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Episode 17: The Incentive Problem in Shipping AI Products — and How to Change It 53:52

6M ago53:52

53:52

Roberto Medri, VP of Data Science at Instagram, explains why most experiments fail, how misaligned incentives warp product development, and what it takes to drive real impact with data science. He shares what teams get wrong about launches, why ego gets in the way of learning, and how Instagram turned Reels from a struggling product into a global s…

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Episode 16: How Human-Centered AI Actually Gets Built 47:22

7M ago47:22

47:22

Fei-Fei Li—co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute and one of the most respected voices in the field—reflects on AI’s evolution from the early days of ImageNet to the rise of foundation models. She explains why spatial intelligence may be the next major shift, how human-centered design applies in practice, and why AI should be underst…

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Episode 15: Why Good Metrics Still Lead to Bad Decisions — and How to Fix It 54:17

7M ago54:17

54:17

Eoin O'Mahony—data science partner at Lightspeed, former Uber science lead, and one of the early architects of the system that kept NYC’s Citi Bikes available across the city—argues that positive metrics are meaningless if you don’t understand the mechanism behind them. At Uber, he was careful to make sure his launches both looked good on paper and…

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A Life Lesson in Climbing with Manley Feinberg 39:34

8M ago39:34

39:34

“When anchors fail, people die.” This line has many meanings for author, motivational speaker and expert mountain climber Manley Feinberg. In this Osher Author Talk interview, Feinberg describes a harrowing climb of Yosemite's El Capitan in 2022, where he and his son saved the life of their companion while suspended on the face of the mountain. He …

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Episode 14: Why Most Companies Aren’t Actually AI Ready (and What to Do About It) 51:58

8M ago51:58

51:58

Barr Moses—co-founder and CEO of Monte Carlo—thinks we’re headed for an AI reckoning. Companies are building fast, but most are still managing data like it’s 2015. In this episode, she shares high-stakes failure stories (like a $100M schema change), explains why full-stack observability is becoming essential, and breaks down how LLM agents are alre…

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Addressing Antisemitism on Campus: Lessons from History Challenges for Today 59:45

8M ago59:45

59:45

John A. Pérez, Regent Emeritus of the University of California, sits down with Robert Williams, Ph.D., CEO and Finci-Viterbi Executive Director of the USC Shoah Foundation, for a critical conversation about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. They explore how history shapes present-day challenges, the dangers of misinformation, and the ro…

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Episode 13: The End of Programming As We Know It 1:23:09

8M ago1:23:09

1:23:09

Tim O’Reilly—founder of O’Reilly Media and one of the most influential voices in tech—argues we’re not witnessing the end of programming, but the beginning of something far bigger. He draws on past computing revolutions to explore how AI is reshaping what it means to build software, why real breakthroughs come from the edge—not incumbents—and what …

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Episode 12: Your Machine Learning Solves The Wrong Problem 54:40

9M ago54:40

54:40

Stefan Wager—Professor at Stanford and expert on causal machine learning—has worked with leading tech companies including Dropbox, Facebook, Google, and Uber. He challenges the widespread assumption that better predictions mean better decisions. Traditional machine learning excels at prediction, but is prediction really what your business needs? St…

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Episode 11: What Comes After Code? The Role of Engineers in an AI-Driven Future 1:05:44

9M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Peter Wang—Chief AI Officer at Anaconda and a driving force behind PyData—challenges conventional thinking about AI’s role in software development. As AI reshapes engineering, are we moving beyond writing code to orchestrating intelligence? Peter explores why companies are fixated on models instead of integration, how AI is breaking traditional sof…

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Episode 10: AI Won't Save You But Data Intelligence Will 59:42

10M ago59:42

59:42

Ari Kaplan—Global Head of Evangelism at Databricks and a pioneer in sports analytics—explains why businesses fixated on AI often overlook the real advantage: making better decisions with their own data. He shares lessons from his work building analytics teams for Major League Baseball, advising McLaren’s F1 strategy, and helping companies apply AI …

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Episode 9: Why 90% of Data Science Fails—And How to Fix It -- With Eric Colson 1:09:40

10M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

In this episode of High Signal, Eric Colson—former Chief Algorithms Officer at Stitch Fix and VP of Data Science and Machine Learning at Netflix—breaks down why most companies fail to unlock the full potential of their data science teams. Drawing from years of experience leading data functions at top tech companies, Eric shares how organizations ca…

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Episode 8: From Zero to Scale: Lessons from Airbnb and Beyond 1:06:42

11M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

In this episode of High Signal, Elena Grewal—former Head of Data Science at Airbnb, political consultant, professor at Yale, and ice cream shop owner—shares her journey of building data teams that scale across vastly different contexts. Drawing on her experiences in tech, consulting, and brick-and-mortar, Elena offers practical lessons on leadershi…

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Reinventing Lifelong Learning with Edward Abeyta 16:29

11M ago16:29

16:29

In this insightful conversation, Edward Abeyta, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Education and Community Outreach at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, shares his passion for lifelong learning, community access, and innovation in education. Drawing on his personal journey, shaped by his family’s belief in hard work and continuous learning, Abeyta …

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Episode 7: What Lies Beyond Machine Learning and AI: Decision Systems and the Future of Data Teams 1:18:44

12M ago1:18:44

1:18:44

In this episode of High Signal, Chris Wiggins—Chief Data Scientist at The New York Times, Professor at Columbia University, and co-author of How Data Happened—shares how organizations can move beyond prediction to actionable decision systems. Drawing on his work at The New York Times and in academia, Chris explains how to scale data teams, optimize…

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A Career in Latin Music: Darlene Lopez 27:41

12M ago27:41

27:41

Darlene Lopez shares her inspiring journey in the business world, offering valuable insights into career growth, mentorship, and navigating the corporate landscape. Drawing from her experiences at Apple and TikTok, she discusses how these roles shaped her leadership style, approach to self-promotion, and the importance of setting boundaries. A cent…

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Episode 6: What Happens to Data Science in the Age of AI? 1:18:23

12M ago1:18:23

1:18:23

In this episode of High Signal, Hilary Mason—renowned data scientist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Hidden Door—shares her unique insights into the evolving world of data science and generative AI. Drawing from her pioneering work at Fast Forward Labs, Bitly, and Hidden Door, Hilary explores how creativity, judgment, and empathy are reshaping the…

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STEM Without Borders: The ENLACE Summer Research Program 8:56

1y ago8:56

8:56

The ENLACE Summer Research Experience at UC San Diego connects high school and college students from the U.S. and Mexico in hands-on lab work with real research impact. Led by Dr. Olivia Graeve, the program offers a chance to explore new fields, gain lab skills, and prepare for grad school, while building cross-border friendships and collaboration …

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Episode 5: The Hard Truth About Building AI Systems and What Most Leaders Miss About AI 1:02:06

1y ago1:02:06

1:02:06

In this episode of High Signal, Gabriel Weintraub (the Amman Professor of Operations, Information, and Technology at Stanford Graduate School of Business), brings his expertise in market design, data science, and operations, enriched by his experience with global platforms like Uber and Mercado Libre, to a conversation that spans practical strategi…

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Empowering the Future of Medicine: UniversityLink Medical Science Program 16:31

1y ago16:31

16:31

Through the UniversityLink Medical Science Program (ULMSP), college students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to become future health science professionals develop essential academic and professional skills, benefit from long-term mentoring, and build lasting social and professional networks. Dr. Ramón A. Hernandez hig…

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Episode 4: How to Build an Experimentation Machine and Where Most Go Wrong 51:16

1y ago51:16

51:16

Ramesh Johari (Stanford, Uber, Airbnb, and more) explores the art and science of online experimentation, especially in the context of marketplaces and tech companies. Ramesh shares insights on how organizations evolve from basic experimentation practices to becoming fast, adaptive, and self learning organizations. We dive into challenges like the r…

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Episode 3: Data Science Meets Management: Teamwork, Experimentation, and Decision-Making 52:12

1y ago52:12

52:12

Chiara Farronato (Harvard Business School) discusses how digital platforms like Airbnb and Uber have transformed industries. She explores the challenges of fostering collaboration between managers and data scientists, bridging communication gaps, and building data-driven cultures. Chiara also delves into the complexities of managing peer-to-peer ma…

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Episode 2: Fooling Yourself Less: The Art of Statistical Thinking in AI 1:00:51

1y ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Hugo Bowne-Anderson welcomes Andrew Gelman, professor at Columbia University, to discuss the practical side of statistics and data science. They explore the importance of high-quality data, computational skills, and using simulation to avoid misleading results. Andrew dives into real-world applications like election predictions and highlights causa…

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Episode 1: The Next Evolution of AI: Markets, Uncertainty, and Engineering Intelligence at Scale 1:15:12

1y ago1:15:12

1:15:12

Michael Jordan (UC Berkeley) on the future of machine learning as it extends to a planetary scale in "The Next Evolution of AI: Markets, Uncertainty, and Engineering Intelligence at Scale." In this episode, Mike speaks with Hugo about the evolution of AI, the importance of integrating machine learning, computer science, and economics, and how AI ca…

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From Dreams to Degrees: How Reality Changers Transforms Lives 6:13

1y ago6:13

6:13

Discover the inspiring work of Reality Changers, an organization dedicated to empowering first-generation students and their families to achieve their dreams of higher education. Hear firsthand from students, volunteers, and staff as they share how Reality Changers provides critical support—from academic tutoring and mentorship to a safe, welcoming…

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From Resilience to Leadership: A Journey of Social Justice and Community Empowerment with Gloria Corral 31:27

1+ y ago31:27

31:27

Through her work with the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), Gloria Corral empowers families and communities to nurture and support young children's brilliance, particularly in marginalized communities. Here, she shares her career journey as well as insights on the importance of kindness, valuing diverse identities, and finding joy and …

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A Conversation with Ina Garten Michelle K. Hanabusa Margot Lee Shetterly and Lynn Sherr - Women in Leadership 2024 1:20:36

1+ y ago1:20:36

1:20:36

Cookbook author and television host Ina Garten, founder and creative director of UPRISERS and co-founder of Hate Is A Virus Michelle K. Hanabusa, and author of ”Hidden Figures" Margot Lee Shetterly sit down with Lynn Sherr for a wide-ranging discussion of women and society, personal journeys and hopes for the future. Series: "Education Channel" [Pu…

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Cultural Connections: Latinx and Chicanx Student Associations - A Mesa Redonda Dialogue 26:46

1+ y ago26:46

26:46

Latinx and Chicanx student organizations are more than just clubs. They provide ways to find your cultural compass, foster lifelong friendships, and amplify your voice in a supportive, empowering space. These organizations explore traditions, navigate challenges, and help students flourish both socially and academically. Hear how these organization…

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From Adversity to Advocacy: Jorge Carrillo's Journey 46:37

2y ago46:37

46:37

In his compelling talk, Jorge Carrillo takes the audience on a journey through his life, from growing up in California to becoming a prominent figure in the legal field. Carrillo reflects on the challenges he faced, including personal struggles and societal issues, offering insights into his experiences as a farm worker and his pivotal role in the …

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Journaling: A Path Through Trauma with Irene Ekdahl - Creative Conversations 23:08

2y ago23:08

23:08

Discover the power of journaling. Join host Morgan Appel as he delves into the transformative world of journaling with guest Irene Ekdahl. Learn how journaling can help you express your thoughts, manage stress, and unlock your creativity. From structured journals to art journaling, explore the diverse benefits of this introspective practice. Series…

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Human Rights Defender: A Life in Education and Advocacy with Eva Pacheco 24:04

2y ago24:04

24:04

Eva Pacheco's journey as an advocate for quality bilingual education programs and parental engagement within school communities began with her experiences as a teacher in Mexico. When she moved to the US, she noticed the limitations of the American school system in supporting bilingual learners like her own children, who had limited resources.Deter…

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Voices of Dignity: Human Rights in Schools 38:51

2+ y ago38:51

38:51

What does "dignity at work" mean for educators and school staff? What are the primary challenges faced by school faculty and staff? How can administrators and decision-makers effectively address these issues? Join Jeffrey M. Siminoff from Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, along with Guadalupe Carrasco Cardona from Roybal Learning Center and Timothy S…

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Human Rights in Education 43:14

2+ y ago43:14

43:14

Did you know that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals directly reflect human rights standards? Dr. Leighangela Brady, superintendent of National School District, shares how her district brings these goals and human rights work into the classroom, addressing real world problems with engaging learning opportunities. Series: "Education Ch…

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Driven by Curiosity: A Career in Cancer Research with Elena Martinez 25:10

2+ y ago25:10

25:10

In this inspiring video, Elena Martinez, Ph.D., shares her journey as a first-generation student from Mexico who dedicated herself to a career in cancer epidemiology, prevention, and disparities. Dr. Martinez emphasizes the transformative power of education as a means of empowerment and opportunity. She candidly discusses the cultural and societal …

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Proposition 28: Painting the Future of Arts Education 40:50

2+ y ago40:50

40:50

Morgan Appel is joined by Pauline Crooks and Russell Sperling to explore the impact of California's Proposition 28 on arts education. They look back on Proposition 13's effects on education and then examine how Proposition 28 aims to revitalize arts education today and the creative economy of the future. Learn about the initiative's purpose, fundin…

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Finding a Path to Your Passions with Kaitlyn Avila 30:56

2+ y ago30:56

30:56

Kaityn Avila grew up in a small town in northern California. Her interest in music lead her to play in her high school band and think what life beyond high school could be. Encouraged by her older brother, she attended UC San Diego where she found community, supportive mentors, and a passion for writing. Avila shares what it is like to be a first g…