Best Talkbox Podcast Podcasts (2025)

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History of The Bill Murray, Life-Changing Comedy Tapes, Use the Algorithm — Barry Ferns | Talk Box Ep.8 1:01:18

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3d ago1:01:18

1:01:18

This week on Talk Box, Rich welcomes Barry Ferns — stand-up comedian, founder of The Bill Murray venue, and the kind of comic who always has a dozen projects in motion. Together they dig into: The origin of The Bill Murray (the comedy venue, not the man) The cassette tapes that helped shape Barry’s comedy worldview Navigating the algorithm in moder…

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Danny Wallace's Non-Catholic Guilt, Sega Power, Mags Mags Mags, & Producing the Boosh | Talk Box Ep. 7 52:00

11d ago52:00

52:00

On this episode of Talk Box, Rich welcomes writer, presenter, and creative force Danny Wallace. From publishing Sega Power in the 90s to producing The Mighty Boosh’s original radio show, Danny’s career has spanned magazines, TV, radio, and beyond. Expect stories and insights from a true renaissance man of UK media, including: Early days in chaotic …

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Dr. Eugene Ohu: Inspiring Empathy in Nigeria's Next Generation Leaders 24:46

12d ago24:46

24:46

Today, we’re excited to bring you a hopeful and constructive perspective on modern technology — a story about gamified tech that’s positively transformative. Dr. Eugene Ohu is a native Nigerian who grew up in this complex nation observing painful divisions, stereotyping between the ethnic groups, and deep discrimination. He wondered, is it possible…

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Wonka Pranks, Ghosts & Plugging Your Mates | Rakhee Thakrar – Talk Box Ep.6 1:10:38

18d ago1:10:38

1:10:38

In episode four, Rakhee Thakrar enters the box with stories from the chocolate factory to the spirit realm:– Behind-the-scenes chaos from Wonka– Her haunted connection to Ghosts (the show, and maybe otherwise?)– The art of plugging your mates like a proRich tries to stay present, but she might be too charming for this dimension.#RakheeThakrar #Wonk…

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Onion Hands, Lou on Tour, the Time Lou Wrecked My Flat, Lou Gets Cancelled, Meat-Eating Satanists — Lou Sanders I Talk Box Ep. 5 1:04:51

25d ago1:04:51

1:04:51

In this episode of Talk Box, Lou Sanders joins Rich to talk about… well, a lot.Including:– Why her hands smelled like onions– Wrecking Rich’s flat (possibly cursed?)– Tour life, cancellations, and navigating chaos– Plus… meat-eating Satanists and other gentle topicsAs usual, Rich mostly tries to stay on track, Lou says things she might regret, and …

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Embracing Diverse Worldviews in the Classroom 33:53

26d ago33:53

33:53

Last week we introduced you to Dr. Berry Billingsley, in a conversation about her work studying Big Questions in Religious and Science Education, and her efforts to support multidisciplinary classrooms. This week we're back with the second part of that episode, exploring another Big Questions in the Classroom initiative, in conversation with seven …

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Touring Tales, Robots, British Comedy & Crypto…zoology that is! — Rhys Darby I Ep. 4 1:13:48

1M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

In this ep of Talk Box, Rhys Darby jumps into the chaos with Rich to talk about: – Life on tour (and how your body stops working) – The dangers of trusting robots – British comedy vs New Zealand vibes – And yes… cryptozoology. It’s not crypto, relax. There's also talk of mythical creatures, real touring injuries, and how to avoid being replaced by …

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Showbiz parenting, Impro or Improv?, Son of a Footballer, Renaissance Man — Steen Raskopoulos I Talk Box Ep. 3 59:34

1M ago59:34

59:34

In this episode of Talk Box, Rich Fulcher welcomes the endlessly versatile Steen Raskopoulos — a man juggling high-level comedy with the slightly harder gig: being a new dad. They get into: – Life as a working parent in showbiz – Whether it’s “Impro” or “Improv” (and why it still matters somehow) – Comedy identity crises and stage survival – What i…

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Dr. Berry Billingsley: Big Questions That Change How We Learn 24:42

1M ago24:42

24:42

Is science fundamentally in opposition to religion, or do they just have little to do with each other? Is the way you engage with science and religion in your life informed by your core beliefs, or are your core beliefs informed by them? Do you think it's scientists or religious experts, or both, or neither, that are best equipped to help humans ex…

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Starting Out With ‘Footlights', Charles Dickens, Boosh & How she broke up ‘Five’ — Lucy Montgomery I Talk Box Ep. 2 1:15:03

2M ago1:15:03

1:15:03

Get tickets to see Rich perform LIVE in London next week where he is headlining the Moth Club on 4 June ➡️ https://rb.gy/3gdrjz In this episode of Talk Box, Rich is joined by the brilliant, multi-hyphenate Lucy Montgomery — actor, writer, producer, and longtime comedy ally. They talk about: – Lucy’s work on the hit series Dodger with her husband Rh…

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Dan’s a Digital Nomad, Bob Dylan, Brown Noise, German Comedy & Johnny Two Hats - Dan Clark I Talk Box Ep. 1 1:07:20

2M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

In the first ever episode of Rich Fulcher’s Talk Box, I sit down with the one and only Dan Clark — comedian, filmmaker, reluctant adult, and yes… Johnny Two Hats (for those who know, you know). Topics include going off the grid, Bob Dylan, SNL, Dan’s film ‘A Kind of Kidnapping’, Fill-in-the-Blank, German comedy, Boosh reunion(?) and the omnipresent…

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Dr. Nicholas Bloom: What Remote Work Reveals About Equity and Innovation 20:20

2M ago20:20

20:20

Did you know that you are part of one of the most significant revolutions in the last 85 years? If you’re one of the 180-million Americans in the labor force, and at some point since the 2020 pandemic, you joined the ranks of work-from-home, you are historically revolutionary. Today, we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Bloom, economist and professor of e…

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Rich Fulcher Has a Podcast (and Maybe a Tiny Problem) 0:39

2M ago0:39

0:39

Hello there. I’m Rich Fulcher, and this is your official warning: I have a podcast now. Yes, really. It’s full of strange thoughts, stranger guests, and even stranger bodily sensations. Expect a mix of unexpected interviews, questionably helpful insights, and possibly a few improvised soundscapes of my inner psyche. This is just a quick announcemen…

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Dr. Kurt Gray: What Polarization Teaches us About Harm and Human Understanding 36:18

2M ago36:18

36:18

We’re back this episode for our second timely interview focusing on political polarization, wrapping up in conversation with Dr. Kurt Gray, professor of moral psychology and neuroscience at UNC Chapel Hill, and the director of the Deepest Beliefs Lab in the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. Moral psychology is the descriptive understan…

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Dr. Sean Westwood: What Polarization Reveals About Democracy and the Human Spirit 37:49

3M ago37:49

37:49

When we spoke recently with Dr. Sean Westwood, associate professor of government at Dartmouth College and the director of the Polarization Research Lab, we knew we wanted to share the conversation with you as quickly as possible, because it speaks so directly to the current moment. Dr. studies American politics and how partisan conflict manifests i…

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Dr. Anna Corwin: Understanding Spiritual Intelligence Across Cultures 20:36

4M ago20:36

20:36

Today we wrap up an enlightening series of conversations on religious ritual as a pathway to human flourishing with Dr. Anna Corwin. When Dr. Corwin became connected to the Diverse Intelligences initiative and researchers who collaboratively examine the variety of intelligence on the planet or beyond, whether plant, animal, human, alien, or artific…

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Dr. Adam Cohen, Aliza Kline and Dr. Arielle Levites: Gathering at the Table for Connection and Belonging 24:03

4M ago24:03

24:03

Today we’re back in conversation with Dr. Adam Cohen, social psychologist and psychologist of religion at Arizona State University, who shares another research project that explores the way religious ritual connects participants more deeply not only with faith, but with community — this time, not through the practice of abstaining from food, but fr…

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Dr. Adam Cohen & Dr. Kathryn A. Johnson: Flourishing in the Yom Kippur Fast 17:39

5M ago17:39

17:39

In today's episode, we continue the discussion about fasting, as we hear from two scholars about research focusing on what is considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism: Yom Kippur. During the 25-hour Day of Atonement, observant Jews focus on deepening their relationship with God through prayer, community connection, and by fasting. Over the…

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Dr. Mostafa Salari Rad: The Hidden Powers of Ramadan Fasting 20:47

5M ago20:47

20:47

Meet Dr. Mostafa Salari Rad, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the New School in New York City. Born in Iran in a Shia Muslim practicing family, he always had an interest in philosophy, psychology, social science. He wondered why people behaved the way they did, why countries developed the way they did, and later, as a high school student in J…

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Dr. Santiago Tobón — From Gangs to Growth: Fighting for the Future of Medellín's Teens 24:57

6M ago24:57

24:57

Meet Dr. Santiago Tobón. Born and raised in Medellin, Colombia, Dr. Tobón grew up in the 80's and 90's while the country surged with gang violence. As a kid, young Santiago was lucky to have enough privilege to keep himself safe and to give him a promising future of education and employment. But there was no denying the impact that gang violence wa…

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Season 8 full length trailer: Stories of Impact 4:00

6M ago4:00

4:00

This season on Stories of Impact, we look through a new lens at old traditions, see new generations explore new solutions, and search for new ways to help kids make sense of modern life. Over the last seven seasons, Stories of Impact has brought listeners conversations about the art and science of human flourishing. We've met luminary artists like …

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Profs. Guy Itzchakov & Netta Weinstein: The Science of Listening 39:02

7M ago39:02

39:02

Please take our listener survey: https://bit.ly/3YxfDm2 THANK YOU! Today, we’re in conversation about the act of listening. Our guests are researchers Netta Weinstein, Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Reading, and Guy Itzchakov, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Services at the University of Haifa. Profs. Weins…

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Dr. Sue Fletcher-Watson & Dr. Catherine Crompton: Autism Belonging & Connection 43:11

7M ago43:11

43:11

Please take our listener survey: https://bit.ly/3YxfDm2 THANK YOU! In today’s episode, we explore the social cognition found within our own species, and what the benefit to every person might be if we deepen our understanding of the wide variety of intelligences of human beings. We hear from two researchers at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Sue F…

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Dr. Everett Worthington: The REACH Method of Forgiveness 46:43

8M ago46:43

46:43

Please take our listener survey: https://bit.ly/3YxfDm2 THANK YOU! Today’s episode highlights Richard’s conversation with Dr. Everett Worthington. Dr. Worthington is Commonwealth Professor Emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University. For the last 30 years, Dr. Worthington has been studying forgiveness, and he has written more than a dozen books on…

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Dr. Nap Hosang: Pregnancy by Choice & a Vision for Modern Healthcare 28:00

8M ago28:00

28:00

Please take our listener survey: https://bit.ly/3YxfDm2 THANK YOU! Today, we meet Dr. Nap Hosang, a Jamaican-born obstetrician and gynecologist with a long, distinguished career focused on preventing unintended pregnancies in the United States and globally. After decades of service in healthcare, Dr. Hosang has begun a new chapter of his career as …

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Dr. Hafsat Abiola: Rebuilding Africa One Woman at a Time 33:53

9M ago33:53

33:53

Today, we hear from Dr. Hafsat Abiola, native of Nigeria, President of the Women in Africa Initiative, Harvard-educated economist, expert in sustainable development, and civil rights and Democracy advocate. Dr. Abiola’s father, M.K.O. Abiola, was imprisoned after decisively winning the presidency in an election determined to be fair and free by Nig…

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Dr. David Addiss: Fighting Diseases Beyond Borders 33:00

10M ago33:00

33:00

In today’s episode, we welcome Dr. David Addiss, an expert in public health and preventive medicine. Dr. Addiss has spent his career thinking not only about science, but about service. In his early career, he cared for the health of migrants in the San Joaquin Valley of California, then later worked for nearly two decades the Centers for Disease Co…

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Dr. Laurance Doyle & Dr. Fred Sharpe: Whales Sing, Do Aliens Listen? 36:15

10M ago36:15

36:15

Today’s episode features the collaborative exploration of Dr. Fred Sharpe, an expert in humpback whales and the Principal Investigator with the Alaska Whale Foundation, and Dr. Laurance Doyle, astrophysicist and Principal Investigator of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute. Drs. Sharpe and Doyle are investigating humpback …

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Dr. Mark Jordans: Healing in the Midst of War 27:31

10M ago27:31

27:31

Over our last couple of episodes, we’ve told the inspiring story of decades of positive transformation the nation of Rwanda has sustained since the catastrophic 1994 genocide against the Tutsis. We learned that Rwanda’s peacemakers have for decades nurtured a culture of reconciliation and resilience, cultivating communities where citizens flourish.…

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Freddy Mutanguha & Dr. Elizabeth Dowling: The Science of Forgiveness 21:37

11M ago21:37

21:37

In our last episode, we met Rwandan leader Freddy Mutanguha, who shared his remarkable journey to finding meaning and forgiveness after dozens of his family members, including his parents and sisters, were murdered during the genocide against the Tutsis in 1994. Freddy’s powerful and timely testimony underscored the importance of truth, remembrance…

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Freddy Mutanguha: Forgiveness & Reconciliation in Post-Genocide Rwanda 36:44

12M ago36:44

36:44

Today’s episode offers a powerful example of courage, peace, and forgiveness. Our story looks back thirty years, to one of the most violent periods in modern history — the genocide against the Tutsi — and to the resilience and wisdom of the Rwandan spirit and heart. On April 6, 1994, beautiful Rwanda, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, became a…

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Dr. Miller, Dr. Muth, Dr. Falótico, & Dr. Cantor: Intelligence Across Species 35:27

1y ago35:27

35:27

In our last episode, we spent time with the extraordinary Dr. Jane Goodall, primatologist, writer, speaker, and conservationist. Dr. Goodall previewed today's episode, featuring the three recipients of the Wildlife Intelligence Project, a $2.7 million joint initiative between National Geographic Society and Templeton World Charity Foundation design…

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Dr. Jane Goodall: The Wild Fight for Our Planet 22:04

1y ago22:04

22:04

In today’s episode, we hear from leader and luminary Dr. Jane Goodall, who has, for decades, made significant contributions to not only the scientific world, but to, arguably, the entire planet. When 26-year-old, British-born Jane Goodall began field studies of primates in Tanzania in July 1960, she was the first researcher to observe chimpanzees i…

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Emma Black, Calum Irvine, Sean Spillane, & Students: Teaching Connection with Differences 31:33

1y ago31:33

31:33

Today we bring you a follow-up story about revolutionary education in Northern Ireland, this time exploring the impact of teaching young children to not just tolerate difference and diversity, but to seek it out, embrace it, and celebrate it. Our episode explores the history and legacy of Lough View Integrated Primary and Nursery School, a school f…

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Dr. Calvo, Dr. Magnasco, & Dr. Reiss: Listening to Minds Beyond Our Own 28:09

1y ago28:09

28:09

Today we're back for another exploration of the magnificence and mystery of the universe — talking with three researchers who share not only a passion, but a respect for the species in their decidedly non-human, wildly intelligent subjects of research. First we meet Dr. Paco Calvo, a renowned cognitive scientist and professor of philosophy of scien…

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Dr. Frans de Waal & Dr. Michael Levin: Surprising Minds & the Nature of Intelligence 29:43

1y ago29:43

29:43

In today's episode, we meet Dr. Frans de Waal, Emory University and Utrecht University primatologist Dr. Frans de Waal, a trailblazer in the science of animal cognition, and Dr. Michael Levin, distinguished professor of biology at Tufts University and associate faculty member at Harvard's Wyss Institute. Both researchers’ work roots them deeply in …

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Dr. Erica Cartmill: How to Laugh Like an Ape 23:20

1+ y ago23:20

23:20

Any sentient, soulful being paying attention to the way humans are treating other humans has been feeling these hard times. But sometimes, amidst all this darkness, humor can offer a little bit of hope. Today we're back with a friend of the podcast, Dr. Erica Cartmill. You might remember her from past episodes as a leader in the science of diverse …

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Dr. Sinnott-Armstrong, Dr. Borg, & Dr. Conitzer: Can Machines Make Ethical Decisions in Healthcare? 28:55

1+ y ago28:55

28:55

Artificial intelligence is proliferating and entering new industries every day. And while it’s been used in healthcare for 50 years, researchers continue to look for new ways to use it to improve care. Today, we’re back in conversation with a team of researchers, including a philosopher, a neuroscientist, and a computer scientist. This trio might b…

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Virginia Cooper, Dr. Fiske, Dr. Kahneman, Dr. Koch, & Dr. Melloni: How Rival Collaborations Improve Science 37:55

1+ y ago37:55

37:55

In the dozens of episodes we’ve shared with you over the last four years, you’ve heard stories of experts examining the science behind everything from bees to whales, video games to dance, education systems to communication networks. Today, we're zooming out further, speaking with researchers who are exploring ways to improve how we do science and …

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Nina Callaghan: The Ubuntu Spirit in Youth Radio 50:35

1+ y ago50:35

50:35

This week we're bringing back one of our favorite ever episodes. Today, we hear a fascinating and inspiring conversation having to do with the flourishing of young South Africans. Today’s episode features Richard’s conversation with Nina Callaghan, former Associate Director and current South African Chair of Children’s Radio Foundation. In a post-a…

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Dr. Jocelyn Dautel & Team: Reshaping the Legacy of Northern Ireland 41:03

1+ y ago41:03

41:03

War and conflict is raging across the globe. From Europe and the Middle East to Africa and the Americas, divisions between and within nations are leaving civilians dead and displaced. Northern Ireland has seen its fair share of violence and bloodshed since its founding in 1921. Although the Good Friday peace agreement was signed more than 25 years …

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Dr. Wendy Cadge: Chaplains at the Heart of Human Support 21:41

1+ y ago21:41

21:41

Before we ended 2023 we met two researchers, Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas and Dr. Timothy Lomas, who shared their research on human flourishing, and each touched on the importance of human connection and relationship as an antidote to loneliness. In our first episode of this new year, we continue that conversation, this time by exploring the unique ro…

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Dr. William Powell & Rex Mann: Bringing Back the American Chestnut Tree 30:34

1+ y ago30:34

30:34

We’re celebrating the life of our friend Dr. William Powell, who passed away just before Thanksgiving. Dr. Powell’s American Chestnut Tree episode was one of our favorites of last year. This episode is an inspiring story about how bringing together vision, community, and cutting-edge science can make the impossible possible. It’s a story about Amer…

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Dr. Timothy Lomas: Whole-Person Paths to Flourishing 24:39

1+ y ago24:39

24:39

Last time you heard from us, Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas shared her research on the complexity of the loneliness epidemic in America today, and what we all can do to feel less lonely. Something she said — “Everyone's happiness matters to my happiness” — stuck with us, and became the springboard for this episode. Today, together with psychology resear…

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Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas: What Can Heal Widespread Loneliness 27:31

1+ y ago27:31

27:31

It’s Thanksgiving week in the United States, and this Thursday, many of us will be with friends and family for the kick-off to six weeks of holiday cheer. But for so many people in America, the holidays can be a very lonely time. Loneliness and disconnection have consequences not only for individual health, but for the health of the nation. Dr. Emi…

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Dr. Nap Hosang: Making Birth Control Accessible for All 26:28

1+ y ago26:28

26:28

Today, we meet Dr. Nap Hosang, a Jamaican-born obstetrician and gynecologist with a long, distinguished career focused on preventing unintended pregnancies in the United States and globally. After decades of service in healthcare, Dr. Hosang has begun a new chapter of his career as the co-founder and CEO of Cadence Health, whose mission is to give …

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Dr. Ahmad, Fr. Benanti, Rt Rev Dr. Croft, Rev Dr. Harris, Dr. Kalman, Fr. Larrey, R. Mitelman, Dr. Qadir, & Rinpoche: The Risks & Rewards of AI 36:32

1+ y ago36:32

36:32

In our last episode, we learned about the Rome Call for AI Ethics, which asked representatives from world business, educational institutions, governments, and religions to support ethical principles around artificial intelligence, including transparency, fairness, inclusivity, impartiality, reliability, and security and privacy. We are back with th…

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Dr. Ahmad, Fr. Benanti, Rt Rev Dr. Croft, Rev Dr. Harris, Dr. Kalman, Fr. Larrey, R. Mitelman, Dr. Qadir, & Rinpoche: What Makes AI Ethical 33:12

2y ago33:12

33:12

Artificial intelligence is the ability of machines to perform tasks, such as learning and problem-solving, that are typically associated with human intelligence. And every single aspect of how we live our lives may ultimately be transformed by this technology. At the start of this year, it seemed as though AI shifted from a relatively niche technol…

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Dr. Addiss, Buesseler, Dr. Grant, & Dr. Reid: Compassion at the Heart of Systems 25:20

2y ago25:20

25:20

In our last episode with Dr. David Addiss, Heather Buesseler, Dr. Liz Grant, and Dr. Corinne Reid, we explored the role of compassion in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and learned that the SDG’s were motivated by a compassionate desire to end global human suffering across a variety of sectors. This week we’re back with these fou…

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Dr. Addiss, Buesseler, Dr. Grant, & Dr. Reid: Why Compassion Belongs in Global Development 39:34

2y ago39:34

39:34

We begin Season 7 with a friend of the podcast — Dr. David Addiss, who listeners will remember from an emotional episode last year about the role of compassion in healthcare. Dr. Addiss is back for another evocative discussion about compassion, and he’s joined by his research colleagues Heather Buesseler, Dr. Liz Grant, and Dr. Corinne Reid. In thi…