In this episode, Aaron Bergman and Max Alexander are back to battle it out for the philosophy crown, while I (attempt to) moderate. They discuss the Very Repugnant Conclusion, which, in the words of Claude, "posits that a world with a vast population living lives barely worth living could be considered ethically inferior to a world with an even lar…

Deger Turan is the CEO of forecasting platform Metaculus and president of the AI Objectives Institute. In this episode, we discuss how forecasting can be used to help humanity coordinate around reducing existential risks, Deger's advice for aspiring forecasters, the future of using AI for forecasting and more! Enter Metaculus's Q3 AI Forecasting Be…

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Katja Grace is the co-founder of AI Impacts, a non-profit focused on answering key questions about the future trajectory of AI development, which is best known for conducting the world's largest survey of machine learning researchers. We talked about the most interesting results from the survey, Katja's views on whether we should slow down AI progr…

Nathan Labenz is the founder of AI content-generation platform Waymark and host of The Cognitive Revolution Podcast, who now works full-time on tracking and analysing developments in AI. We chatted about where we currently stand with state-of-art AI capabilities, whether we should be advocating for a pause on scaling frontier models, Nathan's Red T…

Sheha Revanur is a the founder of Encode Justice, an international, youth-led network campaigning for the responsible development of AI, which was among the sponsors of California's proposed AI bill SB-1047. We chatted about why Sheha founded Encode Justice, the importance of youth advocacy in AI safety, and what the movement can learn from climate…

Nathan Young is a forecaster, software developer and tentative AI optimist. In this episode, we discussed how Nathan approaches forecasting, why his p(doom) is 2-9%, whether we should pause AGI research, and more! Follow Nathan on Twitter: Nathan 🔍 (@NathanpmYoung) / X (twitter.com) Nathan's substack: Predictive Text | Nathan Young | Substack My Tw…

A while back, my self-confessed inability to fully comprehend the writings of Eliezer Yudkowsky elicited the sympathy of the author himself. In an attempt to more completely understand why AI is going to kill us all, I enlisted the help of Noah Topper, recent Computer Science Masters graduate and long-time EY fan, to help me break down A List of Le…

Comedian, author, and podcaster Chris Gethard joins Melissa and Courtney to talk about a song that prompts lingering questions for an ex and the oddity of becoming strangers with former partners. Then, Chris shares the loneliness of being a dad and discusses his new book, “Dad at Peace.” 🔗 Chris’s Links "Dad at Peace" by Chris Gethard Beautiful/Ano…

Holly Elmore is an AI pause advocate and Executive Director of PauseAI US. We chatted about the case for pausing AI, her experience of organising protests against frontier AGI research, the danger of relying on warning shots, the prospect of techno-utopia, possible risks of pausing and more! Follow Holly on Twitter: Holly ⏸️ Elmore (@ilex_ulmus) / …

Encore episode! Writer, showrunner and podcast host Erick Galindo joins Courtney and Melissa to talk about Rock en Español, breakup songs to cry to on the dance floor, and reclaiming music and artists that were once ruined by an ex. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel…

Gossip queen and journalist Kelsey McKinney joins Melissa and Courtney to talk about an ex-roommate that ruined a song for her, JLo’s new film, and Kelsey’s podcast Normal Gossip. Then, she shares a generous behind-the-scenes look of what it’s like to work in a media co-op. 🔗 Kelsey’s Links: Normal Gossip Podcast Defector Media Instagram, X Website…

It's encore time! Ivy Le, comedian and host of the podcast FOGO, joins Courtney and Melissa to talk about The Killers and the song that made her rule them out for good. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Music Artist Madi Diaz joins Courtney and Melissa to talk about how a break up that led to a cross-country road trip, haunted places, Harry Styles, and her new album “Weird Faith.” Madi’s Links: Tour Dates & Tickets "Weird Faith" album Instagram Support us on Patreon! 🔥 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice a…

In this episode, I talked with Joep Meindertsma, founder of PauseAI, about how he discovered AI safety, the emotional experience of internalising existential risks, strategies for communicating AI risk, his assessment of recent AI policy developments and more! Find out more about PauseAI at www.pauseai.info…

Encore episode with guest Upsahl. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Émile P. Torres is a philosopher and historian known for their research on the history and ethical implications of human extinction. They are also an outspoken critic of Effective Altruism, longtermism and the AI safety movement. In this episode, we chatted about why Émile opposes both the 'doomer' and accelerationist factions, and identified some …

Mackenzie Scott, also known as musician Torres, joins Melissa and Courtney to talk about past selves, dancing in the kitchen, and her latest album. They also chat about the channeling anxiety experiences into songs. Torres Links Tour Dates “What an Enormous Room” Album Official Website Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and C…

In this episode, we go back to Maggie Serota to talk about 90s romance, the disillusionment of a teen movie, and synth pop. Support us on Patreon! 🔥 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary musician Allison Wolfe (of Bratmobile, Sex Stains, Deep Lust, Cold Cold Hearts) joins Melissa and Courtney on SMXR’s 50th episode to talk about an “oh, why not” situationship that ruined two songs for her. Then they talk about riot grrl ephemera, pierogis, and the exciting reunion of Bratmobile and upcoming shows. 🔗Allison’s Links: Bratmo…

Darren McKee is an author, speaker and policy advisor who has recently penned a beginner-friendly introduction to AI Safety named Uncontrollable: The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence and the Race to Save the World. We chatted about the best arguments for worrying about AI, responses to common objections, how to navigate the online AI safety s…

We go back to author and creator of the Oscar-nominated short film "My Year of Dicks" Pamela Ribon, who joins the show to talk about an ex's comedic twist to Jewel's 1996 hit "You Were Meant For Me." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Music journalist Will Hermes joins Melissa and Courtney to talk about a double miss: a romantic connection and a legendary concert, and then they chat about drugs and rock ’n’ roll and getting geeky on music. Plus, they get into Will’s new book on Lou Reed. Will Hermes Links Buy Will’s new book Website Twitter / X See Privacy Policy at https://art1…

Akash is an AI policy researcher working on ways to reduce global security risks from advanced AI. He has worked at the Center for AI Safety, Center for AI Policy, and Control AI. Before getting involved in AI safety, he was a PhD student studying technology & mental health at the University of Pennsylvania. We chatted about why he decided to work …

Legendary guitarist Marnie Stern joins Melissa and Courtney to talk about a guy who ghosted and left her heartbroken for years. Then, they chat about discovering new artists back then versus now, being a mom while touring, and after 10 years, releasing her first LP The Comeback Kid. 🔗 Marnie's LINKS New Album: The Comeback Kid Tour Dates Instagram …

This week is an encore episode! Writer, comedian and musician Lane Moore talks about the specific heartbreak that is sharing a favorite song with an ex, only to be met with a catastrophic breakup. Plus, we talk about Lane’s new book, You Will Find Your People: How to Make Meaningful Friendships as an Adult. ☕️ Buy us a coffee! ⭐️Enjoying the podcas…

In this inaugural episode of Consistently Candid, Aaron Bergman and Max Alexander each try to convince me of their position on moral realism, and I settle the issue once and for all. Featuring occasional interjections from the sat-nav in the Uber Aaron was taking at the time.My Twitter: https://twitter.com/littIeramblings Max's Twitter: https://twi…

Abigail Barlow, who won a Grammy for her unofficial Bridgerton musical album, joins Courtney and Melissa to talk about two songs (out of many) ruined by boys and why she stans Justin Bieber. Then they talk about losing momentum after going viral and her forthcoming album Princess Pop. BONUS: There's a special treat at the end of this episode so be …

Comedian Kyle Gordon joins Melissa and Courtney to talk about falling out of a friendship with another comic, his influences for his debut album, and country girl power anthems. 🔗 Kyle's LINKS Album: Kyle Gordon is Great Upcoming Tour Dates TikTok, Instagram ☕️ Buy us a coffee! ⭐️Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a rating and review on your podcas…

Podcaster Ronald Young Jr. joins Courtney and Melissa to talk about an ex who not only ruined a song but the artist who made that song. Then, they get in-depth about Ronald’s experience in asking vulnerable questions about weight, relationships, and curiosity over confrontation. Ronald’s Links Listen to Weight for It Listen to Leaving the Theater T…

Journalist J’na Jefferson joins Courtney and Melissa to talk about a first ex that takes us through a wang-dang-doodle journey (oh, it's a JOURNEY journey) and how to set boundaries. Plus, they delightfully chat about the b-word in music. J’na Links Website Instagram Listen to Who You Calling a Bitch? episode on Have You Heard This One? Podcast ☕️ …

This week is an encore episode! Singer-songwriter K.Flay joins Courtney and Melissa to talk about not one, but two records that transport her back to past experiences, both good and even scary. Plus, we bring you a specific word to describe the feeling of sentimental sadness. ☕️ Buy us a coffee! ⭐️Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a rating and rev…

Flyte’s Will Taylor joins Courtney and Melissa to talk about a specific song that he’s ritualized for break ups, the influence of teen-girl fandom in the music industry, and artist collaborations. Then they chat about Flyte’s current tour. Flyte Links: Tour Dates Music Instagram ☕️ Buy us a coffee! ⭐️Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a rating and …

Author TJ Alexander joins Courtney and Melissa to talk about a favorite song ruined by a bad movie date, early 2000s metal, and finding belonging in goth culture. Then TJ discusses their spicy, rom-com novels. TJ's Links Buy TJ’s books TJ’s Website Instagram ⭐️Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a rating and review on your podcast app. See Privacy P…

Podcaster Jane Marie joins Melissa and Courtney to talk about an ex from a band with some major hits, the early days of Lollapalooza, and The Dream’s latest season investigating life coaching and wellness culture. They also chat about Jane Marie’s forthcoming book. JANE MARIE’S LINKS Pre-order the book: Selling the Dream The Dream Podcast ⭐️Enjoyin…

Daniel Gumbiner on Bon Iver’s “Blood Bank” Author Daniel Gumbiner joins our hosts Melissa and Courtney to talk about heartbreak from his college years and a highly-selective, eclectic secret club. Then they chew on closure letters and his latest novel’s structure around California’s wildfires. DANIEL’S LINKS BOOK: Fire in the Canyon on Bookshop Web…