Best Jordan Colon Podcasts (2026)

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Perspectives and Predictions: Looking Back at 2025 and Forward to 2026 24:14

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12d ago24:14

24:14

A retrospective sampling of ideas and questions our illustrious guests gifted us in 2025 alongside some glad and not so glad tidings (ok, predictions) for AI in 2026. In this episode we revisit insights from our guests and, perhaps, introduce those you may have missed along the way. Select guests provide sparky takes on what may happen in 2026. Hos…

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War on Venezuela and Latin America, with Manolo de los Santos 42:06

20d ago42:06

42:06

In this episode, Niki interviews Manolo Los Santos to discuss the alarming political escalations in Latin America, particularly focusing on U.S. imperialism and its impact on countries like Venezuela. They explore the historical context of military dictatorships, the current geopolitical landscape, and the interconnectedness of global struggles for…

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An Environmental Grounding with Masheika Allgood 57:17

15d ago57:17

57:17

Masheika Allgood delineates good AI from GenAI, outlines the environmental imprint of hyperscale data centers, and emphasizes AI success depends on the why and data. Masheika and Kimberly discuss her path from law to AI; AI as an embodied infrastructure; forms of beneficial AI; if the GenAI math maths; narratives underpinning AI; the physical impri…

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Your Digital Twin Is Not You with Kati Walcott 53:17

1M ago53:17

53:17

Kati Walcott differentiates simulated will from genuine intent, data sharing from data surrender, and agents from agency in a quest to ensure digital sovereignty for all. Kati and Kimberly discuss her journey from molecular genetics to AI engineering; the evolution of an intention economy built on simulated will; the provider ecosystem and monetiza…

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No Community Left Behind with Paula Helm 52:06

2M ago52:06

52:06

Paula Helm articulates an AI vision that goes beyond base performance to include epistemic justice and cultural diversity by focusing on speakers and not language alone. Paula and Kimberly discuss ethics as a science; language as a core element of culture; going beyond superficial diversity; epistemic justice and valuing other’s knowledge; the tran…

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What AI Values with Jordan Loewen-Colón 51:41

2M ago51:41

51:41

Jordan Loewen-Colón values clarity regarding the practical impacts, philosophical implications and work required for AI to serve the public good, not just private gain. Jordan and Kimberly discuss value alignment as an engineering or social problem; understanding ourselves as data personas; the limits of personalization; the perception of agency; h…

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Agentic Insecurities with Keren Katz 49:19

2M ago49:19

49:19

Keren Katz exposes novel risks posed by GenAI and agentic AI while reflecting on unintended malfeasance, surprisingly common insider threats and weak security postures. Keren and Kimberly discuss threats amplified by agentic AI; self-inflicted exposures observed in Fortune 500 companies; normalizing risky behavior; unintentional threats; non-determ…

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Why Is the US Escalating Against Venezuela? with Zoe Alexandra of Peoples Dispatch 57:20

3M ago57:20

57:20

In this episode, Niki interviews journalist Zoe Alexandra of Peoples Dispatch to discuss the escalating military presence of the U.S. in the Caribbean, particularly focusing on Venezuela. They explore the implications of U.S. sanctions, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the historical context of U.S. interventions in Latin America…

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To Be or Not to Be Agentic with Maximilian Vogel 51:19

3M ago51:19

51:19

Maximilian Vogel dismisses tales of agentic unicorns, relying instead on human expertise, rational objectives, and rigorous design to deploy enterprise agentic systems. Maximilian and Kimberly discuss what an agentic system is (emphasis on system); why agency in agentic AI resides with humans; engineering agentic workflows; agentic AI as a mule not…

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The Problem of Democracy with Henrik Skaug Sætra 54:04

4M ago54:04

54:04

Henrik Skaug Sætra considers the basis of democracy, the nature of politics, the tilt toward digital sovereignty and what role AI plays in our collective human society. Henrik and Kimberly discuss AI’s impact on human comprehension and communication; core democratic competencies at risk; politics as a joint human endeavor; conflating citizens with …

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Generating Safety Not Abuse with Dr. Rebecca Portnoff 46:35

5M ago46:35

46:35

Dr. Rebecca Portnoff generates awareness of the threat landscape, enablers, challenges and solutions to the complex but addressable issue of online child sexual abuse. Rebecca and Kimberly discuss trends in online child sexual abuse; pillars of impact and harm; how GenAI expands the threat landscape; personalized targeting and bespoke abuse; Thorn’…

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Perfect Victims, with Mohammed el-Kurd 50:56

5M ago50:56

50:56

In this episode, Niki interviews Palestinian poet, author, and organizer, Mohammed el-Kurd to discuss his latest book, Perfect Victims: And The Politics of Appeal. The two unpack the complicity of western institutions on the genocide of Palestinians, shallow identity politics, the weaponization of anti-semitism, the New York War Crimes, and our res…

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Inclusive Innovation with Hiwot Tesfaye 50:48

5M ago50:48

50:48

Hiwot Tesfaye disputes the notion of AI givers and takers, challenges innovation as an import, highlights untapped global potential, and charts a more inclusive course. Hiwot and Kimberly discuss the two camps myth of inclusivity; finding innovation everywhere; meaningful AI adoption and diffusion; limitations of imported AI; digital colonialism; l…

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The Shape of Synthetic Data with Dietmar Offenhuber 52:07

5M ago52:07

52:07

Dietmar Offenhuber reflects on synthetic data’s break from reality, relates meaning to material use, and embraces data as a speculative and often non-digital artifact. Dietmar and Kimberly discuss data as a representation of reality; divorcing content from meaning; data settings vs. data sets; synthetic data quality and ground truth; data as a spec…

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A Question of Humanity with Pia Lauritzen, PhD 55:48

6M ago55:48

55:48

Pia Lauritzen questions our use of questions, the nature of humanity, the premise of AGI, the essence of tech, if humans can be optimized and why thinking is required. Pia and Kimberly discuss the function of questions, curiosity as a basic human feature, AI as an answer machine, why humans think, the contradiction at the heart of AGI, grappling wi…

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A Healthier AI Narrative with Michael Strange 59:51

6M ago59:51

59:51

Michael Strange has a healthy appreciation for complexity, diagnoses hype as antithetical to innovation and prescribes an interdisciplinary approach to making AI well. Michael and Kimberly discuss whether AI is good for healthcare; healthcare as a global system; radical shifts precipitated by the pandemic; why hype stifles nuance and innovation; ho…

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LLMs Are Useful Liars with Andriy Burkov 47:00

7M ago47:00

47:00

Andriy Burkov talks down dishonest hype and sets realistic expectations for when LLMs, if properly and critically applied, are useful. Although maybe not as AI agents. Andriy and Kimberly discuss how he uses LLMs as an author; LLMs as unapologetic liars; how opaque training data impacts usability; not knowing if LLMs will save time or waste it; err…

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Reframing Responsible AI with Ravit Dotan 59:55

7M ago59:55

59:55

Ravit Dotan, PhD asserts that beneficial AI adoption requires clarity of purpose, good judgment, ethical leadership, and making responsibility integral to innovation. Ravit and Kimberly discuss the philosophy of science; why all algorithms incorporate values; how technical judgements centralize power; not exempting AI from established norms; when l…

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Stories We Tech with Dr. Ash Watson 47:52

8M ago47:52

47:52

Dr. Ash Watson studies how stories ranging from classic Sci-Fi to modern tales invoking moral imperatives, dystopian futures and economic logic shape our views of AI. Ash and Kimberly discuss the influence of old Sci-Fi on modern tech; why we can’t escape the stories we’re told; how technology shapes society; acting in ways a machine will understan…

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Regulating Addictive AI with Robert Mahari 54:24

8M ago54:24

54:24

Robert Mahari examines the consequences of addictive intelligence, adaptive responses to regulating AI companions, and the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration. Robert and Kimberly discuss the attributes of addictive products; the allure of AI companions; AI as a prescription for loneliness; not assuming only the lonely are susceptible; regu…

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The Encampments, with Kei Pritsker 54:18

9M ago54:18

54:18

In this episode, Niki interviews Kei Prister, co-director of The Encampments, to discuss the new film, the impact of the student intifada a year later, and what this fight signals for the future of the US empire and most importantly, what it says about young people's thirst for liberation. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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AI Literacy for All with Phaedra Boinodiris 43:24

9M ago43:24

43:24

Phaedra Boinodiris minds the gap between AI access and literacy by integrating educational siloes, practicing human-centric design, and cultivating critical consumers. Phaedra and Kimberly discuss the dangerous confluence of broad AI accessibility with lagging AI literacy and accountability; coding as a bit player in AI design; data as an artifact …

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Auditing AI with Ryan Carrier 52:31

10M ago52:31

52:31

Ryan Carrier trues up the benefits and costs of responsible AI while debunking misleading narratives and underscoring the positive power of the consumer collective. Ryan and Kimberly discuss the growth of AI governance; predictable resistance; the (mis)belief that safety impedes innovation; the “cost of doing business”; downside and residual risk; …

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Ethical by Design with Olivia Gambelin 51:26

10M ago51:26

51:26

Olivia Gambelin values ethical innovation, revels in human creativity and curiosity, and advocates for AI systems that reflect and enable human values and objectives. Olivia and Kimberly discuss philogagging; us vs. “them” (i.e. AI systems) comparisons; enabling curiosity and human values; being accountable for the bombs we build - figuratively spe…

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The Nature of Learning with Helen Beetham 45:57

11M ago45:57

45:57

Helen Beetham isn’t waiting for an AI upgrade as she considers what higher education is for, why learning is ostensibly ripe for AI, and how to diversify our course. Helen and Kimberly discuss the purpose of higher education; the current two tribe moment; systemic effects of AI; rethinking learning; GenAI affordances; the expertise paradox; product…

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Love in a F*cked up World, With Dean Spade 1:07:33

11M ago1:07:33

1:07:33

In this Valentine's Day special episode, Niki interviews Dean Spade, a queer and trans organizer, attorney, and an author. They ground the conversation in Dean's new book, Love in a F*cked up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together. The two discuss how oppressive systems impact our relationships (romantic and otherwise),…

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Ethics for Engineers with Steven Kelts 46:45

11M ago46:45

46:45

Steven Kelts engages engineers in ethical choice, enlivens training with role-playing, exposes organizational hazards and separates moral qualms from a duty to care. Steven and Kimberly discuss Ashley Casovan’s inspiring query; the affirmation allusion; students as stochastic parrots; when ethical sophistication backfires; limits of ethics review b…

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Seed Saving as an Antidote to Colonization, with Vivien Sansour of Palestine Heirloom Seed Library 31:16

11M ago31:16

31:16

In this episode, Niki interviews Vivien Sansour, founder of Palestine Heirloom Seed Library. In this conversation, the two discuss the ritual of seed saving among colonized peoples and the many ways in which saving the land's fruits is a way of returning to our humanity and our dignity. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Righting AI with Susie Alegre 46:12

11M ago46:12

46:12

Susie Alegre makes the case for prioritizing human rights and connection, taking AI systems to account, minding the right gaps, and resisting unwitting AI dependency. Susie and Kimberly discuss the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR); legal protections and access to justice; human rights laws; how court cases impact legislative will; the w…

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The Incoming Trump Administration, with Eugene Puryear 50:42

12M ago50:42

50:42

In this episode, Niki interviews Eugene Puryear, an author, journalist, and host of Breakthrough News. In this conversation, the two discuss the incoming Trump administration and its implications on the Palestinian struggle, the global south at large, and what we can expect these next four years. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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AI Myths and Mythos with Eryk Salvaggio 58:30

12M ago58:30

58:30

Eryk Salvaggio articulates myths animating AI design, illustrates the nature of creativity and generated media, and artfully reframes the discourse on GenAI and art. Eryk joined Kimberly to discuss myths and metaphors in GenAI design; the illusion of control; if AI saves time and what for; not relying on futuristic AI to solve problems; the fallacy…

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Challenging AI with Geertrui Mieke de Ketelaere 47:08

1y ago47:08

47:08

Geertrui Mieke de Ketelaere reflects on the uncertain trajectory of AI, whether AI is socially or environmentally sustainable, and using AI to become good ancestors. Mieke joined Kimberly to discuss the current trajectory of AI; uncertainties created by current AI applications; the potent intersection of humanlike AI and heightened social/personal …

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Safety by Design with Vaishnavi J 47:49

1y ago47:49

47:49

Vaishnavi J respects youth, advises considering the youth experience in all digital products, and asserts age-appropriate design is an underappreciated business asset. Vaishnavi joined Kimberly to discuss: the spaces youth inhabit online; the four pillars of safety by design; age-appropriate design choices; kids’ unique needs and vulnerabilities; w…

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Critical Planning with Ron Schmelzer and Kathleen Walch 48:22

1y ago48:22

48:22

Kathleen Walch and Ron Schmelzer analyze AI patterns and factors hindering adoption, why AI is never ‘set it and forget it’, and the criticality of critical thinking. The dynamic duo behind Cognilytica (now PMI) join Kimberly to discuss: the seven (7) patterns of AI; fears and concerns stymying AI adoption; the tension between top-down and bottom-u…

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Relating to AI with Dr. Marisa Tschopp 41:55

1y ago41:55

41:55

Dr. Marisa Tschopp explores our evolving, often odd, expectations for AI companions while embracing radical empathy, resisting relentless PR and trusting in humanity. Marisa and Kimberly discuss recent research into AI-based conversational agents, the limits of artificial companionship, implications for mental health therapy, the importance of radi…

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Technical Morality with John Danaher 46:03

1+ y ago46:03

46:03

John Danaher assesses how AI may reshape ethical and social norms, minds the anticipatory gap in regulation, and applies the MVPP to decide against digitizing himself. John parlayed an interest in science fiction into researching legal philosophy, emerging technology, and society. Flipping the script on ethical assessment, John identifies six (6) m…

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Artificial Empathy with Ben Bland 46:22

1+ y ago46:22

46:22

Ben Bland expressively explores emotive AI’s shaky scientific underpinnings, the gap between reality and perception, popular applications, and critical apprehensions. Ben exposes the scientific contention surrounding human emotion. He talks terms (emotive? empathic? not telepathic!) and outlines a spectrum of emotive applications. We discuss the po…

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RAGging on Graphs with Philip Rathle 49:33

1+ y ago49:33

49:33

Philip Rathle traverses from knowledge graphs to LLMs and illustrates how loading the dice with GraphRAG enhances deterministic reasoning, explainability and agency. Philip explains why knowledge graphs are a natural fit for capturing data about real-world systems. Starting with Kevin Bacon, he identifies many ‘graphy’ problems confronting us today…

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Audre Lorde and June Jordan's Black Feminism and Palestine, with Marina Magloire 49:16

1+ y ago49:16

49:16

In this episode, Niki interviews Marina Magloire, Atlanta-based Black Feminism scholar, professor, and author of We Pursue Our Magic: A Spiritual History of Black Feminism. In this conversation, the two discuss the complicated relationship between two iconic queer Black feminist poets, Audre Lorde and June Jordan, and their opposing views on Zionis…

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Working with AI with Matthew Scherer 58:50

1+ y ago58:50

58:50

Matthew Scherer makes the case for bottom-up AI adoption, being OK with not using AI, innovation as a relative good, and transparently safeguarding workers’ rights. Matthew champions a worker-led approach to AI adoption in the workplace. He traverses the slippery slope from safety to surveillance and guards against unnecessarily intrusive solutions…

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US Out of Korea, with Jamie Tyberg of Nodutdol 39:16

1+ y ago39:16

39:16

In this episode, Niki interviews Jamie Tyberg, organizer with Nodutdol to discuss why the Korean War is so unknown amongst Americans, why there are "two" Koreas, the US' continued and increasing aggression against the Korean peninsula and what that means for the region and the rest of the world, why a ceasefire is not enough, and the fight for reun…

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Chief Data Concerns with Heidi Lanford 49:33

1+ y ago49:33

49:33

Heidi Lanford connects data to cocktails and campaigns while considering the nature of data disruption, getting from analytics to AI, and using data with confidence. Heidi studied mathematics and statistics and never looked back. Reflecting on analytics then and now, she confirms the appetite for data has never been higher. Yet adoption, momentum a…

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Ethical Control and Trust with Marianna B. Ganapini 58:41

1+ y ago58:41

58:41

Marianna B. Ganapini contemplates AI nudging, entropy as a bellwether of risk, accessible ethical assessment, ethical ROI, the limits of trust and irrational beliefs. Marianna studies how AI-driven nudging ups the ethical ante relative to autonomy and decision-making. This is a solvable problem that may still prove difficult to regulate. She posits…

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Policy and Practice with Miriam Vogel 33:47

1+ y ago33:47

33:47

Miriam Vogel disputes AI is lawless, endorses good AI hygiene, reviews regulatory progress and pitfalls, boosts literacy and diversity, and remains net positive on AI. Miriam Vogel traverses her unforeseen path from in-house counsel to public policy innovator. Miriam acknowledges that AI systems raise some novel questions but reiterates there is mu…

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Why Is The US Calling China Imperialist Towards Africa? with Mikaela Nhondo Erskog 50:19

1+ y ago50:19

50:19

In this episode, Niki interviews Mika Erskog, South African researcher with Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research and host of the podcast The Crane: An Africa-China Podcast Dongsheng Collective. They discuss the relationship between China and the African continent, while dispelling the accusations that China is "imperialist," and what young…

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Learning to Unlearn with Melissa Sariffodeen 39:10

1+ y ago39:10

39:10

Melissa Sariffodeen contends learning requires unlearning, ponders human-AI relationships, prioritizes outcomes over outputs, and values the disquiet of constructive critique. Melissa artfully illustrates barriers to innovation through the eyes of a child learning to code and a seasoned driver learning to not drive. Drawing on decades of experience…

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Why Is The US Smearing Mexico's President, with Kurt Hackbarth 54:48

1+ y ago54:48

54:48

In this episode, Niki interviews journalist Kurt Hackbarth, the two discuss Mexico's upcoming historic election, why the US insists on smearing the Mexican president with media lies, and how the future of Mexico has major impacts across the Latin America and the globe. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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The Power of Inquiry with Shannon Mullen O’Keefe 30:40

1+ y ago30:40

30:40

Shannon Mullen O’Keefe champions collaboration, serendipitous discovery, curious conversations, ethical leadership, and purposeful curation of our technical creations. Shannon shares her professional journey from curating leaders to innovative ideas. From lightbulbs to online dating and AI voice technology, Shannon highlights the simultaneously bea…

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Why Mass Protests Don't Equate to Revolution, with Vincent Bevins 57:25

1+ y ago57:25

57:25

In this episode, Niki interviews acclaimed journalist and author, Vincent Bevins. In this conversation, the two discuss the trend of mass protests across the globe often resulting in the opposite of what people were demanding in the streets in the first place. They weave the history of anti-communism, US-backed right-wing coups, the weaking and dem…

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The Legacy of Cuban Medical and Healthcare Solidarity, with Dr. Samira Addrey 1:11:24

1+ y ago1:11:24

1:11:24

In this episode, Niki interviews Ghanian-American doctor, Dr. Samira Addrey, Graduate of the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba. In this conversation, the two discuss the legacy of not only the Latin American School of Medicine, but how Cuba has managed to develop some of the world's best doctors, biotech innovations, and their commitment to…