Best Technology Policy Fellows Podcasts (2025)

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What the 80th UN General Assembly means for Africa 38:29

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6d ago38:29

38:29

As the United Nations General Assembly begins its 80th session this month, host Landry Signé meets with Cristina Duarte, U.N. Undersecretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, to discuss how her office is supporting African development and what the shifting international order means for Africa and global multilateralism. Show notes and transcri…

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AI as Normal Technology: On superintelligence delusion, bogus claims and a humanistic AI future with Prof. Arvind Narayanan 46:40

6d ago46:40

46:40

What if the race toward “superintelligence” is misguided and what does a more humanistic vision for AI adoption actually look like? In this episode of Poets & Thinkers, we dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence, culture, and human agency with Prof. Arvind Narayanan, a computer science professor at Princeton University whose work…

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Bridging the Gap: How Engaged Research Connects Science to Real-World Impact 31:50

11d ago31:50

31:50

In this episode of Sci on the Fly, host Connie Bolte, current Executive Branch Fellow at the National Science Foundation, speaks with Dr. Angela Bednarek, who leads Pew Charitable Trusts' scientific advancement portfolio. Dr. Bednarek's AAAS STPF Fellowship at the U.S. Department of State revealed how researchers often failed to provide timely, rel…

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DNS Abuse and the Economics of Cybercrime (with Karen Rose) 38:52

12d ago38:52

38:52

The Domain Name System (DNS)—the system that turns numerical IP addresses into easy-to-read website names—has become highly competitive at the registrar level, with potentially harmful consequences when it comes to leasing domain names for criminal activities. Today, the DNS infrastructure is increasingly exploited for cybercrimes, such as phishing…

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Why Are Billionaires Messing With Public Education? Part 2 29:50

16d ago29:50

29:50

Our two part series on billionaires and public education continues. Today, we’re zooming in on the rise of new, well-funded activist groups targeting school boards, banning books, and attacking everything from diversity initiatives to trans student rights.Who’s behind groups like Moms for Liberty and Parents Defending Education? What is “dark money…

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Advancing digital inclusion in Africa 27:18

20d ago27:18

27:18

Host Landry Signé speaks with Ibrahima Guimba-Saidou, CEO of the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa, and former minister special advisor to the president of Niger, on the importance of expanding internet access in Africa and the potential of public-private partnerships to provide needed investments. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa …

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AI Sovereignty & the Literacy Gap: Policy lessons from the frontlines with Jaxson Khan 50:29

21d ago50:29

50:29

What if the biggest regret we’ll have in 10 years isn’t over-regulating AI, but failing to educate people about it? In this episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the intersection of AI policy, national sovereignty, and digital literacy with Jaxson Khan, a unique cross-sector leader who transitioned from startup founder to senior policy advisor fo…

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Interoperability, Data Access, and User Freedom (with Matt Boulos) 45:19

26d ago45:19

45:19

As AI systems become central to our digital lives, questions about openness, competition, and user agency are moving to the forefront, and discussions surrounding AI agents have placed system interoperability in the spotlight. Ensuring AI system interoperability isn’t simply a technical challenge; it will determine how innovation unfolds in the AI …

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Why Are Billionaires Messing With Public Education? Part 1 35:31

1M ago35:31

35:31

Have you ever wondered why the rich and powerful seem to have so many opinions about public education, especially when neither they nor their children have attended public schools?This is the first of a two-part series exploring how the rich and powerful are cashing out on public education. Today, we’re looking at the big picture: the historical, d…

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Rooted in Language and Community 32:56

29d ago32:56

32:56

Rooted in Language and Community: Supporting Multilingual Learners In this episode of the AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly podcast, AAAS STPF alumna and RAICES Principal Investigator (PI) Heather Olson Beal sits down with two co-PIs of the RAICES team, Dr. Chrissy Cross and Dr. Marisol Diaz, to discuss the importance of creating productive learning environ…

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Predicting a brighter future for Africa 20:50

1M ago20:50

20:50

Host Landry Signé and fellow futurist Jakkie Cilliers, founder of the Institute for Security Studies and head of its African Futures Innovation Programme, discuss the importance of evidence-based forecasting for preparing for shaping a brighter future in and for Africa and how youth are key to achieving the best-case scenarios for African economies…

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The Model Can’t Relate: A poet’s rebellion inside the AI machine with Danielle McClune 41:28

1M ago41:28

41:28

What if the people building AI are so caught up in the rush to market that they’ve forgotten to ask the most important question: what does this mean for humanity? In this refreshingly honest episode, we explore the human side of artificial intelligence with Danielle McClune, a writer and poet who has spent the last years at the epicenter of AI deve…

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Inside the World of Domains (with Ram Mohan) 41:41

1M ago41:41

41:41

As the domain name system expands, how can the industry ensure that this growth supports a multilingual and inclusive internet? What responsibilities come with managing such a critical layer of the internet’s infrastructure in an era of rapid digital transformation? Shane Tews is joined by Ram Mohan, Chief Strategy Officer of Identity Digital, on t…

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CHIPS and Science Act: Landmark Legislation Unleashing American Innovation and Competitiveness 50:04

2M ago50:04

50:04

The CHIPS and Science Act is one of the landmark pieces of legislation relaunching American industrial policy. The legislation led to the creation of NSF’s first new directorate in 30 years and the formation of regional innovation hubs, expanding training and workforce development opportunities nationwide. The legislation also authorized specific f…

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Reclaiming the Airwaves (with Harold Furchtgott-Roth) 34:26

2M ago34:26

34:26

Spectrum is a vital asset to America’s digital infrastructure, but who decides how this resource is distributed? As wireless demand accelerates, what is causing the United States to lag in spectrum policy and oversight? With the recent change in the Big Beautiful Bill to renew auction authority, how can we ensure that spectrum doesn’t become a road…

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Namibia’s foreign minister on the transformative impact of trade and foreign policy for Africa’s development 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

Host Landry Signé speaks with Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia’s minister for international relations and trade, and seasoned career diplomat, on the need for African countries to think locally while acting continentally, and how agreements like the AfCFTA and a spirit of solidarity among African countries create opportunities for Africans and …

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Multisensory Beings: How neuroaesthetics shapes the future human-machine interaction and art – with Matthew Bennett 49:22

2M ago49:22

49:22

Humans are multisensory beings. What if the tiny sounds you hear from your devices every day are literally vibrating through your body, changing your nervous system, and collectively creating decades of audio pollution? And what do we do about it in an age where generative AI is likely going to add even more noise? In this fascinating episode of Po…

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Grand Master of the Sociology of Immigration & Assimilation 54:52

2M ago54:52

54:52

For decades, Alejandro Portes (CASBS fellow 1980-81) has been among our most distinguished scholars elucidating the causes and consequences of immigration and assimilation. René D. Flores (CASBS fellow 2023-24) engages Portes in a conversation spanning large swaths of Portes's formidable intellectual biography, including his personal journey from C…

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Adapting to the AI Era (with Bojan Tunguz and Brent Orrell) 30:33

2M ago30:33

30:33

What does the rise of generative AI mean for how we educate, train, and prepare for the future of work? And despite AI’s growing capabilities, why have institutions been so slow to respond to these changes and what will help them catch up with the growth of AI in new industries and educational forums? On this episode of Explain to Shane, Shane Tews…

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Paid Student Teaching is the Future 37:43

2M ago37:43

37:43

Mentioned in this episode: Join the Movement for Paid Student TeachingBy National Education Association

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Dr. Berry Goes to Washington (and Brings His AI Expertise with Him) 34:37

2M ago34:37

34:37

Every year, AAAS Congressional Fellows travel to the Hill to bring their expertise of STEM and evidence-based decision-making into the offices of senators, representatives and committees. From the outside, the Hill can feel opaque and its inner workings are hard to understand, especially to academic researchers. On this episode of Sci on the Fly, h…

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Population dividend, technological leapfrogging, and high growth rates signal opportunities for African economies 28:22

2M ago28:22

28:22

Host Landry Signé speaks with Acha Leke, chairman of McKinsey & Company’s Africa Region and senior partner in their Johannesburg office, about Africa’s many advantages in human and natural resources. Leke explains how different actors, from family-owned businesses to national governments and international investors, can align themselves to benefit …

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“Liftoff” rounds, data moats, and trust barriers: How AI is rewriting the venture capital rules with Pascal Unger 45:25

2M ago45:25

45:25

What if venture capital is finally getting the reset it desperately needed? And what does that mean for the qualities and skills required for future founders, startup leaders, and even investors? In this episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the future of venture capital and startup building with Pascal Unger, managing partner at pre-seed VC firm…

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AI, Governments, and God (with Father Paolo Benanti) 35:56

3M ago35:56

35:56

AI is reshaping our world as profoundly as past technological revolutions: the printing press, the Industrial Age, and the Digital Revolution. Its rapid advancement presents both extraordinary opportunities and significant risks. How will AI affect industries, national economies, and global governance? How can businesses and policymakers ensure AI …

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Democratic resilience in Africa (and Kenya) takes many forms 28:19

3M ago28:19

28:19

Foresight Africa host Landry Signé and Drs. Oscar Otele and Danielle Resnick examine the nuances of the state of democracy across Africa, providing insights into strategies for democratic resiliency moving forward. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa podcast is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify, Af…

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The Dark Side of Empathy: On AI “Soul Gaps”, emotional commons, and the responsibility to develop humane technologies with Michael Ventura 38:48

3M ago38:48

38:48

What if the very technology that promises to make us more efficient is actually creating “soul gaps” – spaces where human understanding and meaning simply cannot be replicated? In this deeply insightful episode of Poets and Thinkers, we explore the future of humanistic leadership with Michael Ventura, founder of SubRosa, author of “Applied Empathy,…

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Rethinking the Rules of Space (with Jay Schwarz) 36:44

3M ago36:44

36:44

Space-based satellite networks are transforming global connectivity, extending access to even the most remote corners of the planet. The rules that govern these networks have never been more critical. How does satellite spectrum actually function? Why is there an increasing need to revise the regulations that oversee it? And what are the key compon…

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Partnerships elevate Africa’s development successes 30:41

3M ago30:41

30:41

On this episode of Foresight Africa, hosted by Landry Signé, Gargee Ghosh, president of Global Policy and Advocacy at the Gates Foundation, explains why collaborative, context-specific, and innovative solutions elevate development success across Africa. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa podcast is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Sub…

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Rewriting All Layers Of The Stack – Leading with agency when everyone is uncomfortable with Meg Bear 41:35

3M ago41:35

41:35

What if the discomfort leaders feel right now, at the beginning of the AI age, isn’t a problem to solve, but the exact place where transformation happens? In this episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the future of organizational leadership and human potential with Meg Bear, a seasoned tech executive turned “future inventor” who brings a unique p…

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An Expert Explains: Medicaid Cuts Will Hurt Us All 37:07

3M ago37:07

37:07

Mentioned in this episode: Tell Congress to protect Medicaid funding - https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/action-center/take-action/dont-slash-medicaid-and-childrens-health-care Call in and share your story - Call 866-426-2631 Find out more about Medicaid’s impact in your school district, congressional district, or state. Organize locally us…

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Meet African girls’ educational needs by listening to their experiences 36:15

4M ago36:15

36:15

Adefunke Ekine and Mary Otieno, university educators from Nigeria and Kenya respectively, and alumnae of the Echidna Scholars Program at Brookings, talk with Foresight Africa host Landry Signé on why innovation and listening to girls’ stories are crucial to advancing girls’ education across Africa. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa podcast…

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Slot Machine Creativity: On the value of friction to create meaningful works of art with Nando Costa 48:03

4M ago48:03

48:03

What if the struggle and friction in the creative process is actually what makes art meaningful – and what we’re at risk of losing in our rush toward AI efficiency? In this deeply reflective episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence with Nando Costa, a renowned designer and artist who h…

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Personalization, Privacy, and Policy (with Rob Sherman) 39:40

4M ago39:40

39:40

As social media platforms integrate personalization technology, questions around privacy, transparency, and user choice are becoming increasingly pronounced. What does personalization really mean for users? How do platforms like Facebook and Instagram decide what content or ads you see? And how can companies ensure that personalization enhances use…

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How the World Bank is advancing shared prosperity and jobs in Africa amid global economic uncertainty 27:02

4M ago27:02

27:02

During the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., Foresight Africa host Landry Signé caught up with Axel van Trotsenburg, senior managing director of the World Bank, who spoke about how to mobilize the private sector to help create more jobs for African youth in the coming years, while also addressing the debt distress crisis many Afri…

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The Optimization Lie: Will AI finally give us the freedom “new work” promised us? – with journalist and author Markus Albers 42:46

4M ago42:46

42:46

Digitalization promised us a brave “new work” world. But instead we ended up with more meetings and “fake work”. What’s next and how do we transform our obsession with productivity tools and endless meetings into meaningful work and real innovation? In this episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the future of work with Markus Albers, a Berlin-base…

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Lawyers Explain: Anti-Immigrant Policies and Education 36:19

4M ago36:19

36:19

Mentioned in this episode: Safe Zone policies - https://www.nea.org/resource-library/safe-zone-school-districts NEA’s Immigration Resource Hub - https://www.nea.org/resource-library/guidance-immigration-issues Open letter to Higher Ed admin - https://www.nea.org/open-letter-protect-speech-college-and-university-campuses Legal resources for immigran…

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On site with leaders at the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings 2025 34:57

4M ago34:57

34:57

During the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in April 2025, Foresight Africa podcast host Landry Signé interviewed leaders in the global finance and development space to glean their key takeaways from the meetings and how they might shape policy decisions and deliver tangible results across Africa. In this special episode, you will hear highlights fro…

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Can AI Take Common Sense from a Baby? 37:17

4M ago37:17

37:17

Generative AI tools built on large language models are increasingly "intelligent" yet lack a baby's common sense – the ability to non-verbally generalize to novel situations without additional training. What can developmental science contribute to AI? Tech journalist and former CASBS fellow John Markoff chats with 2023-24 CASBS fellow David Moore, …

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To reduce inequality in Nigeria, focus on jobs, laws, and cash 28:57

5M ago28:57

28:57

Host Landry Signé and Belinda Archibong, a fellow with the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings, discuss inequalities that hinder development across Africa and policy choices that can overcome them. These include increasing job opportunities for women and youth, passing laws against gender and youth discrimination, and providing access to financia…

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Beyond “Popcorn Innovation”: Human-First leadership from IBM to the United Nations with Frances West 51:35

5M ago51:35

51:35

What if the key to navigating our AI-driven future isn’t about becoming more technological, but rather more authentically human? In this inspiring episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the intersection of technology, leadership, and human dignity with Frances West, a pioneering executive whose wisdom spans decades of technological transformation.…

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A Lawyer Explains: "DEI" and Anti-Equity Policies in Schools 38:07

5M ago38:07

38:07

The Trump administration is waging war against diversity, equity, and inclusion. But what does that mean for educators when it comes to discussing race, equity, and history in the classroom? How can schools continue to foster inclusive learning environments despite these restrictions? Alice O’Brien, general counsel for the National Education Associ…

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Science Under Siege (and What We Can Do) 36:15

5M ago36:15

36:15

Since the start of the second Trump Administration, a wave of executive actions has frozen research funding, slashed the federal science workforce, and erased publicly available data. What does this mean for the future of U.S. research—and the scientists caught in the crossfire? In this episode of Sci on the Fly, host Angela Cleri sits down with Ma…

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Rethinking South-North cooperation across the Atlantic in a shifting global economy 31:12

5M ago31:12

31:12

Host Landry Signé and Dr. Karim El Aynaoui, executive president of the Policy Center for the New South, discuss the rapid shift toward transactional relationships between countries in the South and North that may prove difficult for less stable countries in the New South to navigate. Macroeconomic stability and independent monetary policy are funda…

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The other “F” Word: Embracing failure to elevate human ingenuity in the AI era with professor and author John Danner 39:40

5M ago39:40

39:40

What if our fixation on avoiding failure is the very thing blocking us from building organizations that maximize human ingenuity? And why is this business critical in the AI age? In this episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the intersection of leadership, innovation, and human potential with John Danner, renowned business advisor, professor, and…

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Intro: AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly 2:50

5M ago2:50

2:50

Welcome to AAAS STPF Sci on the Fly, a blog and podcast run by fellows of the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships! Sci on the Fly promotes public understanding of science and policy. It provides STPF current and alumni fellows an opportunity to gain vital experience in writing and podcasting for lay audiences. Launched in 2013, Sci on the Fly i…

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11: Final Frontiers with Arnar Sigurðsson 1:14:07

5M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

It's the final episode of the first season of Fellow Travellers, and there's no better way to end it than by asking the ultimate questions: what is East of Moon? Josie Anne and Arnar Sigurðsson get together to hash it out, and in the process explore the value of community, the difference with between countryside and urban cultural activity, and how…

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10: Fellow Travellers in Review with Anna Marjankowska 48:32

5M ago48:32

48:32

For our tenth episode we are doing another review; this is where we take the time to look back over the conversations we've had thus far, and reflect on the themes and ideas raised. Anna Marjankowska joins Josie Anne in the studio to discuss the moments and concepts that resonated with us from episodes 06-09. Read Anna's piece on Artistic Intervent…

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Why do some African countries perform better for their citizens than others? 27:25

5M ago27:25

27:25

Foresight Africa host Landry Signé discusses the findings of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s newest governance index with Nathalie Delapalme, the Foundation’s CEO. Countries that have continued to make progress, she says, have done so by putting equal emphasis on all four dimensions of governance: human development, sustainable economic opportunity, se…

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Do You Breathe When You Scroll? The Art of Digital Mindfulness with conceptual artist Hojin Kang 39:59

5M ago39:59

39:59

What if the very technology that distracts us could be transformed into a mirror reflecting our deepest human connections? In this fascinating episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the intersection of tradition, technology, and mindfulness with Berlin-based artist and designer Hojin Kang. Born to Korean parents in Germany, Hojin creates art that …

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What can we do about cyberbullying? 32:40

6M ago32:40

32:40

With the rise of social media and constant online communication, bullying is affecting students in new, pervasive ways, and schools are often on the front lines of addressing it. Madeline Micou, a middle school counselor with over two decades of experience in education, shares her insights on the realities of cyberbullying, how it differs from trad…