6 Podcasts that Help You Understand A.I.

Starter episode: “When A.I. hears a problem”

‘The Bot Canon’

The impact of ChatGPT’s ability to write things like programming code, TV scripts, and even college essays is quite significant since its launch in 2022. With co-host Hannah Keefer, “The Bot Canon” explores what happens when an A.I. is asked to co-write classic novels. Each episode starts with the actual opening line of a literary classic, such as “Pride and Prejudice,” and then takes a dive into an A.I.-generated continuation. Some of them turn out to be reasonable imitations, while others descend into surreal chaos. “The Bot Canon” has dozens of back episodes to delve into.

Starter episode: “The Hobbot (J.R.R. Tolkien)”

‘Tech Won’t Save Us”

“Tech Won’t Save Us,” hosted by Paris Marx with a revolving cast of guest experts, is an insightful and skeptical view of the tech industry, with recent episodes focusing on A.I. and its effect on various job sectors. Marx argues that Silicon Valley prioritizes efficiency and disruption over human well-being. This podcast presents potential solutions and optimistic approaches alongside critical analysis of the industry.

Starter episode: “Chatbots Won’t Take Many Jobs”

‘Sandra’

In “Sandra,” an audio drama from Gimlet Media, Kristen Wiig voices a virtual assistant akin to Alexa named Sandra, who is technically not a true A.I. Rather, an army of human call center workers powers her. A new employee, played by Alia Shawkat (“Search Party”), gets drawn into the power and possibilities of Sandra’s gig, not realizing the magnitude of the task until it’s too late. Although it was created five years ago, this cyber thriller still offers an intriguing exploration of what separates human and artificial intelligence.

Starter episode: “Hope Is A Mistake”

‘Endless Thread’

Started in 2017, “Endless Thread” began as a series focused on Reddit and the online communities it creates. Now, hosted by Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson, the show dives into all kinds of technological ephemera. Last year, a six-part mini-series called “Good Bot, Bad Bot” looked into the rise of A.I., starting with an illuminating oral history of the first chatbot therapist named ELIZA and the misgivings it inspired.

Starter episode: “Good Bad, Bad Bot Part 1: Mental Health and Bot Therapy”