Introducing: Dream Machines from KQED
Aug 3, 2026 · 13m
Summary
Close All Tabs hosts Alexis Madrigal and Robin Sloan to discuss their new KQED miniseries, Dream Machines. The four-episode podcast explores AI’s mechanics, societal impact, and the complex human emotions it evokes. Sloan and Madrigal share their differing perspectives on the technology, aiming to move beyond hype and doom to help listeners understand AI’s role in our lives.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Dream Machines podcast series
Host backgrounds: Alexis Madrigal and Robin Sloan
How the hosts met and their shared history
Shared views on AI importance and oligopoly concerns
Differing temperaments: Enthusiasm vs. Doomism
Focus on human emotions and complex feelings
30-second pitches for Dream Machines
Why public engagement with AI is urgent
Outro and listening information
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