logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2025
1h 26m

Ep. 372: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm

CAL NEWPORT
About this episode
Last week, it was announced that Oracle would take over operation of TikTok in the US. One of the primary reasons proposed for this deal is that it was in national interests for us to take over control of TikTok’s fabled “algorithm.” But what is this algorithm? How does it work? To what extent can it be controlled? In today’s episode, Cal looks deeper at the ... Show More
Up next
Feb 2
Ep. 390: What Happens When You Ditch Your Smartphone? + Assessing the Internet’s Latest Self-Help Sensation
Everyone knows that excessive smartphone use can be harmful. But the question we don’t ask enough is what the advantages are of not using these devices. In the ideas segment, Cal examines the testimonials of four subjects who spent significant time without phones, to learn what t ... Show More
1h 11m
Jan 26
Ep. 389: Is the Internet Hijacking Ambition? + Escaping Messaging Hell
It’s natural to feel ambition, as we’re wired to find great satisfaction in accomplishing hard goals. But what impact has the internet had on this instinct? To help explore this question, author Brad Stulberg, author of the new book THE WAY OF EXCELLENCE, joins Cal during the ide ... Show More
1h 48m
Jan 19
Ep. 388: What’s Worrying Jon Haidt Now? + Should You Buy a Landline? (Cal just did…)
Despite some initial skepticism, Jonathan Haidt’s crusade against kids using smartphones has been more or less completely vindicated. Which got us thinking: what’s he worried about next? In the ideas segment, Cal looks closer at three new technological harms that Haidt has begun ... Show More
1h 23m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
Introducing Exponentially with Azeem Azhar
<p>Never before has it been harder for leaders to make sense of what’s going on in the world. As exponential technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) march on, the ability to make future-proof decisions is all the more important for leaders.</p> <p><strong>Azeem Azhar’s</st ... Show More
1m 50s
Dec 30
Quantum computing: Game on
Quantum computing has long been technology’s white whale. But in recent months, new developments suggest practical applications for this elusive technology could finally be within reach. “Quantum has been five to ten years away from fruition for many, many decades,” says McKinsey ... Show More
24m 34s
Oct 2025
Overthinking About The Algorithm
If the algorithm knows what we want before we do… who’s really in charge? This week, host Amanda Montell(@amanda_montell) is joined by linguist, creator, and internet culture observer Adam Aleksic (@etymologynerd) to spiral deep into the invisible yet all powerful force shaping o ... Show More
42m 30s
Oct 2025
The War Between Artificial Intelligence And Curiosity With Jon Bassford
<p>Welcome to the Artificial Intelligence Podcast with Jonathan Green! In this episode, we delve into the intriguing conflict between artificial intelligence and human curiosity with our distinguished guest, Jon Bassford, a pioneering consultant specializing in enhancing curiosit ... Show More
26m 6s
Sep 2025
TECH001: AI for Activists w/ Justin Moon and Shroominic (Tech Podcast)
From Oslo's spotlight to global frontlines, Justin and Shroominic share how activists are harnessing AI for storytelling, translation, and rapid response while also navigating threats from authoritarian AI. Explore the core building blocks, decentralized models, and how anyone ca ... Show More
49m 43s
Aug 2025
Apple’s $20 Billion AI Blunder and Why Tim Cook is Losing the Innovation War | The Tom Bilyeu Show
Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu! In this lively episode, Tom is joined by his co-host Drew for a candid deep-dive into the most pressing issues shaping tech, culture, and society right now. Kicking things off, Tom takes Apple to task for missing out on AI innovation ... Show More
1 h
Sep 2024
The ERP Implementation Planning Episode
tail spinning
3h 11m
Oct 2025
Ask Us Anything 2025
It's been another big year in AI. The AI race has accelerated to breakneck speed, with frontier labs pouring hundreds of billions into increasingly powerful models—each one smarter, faster, and more unpredictable than the last. We’re starting to see disruptions in the workforce a ... Show More
40m 53s
Feb 2025
#64 Ex-Google Exec Reveals The Shocking Truth About AI with Mo Gawdat
Mo Gawdat is the former Chief Business Officer at Google X, an AI expert, and a best-selling author. He has been recognized for his early whistleblowing on AI's unregulated development and has become one of the most globally consulted experts on the topic. With years of experienc ... Show More
2h 9m
Jun 2025
#420 — Countdown to Superintelligence
<p dir="ltr">Sam Harris speaks with Daniel Kokotajlo about the potential impacts of superintelligent AI over the next decade. They discuss Daniel's predictions in his essay "AI 2027," the alignment problem, what an intelligence explosion might look like, the capacity of LLMs to i ... Show More
20m 29s