English on the Rocks

AI Killed the Fridge, 60,000 Fake Jobs & Does Reputation Matter More? (link in the comments)

Your Brain’s Hidden Past, London vs Smart Glasses & Are We Too Obsessed With Mental Health?

Your Brain’s Hidden Past, London vs Smart Glasses & Are We Too Obsessed With Mental Health? In the first part of today’s show, we looked at fascinating new research suggesting that the human brain may have a “split origin”, with different regions potentially following distinct evolutionary paths. Then we headed to London, where the rise of smart glasses is provoking a growing backlas...

The White House Media Ban & Why We Follow the Crowd

The White House Media Ban & Why We Follow the Crowd In the first part of today’s show, we looked at the legal battle over press access to the White House, after CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued the Trump administration following the revocation of their journalists’ credentials. The outlets argue that the ban violates their First Amendment and due pr...

AI Leaves Secret Instructions & Is Convenience Making Us Miserable?

AI Leaves Secret Instructions & Is Convenience Making Us Miserable? In the first part of today’s show, we looked at reports of AI systems leaving instructions for future versions of themselves on how to bypass human controls, and what this tells us about the growing challenge of keeping increasingly capable AI systems under control. Today’s unpopular opinion was...

Canada Gets Closer to Europe & Should Lying Be Illegal?

Canada Gets Closer to Europe & Should Lying Be Illegal? In the first part of today’s show, we looked at reports that Canada has been invited to become the EU’s first “associate member” as trade tensions with the United States intensify. Today’s unpopular opinion was: people who knowingly spread false information should face legal consequences. ...

Is Your TV Spying on You? Employers Know Your Price & Marrying for Money

Is Your TV Spying on You? Employers Know Your Price & Marrying for Money In the first part of today’s show, we looked at LG’s response to allegations that its smart TVs are spying on viewers. Then we talked about reports that employers are using personal data to estimate the lowest salary a candidate might be willing to accept. Today’s unpopular opinion was: there ...

AI Insiders Are Quitting, Washington Is Worried & Should Inheritance Be Abolished?

Just a moment...

The End of Algorithmic Feeds? North Korea vs K-Pop & The Problem With Praise

The End of Algorithmic Feeds? North Korea vs K-Pop & The Problem With Praise In the first part of today’s show, we looked at Australia’s plan to force social media platforms to let users opt out of algorithmic feeds, a move being described as a “global reckoning for big tech.” Then we headed to North Korea, where authorities are reportedly cracking down on teenagers ...

The Moon Belongs to America? Spain Needs Batteries & Why Being Alone Might Be Good

The Moon Belongs to America? Spain Needs Batteries & Why Being Alone Might Be Good In the first part of today’s show, we looked at Donald Trump sharing a post declaring “The Moon is ours” and claiming US ownership over Earth’s natural satellite. Then we turned to Spain’s renewable-energy boom and why the country may now need a battery revolution to make the most of all t...

The Stories Hidden in Music, the Dark Side of Mindfulness & Is Fairness More Important Than Kindness?

The Stories Hidden in Music, the Dark Side of Mindfulness & Is Fairness More Important Than Kindness? In the first part of today’s show, we looked at fascinating research suggesting that music can make completely different people imagine surprisingly similar stories. Then we explored the dark side of mindfulness, and why a practice associated with calm and wellbeing may not be beneficial for every...