Building Worlds Through Better Reading (with Reo Eveleth), 2025.09.29

Powerful AI boosters claim to love science fiction novels, but why do they always seem to take the wrong lessons from them? Reporter and writer Reo Eveleth joins us to discuss the ways tech leaders misuse storytelling, and how we can avoid their visions to imagine better futures.
Reo Eveleth is a reporter, writer, and co-founder of COYOTE Media Collective. They created the hit independent show Flash Forward, which they also turned into a book of the same name. Reo’s work has been nominated for a Peabody, an Emmy, and an Eisner Award.
References:
Tech Billionaires Need to Stop Trying to Make the Science Fiction They Grew Up on Real
How New Science Fiction Could Help Us Improve AI
Also Referenced:
Statement from the listed authors of Stochastic Parrots on the “AI pause” letter
Fresh AI Hell:
Stop Worrying About AI’s Return on Investment
The most radical act of feminism? Using AI
Leader of Albania Pelted With Trash for Appointing AI-Powered Minister to Cabinet
The Human Cost of Every ChatGPT Query: Inside the Cobalt Mines That Power AI
Altman on "AGI" and quantum gravity
OK Go - Impulse Purchase
Correction: We misstated Lee Ostertag's name during the livestream for this episode. We apologize for the error!
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Music by Toby Menon.
Artwork by Naomi Pleasure-Park.
Production by Ozzy Llinas Goodman.