Death of the English Major

Artificial Intelligence Follow Up Conversation/Predictions

In this episode we debrief AI revelations/predictions from the Dr. Dave Herman Interview. We also speculate about the seedier tendencies of nascent AI technology and how it is (and isn't) similar to Web3 and Crypto. Also, why you may not want to go to Mars with Elon Musk.

Who's Afraid of Artificial Intelligence?

Welcome back to Tiny Futures! We're thrilled to bring you an exciting episode today featuring our very first guest, Dr. Dave Herman. Dave received his Ph.D. in computational neuroscience from USC and has developed Machine Learning products for over 20 companies. In our conversation today, we chat about the world of AI, exploring its complexities and challenging our understanding of this groundbreaking technology: Are large language models like ChatGPT just hype or is there something genuinely special unfolding? As we dive deeper, we discuss the key players in the industry and varying perspectives that shape our understanding of AI, like our collective fascination with dystopian AI narratives. Do any of these cautionary tales warrant serious consideration? Will machines eventually take over our world? We also address common misconceptions, acknowledge accurate insights, and share some of the wildest stories Dave has encountered. Join us for this insightful and engaging episode!

Death of the English Major

This week we talk "The End of the English Major" by Nathan Heller, published in the New Yorker in late February of 2023. Every few months it seems someone writes another whopper about the end of the degree. But is the English major still relevant in post-pandemic and post-AI world? We unpack the article, detailing our experiences in the English major as well as our our adventures in academia (traumatic? a little). We chat the future of American Higher Ed, whether the canon of American writers is kinda racist, and the differences between Millennials and Gen Z's relationship to literature. Mostly, we determine once and for all--as boomer parents of millennials knew all along-- whether humanities degrees are for losers?

Tár Wars

Join us for our second ever episode of Tiny Futures, a podcast about late capitalism and the shrinking, fragmented futures of these so-called "aftertimes." This week we’re talking Oscar nominated films Tár and the Banshees of Inisherin, two incredible movies in the running for Best Picture of the year in 2023. And two movies that detail the implosion of worlds as they are known while asking bolder questions. Like is it gross to leave your watch on the sink in a public bathroom? How soon after a transatlantic flight do you need to brush your teeth before kissing your partner? Also, What’s with the collars in Banshees? What exactly does Padrick do for a living? And more.

Royal Triangle of Sadness + ChatGPT

Join us for the inaugural episode of Tiny Futures, a podcast about late capitalism and the shrinking, fragmented futures of these so-called "aftertimes." This week we give our knee-jerk reactions to the ChatGPT takeover and take a deep dive into Prince Harry's book, Spare. We talk exploity British tabloids, Harry's Truth, Kate's hormones, the many Dianas of our lives, and the things giving us life this week.