TL;DR

Two days ago, I released two podcast episode:

• "One Big Bad Bill" on muckrAIkers ➡️ Igor Krawczuk and I discuss the substantial bill that Trump is attempting to push through the legislature, and I get a little animated...  (IMO it's justified)
  Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and landing page links^[1]
• "Getting Into PauseAI w/ Will Petillo" on Into AI Safety ➡️ Will, onboarding team lead for PauseAI, joins me to discuss the organization, his journey, why diverse perspectives matter, and common misconceptions about AI advocacy.
  Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and landing page links^[2]

Collectively, it took at least 40 hours to get these episodes together, including research, recording, and post-processing, so I hope you enjoy!

"One Big Bad Bill" on muckrAIkers

This one would normally be slotted to come out next week, but it covers something too important and time sensitive to postpone. Trump's massive reconciliation bill contains dystopian AI provisions that could fundamentally reshape how AI is used and regulated in the US.

We break down the most concerning parts:

• Automated fraud detection systems that will inevitably discriminate against marginalized communities
• Centralized citizen databases (echoing authoritarian data consolidation tactics)
• Military AI integration when oversight is already being minimized
• A 10-year ban on enforcing ALL state AI regulation, blocking the primary avenue for meaningful AI governance in the US and leaving a regulatory vacuum that benefits only Big Tech

"Getting into PauseAI w/ Will Petillo" on Into AI Safety

Will Petillo, onboarding lead at PauseAI, discusses the organization, it's motives, and how regular citizens can meaningfully engage with AI policy.

We discuss:

• Why diverse perspectives matter more than technical expertise
• How grassroots movements can shift policy when insider lobbying fails
• Common misconceptions about AI advocacy
• Practical steps for getting involved (hint: it starts with writing your representatives)

These episodes show both sides of the democratic process: organized citizen advocacy working to slow harmful AI development, while powerful interests try to eliminate the very mechanisms that make such advocacy possible.

If you care about having a voice in how AI shapes our future, both episodes are essential listening.

As always, sources researched or referenced in the making of this episode are included in the show notes so you can dig deeper on the topics most interesting to you!

1. ^{^}

   Find muckrAIkers on
   Spotify
   Apple Podcasts
   YouTube
   ...or wherever you listen

2. ^{^}

   Find Into AI Safety on
   Spotify 
   Apple Podcasts 
   YouTube
   ...or wherever you listen