Today I examine how free speech is available to anyone and can reach more listeners than ever, yet it is swiftly being eroded by modern technology. Words can be spoken or written. They can also be recorded and catalogued in new ways. In the hands of autocratic-minded leaders, technology can be used like a weapon to intimidate opposition. Once more, there are entirely new classes of technology that have been developed and are being refined to do just that: monitor and control how people think and express their thoughts, which I’ll cover later in this podcast. I’ll also talk later about a chilling new technology modeled in Pegasus phone spyware that can monitor anyone’s communication, movements, and at times private conversations while not actively using a phone.

Music as an art form and business was born in the early twentieth century and would slowly become a force in world culture throughout much of the century. And yet now, as more music is being consumed than ever, the recording industry itself is slowly dying internally, and most musical artists can barely make a living from it. In today's episode, I'll examine how music recording as a business is struggling, why talented musicians are barely getting by, and how AI is about to make everything a lot more difficult later in the podcast.

Do you remember the days when you go to a movie theater or stream a film, not just because of the story but because you were wanted to see your favorite actor or actress? It was a long time ago, of course. Maybe two weeks in the past. Things change so rapidly these days. Now the newest blockbuster may wind up having leads, support and extras that are generated by AI. Who knows, they may look very much like your favorite performers, but not exactly identical, at least not enough to trigger a lawsuit.

This week we look at what is happening with AI and its ability to render lifelike characters. Is it a novelty or is it the wave of the future. Will the paying public buy into it enough to generate buffo box-office or is it an idea that people will stay away from in droves?