Episodes

  • Ask Me Anything with Microsoft CTO, Kevin Scott

    Ask Me Anything with Microsoft CTO, Kevin Scott
    Feb 18 2025
    In this AMA episode of "Behind the Tech," Kevin Scott and Christina Warren address a variety of listener questions, ranging from the impact of AI on learning and personal projects to the future of software development and AI regulation. Kevin shares his experience using AI for personal projects, such as making Japanese tea bowls, and discusses how AI has changed the way he approaches both work and hobbies. The conversation also touches on the potential for AI to reshape software development, with Kevin emphasizing the significant changes AI will bring to the field and the importance of adapting to these changes. The episode also explores broader topics, such as the regulation of AI, the challenges of scaling AI in regions with limited technological infrastructure, and the role of creative leaders in the era of AI. Kevin highlights the need for consistent and agile regulation to ensure the safe and beneficial deployment of AI technologies. He also discusses the democratization of AI tools and the importance of connectivity in enabling access to these technologies. The episode concludes with a discussion on the evolving definition of a technologist and the blurring lines between technology and creativity, emphasizing the importance of human involvement in AI-driven art and innovation. Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott   Discover and listen to other Microsoft podcasts.   
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    42 mins
  • Michele Elam, William Robertson Coe Professor in the Humanities; Senior Fellow, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence; Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education

    Michele Elam, William Robertson Coe Professor in the Humanities; Senior Fellow, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence; Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education
    Jan 21 2025

    Michele Elam, the William Robertson Coe Professor of Humanities in the English Department at Stanford University and a Race and Technology Affiliate at the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, joins Behind the Tech to discuss her journey and work. Michele shares her unique path from a humanities background to engaging with technology and AI, influenced by her father's career as an astronautics engineer.

    In this episode, Michele and Kevin explore the intersection of humanities and technology, discussing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the ethical considerations of AI. They delve into Michele's work at the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence at Stanford, where she represents arts and diversity perspectives. The conversation also touches on the cultural status of arts versus technology, the impact of storytelling in shaping cultural imagination, and the evolving education of engineering students to include social and ethical questions.

    Kevin and Michele reflect on the balance between deep expertise and broad curiosity, the role of arts in technology, and the importance of integrating different perspectives to address complex societal issues. They also discuss the significance of tradition and innovation, drawing insights from Kevin's recent trip to Japan where he observed the coexistence of advanced technology and centuries-old crafts.

    Michele Elam

    Kevin Scott  

    Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott  

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Year in Review 2024

    Year in Review 2024
    Dec 10 2024

    As 2024 comes to an end, we take a look back at some of the biggest themes that emerged on Behind the Tech over this incredibly exciting year for tech and AI: creativity, education, and transformation. And we take a stroll through some of Kevin's obsessions – from ceramics to Maker YouTube to classical piano – alongside guests like Xyla Foxlin, Lisa Su, Ben Laude, Ethan Mollick, Refik Anadol, and more.

    Kevin Scott  

    Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott  

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    34 mins
  • Refik Anadol, Director / Media Artist at Refik Anadol Studio, Visiting Researcher & Lecturer at UCLA's Design Media Arts Department.

    Refik Anadol, Director / Media Artist at Refik Anadol Studio, Visiting Researcher & Lecturer at UCLA's Design Media Arts Department.
    Nov 12 2024
    Refik Anadol, an internationally renowned media artist and director, joins Behind the Tech to discuss his journey from a childhood fascination with computers in Istanbul to becoming a pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence. In this episode, Refik shares his early inspirations—including his first encounter with a Commodore computer and the impact of science fiction on his imagination—and discusses how his work explores the intersection of art and technology. Kevin and Refik delve into the challenges and possibilities that ubiquitous computing has imposed on humanity, and how the perception and experience of time and space are radically changing in the digital age. They explore Refik's innovative projects, such as data-driven machine learning algorithms that create abstract, colorful environments and his immersive audio/visual installations that transform entire buildings. They also discuss the significance of AI in art, the concept of 'data painting,' and the future of digital art in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Learn more and support these organizations in North Carolina: John Britt Pottery akira satake ceramics | GoFundMe Mudtools East Fork Refik Anadol Studio | Refik Anadol Living Art Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott   Discover and listen to other Microsoft podcasts.   
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    50 mins
  • Ben Laude, Professor of Music (Piano Literature & Aural Skills) at Utah State University

    Ben Laude, Professor of Music (Piano Literature & Aural Skills) at Utah State University
    Sep 9 2024

    Ben Laude, a concert pianist and music educator, joins Behind the Tech to discuss his journey from a suburban childhood in Austin, Texas to becoming a world-renowned classical pianist and YouTube creator. Ben shares his early inspirations—including his father's dabbling in piano and his own private obsession with classical music that began in high school—and discusses the importance of having a good teacher and the role of the early Internet in fueling his passion for piano.

    In this episode, Kevin and Ben explore the impact of AI on art and artists, the significance of classical piano in Ben's life and his efforts to popularize classical piano through educational content. They discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in music, the magic of bringing encoded scores (musical notations that serve as instructions for how to perform the music) to life, and the importance of community and feedback in achieving success.

    Ben Laude | Utah State University

    Kevin Scott  

    Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott  

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Sal Khan, Founder and CEO of Khan Academy

    Sal Khan, Founder and CEO of Khan Academy
    Jul 9 2024
    Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, joins Behind the Tech to discuss his journey from a curious child fascinated by science and technology to a global leader in education innovation. Sal shares his early inspirations that led him to pursue a career in engineering and a degree at MIT, and outlines his lifelong passion for education rooted in the belief that all students have the potential to excel in subjects like math and science with the right tools and encouragement. In this episode, Kevin and Sal explore Sal's vision for Khan Academy, his insights on the intersection of technology and education, and the launch of Khanmigo, Khan Academy's AI-powered personal tutor. They discuss the challenges of teaching to diverse learning styles and the importance of building confidence and curiosity in students. Sal Khan | Khan Academy | Khanmigo Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott   Discover and listen to other Microsoft podcasts.   
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Ethan Mollick, Author and Associate Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

    Ethan Mollick, Author and Associate Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
    Jun 11 2024
    Ethan Mollick is an associate professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches innovation and entrepreneurship. His research focuses on the impact of AI on work and education, and he has published numerous papers and a New York Times-bestselling book on AI, "Co-Intelligence." Ethan is also behind the popular Substack "One Useful Thing," which explores the implications of AI for work, education, and life. In this episode, Kevin and Ethan discuss Ethan's background as a long-time technology enthusiast, his academic journey, and his insights on the current AI revolution. Ethan shares his experiences from running a bulletin board in the '80s to co-founding a startup company before entering academia, and the two discuss topics from the transformative potential of AI and its accessibility to a broader audience to the importance of AI as a co-intelligence tool that can enhance human capabilities. Ethan Mollick | Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania | Co-Intelligence Kevin Scott  Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott  Discover and listen to other Microsoft podcasts.  
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    59 mins
  • Mike Volpi, Partner at Index Ventures

    Mike Volpi, Partner at Index Ventures
    May 14 2024
    Mike Volpi is a longtime venture capitalist who joined Index Ventures in 2009 to establish the firm's San Francisco office and North American operations. Prior, he was Chief Strategy Officer at Cisco, overseeing a run of acquisitions still studied today as a model for technology merger strategy. Mike invests primarily in artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and open-source companies, and currently serves on the boards of multiple companies including Aurora, ClickHouse, Cockroach Labs, Cohere, Confluent, Covariant.ai, Kong, Scale, Sonos, and Wealthfront. In this episode, Kevin and Mike discuss Mike's early childhood, how he got interested in the study of engineering, and his career experiences—including what led to Mike's long career at Cisco and his current Partner position at Index—including his board experiences with multiple companies.   Mike Volpi | Index Ventures Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott   Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts.   
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    1 hr and 12 mins