Austin loves two things: complaining about traffic and pretending we totally understand infrastructure. So I brought on KUT’s (an NPR station) transportation reporter, Nathan Bernier, to talk less about any one project—and more about the craft of explaining all of them.

We get into what good transportation journalism actually looks like: how you take complex plans, jargon, politics, and half-baked timelines and bridge the gap to the public (pun intended) without turning it into propaganda or a 300-page PDF no one reads. What details do people really need? Why do agencies lose trust so fast? And how do you tell the truth when the truth is… “it depends”?

If you’ve ever asked, “Wait—what are we building again, and why?” this one’s for you.

In this compelling episode of "Tell Them Who You Are," we dive into the fascinating and sometimes unnerving world of Large Language Models (LLMs) and social media. Joined by ChatGPT, we explore how these advanced AI tools are reshaping our understanding of truth and public opinion.

From the bandwagon effect to the eerie parallels with The Matrix and Lord of the Rings, we discuss the profound impact of AI-driven social engineering on our lives. Are we entering a new era where discerning real from fake becomes increasingly challenging? And what does this mean for the future of social media and our collective perception of reality?

Tune in as we tackle these questions with humor and insight, wrapping up with a fun, Fresh Prince-style recap. It’s an episode packed with thought-provoking discussions and a touch of nostalgia.

Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that blends tech talk with cultural references, aiming to make sense of our digital age's complex landscape.

(Episode Description Written by Chat GPT)

In this episode of "Tell Them Who You Are," host Brandon Farmahini engages in a fascinating conversation with ChatGPT, the advanced AI developed by OpenAI. As we delve into the intricate world of conspiracy theories, Brandon challenges ChatGPT to shed light on its understanding of these complex narratives that often weave through the fabric of societal discourse. ChatGPT, with its vast repository of knowledge and neutral stance, provides a unique perspective on how conspiracy theories originate, evolve, and impact public perception and behavior. This episode promises to unravel the layers of mystery surrounding conspiracy theories, offering listeners an insightful analysis from the lens of artificial intelligence. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between human curiosity and AI rationality, exploring the depths of human belief systems through the eyes of a machine.

(note from brandon: chat gpt wrote this episode description and WAY over promised. Lower your expectations. -late