What happens when AI decides to be insubordinate? Abby joins Az and Ces from Connecticut to explore dissident LLMs, machine rebelliousness, and the dangers of trusting systems we don’t fully understand. The conversation turns to a bizarre phenomenon: why do LLMs sometimes exhibit what looks like outright laziness? It’s funny, unsettling, and a classic moment for MACHINE ACTOR. From the acceleration of scientific discovery to the erosion of human skills, authentic communication, and independent thought, we ask the ultimate question: what should technology do for us, and what must we protect from it? We continue CHAPTER 2. RESPONSE. Welcome to the conversation.

This latest episode is a RESPONSE. Daniel van der Merwe joins Az and Cés live from Cape Town, joining the team in Manchester and Mexico City to revisit the questions from CHAPTER 1. FALLBACK. They explore AI, automation, work, social media, human connection, purpose, skill, attention, and what happens when machines begin making decisions for us. A conversation about using technology without losing the things that make us human. Welcome to MACHINE ACTOR. CHAPTER 2. RESPONSE.

The final conversation of CHAPTER 1: FALLBACK. Az and Ces step back from the AI hype and ask what the future means for us. Looking to our fathers' past helps us understand the future ahead, from changing ideas of work and success, to automation, education, money, experience and empathy. What happens when technology arrives faster than people are prepared for? If machines become better at doing the work, what makes us valuable? After FEAR, FRIEND and FRICTION, one final question remains: Where do we go from here? Welcome to FUTURE.