AI continues to be a major subject of debate—and for good reason. It’s a technology that holds incredible potential to shape and reshape power. This is why we have to remain more vigilant than ever to how AI models are built, who builds them, what their motivations and value systems are, and what we collectively demand from builders—and how we regulate them as a society. As with any emerging technology, what we’re talking about is not just technology—we’re talking about how that technology is interwoven into society.

My guest this week, Avriel Epps, is an expert on the intersection of AI, transformative justice, and identity formation.

Support the show by checking out: ZBiotics (Decrease impact of hangovers. Code: JESSEDAMIANI for 10% off), MUD\WTR (43% off starter kits), 1Password (simplify your life and increase digital safety), Mission Farms CBD (healthy, effective CBD for relief, sleep, and wellbeing—25% off with email), NordVPN (the simplest way to protect yourself online, 74% off 2-year plans).

Avriel Epps is a computational social scientist, scholar, and strategist whose work bridges artificial intelligence, transformative justice, and youth well being.

With a PhD from Harvard University, Dr. Epps' research delves into the intersection of technology, storytelling, and social equity, focusing on how biases in artificial intelligence impact the human beings that use it.

Their work has been featured in major outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, Vogue, The Atlantic, and more. Dr. Epps is committed to leveraging digital spaces to usher in a just and regenerative future. They are currently the Civic Science Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University. In Fall 2025 they will begin their tenure as Assistant Professor of Fair and Responsible Data Science at Rutgers University.

CREDITS: This podcast is edited and produced by Adam Labrie and me, Jesse Damiani. Adam Labrie also edited the video version of the podcast, which is available on YouTube. The podcast is presented by Reality Studies. If you appreciate the work I’m doing, please subscribe and share it with someone you think would enjoy it.

Find more episodes of Urgent Futures at: youtube.com/@UrgentFutures.

Get full access to Reality Studies at www.realitystudies.co/subscribe