City Cast Pittsburgh

Introducing Derek Thompson on AI, abundance, and human progress from Possible.

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Why can the United States government help make a vaccine in a year but not build a high-speed train in a reasonable timeframe? What if our biggest problems—affordable housing shortages, energy limits, and scientific slowdowns—aren’t inevitable, but chosen?

This week, Reid and Aria sit down with Derek Thompson—staff writer at The Atlantic and host of the podcast Plain English—to explore how a scarcity mindset is holding American society back. They cover how AI can revolutionize scientific discovery; what Operation Warp Speed got right; and why real progress depends on bold policy, not just better technology. Plus, Reid joins Derek in the hotseat for some “Too Much, Too Little, or Just Right?”—a game co-created with ChatGPT to discuss ideas in Derek’s new best-selling book, Abundance. 

For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ 

Select mentions: 

Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson

“The Anti-Social Century” 

Every Cure co-founder Dr. David Fajgenbaum 

Topics:

1:06 – Episode introduction

2:34 – What year would Derek choose to be born and why?

7:14 – What can AI do as a co-author that Ezra Klein can't, and what are Ezra's irreplaceable strengths?

9:08 – AI's impact on the future of work — what AI can and can't do — and what the enduring role of humans will be.

12:00 – The situation with current tariffs, and the potential fixes or silver linings.

14:28 – Operation Warp Speed and other examples of abundance in the U.S. and beyond.

19:39 – What specific government policies could effectively leverage AI to speed up the creation of abundance?

22:40 – Midroll

22:49 – Derek and Reid play a fun game based on Abundance: “Too much, too little, or just right?” 

30:46 – What's needed to better incentivize scientific progress and foster innovation?

39:22 – How could society and our relationship with technology be reframed to combat the loneliness epidemic?

45:08 – Derek identifies specific policies that currently hinder abundance and suggests new ones that could promote it.

49:45 – Rapid-fire Questions

Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Each episode seeks to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

The hottest new medical drama is set in Pittsburgh! Max's "The Pitt" just wrapped its first season, which follows a 15-hour shift at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center (aka Allegheny General Hospital).

But just how "Pittsburgh" is the show? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our favorite local homages and Easter eggs, guessing which neighborhoods the characters might live in, and discussing the authenticity of nurse Dana's yinzer accent. Plus, a local healthcare worker tells us whether the show feels true to life.

"The Pitt" is coming back to town later this year to film its second season. What Pittsburgh storylines or references would you like to see? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

Note: If you haven't already watched the Pitt, we save spoilers for the second half of the episode!

Notes and references from today’s show:

• How Real Doctors Brought 'The Pitt' To Life [Science Friday]

Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm 

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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Pittsburgh Opera

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Introducing Live from SXSW - Outdoing Cancer Is A Team Sport from Science Will Win.

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While cancer deaths in the United States have declined in recent years, some populations are being left behind—facing complicated challenges to accessing the care they need. Intervening at the earliest stages of disease onset is critical to cancer treatment success and to reducing the risk of recurrence. So how do we create a world where all people with cancer are quickly diagnosed and can live better, longer lives as science advances? In this conversation, patient advocates and healthcare leaders from Pfizer, the American Cancer Society, and the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, discuss the power of collaboration in the effort to “Outdo Cancer.”

Moderator
• Tyrone McClain, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Pfizer
Speakers
• Carmen White, U.S. & Global Oncology Health Equity Lead, Pfizer
• Pam Traxel, American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network
• Mary Stutts, CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA)

This episode was recorded live in Austin, TX on Monday, March 10, as part of Pfizer’s takeover of the South by Southwest podcasting lounge.

Please fill out our short survey so we can get to know our listeners better: pfizer.com/podcastsurvey

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

This past weekend, Pittsburghers had a lot to celebrate. Easter, Passover, and of course, the other high holy day: 4/20. And we like to think that some of our state lawmakers got in on the fun too! A couple of representatives, including Pittsburgh rep. Emily Kinkead, wrote a new memo about how recreational cannabis could get legalized. This debate over legalization has come up over and over again here in Pennsylvania, so we're revisiting host Megan Harris' conversation with SpotlightPA reporters Ed Mahon and Stephen Caruso to figure out the political climate, the potential hurdles, and exactly how cannabis sales could even work.

**This episode originally aired on January 27, 2025.

Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23rd episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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Pittsburgh Opera

Perrico Gardens

Allegheny County

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Introducing Tina Knowles: "Matriarch" | Oprah's Book Club from The Oprah Podcast.

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BUY THE BOOK!

Matriarch: A Memoir by Tina Knowles is for sale here, and the audiobook here.

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Oprah

In this episode of Oprah’s Book Club: Presented by Starbucks, Oprah sits down with businesswoman, fashion designer, philanthropist and iconic mother, Tina Knowles, to discuss her empowering new memoir, Matriarch. Tina takes readers inside her enthralling life’s journey spanning multiple generations, revealing intimate moments of tragedy, perseverance, creativity, and the liberation of Black motherhood.

In a gratifying and astonishing conversation, Tina details her humble upbringing, her struggles with where she fit in as a Black woman, how she reinvented herself and how she shaped the mega-hit group Destiny’s Child.  Tina also recounts her personal journey of mothering her daughters Beyoncé and Solange, the infidelity that impacted her first marriage and how at the age of 70 she finally feels that she is enough. Tina takes questions from the audience as she reflects on the many moments of strength and wisdom she gathered from the matriarchs before her to pass on not just to her family, but the world.

For this conversation, Tina and Oprah are joined by a live audience in a Starbucks café in Chicago, enjoying Starbucks® Sunsera Blend™, their smoothest, brightest coffee with notes of citrus and toasted almond.

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

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Listen to the full podcast:

Spotify

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#oprahsbookclub

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DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

It's spring market and festival season! There are so many great options around town, from crop swaps to vintage clothing markets to a donut-fueled bike fest. Host Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco are sharing their favorites, including a market where everything — and we mean everything — is free.

Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 22nd episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Cozy Earth - Use code COZYPITTSBURGH for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.

Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

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Introducing Deepak Chopra: How to Ask AI The RIGHT Questions To Grow, Heal, and Live a More Fulfilled Life from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

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Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions?

Do you ever feel lonely even when you're around people?

Today, Jay welcomes back the legendary Deepak Chopra after six years, to discuss the unexpected intersection of spirituality and artificial intelligence. Together they unpack the beautiful blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge innovation.

Jay reflects on his first meeting with Deepak and how their bond has evolved over the years. The conversation quickly flows into one of the most fascinating questions of our time: Can AI actually support our spiritual growth, rather than distract from it? Deepak shares his insights on the mysteries of the universe, the unseen forces that shape our reality, and why he believes consciousness, not matter, is the foundation of everything.

Jay and Deepak break down the fears surrounding AI, from misinformation to war, and why it’s so important for us to grow spiritually alongside our technology. They explore how storytelling, creativity, and love are deeply human qualities that no machine can replicate, and how we can use these gifts to shape a better, more compassionate world.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Ask AI Better Questions to Unlock Wisdom

How to Use Technology to Support Emotional and Physical Healing

How to Find Purpose Through the Art of Storytelling

How to Train AI to Reflect Inclusivity and Diversity

How to Embrace Consciousness as the Foundation of Reality

How to Create a Sacred Relationship with Technology

Deepak reminds us that the answers we’re looking for often begin with a better question. And with the right mindset, even the most advanced technology can become a tool for inner transformation and collective healing.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. 

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! 

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:41 What If the Universe Is Just a Giant Digital Simulation?

12:36 How to Train AI to Unlock Ancient and Hidden Knowledge

13:39 Blending AI and Spirituality to Understand Consciousness

18:23 Could AI Really Lead to Human Extinction?

22:34 What’s Actually Holding Humanity Back From Progress?

23:37 How the Human Brain Transformed Over Time

26:11 The 2 Things That Set Humans Apart From All Other Species

27:16 Can Technology Lead Us to True Peace and Prosperity?

28:10 Will AI Replace Our Jobs or Unlock Human Creativity?

30:46 Do You Think AI Can Ever Have a Soul?

31:45 The Gender and Racial Bias Hidden in AI Systems

32:33 How to Build More Inclusive and Equitable AI Models

33:32 Why a Shared Vision Can Solve Any Problem We Face

36:13 Would You Trust AI to Know You Personally?

36:57 How You can Use AI to Get Better Sleep

37:29 Can AI Actually Give You Good Relationship Advice?

38:07 How AI Can Help You Find and Nurture Love

38:29 Why Personal Growth Solutions Should Never Be Generic

39:41 Your DNA Holds the Footprints of Human History

42:33 Rethinking the Big Bang: What Science Still Can’t Explain

44:31 Is Everything You See Just a Projection?

47:48 Why Fear of the Unknown Limits Our Growth

48:52 Want Better Answers? Ask Better Questions

51:41 The True Secret to Longevity Isn’t What You Think

54:30 How Your Brain Turns Experience Into Reality

55:08 Why Consciousness Is Still Life’s Greatest Mystery

56:28 The First Question You Should Always Ask AI

58:38 How ChatGPT Can Spark Deeper, More Intelligent Questions

Episode Resources:

Deepak Chopra | Website

Deepak Chopra | Instagram 

Deepak Chopra | TikTok 

Deepak Chopra | Facebook

Deepak Chopra | YouTube

Deepak Chopra | X

Digital Dharma: How AI Can Elevate Spiritual Intelligence and Personal Well-Being

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

There are four candidates in Pittsburgh's mayoral race, and we're asking each person why they think they're the right person to lead our city. This week, Host Megan Harris is talking with Corey O'Connor. He's served as Allegheny County Controller — the county’s top financial watchdog — since 2022, and was an elected member of City Council for over 10 years in District 5. He's also the son of our late former Mayor Bob O'Connor.

This is the second installment of our "Mayoral Mondays" series. Stay turned over the next month as we talk to the Republican candidates — former police officer Tony Moreno and Lawrenceville small business owner Thomas West. Plus, listen to part one, where incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey makes his pitch for why he deserves a second term.

Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21st episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

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Allegheny County

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Introducing Part 1 – The Data Revolution from Science Will Win.

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The intersection of biology and technology is revolutionizing drug discovery. In this episode, host Jeremiah Owyang and expert guests explore the crucial role of data in advancing medical science, from the serendipitous discoveries of the past to the cutting-edge techniques of today. They delve into the history of drug development, the rise of "omics," and the innovative single-cell sequencing that is transforming our understanding of the human body for the benefit of drug discovery. Today, scientists are using vast amounts of data to fuel artificial intelligence models, in the quest for new and better medicines.

Featured Guests:
– James Lowe, Research Fellow at the University of Exeter
– Kellie Kravarik, Associate Research Fellow and Cellular Genomics Group Leader for Systems Immunology at Pfizer
– Miguel Garcia-Sancho, Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Edinburgh

Season 4 of Science Will Win is created by Pfizer and hosted by Jeremiah Owyang, entrepreneur, investor, and tech industry analyst. It’s produced by Wonder Media Network.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

What exactly is a data center, and why does Pittsburgh have so many? We're sharing the latest on the arson attack against Gov. Josh Shapiro at the official mansion in Harrisburg; why the two men who jumped off PPG Place didn't break any records; and how you can (hopefully) get your Bucco Brick replaced by the Pirates. Plus, the city is considering expanding paid sick leave, and the ACLU is suing the University of Pittsburgh over alleged violations of students' First Amendment rights. Thanks to Axios Pittsburgh reporter Chrissy Suttles for joining us!

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode:

Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off

Franklin Street Market

Liberty Magic

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