TechTank

By Brookings Institution

TechTank is a biweekly podcast from The Brookings Institution exploring the most consequential technology issues of our time. From artificial intelligence and racial bias in algorith

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FAQs about TechTank:

How many episodes does TechTank have?

The podcast currently has 139 episodes available.

TechTank episodes:

July 06, 2026 How robotics is reshaping manufacturing
Technological advances are reshaping manufacturing processes, and robotics, in particular, are important to improve efficiency and advance military preparedness. Yet there are questions about what robotics can do and what governments and businesses should be doing to accelerate these technologies. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Suzy Teele of the ARM Institute to discuss these questions and her work on advancing innovations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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29min
June 15, 2026 How technology can help save democracy
Technology is accelerating rapidly, raising concerns about how artificial intelligence and other tools are altering communications, decisionmaking, and governance. Yet, these important conversations often overlook how technology can strengthen democratic institutions by expanding participation and improving service delivery. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Beth Simone Noveck to discuss these possibilities explored in her new book, “Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy.”
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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33min
May 04, 2026 Maintaining privacy and security with connected cars
Cars and trucks are being digitally connected through online sensors, safety devices, and entertainment systems, leading some observers to call vehicles today "smart phones on wheels." These features offer tremendous convenience for drivers and passengers, though the ubiquitous connections raise questions about privacy, security, legal liability, and consumer protection. In this episode, Darrell West is joined by Ian Barlow to discuss connected vehicles and opportunities to protect consumers.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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22min
April 20, 2026 How should we approach chatbots' mental health and privacy concerns?
Large language models are now marketed for more than just efficiency—some companies are encouraging them for more personal use cases, such as health questions or companionship. These uses carry some privacy and mental health concerns, which lawmakers are currently trying to address. In this episode, guest host Josie Stewart is joined by Shae Gardner and Sydney Saubestre to discuss these approaches and what else we need to know to best address various harms.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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45min
April 06, 2026 Teens are using AI—but not how we think
A recent survey examined how U.S. teens use and view AI, finding the majority have used chatbots for schoolwork or searching for information. Teens reported varying opinions about how AI would impact them personally versus society, and these feelings and use cases varied across certain demographics. In this episode, Co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Monica Anderson, co-author of the study, to discuss these findings and how they relate to past studies on teens and technology.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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30min
March 23, 2026 Does the Anthropic–Pentagon feud mean the end of responsible AI?
In February, Anthropic faced an ultimatum from the Pentagon to provide unrestricted use of its AI models. When the company refused, the defense secretary labeled it as a "supply-chain risk" and soon after entered into a contract with OpenAI. In this episode, guest host Josie Stewart is joined by Stephanie Pell and Valerie Wirtschafter to discuss this feud, how it may affect perceptions of AI, and additional questions around who controls AI systems and more broadly how they are used within the federal government.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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29min
March 09, 2026 Going back to the moon
The U.S. will soon launch a crewed ship to circle the moon and test equipment for takeoff and reentry, raising interesting questions about space exploration and the role of private companies. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Casey Dreier of the Planetary Society to discuss this mission and the China-U.S. rivalry over space.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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36min
February 16, 2026 What to expect from the India AI Impact Summit
India will host the latest in a series of global AI summits this month, marking the first of these convenings to take place in the Global South. The event will feature keynotes, panels, and an expo of deployable AI applications—all with a focus on impact. In this episode, guest host Brooke Tanner is joined by Brookings scholars Elham Tabassi and Cameron Kerry to discuss their expectations for the summit.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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35min
February 02, 2026 Tech outlooks for 2026
From advances in generative AI to crackdowns on kids' use of social media, various discussions around technology are likely to continue or expand in 2026. This includes questions about how states and the federal government might regulate these technologies and what areas will be at the forefront of legislation. In this episode, co-hosts Darrell West and Nicol Turner Lee share their thoughts on what's ahead for tech in 2026.

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36min
January 19, 2026 Universities tackled digital inclusion—now they are accelerating AI use
Some surveys show the majority of college students are using AI for academics, and several institutions are also embracing the technology, looking for the best ways to make the technology accessible and understandable for all. In this episode, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Lev Gonick to discuss these efforts and how they connect to prior work around digital inclusion.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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47min

FAQs about TechTank:

How many episodes does TechTank have?

The podcast currently has 139 episodes available.

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