In AI We Trust?

On this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President & CEO Miriam Vogel and EqualAI Senior Advisor Nuala O’Connor co-host a conversation with Robbie Torney, Head of AI & Digital Assessments at Common Sense Media. They discuss the third annual Common Sense Media’s Summit on Kids and Families (March 23-24), the premier cross-sector gathering on child wellbeing in the digital age. Robbie Torney shares his valuable insights on how AI tools are affecting children’s learning and development, mental health, and growing up in a world that is hyperconnected. They dig in on topics impacting kids, families, and educators, including AI companions, chatbots, and AI toys, the importance of AI safety features and parental controls, gaps in AI usage among boys and girls, and how to protect kids in the AI era.

On this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel sat down for a conversation with Dr. Chris Howard, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Arizona State University (ASU). They reflected on EqualAI’s recent AI Literacy Initiative event with ASU in Scottsdale, Arizona, featuring ASU President Michael Crow, Taylor Stockton, CIO of DOL, ASU Chief Information Officer Lev Gonick, Dean of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism Battinto Batts, and Dean of ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Carole Basile, among other notable speakers. Dr. Howard and Miriam Vogel dove into ASU leadership on AI and education, including how ASU is using AI to help build human capacity and create impact for students and learners as they prepare to enter the workforce, and how AI fits in with ASU’s charter statement.

On this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel and EqualAI Senior Advisor Nuala O’Connor sit down with John Bailey, Nonresident Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute, where he focuses on the intersection of technology and innovation in areas such as education and the workforce, and how to leverage the benefits of emerging technologies while minimizing the risks. John shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that AI presents, including in education, healthcare/mental health and the workforce, and why he is optimistic about the future of AI and new possibilities being opened up by generative AI and agentic AI. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of AI literacy and ensuring people’s trust in AI, as well as ways that AI frontier labs, educators and others can help guide a path toward safe and beneficial AI adoption.

EqualAI is thrilled to share the publication of our AI Governance Playbook for Boards—a practical guide to help Boards of Directors responsibly oversee AI while balancing risk management, value creation, and emerging legal and compliance obligations. On this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel sits down with our partners at WilmerHale, Jessica Lewis and Joshua Geltzer, to discuss the newly released Playbook, and Jessica and Joshua break down why Board-level engagement in AI governance is no longer optional—but both a best practice and, increasingly, a legal requirement.

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel offers a special sneak peak into Governing the Machine, the book she co-authored and released this year, which is available online and in-stores and on audible (with a familiar voice). In this special episode, Miriam Vogel reflects on a pivotal year for AI—and what it means for all of us. She shares key moments from 2025, including highlights on the work advanced alongside partners across industry, government, and civil society, and why this growing community matters as AI reshapes how we work, learn, and govern. The episode concludes with the exclusive excerpt from a chapter in Governing the Machine, offering a deeper look at how we got here—and how we move forward with clarity and trust. We’re excited to continue the conversation in 2026 with new guests, expanded AI literacy discussions, and timely insights you won’t want to miss.

From November 11-12, 2025, EqualAI and Heartland Forward organized a convening with Mayor Tim Kelly of Chattanooga, Tennessee focused on AI in education and the workforce. The event brought together approximately 60 leaders from the City of Chattanooga and across the State of Tennessee to examine how AI is reshaping the education and jobs landscape and discuss the risks and opportunities of integrating AI into schools and workplaces. In Chattanooga, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel sat down with Mayor Kelly and Heartland Forward President Angie Cooper for a podcast recording of In AI We Trust? During the discussion, Mayor Kelly discussed real-world examples of how the City of Chattanooga is using AI in practical ways to help improve everyday quality of life for city residents, and Angie shared about how her organization, a “think-and-do-tank,” has launched the first-ever Heartland AI Caucus. Learn about all this and much more in this latest episode!

On this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel speaks with Axios Chief Technology Correspondent Ina Fried about how AI and this moment in technology compares to other earlier moments of transformation and Ina’s role as a journalist writing the Axios AI+ newsletter and putting together Axios’s AI+ Summits. In the episode, Ina discusses how AI is impacting jobs and her own work as a journalist, the complexity involved in building AI into human processes, and her hopes for the future of AI. You will not want to miss Ina’s sharp insights in this latest episode. Tune in now!

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: In this special episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel is joined by her two co-authors of Governing the Machine: How to navigate the risks of AI and unlock its true potential, Dr. Paul Dongha, Head of Responsible AI and AI Strategy at NatWest Group, and Ray Eitel-Porter, Accenture Luminary and Senior Research Associate at the Intellectual Forum, Jesus College, Cambridge, to launch their new book released TODAY (October 28, 2025). Miriam, Paul, and Ray share their motivation for writing the book, some of the big takeaways on AI governance, why it is for companies and consumers alike, and what they hope readers will learn from their book. We hope that you enjoy this episode, and please be sure to purchase a copy of Governing the Machine at the link above! And share your feedback at [email protected]!

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel sits down with Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, for a fascinating discussion about the “AI hurricane coming through” and how he sees the role of journalists when it comes to reporting on new technological developments and promoting AI literacy. During the episode, Nicholas shares his wish list of AI policies and regulations, the most interesting thing in tech he has seen recently, his thoughts on the most important things people should be paying attention to as they work to understand new developments in the AI space, and much, much more.

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel interviews Steven Overly, host of POLITICO Tech’s weekly podcast and editorial director of POLITICO Live. Steven shares highlights from POLITICO’s 2025 AI & Tech Summit and his thoughts on how the tech landscape has changed since he first started reporting on it as a journalist. Steven and Miriam also touch on topics including AI in government, AI and the workforce, and how to bring nuance into conversations around AI and ensure that more people are included in conversations about how it will impact their lives.

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, cohosts Miriam Vogel and Nuala O’Connor speak with Daniel Dobrygowski, Head of Governance and Trust at the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Karla Yee Amezaga, Initiatives Lead for AI and Data Governance with WEF’s Centre for AI Excellence about the importance of building trust in technology, strengthening AI and digital literacy, and modernizing boards to be fit for purpose for the modern era. They discuss EqualAI’s and WEF’s new playbooks, including WEF’s Playbook on Advancing Responsible AI Innovation and EqualAI’s new AI Governance Playbook. Find the WEF Playbook here and EqualAI’s AI Governance Playbook here.

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, cohosts Miriam Vogel and Nuala O’Connor are joined by Adam Thierer, resident senior fellow @ R Street's Tech & Innovation team. Adam weighs in on the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan, the importance of Congress in developing AI policy, and existing legal principles and practices that help define the new digital and AI age. They focused on the mandate for AI literacy, as well as the necessity of AI technologies being regulated in a transparent and trustworthy way that end users, and particularly consumers, can understand.

In Episode 10 of the In AI We Trust? AI Literacy series, Angie Cooper’s Call to Action for the Heartland, Miriam Vogel talks with Angie Cooper, President and Chief Operating Officer of Heartland Forward, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate economic growth across America’s Heartland. The discussion follows Heartland Forward’s recent annual Heartland Summit, the data-driven insights that inform their mission, and their partnership with Stemuli to create a first-of-its-kind AI literacy video game to promote AI learning for rural students. Angie stresses the importance of increasing access to AI by expanding affordable, high-speed internet and building trust with AI platforms through education initiatives and open conversations with teachers and employers. This episode explores how AI can be utilized as a tool to benefit small businesses, prepare students for the workforce, and advance jobs throughout the Heartland and beyond.

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, Miriam & Nuala speak with Common Sense Senior Director of AI Programs Robbie Torney to discuss AI's impact on children, families, and schools, focusing on AI literacy, which builds upon media and digital literacy. Robbie advises parents to engage in tech conversations with curiosity and empathy and encourages educators to view AI as a tool to enhance learning, noting students' prevalent use. Common Sense Media provides AI training and risk assessments for educators. Torney aims to bridge digital divides and supports AI implementation in underserved schools, highlighting risks of AI companions for vulnerable youth and developing resources for school AI readiness and risk assessments. The episode stresses the importance of AI literacy and critical thinking to navigate AI's complexities and minimize harm.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series provides listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostAI Risk AssessmentsAI Basics for K–12 TeachersParents’ Ultimate Guide to AI Companions and Relationships2025: The Common Sense Census2024: The Dawn of the AI Era

In this special episode of In AI We Trust?, recorded live at the launch of the EqualAI C-Suite Summit in Washington, D.C., host Miriam Vogel sits down with the dynamic Van Jones — acclaimed social entrepreneur, innovator, and tech evangelist. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking conversation about how AI can be a transformative force for opportunity creation. With his trademark clarity and conviction, Van offers a hopeful vision for the future of AI— one that empowers communities and drives societal progress, but only if we lead with the right values and policies at this critical moment.Related ResourcesDream Machine AI x Library Project

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, Dr. Andrew Ng joins co-hosts Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman to discuss AI literacy and the need for widespread AI understanding. Dr. Ng makes a call to action that everyone should learn to code, especially with AI-assisted coding becoming more accessible. The episode also addresses AI fears and misconceptions, highlighting the importance of learning about AI for increased productivity and potential career growth. The conversation further explores AI's potential for positive large-scale social impact, such as in climate modeling, and the challenges of conveying this potential amidst widespread fears across the general public. The discussion addresses AI's potential for social good, the urgent need for AI education and upskilling, and the complexities of AI integration in education. This important episode underscores Andrew, Miriam & Rosalind’s belief in the transformative potential of AI when individuals are empowered to manage, adapt and build with it, fostering innovation across various sectors and in user’s daily lives.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series will provide listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostAndrew Ng: Should we fear an AI-driven existential crisis? (In AI We Trust?, Jan. 2024)DeepLearning.AICoursera

This episode of In AI We Trust? features co-hosts Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman continuing their AI literacy series with Susan Gonzales, CEO of AIandYou. The discussion centers on the critical need for basic AI literacy within marginalized communities to create opportunities and prevent an "AI divide." Susan emphasizes overcoming fear, building foundational AI knowledge, and understanding AI's impact on jobs and small businesses. She stresses the urgency of AI education and AIandYou's role in providing accessible resources. The episode highlights the importance of dialogue and strategic partnerships to advance AI literacy, ensuring that everyone can benefit from AI's opportunities before the "window" closes.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series will provide listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostAIandYou

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, co-hosts Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman speak with Dr. Judith Spitz, Founder and Executive Director of Break Through Tech sheds light on the blind spots within the industry, and discusses how Break Through Tech is pioneering innovative programs to open doors to talented individuals. She gets more young people from a broad array of backgrounds to study technology disciplines, ensures they learn leadership and other skills critical to their success, and gets them into industry- she is single-handedly building a more robust and prepared tech ecosystem.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series will provide listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostBreak Through TechAchieving Greater Gender Equity in Tech