What Actually IS Artificial Intelligence?

Discover what AI really is, separating movie myths from the fascinating reality of pattern-finding computer tools all around us.

Episode 1

How Computers Think (Clue: They Don't!)

Discover why computers don't actually think like humans, and learn how they follow instructions at incredible speed instead.

Episode 2

The Pattern-Finding Superpower

Discover how AI's amazing ability to spot patterns is actually something you already do every day.

Episode 3

How Do You Teach a Computer?

Discover how AI learns from examples, just like you learn from experience, through the magic of training data.

Episode 4

AI That Sees: How Computers Learn to Recognise Pictures

Discover how artificial intelligence can look at photos and videos to recognise faces, animals, objects and even read text.

Episode 5

AI That Listens and Talks

Discover how AI understands your voice and talks back to you, from Hey Siri to voice assistants everywhere.

Episode 6

AI That Reads and Writes

Discover how AI can read, write stories, answer questions, and even translate languages through sophisticated pattern matching with words.

Episode 7

AI That Creates: When Computers Make Art, Music, and More

Discover how AI can create pictures, music, and videos by learning patterns from millions of creative works.

Episode 8

AI That Plays Games

Discover how AI learns to play games through trial and error, from chess computers to video game characters that adapt to your playing style.

Episode 9

AI Helpers All Around You

Discover the hidden AI assistants working behind the scenes in your everyday life.

Episode 10

When AI Gets It Wrong

Exploring why AI makes mistakes and how to spot them, from funny failures to important lessons about healthy scepticism.

Episode 11

Teaching AI Right From Wrong

Exploring how AI can accidentally learn unfairness from human data and why building fair AI matters.

Episode 12

Being Smart About AI: Your Critical Thinking Toolkit

Learn practical skills for spotting AI-generated content and knowing when to trust or question what AI tells you.

Episode 13

Humans and AI: The Dream Team

Discover why humans and AI work best together, each bringing unique strengths to create something better than either could alone.

Episode 14

Your Future With AI

Exploring the exciting possibilities of AI in listeners' futures and how they can help shape this technology.

Episode 15