How Scary Is AI? Let’s Ask Calvin Abbasi! | Higher Learning | The Ringer

Jul 18, 2025
30 mins

Episode Description

Rachel and Van are joined by Calvin Abbasi, strategic advisor to the OpenAI Nonprofit Commission, to talk about perceptions of AI, the dangers of it, and real questions that need to be asked about this developing technology.


00:00 - Welcome!

02:11 - AI and Self-Preservation

07:40 - Is AI Dangerous?

09:10 - The Grok Situation

14:18 - The Architect Determines the AI

17:14 - Thoughts on Sam Altman

19:53 - DeepSeek’s Effect on the AI Industry


Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Guest: Calvin Abbasi

Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith

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