Trevor Noah on the Future of Entertainment and AI

What if every TV show could be perfectly tailored to each viewer's interests, knowledge level, and needs? Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger sit down with Trevor Noah to talk about how technology-including artificial intelligence-might influence the future of entertainment. They chat about the strengths and shortcomings of artificial intelligence, how jobs-and the way we will work-will evolve with Al, and even the nature of capitalism. Trevor responds to a speculative story, generated by GPT-4, that paints a picture of a futuristic “Al-ly Show.” Plus, he reviews some unexpected Al-generated light bulb jokes. Is GPT-4 actually funny?
Read the Al-generated story for this episode here: www.possible.fm/aistories/ail...
Read the transcript of this episode here: www.possible.fm/podcast/trevo...
Read Reid Hoffman’s essay “A Co-Pilot for Every Profession” here:
/ elevation-human-work-r...
For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all of the episodes, visit
www.possible.fm/podcast.
Topics:
00:00 - Start
01:05 - Hellos and intros
04:44 - Reacting to Al-generated “light bulb jokes”
07:33 - Trevor’s work with Microsoft, and a story about Al and Africa
16:22 - Capitalism, Al and jobs (and a lesson from Sweden)
26:37 - Responding to GPT-4 “Al-ly Show” story
33:23 - Al as an assistant for everyone in everything
36:56 - How to improve our social media climate
43:06 - Rapid-fire questions
Possible is a new 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? Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with a visionary from a different field: climate science, media, criminal justice, and more. The
conversation also features another kind of guest: GPT-4, OpenAl’s latest and most powerful language model to date. Each episode has a companion story, generated by GPT-4, which will serve as a jumping-off point for a hopeful, speculative discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology-and our collective effort-effectively.
Possible is produced by Wonder Media Network and hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger. Our showrunner is Shaun Young. Possible is produced by Edie Allard and Sara Schleede. Jenny Kaplan is our Executive Producer and Editor. Special thanks to Chelsea Williamson, Jill Fritzo, Stephen Fertelmes, Jennifer Sandler, Mahdi Salehi, Surya Yalamanchili, Saida Sapieva, Ian Alas, Greg Beato, Ben Relles, and the team at City Vox.

[@slister45]

Trevor Noah is one of the most fascinating and inspiring people on the planet 🌏 Every time I see a video that showcases him, I stop everything and listen.

[@katiegiseburt6065]

AI wrote this.

[@katiegiseburt6065]

I wrote that... a human...

[@slister45]

@@katiegiseburt6065 I'm not sure whether I should be insulted or not. I'm a 66 year old woman (which sounds old, but I don't look or feel that old) living in upstate NY.

[@novelistusonthewater]

couldn't agree more. He's the personification of "common sense", being able to make seemingly complicated matters relatable

[@patriciacalderonkoch]

Me too

[@Taeyangsmissingjacket]

Never thought a conversation about AI can include self reflection. Props to Trevor for his beautiful thought process.

[@dejiolowe]

Trevor Noah is one of the smartest stars around. Not only is he funny, but he's extremely introspective. If he wasn't a comedian, he would have been a philosopher.

[@juliapardieutroyer9993]

This! We need more of him, them & this.

[@DemonDarakna]

As always, Trevor Noah explains complex subjects thoroughly with the open-mindedness and curiosity we all should have. While keeping to his optimism and humour.

[@calliopemuse3210]

Goodness I really love listening to this man. I could listen to him talk about anything all day

[@KatherineWinston]

Trevor you did it again. Maybe one day the world will start to say; What would Trevor say about this? Trever you have such insight into the world of what it mean to be a human being. Once again thank you 🙏🏽

[@kabelomoholeng1306]

i think we saw that in this video. i started feeling like these people were enjoying his responses to questions. it made me blush a bit as that's what i do to my AI hahaha...Trevor is a gem. i live in a time when we have Trevor Noah, Lionel Messi....all greatests of all time...my Gawd!

[@logannyasulu9960]

I agree Trevor is so smart and always gives these very well thought-throuh answers. He is extremely smart.

[@MERCYFRANK]

This chat is really making me self-reflect and think deeper. Trevor is just... Community (political) leaders could learn a thing or two from in. He defies the stereotype people have for comedians. Intelligence boldly displayed here.

[@pdias8469]

Trevor Noah tells everything as is and beyond. A genius and a man of integrity.

[@haydehero6561]

He is a fraud and a thief and a vicious liar also who has stepped and defrauded a lot of comedians of money and content do not be deceived

[@pedrogujamo2600]

I love hearing this dude. Has a South African, I'm so proud and inspired. Trevor is a gift to society

[@Emma4dfuture]

This was wholesome to watch.

[@cassiecatherineq1232]

LOVE Trevor!! We need someone to show us different values developed elsewhere! But he worried about potential power of negative focus of social media. But he's leaving out how regular media and film already taught biased ignorance. Soc med allows illumination and encouragement from discussion. To improve it, allow blocks but make them temporary, like a month. Not allow it to create permanent separation.

[@calmman32]

Sooner or later people realize what a deep thoughtful man Noah is

[@andreea.andreea]

I missed hearing Trevor. When he had daily videos, I was always waiting them excited and watch each video several times.

[@lianidri80]

Trevor is one of my favorite people. So smart, conscientious, funny. His book is one of my favorites.

[@mirabaric487]

I hope this KZbin video is translated to other languages so the other people in the world can understand him. Trevor 's humility, love of learning and giving away his knowledge to everyone is simple infectious.

[@maximejanvier5258]

This is what makes his comedy so witty, he has a breath of knowledge in many subjects. Hence, no need to use curse words to be funny as he can source his materials effortlessly from different subjects.

[@petekwando]

Trevor says it much more eloquently, but this has been pretty much what I have been saying for months: if you are terrified AI is going to replace your job and leave you destitute, your problem isn't AI, your problem is late-stage capitalism. The crew of the Enterprise aren't afraid of the main computer.

[@user-jn7mz2iw5i]

I never knew this side of Trevor - the tech and futuristic side. He is brilliant, humble and deep! I loved every minute of this conversation. WOW! Thank you for the optimism and hope. ♥️♥️♥️

[@sifisogumede4214]

very captivating show I was just searching for Trevor Noah and I found this Gem... if this is the general theme of the show then I'm fully in I cant wait to see what other topics you get in to. catch up time ☺

[@boazkaino2154]

Trevor is a very insightful being. He always makes you think and listen as well as introspect.

[@samhiatt]

Trevor has a rather impressive understanding of machine learning, as evidenced by his answer to the question, "does AI have a sense of humor?"

[@motherofpearlmusic2015]

I have been missing Trevor terribly since he left the Daily Show, so I am very happy to be able to listen to him here again! And having him on Star Trek would be amazing!

[@anamariadumitru2688]

I would love to see Trevor as the next president of the United States. What a wonderful and inspirational change he would be for the political scene. I feel so fortunate to be contemporary with this brilliant, articulate and insightful man. Cudos to Trevor for his role in the present society! 🙏❤️

[@user-tq1mm8gh9e]

"social media platform should be held responsible for not what put on their platforms but pushed on their platforms" 🙏 Trevor. ❤

[@puneethwrites]

"I don't think we should ever take for granted how powerful joy can be." Profound.

[@eggizgud]

A KZbin video on a Finland school asked the headmaster what he wants for the children. He said, to be happy.

[@puneethwrites]

@@eggizgud Simple yet extremely powerful.

[@martinvollrath2641]

What a intelligent and positive Conversation. Gives Hope for the Future. I am a big German Fan of Trevor. ❤

[@ceciliamungofa7374]

The guy is infectious. I drop everything to listen to him.

[@jonhandy4639]

Regarding the idea of the 4 hr workday--some experiments have been done (tho' i don't recall the full details) with replacing the 5+ day work week with 3-4 day work weeks, and it was found that the overall productivity *increased* rather than decreasing with the reduction of hours worked.

[@ximinia1042]

This is a deep conversation. It made me rethink on AI and the future. Thank you Reid, Aria & Trevor.

[@sarahjohnson9388]

Profound Appreciation.❤ Bridge building struck a cord. I was meant to be a Bridge between the hippies and the cowboys most of my life. Couldn't hack it. Yet at least but the shot clock is running out. AI can absorb so many different cultural experiences, without even having to step foot on a plan or go to a baby shower lol. Please know we're all so thankful for smarty folks like you, friends. Peace

[@beverlywatson885]

So miss you on the Daily Show - not just your humour but you wisdom and insightful commentary ❤

[@abhishekgupta681993]

This is one of the most fascinating and pragmatic discussion I have heard in a really long time. Every though is well articulated and very well rounded. Its criminal that this podcast has only 17K views and this channel has less than 1K subs...Hoping to come back to this comment and be proven drastically wrong.

[@elisemiller13]

Share it

[@MohamedAmimour]

One of the most interesting video on AI, talking about the purpose, or should I say the purposes .. still I hoped a thought on AI and Art music and cinema etc

[@saralove9922]

Absolutely loved this!

[@alexandruirimescu8143]

"The boogyeman is capitalism" - is the key of all of this discussion! Later edit: I love how Trevor inserts common good sense into a discussion! I feel like this is missing from the public discourse in US, EU and overall in the world.

[@ladybookworm1635]

Very interesting thought provoking conversation and TREVOR NOAH was a great mind & human to have such an AI conversation with. So good to see you TREVOR & hope to see you on many more discussions & platforms. Thanks Trevor. Reid. Aria. POSSIBLE PODCAST 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@kholwaninkuna3416]

Captivating thoughts Trevor!

[@RobinRaskin]

Trevor gets so much right especially about the merits of platforms being able to decide what's pushed out to social media participants.

[@tammywilliams2035]

Really great conversation - and Trevor Noah is so intelligent and thoughtful !

[@SPeeKaRSA]

This conversation gave me a lot more than I expected. Beautiful stuff.

[@KathyDennis-fy3bg]

Trevor Noah is brilliant!

[@budadams7630]

In the 1960s, on the dawning of computers incorporation into the business world, there was the expectation that white collar workers would have so much of their work performed by IBM that the work week would be seriously impacted. In those days, labor was strong and society and government was moving in directions that favored the working class. The dilemma that our national leaders saw on the horizon was that white collar work days would be cut in half. What would be do about that? So, a presidential blue-ribbon commission was formed with the task of answering that question. The answer? Build more parks - create more areas for camping and outdoor recreation - enlarge institutions of higher education and provide an attainable path into them so the every-day person might become degree-earners. But what happened? Although it may seem feeble-minded to us, the desire to squeeze more productivity out of existing work force ruled the day and instead of scaling back the work week once a large portion of the work load was shifted to computers, the profit motive of the leaders of Corporate America took over the direction of government and society. And so it has been ever since. With every advance in technological achievement has come an increase in demands from the work force. Gone are the efforts to provide outlets for enjoyment, pleasure, and entertainment for the common person. Gone is the commitment of government and society to provide an attainable path to higher education. Instead, to the extent that they exist, all those avenues have become simply additional tools for increasing the profits of Corporate America and the sacred investor class. I find it difficult to see that changing - unless 'we' confront global warming as the genuine existential crisis that it is, where personal riches have little effect on personal survival and each person is seen as being equal in the struggle for our existence. This may seem like a dark view, but I am simply using historical experience as a guide. And I do not like it one bit. I sincerely hope I am proven to be utterly wrong. Rev. Bud Adams

[@steveschweickert6623]

Excellent show! Trevor’s insightful musings are thought provoking as well as entertaining. He consistently demonstrates why he was chosen to take over the Daily Show by the great Jon Stewart… !

[@eucagwar]

This was an amazing podcast. Trevor Noah is so authentic and speaks from the heart

[@Bars11_]

Just like how Trevor talked about Twitter...it started out fun..now it's getting serious and complicated. Most new inventions go through that circle fun and exciting at early stages then it gets serious and complicated. I think the key is to keep these inventions like AI on strict regulations asap. That is what most big companies and governments fail to establish until when it's already too late and the damage is done. (It's good to be optimistic but let us also not be naïve)

[@Thekidisalright]

I love how Trevor Noah look at China and TikTok in an objective way and see what makes it work and how does their systems and government decision making impact their peoples’ lives in a positive way, instead of following the mainstream “China bad” rhetoric. It in itself shows this man has some great critical thinking skill.

[@kathleenhoover5162]

Wow Trevor Noah is such a curious and intelligent man he seeks out knowledge and is one amazing man

[@Zimboprenuer]

no, he is good with words thats all.....

[@geesaidit541]

I love Trevor's question 'what is it that we are trying to do?" if we look at AI generationally, people in our current generation who have not contributed to the creation or programming of AI (most of us) tend to feel more apprehensive even afraid of the NEW technology. However today's kids and future generations will likely feel more connected as creators of AI. So long as they are ethically and morally stable, humans will be fine.

[@nannielson7790]

Trevor, wise wayyyyy beyond his years. Decades wiser. Miss and love him!

[@wontinglee]

Always love Trevor's sharing his ideas!

[@NichoD3]

That was a really enjoyable conversation….excellent podcast 👏👏👏

[@drressahAYNigisiti]

Trevor Noah The best of the best! 4 hour work day. I love it! 💕

[@raghuvirgupta3174]

Mind-blowing conversation!

[@tracymarieoliver7375]

Trevor Noah for President. Wonderful interview.

[@crutchgecko]

Not born in USA unfortunately...

[@sherrieludwig508]

@@crutchgecko I would see him as Secretary of State. He could shape the way the USA interacts with the rest of the world. And he has "street cred" with developing countries.

[@reedarvin7823]

Dahl's The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (which Trevor cites as inspirational) is slated for production as a film for Netflix, with Wes Anderson directing. Can't wait.

[@redsun71]

I don’t know if it’s already been said: but it made me think about AI University at the highest levels based on the world elite Universities without the prohibitive costs. We should learn how to use it at the best of AI capabilities. Let the journey begin. That’s said, I find very important to live a life where we learn social skills and be among other people and be happy and aware of the life we live. Peace 🙃

[@annecollierful]

Trevor is brilliant. Really appreciate his perspective on GenAI AND - like LLMs are trained - I think his perspective has been trained maybe mainly by his work with the tech industry. I think it would be good for him to get more input from Thorn as well as as the “awful but lawful” part of protection of kids and other vulnerable groups online.

[@celestialnubian]

Trevor understands the difference between AI and ML. I shouldn't be surprised.

[@wilfridhounkponou3868]

I really enjoy listening to Trevor Noah…He should be my mentor ❤

[@donaldavis]

For the question, "What do you do?", people tell you what is their job. Trevor knows that is not what we really do; after all, he gave up a "plum job" to be who he is- a thoughtful philosopher with humor who tries to make the world a better place.

[@alelitachidister7778]

Trevor Noah : knowledgeable in almost everything under the sun . What a guy !

[@SpearFire]

I'm so happy watched this video, it is one of the best future vision of AI description I've heard. I have also thought of many of the same views on education, entertainment and how our job market will change and how we should determine the use of AI to enable us to create better outputs. Also along the lines of Trevor and China's take on AI governance, in our free society we should definitely require AI generated information and media be marked as AI, which is something China already requires. Watch this video if you want to have valid thought provoking ideas on AI.

[@dwainalfred4151]

An Intelligent well rounded conversation. Well done

[@evamariasmentek3079]

Love his mind! I always learn something.

[@mckaylerjohnnicodemus2370]

Man our guy making us proud 🇿🇦

[@iam_aphe]

Trevor Noah is such a Genius. A true South African breed!

[@pdias8469]

Trevor Noah you are a gift to our planet earth. You are truly a human being that can educate with your optimist values to other humans. What a joy to listen to you? I am a very optimistic human being too. I am truly grateful that you are here on earth. Blessings Trevor always.

[@ashafenn]

Thankyou for this. Trevor Noah talking at about 20 minutes made my poor, disabled, pretty housebound, artist heart weep that someone with power and prestige can get it. Essentially i don't exist, despite all the art i throw into the internet. It's infuriating and inspiring and terrible and i'm so privileged and lucky it's crazy.

[@davidkidd7319]

I think Trevor Noah might be the perfect human: smart, kind and funny.

[@knaz7468]

One smart dude. I wish more people would think before they speak like Trevor.

[@SandraAsilda]

Oh my gosh Trevor Noah ❤💕💕💕 he is so smart ans fascinating 👏🏽👏🏽 I miss watching the daily show

[@kayheymer2978]

This conversation give me hope. Thank you very much.

[@davidwill1320]

A big difference in the social impact of steam engines, phones, TV and PCs, compared to chat GTP, is GTP can be accessed by everyone instantly. All previous advancements took a long time to propagate.

[@InternetGeezer]

Great conversation! Thank you 🙏 !!

[@robertencarnacao6377]

Great conversation!

[@crystalpresence3632]

Thank you! Great conversation! ❤️

[@erikserum9519]

Amazing discussion 👏 👌 👍

[@cynthiajubiter6889]

I miss Trevor so much.

[@virtualinlife1996]

Loved this deep conversation. Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rebeccaalexander128]

Media catered to the individual, like educational plans for students...I like it, filling the gaps and building bridges.

[@melaniemartins8476]

Trevor, with his beautiful mind. I hope 2 meet him one day❤

[@asherbrown7637]

I love that assistant aspect as appose to ai doing all the work. A collaboration with technology is appealing the current narrative of a take over is not. I hope we use it well.

[@jeancazacu1467]

Trevor Noah, such a down to earth man ,full of insight .I aloso want to see the optimisticall side of A.I ,but humanity will have to face so many challenges in this area , it maybe that we will struggle to destroy something that we so badly wanted...

[@user-uo4bu9br2k]

I love Trevor Noah ♥️

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting

[@terriobrien3353]

Miss watching u every night after work....glad it's going g well

[@Irene-ry8it]

On point. 40:58 Let's be honest we can't handle the social media. Most of us are not always super advanced enough to filter though all the "information" on social media. Reflection on what we hear and critically judge something as the truth, has always been our biggest Challenge as human beings and has lead us to some horrible path though out our eksistence.

[@RogueTalent]

If I could give this more than one thumbs up, I would.

[@BHNative]

Trevor is a pretty brilliant guy

[@AVOTAPES]

a fantastic discussion and interview! thank you for this. Trevor, you have an incredible mind.

[@critterkarma]

Love how Trevor is insightful on AI development. Though, like he stressed about the capitalist model, if monetary success is the only measure, who is controlling and programming AI’s content, in order to benefit a few people financially. As Trevor said, while AI can unlearn and shift a data set, people have a real problem with that. Who then, oversees what data/perspective which is decimated to the people using AI?

[@terryloh988]

Our minds also need to be trained to learn and understand things, same as AI.

[@cyberterrapin8170]

Yes, that is why it is "AI".

[@defibae]

This video sparks joy ❤

[@user-sb7ji6zl7p]

He is the Best of the Best ever

[@chosenone599]

Thank you Trevor!

[@user-li5nx3pi4k]

Great conversation. Shared experience, symbols that evolve cultural reality and societal reality is not linked to out come but the process. If individualised exclusive reality through AI became real, Trevor would have tough time addressing racism.

[@dninjaman]

The AI came back from Africa with braids and a love of hip hop music.

[@Hastingsnow]

Thank you!

[@whosaidso1]

thanks trevor, for sharing your wonderfull thoughts.

[@jxmiller3206]

“ let’s have an honest conversation… most people at work are not working “ Says a guy who’s an entertainer and hasn’t had a regular job in years . I love Trevor , but the lack of awareness celebrities have for how the world works for regular people is alarming