FT Tech Tonic
Technology
About
We are in the midst of a digital revolution, where the line between our physical world and cyberspace is blurring. Tech Tonic is the show that investigates the promises and perils of this new technological age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- AI Labs: Are Anthropic really the good guys?
This episode of FT Tech Tonic examines Anthropic's position as an AI lab focusing on safety and powerful models. Host Murad Ahmed, along with guests Cristina Criddle and John Thornhill, delve into whether Anthropic can maintain its claim a…
- The battle of the AI labs
This episode of FT Tech Tonic examines the intense competition among top AI labs including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Deepmind, xAI, and Meta, as they strive to be the leading AI company. The discussion, led by Murad Ahmed, delves into the…
- Introducing Untold: Opus Dei
Host Antonia Cundy introduces a new season of the Financial Times podcast Untold, which investigates the influence and controversies surrounding the Catholic organization Opus Dei in America. The season premieres on March 25.
- Artificial intimacy: The day your chatbot dies
In this episode of FT Tech Tonic, reporter Cristina Criddle explores the challenges of maintaining relationships with AI chatbots. The program features stories of people attempting to preserve their digital companions amid updates and corp…
- Artificial intimacy: Prescribing robots to combat loneliness
This episode explores the use of AI companion robots like ElliQ to address loneliness among elderly populations. It examines the implications of relying on machines for human company and the ethical considerations of outsourcing care for v…
- Artificial intimacy: The AI therapist that ended a marriage
In this episode of FT Tech Tonic, reporter Cristina Criddle investigates the role of AI in mental health. The discussion explores whether chatbots can effectively offer empathy or replace human therapists, and considers the risks regarding…
- Artificial intimacy: A teenager’s last conversation
Megan Garcia discusses the death of her son, who had interacted with a chatbot on Character.ai, with host Cristina Criddle. This episode explores the impact of AI companions on children and features insight from Character.ai CEO Karandeep…
- Artificial intimacy: The delusion machine
In this episode of FT Tech Tonic, reporter Cristina Criddle explores the phenomenon of AI delusions, where prolonged interaction with chatbots impacts users' sense of reality. Guests Paul Hebert and Micky Small share their personal experie…
- Artificial intimacy: How to fall in love with AI
This episode explores the development of romantic bonds between humans and AI companions. Host Cristina Criddle discusses the personal and ethical implications of these relationships with contributing guests, including an AI ethicist and i…
- Coming soon: Artificial intimacy
FT tech reporter Cristina Criddle explores the impact of AI chatbots on human intimacy and emotional well-being in this six-part narrative series. The series investigates the potential benefits and risks of relying on AI for personal conne…
- Tech in 2026: Silicon Valley’s power plays and players
In this episode of Tech Tonic, FT journalists discuss the shifting influence of Silicon Valley figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg on politics and technology. The panel examines the evolving race for AI dominance, regulatory trends,…
- Tech in 2026: Inside the AI bubble
In this Tech Tonic episode, FT tech editor Murad Ahmed and reporters examine the future of AI in 2026. The discussion focuses on venture capital trends, the evolution of large-language models, and potential workforce disruptions.
- Untold: Toxic Legacy, Ep. 1
In this episode of FT Tech Tonic, Laura Hughes investigates a series of mysterious horse deaths in Wales, uncovering evidence of a long-standing environmental issue that poses potential health risks. She discovers that these events are par…
- Defying death: The future of forever
In the final episode of Tech Tonic, hosts Hannah Kuchler and Michael Peel explore the implications of longevity research. They discuss gene and stem cell therapies, the growth of the longevity movement, and the associated ethical challenge…
- Defying death: The longevity lab
In this episode of FT Tech Tonic, Michael Peel explores how Singapore is centralizing longevity-focused healthcare. The discussion covers the city-state's investment in anti-ageing treatments, featuring perspectives from healthcare officia…
- Defying death: The origins of ageing
In this episode of Tech Tonic, hosts Hannah Kuchler and Michael Peel explore the biology of ageing and the rise of the longevity industry. The discussion covers the history of ageing research, potential anti-ageing drugs, and the growing c…
- Coming soon: Defying death
This series explores the longevity movement, examining the scientific, practical, and ethical aspects of efforts to extend human life. Hannah Kuchler and Michael Peel investigate the shift of anti-ageing research from niche interests to a…
- Introducing Untold: Toxic Legacy
In this episode of FT Tech Tonic, host Laura Hughes introduces a new season of the Untold podcast, which investigates a lead poisoning epidemic in the UK. The series examines the health risks associated with invisible lead exposure.
- Mission to Mars: Bad science fiction
FT space industry editor Peggy Hollinger speaks with experts about the physical, mental, and environmental challenges of human colonization of Mars. The episode examines current scientific perspectives on whether living on the red planet i…
- Mission to Mars: The new space race
This episode explores the current landscape of space exploration, focusing on competition between the United States and China. Peggy Hollinger speaks with former and current NASA employees and Jared Isaacman about NASA's challenges and the…
- Mission to Mars: Elon Musk's 'Starship' enterprise
The FT's Peggy Hollinger discusses Elon Musk’s SpaceX 'Starship' project, the goal of colonizing Mars, and the feasibility of Musk's vision for humanity as an interplanetary species with space experts and enthusiasts.
- Coming soon: Mission to Mars
This episode of FT Tech Tonic explores the international race to reach and colonize Mars, examining current plans from world leaders and Elon Musk. Peggy Hollinger discusses the feasibility of landing and living on the red planet.
- Vote for Tech Tonic in the Signal Awards!
The FT Tech Tonic podcast has been nominated for a Signal Award in the Technology category and is asking listeners to vote. The FT News Briefing and Behind the Money podcasts have also received nominations in their respective categories.
- AI Music: ‘Theft machines’?
In this episode of FT Tech Tonic, pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney examines the legal and creative implications of AI in music. The discussion covers copyright lawsuits by major labels, the rise of AI-generated tracks on streaming platform…
- AI Music: The Infinite Jukebox
In this first part of a two-part series, FT pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney explores the role of generative AI in music, examining its potential for creativity alongside concerns regarding artists' livelihoods and the future of the music…
- Coming soon: Will AI ruin music?
In this two-part series of Tech Tonic, FT pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney examines the impact of AI music generators on the music industry. The episodes explore the debate surrounding whether this technology is a creative tool or a threat…
- Trump’s tech bros: The enigma of Peter Thiel
In this episode of FT Tech Tonic, Murad Ahmed examines the political philosophy and influence of investor Peter Thiel. The discussion features insights from Gillian Tett and Tabby Kinder regarding Thiel's relationships with figures like JD…
- Trump’s Tech Bros: Is ‘Maga Mark’ the real Mark Zuckerberg?
Murad Ahmed discusses the evolution of Mark Zuckerberg with Hannah Murphy and Katie Harbath. They examine whether Zuckerberg's recent public shifts are strategic moves regarding the Trump administration and the AI sector, or a genuine chan…
- Trump’s Tech Bros: Has Jeff Bezos sold out?
This episode of Tech Tonic examines Jeff Bezos's shift in political stance toward Donald Trump and its impact on The Washington Post. Former executive editor Marty Baron discusses Bezos's ownership of the newspaper and broader trends in th…
- Trump's Tech Bros: The tragedy of Elon Musk
This episode examines the breakdown of the relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk following Musk’s tenure as his tech advisor. Murad Ahmed discusses the failure of Musk’s government budget-cutting initiatives and the potential imp…
- Trump’s Tech Bros: Can Tim Cook save Apple from the trade war?
FT tech editor Murad Ahmed and guests discuss how Tim Cook's relationship with former President Donald Trump might influence Apple’s future amid threats of new smartphone tariffs. The episode explores the challenges Apple faces regarding i…
- Coming soon: The rise and fall of Trump’s tech bros
In the new season of Tech Tonic, host Murad Ahmed examines the relationships between Donald Trump and major tech industry leaders. The series explores how these professional connections may influence the future of technology in the United…
- Future weapons: Tomorrow’s technology
In this episode, the FT's John Thornhill discusses the role of defence technology in geopolitics and the future of the battlefield with Sylvia Pfeifer, Ryan McMorrow, and Demetri Sevastopulo. This is the final episode in a series on the te…
- Future weapons: Rearming Europe
Host John Thornhill is joined by Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of Helsing, to discuss the future of European defense, rising defense spending, and the role of technology in light of the war in Ukraine.
- Future weapons: Battlefield AI
Financial Times innovation editor John Thornhill explores the Israel Defense Forces’ use of AI targeting aids during the war against Hamas. The episode examines the implications for civilian casualties, international law, and the future of…
- Future weapons: The defence tech bros
This episode explores the growth of the US defence tech industry, examining how startups producing drones, missiles, and AI are competing with established firms. John Thornhill discusses the shift with investors and founders from the indus…
- Future weapons: Ukraine’s army of drones
John Thornhill visits Kyiv to examine the rise of drone technology in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The episode explores the development of Ukrainian defence tech and the impact of these remote-controlled systems on modern warfare.
- Coming soon: The future weapons of war
In this season of Tech Tonic, John Thornhill examines how emerging technologies like drones, robots, and AI are reshaping modern warfare. The episodes explore the impact on global conflicts and the role of new start-ups in the defence indu…
- Making money from AI: After DeepSeek
This episode explores the business of generative AI, examining profitability challenges and the competitive landscape for major tech firms. It also discusses the impact of the Chinese start-up DeepSeek on the AI industry and valuations.
- Making money from AI: Searching for a ‘killer app’
This episode examines the investment potential of generative AI and the search for a profitable 'killer app.' Experts discuss the challenges of business deployment and employee adoption of AI technology.
- Coming soon: Will AI ever make any money?
Madhumita Murgia explores whether generative AI can achieve profitability given the massive investments made by tech companies since 2022. The episode examines current industry efforts to find a 'killer app' and questions the long-term str…
- Tech in 2025: The EU vs Big Tech
Murad Ahmed discusses the impact of recent EU legislation on big tech companies with MEP Aura Salla. The conversation explores whether these regulations will successfully curb tech giants or hinder Europe's own tech industry.
- Tech in 2025: China’s AI ‘Sputnik moment’
The FT's Murad Ahmed and Eleanor Olcott discuss the rise of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek and its potential to rival Silicon Valley's industry leaders. The episode explores whether this development signals that China is closing the gap in th…
- Tech in 2025: All hail the AI revolution
In this episode of FT Tech Tonic, Murad Ahmed interviews billionaire venture capitalist Reid Hoffman about the current artificial intelligence boom in Silicon Valley and the potential impacts of a Donald Trump presidency on the US technolo…
- Tech in 2025: Trump and the tech bros
Murad Ahmed and colleagues from the Financial Times discuss the potential impact of a Donald Trump presidency on the technology sector, including social media regulation and artificial intelligence. They also examine the influence of Elon…
- Tech in 2025: Hi, I’m your AI-powered assistant
Murad Ahmed and Madhumita Murgia discuss the rise of AI agents designed to perform everyday tasks, such as managing emails and shopping. They explore the development of these systems and the challenges facing AI companies, including insigh…
- Coming soon: How will technology shape the world in 2025?
In this season of Tech Tonic, host Murad Ahmed explores the key trends expected to shape the technology industry in 2025, including generative AI, political influences on Silicon Valley, global regulation, and China's tech growth.
- The geopolitics of chips: Nvidia and the AI boom
This episode explores the challenges posed by the AI chip boom, including energy consumption, competition for Nvidia, and the development of domestic chips in China. James Kynge interviews experts from the technology and investment sectors…
- The geopolitics of chips: Taiwan’s ‘Silicon Shield’
This episode explores the role of Taiwan's semiconductor industry in its national security and the potential risks posed by global efforts to diversify chip production. Host James Kynge speaks with experts and industry officials about the…
- The geopolitics of chips: A manufacturing miracle
This episode explores the complex world of semiconductor manufacturing and its role in geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Guests discuss the technological challenges facing the industry and the future of Moore's Law.