Purpose in an AI World & 3 Lessons from Steve Jobs
In this week’s tech headlines, Amber and Jeff explain what we know about OpenAI teaming up with Barbie, why Disney is going after Midjourney for Shrek-like imagery, and how Europe is increasingly ditching Microsoft products to rebuild digital sovereignty. In the Other Mac, Jeff explains what we can learn from Steve Jobs’ commencement speech 20 years later, then Amber dives into the purpose of purpose with bestselling author Ron Tite, including lessons from Bo Burnham, the Internet star who inspires him. Plus, tech expert Marc Saltzman joins the show with gift ideas for grads.Be sure to follow our hosts...Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/TwitterJeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
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52:07
Trump-Musk Breakup & Free AI Skills
In this episode, Amber and Jeff unpack post-by-post how President Donald Trump and tech titan Elon Musk spent much of the past week in an online flame war. We also discuss Amazon's recent announcement about testing humanoid robots for package delivery, how Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" wants to ban AI regulation by the states, why Reddit is suing Anthropic, Volvo's new smart seatbelt, and more. Plus Amber talks with Google Canada's Vice President & Country Managing Director about a new AI program to upskill Canadians, and the Chief Security Evangelist at ESET explains how to stay safe when using large language models at work.Be sure to follow our hosts...Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/TwitterJeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
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52:07
A.I. Slop in MAHA Report & Taylor Swift Wins Again
In this episode, Amber and Jeff speak about a White House “Make America Healthy Again” report that seems riddled with AI lies and hallucinations, how Meta’s headsets could power the U.S. army, and why a Texas sheriff’s office crossed a line when tracking a woman caught up in the state’s dangerous reproductive care laws. Our guests this week include Sean Kennedy - who leads the Artificial Intelligence Research Lab inside of Nokia Bell Labs and explains to Amber why the story of artificial intelligence has deep roots in Canada - and Bill Robson, President & CEO of C.D. Howe Institute, who helps map out a plan for Canadian prosperity over the next decade and beyond. In TheOtherMac, Jeff has a helpful 8k vs 4k explainer for anyone considering upgrading their TV, and we explain how Taylor Swift's recent victory led fans to celebrate online.Check out our guests on social…Sean Kennedy - Artificial Intelligence Research Lab Lead, Nokia Bell Labs: LinkedInBill Robson - President & CEO of C.D. Howe Institute: LinkedIn | X/TwitterBe sure to follow our hosts...Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/TwitterJeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
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52:03
Discovering The Tragically Hip & the Truth About AI Lies
The Tragically Hip’s manager, Jake Gold, shares why there will never be another Canadian band like The Hip and the inside story about the success of the streaming documentary, No Dress Rehearsal. We also share how President Trump plans to lure Apple back to America, and we unpack the latest TikTok challenge that is hurting teens and what content creators need to do in the age of AI search. Plus, Jeff explains the truth about AI lies and Amber unpacks how to use NotebookLM.Check out our guests on social…Jake Gold – Manager of The Tragically Hip: LinkedInAnd be sure to follow our hosts…Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/TwitterJeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
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52:08
Musk’s Racist Chatbot + Apple In China
This week, Amber chats with Patrick McGee, the author of “Apple In China”; Jeff explains how Musk’s Grok chatbot started interrupting people with claims of white genocide in South Africa; and we talk about Canada’s new AI minister, the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s backtracking on your data rights, Netflix’s upcoming generative AI ads, and a new app to help you try on clothes and share your looks. Finally, Amber discusses the advantages of hosting close to home with Emil Falcon.Check out our guests on social…Patrick McGee – Author of Apple In China: LinkedIn | X/TwitterEmil Falcon – Founder & CEO of Web Hosting Canada: Website | X/TwitterAnd be sure to follow our hosts…Amber Mac: Bluesky | X/TwitterJeff MacArthur: Bluesky | X/Twitter
The AmberMac Show is a weekly SiriusXM radio and podcast production that unpacks the latest tech, business, and digital news shaping our lives.
Award-winning podcaster Amber Mac draws on over 20 years of experience covering technology in the US and Canada to make today’s complex high-tech world easier to understand. Together with co-host Jeff MacArthur, and featuring influential guests making their own headlines, Amber’s team helps listeners nationwide and beyond stay informed and ahead of the curve.
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