Sam Altman on Where AI Models Go Next, with Nicholas Thompson

Sam Altman on Where AI Models Go Next, with Nicholas Thompson

Author: Atlantic Re:think April 29, 2026 Duration: 53:15
OpenAI’s Sam Altman sits for an interview with Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, to discuss AI’s trustworthiness, its dangers, and its impact on young people. Altman also discusses his company’s pledge to “stop competing and start assisting” rival projects that approach AGI, and why he thinks we’re not there yet. In a thorough and wide-ranging conversation, Altman opens up about where he thinks AI will go next and the mysteries that he still can’t solve. Recorded at OpenAI’s offices in San Francisco. (00:00) Introduction (02:33) Is our understanding of AI keeping pace with its growth in power? (05:10) Is chain-of-thought the key to trusting a model? (11:07) Open source AI, cybersecurity, and "infected" agents (16:26) Have we hit recursive self-improvement? (19:18) What does AI do on Sam Altman's computer? (21:15) Why hasn't AI made an impact in business yet? (24:04) Will AI make the wealth gap worse? (27:01) Why do young people hate AI?  (30:23) The challenges of AI sycophancy  (33:36) Do you regret making AI so human-like?  (36:53) Synthetic data and "mad cow disease"  (39:22) The future of publishing and media  (41:54) Do we need neurosymbolic AI?  (43:40) Will you cooperate with Anthropic if they get to AGI first?  (47:42) What is your advice to parents who are anxious for their kids' future?  (49:46) If you had infinite resources, what would you pursue?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nicholas Thompson sits down with some of the sharpest minds working at the edges of artificial intelligence in The Most Interesting Thing in A.I.. This isn't a dry technical briefing or a series of speculative futures; instead, each conversation digs into the tangible, often surprising ways this technology is already altering the fabric of our daily lives and institutions. You'll hear from leading thinkers who cut through the hype to discuss the real ethical dilemmas, economic shifts, and social transformations unfolding right now. Produced by Atlantic Re:think and PwC, the podcast provides a grounded space to explore questions about creativity, power, work, and truth in an age of intelligent machines. The discussions are built on the premise that understanding AI's impact requires looking beyond code and algorithms to consider human values and consequences. Tune in for thoughtful, accessible dialogues that reframe how we think about one of the most significant forces of our time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 41

The Most Interesting Thing in AI
Podcast Episodes
Building Trustworthy AI - with Nicholas Thompson and Navrina Singh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:03
What happens when AI learns faster than its makers can control? In this episode, Nicholas talks with Navrina Singh, founder and CEO of Credo AI, about how regulation could actually accelerate innovation of more responsib…
AI in Flight - with Nicholas Thompson, Tory Bruno and Joe Schurman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:16
The space race has gone private, and in this new world, efficiency is key. United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno explains how a legacy rocket maker remade itself to compete in an industry full of startups. From load anal…
Artificial Life - with Nicholas Thompson and Lee Cronin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:00
How do you digitize the physical world? In this episode, Nick talks with University of Glasgow chemistry professor Lee Cronin, founder of Chemify—a company that is using AI to turn molecules to code s—about his quest to…
The Future of  AI at Work - with Nicholas Thompson and Matt Wood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
What does it take to succeed in the disruptive world of AI? In this episode, Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson sits down with Matt Wood, PwC’s Global and U.S. Commercial Technology and Innovation Officer, to trace his path…
The AI Athlete - with Nicholas Thompson and Will Ahmed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:29
Can AI unlock your full potential as an athlete? In this episode, Nicholas speaks with Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of Whoop, about how wearable technology and AI are transforming health, performance, and longevity. From…
Neuro-Symbolic AI - with Nicholas Thompson and Ohad Elhelo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:03
In this episode, Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson speaks with Ohad Elhelo, co-founder and CEO of AUI, about neuro-symbolic systems. Apollo-1, AUI's neuro-symbolic foundational model, promises both the fluency of generative…
Season 3 Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26
A podcast series examining how AI is reshaping our world. Each episode features a conversation with a leading thinker who offers a fresh perspective on the far-reaching ethical, economic, and social implications of this…
AI Optimism - with Nicholas Thompson and Kevin Kelly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:12
What happens if we get AI right? In this episode, Nicholas speaks with Wired co-founder Kevin Kelly about AI’s potential to positively impact the future of humanity. Featured Guest: Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Learn…
Pharma's Future - with Nicholas Thompson, Diogo Rau and Dan Priest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:11
How is AI shaping the future of healthcare? In this episode, Nicholas speaks with Eli Lilly’s Diogo Rau about how AI is making it easier and faster to find life-saving drugs, and PwC Chief AI Officer Dan Priest about how…
Making Music With AI - with Nicholas Thompson and Holly Herndon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:39
AI is transforming the creative landscape, opening up possibilities for a new generation of artists. In this episode, Nicholas speaks with experimental musician and AI artist Holly Herndon about the intersection of human…