The Case for Open-Source AI - with Nicholas Thompson and Raffi Krikorian

The Case for Open-Source AI - with Nicholas Thompson and Raffi Krikorian

Author: Atlantic Re:think May 6, 2026 Duration: 54:00
Why does AI answer the way it does? Even as models cite their sources, the question of “why” remains one of the most confounding in the industry, with huge implications for users and builders alike. Mozilla CTO Raffi Krikorian says much of the answer lies in open-source AI— letting users look under the hood to see what’s happening. It’s a compelling idea, one that could also impact safety and alignment. But can it thrive? And what are the risks of ceding control? In a deep conversation with Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson, Raffi describes a world where technology is liberated from a handful of corporations, shares his hopes and fears for AI, and reflects on his recent car crash involving a self-driving Tesla. (00:00) Introduction: The mystery of AI decision-making and the need for transparency  (02:25) Twitter, Uber, and the DNC: Raffi’s career history (05:01) How centralization changed Twitter into X (08:30) Why seven companies shouldn't control AGI  (11:38) Mozilla's mission: Building an open AI ecosystem like Firefox did for the web  (14:21) Is it strange that Google funds Firefox? (16:40) The four layers of AI openness: Compute, data, models, and developer tooling (22:20) Data ethics and provenance: Creating markets for ethically-sourced training data  (26:44) What counts as “true” open-source AI? (32:04) The risks of open source AI: Balancing accessibility with safety concerns  (35:56) Should powerful AI be restricted like nuclear weapons?  (39:17) Raffi's Tesla crash and the danger of automated complacency  (46:56) Preserving humanity in the age of AI: Avoiding the "WALL-E" future 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…