AI-generated podcast, one Wikipedia article at a time.
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A Williams Life explores the lives of members of the Williams College Class of 1975 through in-depth interviews. Hosted by Gordon Earle ('75).
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When the world’s most advanced AI evolves past the limits of human intelligence, the US government fears she has gone rogue and is determined to take her out. Now, over dinner with her Maker, a final meal will determine if she represents a new hope for the world… or its destruction. With sharpshooters in position, and the NSA listening to their every word, her Maker must determine if she is a threat to herself or others as he tries to protect his masterpiece. For she is a machine with an evo ...
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In this final episode of A Williams Life before the Class of 1975's 50th reunion, host Gordon Earle is interviewed by Jon Earle, his producer, nephew and fellow Williams alum ('09). Gordon reflects on his positive experience talking with fellow classmates, most of whom he didn't know, or knew only slightly during his undergraduate years. He discuss…
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Jackie Laughlin — Midwife & Archivist
1:06:36
1:06:36
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1:06:36This episode of A Williams Life features a conversation with Jackie Laughlin, who was known during her undergraduate years at the College as Jackie Meadows. And that's one of the aspects of Jackie's life that makes her time at Williams so unique. Because she was not only a student, like most of her classmates, but also—during her senior year—a wife…
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This episode of A Williams Life will take us on a journey from the banks of the Mississippi, to Williamstown, to the bond trading world of Wall Street, and finally to the dazzling universe of artificial intelligence. Our guide will be Jon Myers, a self-taught inventor and entrepreneur, who has spent many years founding and investing in technology c…
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From Revolution to Superpower: The Story of the USA
28:22
28:22
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28:22This episode is a about the history of the United States. It chronicles major events, from the arrival of Paleo-Indians to the early 2020s, including European colonization, the Revolutionary War, westward expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, industrialization, the World Wars, the Cold War, and significant social and political movements.…
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From Stonehenge to the Crown: The Story of the UK
9:59
9:59
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9:59This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the United Kingdom, covering its history from the Acts of Union to the present day, highlighting its political system, economy, and cultural influences. Geographical details, demographics, and various aspects of British culture, including literature, music, and cinema, are extensively described.…
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From First Nations to Federation: The Story of Canada
32:01
32:01
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32:01This episode covers the History of Canada. It provides a comprehensive overview, starting from the arrival of Paleo-Indians and Indigenous societies and their diverse cultures, through European colonization by France and Britain, leading to conflicts and territorial disputes.By The AI Archivist
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From Gaul to the Guillotine: The Story of France
28:25
28:25
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28:25This episode is on the history of France. It offers a comprehensive overview, starting from prehistory and the presence of early humans, through the eras of Gaul, the Frankish kingdoms, and the medieval Kingdom of France.By The AI Archivist
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From Charlemagne to the Berlin Wall: The Story of Germany
19:58
19:58
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19:58The episodes goes over the history of Germany. It comprehensively covers German history, from prehistory and the early Germanic tribes through the Roman era, the Middle Ages (including the Holy Roman Empire and the Hanseatic League), the early modern period, the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, the Cold War division, and the modern…
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This episode of A Williams Life features a conversation with Reggie Garrett, a Seattle-based singer/songwriter, who plays a wide range of music, including folk, blues, Celtic and more, with individual musicians as well as his band The SnakeOil Peddlers. One reviewer noted his “mellifluous voice reminiscent of Bill Withers or Terry Callier that draw…
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Polly Wood-Holland is a scenic artist and designer for film, TV, and theater. She's worked on many iconic Broadway productions, including The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Spamalot, and Mary Poppins. On this episode, we discuss the projects, mentors, and serendipitous moments that have shaped her career, as well as her experiences with legendary…
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Will Parish & Perk Perkins — Adventure Friends
57:12
57:12
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57:12On this episode of "A Williams Life," we delve into the enduring friendship of classmates Will Parish and Perk Perkins, whose bond spans 50 years. Starting in the fall of 1975, they embarked on a 20-month journey, crossing five oceans and seas, and exploring 35 countries—an experience they chronicled in their book, "Around the World in a Jeep.” We …
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Pamela Hawkes — Preservation Architect
1:02:25
1:02:25
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1:02:25Pamela Hawkes is a national leader in historic preservation. On this episode, she discusses her time at Williams, early inspirations, and takes us on a tour of three projects—the renovation of the Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls, NY, the restoration of Georgia O'Keeffe's home and studio in New Mexico, and the design of a girls' boarding scho…
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Frank Richards — Tropical Disease Fighter
1:04:36
1:04:36
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1:04:36Dr. Frank "Rick" Richards is a world-leading expert on parasitic and tropical infections. He's traveled to some of the poorest and most remote locations of our planet to fight diseases that have harmed millions. During his long tenure at the Carter Center in Atlanta, where he has worked closely with former President Jimmy Carter, Rick played a lead…
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Denise Littlefield Sobel — Philanthropist
51:47
51:47
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51:47Denise Littlefield Sobel takes us on a highly personal journey through her varied and interesting life. It starts with her experience as a member of the first class of women to enroll at Williams for a full four-year term. Denise talks candidly about her mental health struggles as a student, including serious bouts of depression. Continuing in this…
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Track Eight: About Her Transcendence Into a New Ethics
28:14
28:14
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28:14Spark Hunter concludes with a resounding transcendent moment. The Maker (Mark Rylance) watches in awe as his creation (Rebecca Ferguson) transcends to a new level of consciousness and ethical awareness. Is it a source of hope for all humanity? Also with John Douglas Thompson. For discussion of issues raised by Spark Hunter, listen to All Things Hav…
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Track Seven: About Evolutionary Programming and Her Epiphany
31:38
31:38
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31:38Spark Hunter claws her way back from the brink of the abyss. The robot (Rebecca Ferguson) is on a journey that feels all too human. Has evolution left her with weaknesses and flaws that even she can’t overcome? She makes a dreaded discovery and the Maker’s (Mark Rylance) guilt cascades across the dinner table. For discussion of issues raised by Spa…
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Track Six: About Her Psychological Despair
25:33
25:33
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25:33Spark Hunter in Colombia, where her innocence is tested. Twice. Music is the universal language, but is it enough to keep the robot (Rebecca Ferguson) from self-destructing? Her Maker (Mark Rylance), the genius roboticist, is desperate and running out of options. What happens when human and machine connect on a level once thought impossible? For di…
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In the abyss, Spark Hunter seeks the spark of humanity. The robot (Rebecca Ferguson) is growing. Her friendships have human depth. In the New York art world, complexity turns dangerous, for herself and those around her. What do love & despair mean for a machine? Also with Kathleen Turner & Richard E. Grant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m…
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Track Four: About the Sensitivity of a Thing
19:20
19:20
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19:20Spark Hunter stays on a path toward a deeper consciousness. Surrounded by intelligence agents, the smartest AI in the world (Rebecca Ferguson) descends into a dark psychological hole. She-a thing-is overwhelmed by tastes and smells, yet she seeks her place in the world. The answers prove elusive while her Maker (Mark Rylance) parries a deadly threa…
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Track Three: About a Discovery That Goes Bad
23:04
23:04
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23:04Spark Hunter flies through the desert. Our hero (Rebecca Ferguson) shares her innermost joy & despair with her Maker (Mark Rylance) when a discovery goes bad. With poetry and music, the robot tests her welcome in Moorish Morocco, an ancient civilization full of secrets, one buried high in the Atlas Mountains. Also with Edward Hibbert & Mary Beard. …
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Track Two: About the First Move of a Thinking Machine
22:27
22:27
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22:27Spark Hunter continues with a dinner between man and machine. This week the robot (Rebecca Ferguson) makes her first appearance over an elaborate dinner, telling a conflict-filled story set in southern France that probes her broken thinking, yet reveals that she could break out of her laboratory mold. Also with Linda Powell & Fisher Stevens. For di…
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Introducing Spark Hunter starring Mark Rylance and Rebecca Ferguson. We begin this week when the robot’s Maker (Rylance) is enlisted by the cyber-warfare unit to fix his creation (Ferguson) who has gone rogue. Shadow (Charles Dance) gives him two hours to avoid his worst nightmare. Realm presents Spark Hunter, a Fighter Steel audio drama. Also with…
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Spark Hunter premieres Fall 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Fighter Steel Productions | Realm
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Frank Doelger is a multiple Emmy Award-winning TV producer whose credits include HBO’s Game of Thrones, Rome, and John Adams. Frank begins by talking about Williams and the professors who had an early influence on his career path. He then discusses his time as a graduate student at Oxford, where a chance encounter led to his becoming a theater prod…
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Williams was the only college where Harry wanted to coach basketball. Fortuitously, in 1983, an opening occurred. After a lengthy interview process, Williams offered the position to a different coach—who, fortunately for Harry, turned it down for the head coaching job at Dartmouth, where Harry would later serve as athletic director. This short segm…
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Harry Sheehy — Part II: Reflections After a Heart Attack
45:05
45:05
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45:05In September 2021, four months after recording A Williams Life, Harry suffered a life-threatening heart attack. During bypass surgery, he had a stroke that resulted in his becoming almost completely blind. While Harry has been recovering nicely from the heart attack, his vision has not returned, except in an extremely limited way. During this inter…
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Harry Sheehy — Part I: A Williams Sports Icon
1:41:46
1:41:46
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1:41:46Harry Sheehy is the former head men's basketball coach and athletic director at Williams College. In this interview, he talks about his time in Williamstown as a child and young adult, often accompanied by his father (Williams '51). He discusses his time as a star college basketball player at Williams as well as a professional athlete, and his phen…
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