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“Seeing is believing” doesn’t ring as true as it once did. With the advent of generative artificial intelligence, the line between what’s real and not online has become blurred.

This episode we’re examining generative AI’s impact on the information landscape with researcher Joshua Garland. Joshua leads the Center for Information and Narrative Complexity at the Global Security Initiative at Arizona State University. He’s spent over a decade working with large language models, narrative influence and propaganda campaigns, and researches how to better detect and attribute AI-generated content.

Learn more about:

• Center for Information and Narrative Complexity: https://globalsecurity.asu.edu/the-center-on-information-and-narrative-complexity/
• Global Security Initiative: https://globalsecurity.asu.edu/

Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise.

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Learn more about our work: https://research.asu.edu

Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! We are at the mercy of the mighty, fickle algorithms and reviews help new listeners find our show.

Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! As long as you are nice. Be nice.

Episode credits

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

Shot by Alexander Chapin

Edited by Christian Van Bebber

Original music from Patrick Cheung

Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz

Editorial support from Diane Boudreau and Sandy Leander

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Disclosure:

Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

Addiction and substance use disorder isn’t simply the result of “bad choices” — it’s caused by brain chemistry, relationships and the environments we live in.

In this episode, Professor of psychology Lani Shiota delves into what really drives addiction and how to prevent and treat it. From Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign to medication-assisted treatment, she shares what science says does and doesn’t work — and why compassion may be our most powerful tool. Shiota also talks about SATRN, ASU’s statewide network connecting researchers, practitioners and policymakers to turn cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

Learn more about The Substance Use and Addiction Translational Research Network (SATRN) at ASU: https://satrn.asu.edu/

Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise.

Find more stories of research and discovery at ASU: http://research.asu.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/asu-knowledge-enterprise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asuresearch/

Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! We are at the mercy of the mighty, fickle algorithms and reviews help new listeners find our show.

Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! As long as you are nice. Be nice.

Episode credits

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

Shot by Alexander Chapin and Christian Van Bebber

Edited by Alexander Chapin

Original music from Patrick Cheung

Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

Art by Andy Keena

Editorial support from Diane Boudreau and Sandy Leander

Research and reporting by Richard Harth

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Keyword research by Aditi Patel

Disclosure:

Lab Coat Optional is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This show does not create a doctor-patient relationship, and the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

In this episode, we examine how stories and narratives can influence global affairs. P.J. Allin explains how China is using narratives to shift the balance of power in Southeast Asia.

P.J. is a research analyst at the Center on Information and Narrative Complexity in the Global Security Initiative and a PhD candidate in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University.

Follow her work on LinkedIn.

Explore her publications:

• “China’s Columbus” Was an Imperialist Too: Contesting the Myth of Zheng He
• China’s Double Zigzag Strategy for International Relations
• How China Conducts Influence Operations by Leveraging Culturally Nuanced Narratives in Three Southeast Asian Countries

Learn more about:

• What is Sharp Power?
• China’s claims on the South China Sea: The Nine-Dash-Line
• The Philippines Is Ever More Focused on Taiwan
• The Uphill Battle to Safeguard Rights
• Pentagon abruptly ends all funding for social science research

Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.

Episode credits

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Hosted by Pete Zrioka

Shot and edited by Alexander Chapin

Original music from Patrick Cheung

Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Keyword research by Aditi Patel

Disclosure:

Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.