Warning Shots
John Sherman, Liron Shapira (Doom Debates) and Michael (Lethal Intelligence) break down the week's AI news and what it means for risk.
Watch on YouTubeAbout Guard Rail Now
AI risk, explained for the people it will affect.
Guard Rail Now is a listener-funded nonprofit based in Baltimore. We run The AI Risk Network, whose shows, clips and write-ups help people outside the tech world understand what advanced AI could mean for them, and what they can do about it.
Why we exist
Leaders of the biggest AI companies have said in public that advanced AI could go badly wrong. Most of that conversation still happens in labs, policy rooms and tech podcasts.
We think the people who will live with these systems deserve a seat at the table. So we bring the conversation home: clear, sourced and in plain language, so more people can understand the stakes and take part in the decisions being made about AI.
Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.
Statement on AI Risk, May 2023. Signed by the heads of OpenAI, Google DeepMind and Anthropic, and hundreds of AI scientists. Read the statement
What we do
Shows and stories for people outside the bubble
Everything we make goes through one test: would it make sense at a kitchen table?
For Humanity
John talks with researchers, policymakers, parents and workers about how AI is changing their lives and what should be done about it.
Watch on YouTubeClips, write-ups and a newsletter
Short clips on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and more, a sourced write-up of every episode, and a free weekly newsletter on Substack.
Read the write-upsBeyond our channels: we bring the conversation to news outlets, mainstream podcasts, events and conferences.
Our theory of change
An informed public can change how AI is built
- EducationClear, sourced explanations people can trust.
- AwarenessMore people see AI risk as a real, shared issue.
- Public pressurePeople ask their elected leaders to act.
- Safety rulesLawmakers set enforceable guardrails.
- A safer worldAI that benefits people now and in the future.
When people understand the risks of unregulated AI, they are more likely to ask for safety rules. By closing the public awareness gap with accessible media, we aim to help build the political will for real guardrails while there is still time to set them.
Our founder
"Stop building what we don't understand."
John Sherman is a Peabody Award and multi-Emmy winning journalist. He founded Guard Rail Now to do what he did as a reporter: take a complicated story and make it clear for everyone. He hosts For Humanity and co-hosts Warning Shots.
the kitchen-table test, every weekPeople
The team behind the network
Board and advisors
Roman YampolskiyBoard Member, AI safety researcherLinkedIn
Oliver ZhangBoard Member, CAIS co-founderLinkedIn
Louis BermanBoard MemberLinkedIn
Kathleen Kennedy TownsendSenior Advisor, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland
Team
Deena EnglanderCOO
Luis CancilleriHead of Growth
Gerry OkinyiVideo Editor
How we're funded
Listener-funded. No money from AI companies.
Our independence is the point. We are paid for by the people who watch, read and share our work, so we can say what we think the public needs to hear.
Running the network at full speed costs $12,000 to $15,000 a month. You can see what each gift pays for on our support page.
Legal nameDads Against AGI, doing business as Guard Rail Now
Status501(c)(3) public charity. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
EIN99-4857285
DonationsProcessed by Every.org, which emails your receipt.
Based inBaltimore, Maryland
Get involved
Three ways to help today
1
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2
Fund an episode
About $30 funds 1,000 views of a clear, sourced explanation of AI risk. Monthly gifts keep the shows steady.
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Share or host
Send an episode to one person, host a listening party, or introduce us to someone who should be on a show.
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