The Gray Area with Sean Illing
The Gray Area with Sean Illing takes a philosophy-minded look at culture, technology, politics, and the world of ideas. Each week, we invite a guest to explore a question or topic that matters. From the the state of democracy, to the struggle with depression and anxiety, to the nature of identity in the digital age, each episode looks for nuance and honesty in the most important conversations of our time. New episodes drop every Monday. From the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Hosts & Guests
AI in college
Jun 30
Love this show but so so much on AI. I miss the philosophy (in more traditional sense) I do have a suggestion re the “cheating” problem using AI. Bluebooks? Paper. Pens. Writing in class. Not rocket science.
Intelligent, thoughtful, insightful
Jun 19
Great discussion of a wide range of interesting ideas
Excellent platform for thought and dialogue
Jun 10
Sean is not only as smart, and as curious, as his accomplishments imply, he is the (increasingly) rare type of interviewer / podcaster with the confidence, humility, and ability to let his guests speak. I listen to this podcast for the ideas the guests bring, and which Sean helps them communicate through his questions and dialogue. If you’re looking for weekly pontification from an arrogant host, this one isn’t for you; check out the selections from the NY Times.
I don’t understand
Jun 10
I’m really lost listening nowadays is everything left-right political issues? How does talking and writing books helping anything?
Really intelligent podcast
Jun 8
I am a political conservative, have listened carefully to about ten episodes, and think this is an excellent podcast of good ideas. About the “Are Men Okay?” episode, I agree with the interviewee that mandatory military service (in a variety of capacities based on interest) for 1-2 years would be so beneficial to young men for all the reasons stated. And then free community college (if they want to go) and reduced tuition bridge to state college if they want. Israel is such a good example of the cohesiveness and sense of belonging this brings. For young women as well. If only that could be.
Worthwhile
Apr 9
Excellent podcasting on many topics. Regarding the AI episodes: why does no one point out that if AI is so literal minded it might destroy humanity by turning us all into paperclips, in response to the request/order to make paperclips, that’s AI is not intelligent at all, if so literal minded it doesn’t process or understand the context of a simple request like that? It’s not intelligent to act in so rote a way it becomes uncontrollably destructive. Or understand a request and its inherent limitations. Isn’t that obvious? The paperclip example is not describing a hyper intelligence, and certainly not even as intelligent as an average human.
High school philosophy class at its worst
May 10
The interview with Frances Lee was so awful. No pushback, just acceptance. Sean is neither as smart nor curious as he thinks he is.
The Gray Area—a bright spot in my week
Mar 25
Sean Illing’s The Gray Area is the only Vox programming I make sure I catch when it drops every Monday. His choice of topics and guests, and his thoughtful and always honest conversation provide a welcome respite from the much of the noisy political conversation that floods the media and podcast world. I encourage everyone who wants to think just a little beyond the daily headlines and worrisome news to try out his podcast.
Thought-Provoking and Insightful
Mar 19
I always look forward to new episode drops—these interviews/discussions are the thoughtfully conducted and to-the-point, while simultaneously inviting listeners to stay open-minded with gray topics.
More info
Feb 18
Would you please have Katherine Stewart on with her new book Money, Lies and God. You do a great job asking insightful questions. Thanks
About
Information
- Channel
- CreatorVox
- Years Active2016 - 2025
- Episodes716
- RatingExplicit
- Copyright© 2019 Vox Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved
- Show Website
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