AI & Us Podcast Review: How AI Is Transforming UK Lives in Real-Time
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has officially moved from the realm of science fiction into our everyday lives. From diagnosing illnesses in hospitals to creating symphonies with musicians, AI is becoming an integral part of how society functions. In an era when people are grappling with what AI means for work, creativity, and ethics, a powerful new podcast has emerged to help us make sense of it all.
Enter AI & Us: The Future in Our Hands — a compelling new six-part podcast documentary launched by Audio Always, a Salford-based production company, to ignite national conversations about the real-world impact of AI in the UK.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen McGann: Bridging Science, Society, and Storytelling
Actor and science communicator Stephen McGann, best known for his role in Call the Midwife, takes listeners on a journey through the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and community life. With his signature blend of warmth and intellect, McGann dives deep into how AI is shaping human stories in profound, often surprising ways.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction. It’s here – in our hospitals, our communities, even our homes,” says McGann. “This podcast is about understanding how we can guide it with purpose, ethics, and heart.”
🧠 The Civic Vision Behind the Podcast
This podcast isn’t just an audio experience — it’s part of a broader civic experiment. Spearheaded by the Civic Data Cooperative, and funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the podcast reflects the vision of Mayor Steve Rotheram for an inclusive, ethical AI future.
The project is also supported by the University of Liverpool’s Civic Health Innovation Labs, ensuring the content is grounded in research and community engagement.
🔍 What Makes AI & Us Unique?
Unlike typical tech podcasts focused on algorithms and hardware, AI & Us brings an emotional, human-centered approach to the topic. Each episode unpacks complex issues by putting people at the center — from patients navigating AI-assisted healthcare to musicians experimenting with AI-generated compositions.
Key Differentiators:
Real-life stories from residents of Liverpool City Region
Ethical debates on data privacy, surveillance, and inclusion
Collaboration with local institutions for authenticity and impact
Focus on public services like healthcare, housing, and education
📚 Episode Highlights: Exploring AI Across Every Facet of Life
Each of the six episodes explores a distinct domain where AI is already making waves. Here’s a sneak peek into what listeners can expect:
🏥 1. AI & Healthcare: Can Machines Heal Us?
How AI is supporting doctors in diagnostics
The role of algorithms in predicting hospital admissions
Patient stories from Liverpool hospitals using AI-powered tools
🧠 2. AI & Mental Health: Talking to Machines About Our Feelings
Can AI therapists supplement human care?
Apps and chatbots for emotional support
The ethical risks of delegating empathy to machines
🏡 3. AI & Housing: Predicting Need, Preventing Homelessness
Using AI to identify at-risk tenants before eviction
Smart housing policies driven by data
Balancing efficiency with human compassion
💬 4. AI & Democracy: Empowering or Excluding?
Can AI deepen public engagement or widen the digital divide?
Local government experiments with AI-driven feedback systems
Concerns over bias, access, and algorithmic transparency
🎶 5. AI & Creativity: Friend or Foe to Artists?
How AI is being used to compose music and write scripts
Interviews with Liverpool creatives experimenting with AI
Debating originality, copyright, and collaboration
⚽ 6. AI & Sport: Coaching the Coaches
AI in athlete performance tracking
Data-driven decisions in football management
How tech is revolutionizing grassroots sport
🔄 A Community-Centered Model of Innovation
One of the standout features of the podcast is its commitment to community involvement. Rather than tech being something done to people, AI & Us presents it as a tool developed with communities.
Goals of the Civic AI Experiment:
Ethical development of AI guided by public feedback
Democratizing data so citizens understand how it’s used
Building trust between innovators and residents
🧩 Why This Podcast Matters Right Now
As conversations around AI explode — from ChatGPT in classrooms to generative art controversies — there’s a growing need for resources that break down the hype and speak to real experiences. AI & Us does just that.
Timely Relevance:
The UK is pushing ahead with AI regulation and national innovation strategies
Public anxiety is rising about AI replacing jobs
There’s an urgent need for ethical frameworks and inclusive tech policies
This podcast offers listeners a rare opportunity to hear directly from people living at the heart of these changes.
📡 Where to Listen
AI & Us: The Future in Our Hands is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms. New episodes drop weekly, each under 30 minutes — making it easy to digest on your commute or coffee break.
🚀 Final Thoughts: A Call for Thoughtful Tech Leadership
In a world where technology often outpaces ethics, AI & Us is a timely reminder that innovation must be guided by human values. Through moving stories and informed discussions, the podcast delivers both insight and inspiration for a smarter AI future.
Whether you’re a policymaker, tech professional, artist, or curious citizen, this series offers something for everyone.
🔗 Quick Summary: Why You Should Tune In
🎙️ Host: Stephen McGann, actor & science communicator
