“Ghost in the Machine” Proposes That Dangerous Ideas Fueled AI Development

September 11, 2026

Director Valerie Veatch joins host Michael Azevedo on this episode to discuss her provocative documentary “Ghost in the Machine,” which will have its broadcast debut on the PBS series Independent Lens on Sept. 14. 
 
Valerie’s film will also be available on the PBS Documentaries YouTube channel.
 
Valerie’s film examines AI’s troubled history and its present day impact.
 
“Ghost in the Machine” reveals how the human values, biases and power structures behind artificial intelligence are shaping our world—and its societal and environmental consequences.
 
Valerie Veatch is writer and director of documentaries Me@The Zoo (HBO) and Love Child (HBO). She is a graduate of the New School for Social Research with a degree in culture and media studies. Her award-winning work deals with the intersection of technology and society.
 

Making Media Now—which is available on all podcast platforms including YouTube–is sponsored by Filmmakers Collaborative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting media makers from across the creative spectrum. From providing fiscal sponsorship to presenting an array of informative and educational programs, Filmmakers Collaborative supports creatives at every step in their journey.
 
About the host: http://www.writevoicecreative.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-azevedo/

 
Sound Engineer: A.J. Kierstead