Subvolts take Sci-fi author Neal Stephenson discusses future tech like the metaverse and carbon capture. Feb 7, 2022
For you
Business
Learn about future technological ambitions and how they might be framed by speculative fiction.
Everyday users
Explore ideas about the metaverse and climate solutions from a creative, forward-thinking perspective.
Hype note
3/5Notable

This is a solid interview with a notable author discussing future technology and societal challenges.

Behind The Tech with Kevin Scott · S4 · Ep 41 Episode Official · Microsoft

Neal Stephenson, Award-winning science fiction author

1 h Interview Hosts: Kevin Scott
0:0059:32

Audio streams from Microsoft. Your place is remembered on this device.

From Subvolts

Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.

Summary

Microsoft's Behind The Tech podcast features host Kevin Scott interviewing science fiction author Neal Stephenson. They discuss the metaverse, misinformation, and climate change solutions, including carbon capture, which Stephenson views as a monumental technological undertaking.

Explained simply

Science fiction writer Neal Stephenson talks with Microsoft's Kevin Scott about big ideas. They cover the metaverse, how to stop bad information online, and tackling climate change with new technologies like capturing carbon from the air.

Why listen

This episode offers insights into how speculative fiction can shape technological thinking, particularly regarding future concepts like the metaverse and large-scale climate solutions. It's for listeners interested in the intersection of science fiction, technology, and societal challenges. While not directly about current AI models, Stephenson's forward-looking perspective on grand technological projects could inform discussions around the long-term impact and development of AI.

On the mic
  • HostKevin Scott
  • GuestNeal StephensonAward-winning science fiction author
About
Key facts
  • Guest: Neal Stephenson, Award-winning science fiction author
  • Show: Behind The Tech with Kevin Scott
  • Length: 60 minutes
  • Key Topic: Carbon capture as a major tech project
Show notes from Microsoft

Meet one of Kevin's favorite sci-fi authors who influenced him as a kid growing up in rural Virginia. Kevin and this award-winning writer talk about metaverse and misinformation, as well as ways to combat climate change - including carbon capture, which Neal believes will be one of the biggest tech projects in human history.

Neal Stephenson

Kevin Scott

Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott

Discover and listen to other Microsoft podcasts.

Jargon decoded
metaverse
Neal Stephenson
a virtual world where people can interact
carbon capture
Neal Stephenson
technology that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Published
Show
Behind The Tech with Kevin Scott · Microsoft
Length
1 h
Companies
Microsoft
Summary by
Subvolts, using an AI model (how we work). Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Questions people ask

What topics will Kevin Scott and Neal Stephenson discuss?
They will discuss the metaverse, misinformation, and ways to combat climate change, including carbon capture.
What is Neal Stephenson's view on carbon capture?
Stephenson believes carbon capture will be one of the biggest tech projects in human history.

Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to Microsoft.