Podcast, Art Meets Tech, Media
Yao Pei
The Algorithms in Your Ears: Looking Into the ...

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Samantha Childers explores why so many songs recommended by streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music sound strikingly similar. She breaks down the inner workings of music streaming algorithms—how metadata, collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, and continuous feedback loops collectively shape the “perfect playlist.” Childers also examines Spotify features such as Discover Weekly and Discovery Mode, uncovering how these tools influence music discovery, artist visibility, and even compositional trends as musicians increasingly write with algorithms in mind. Alongside these technical insights, she raises critical ethical questions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, pay-to-play practices, and the shrinking role of human curation. Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to rethink how algorithm-driven platforms shape not only what we hear but also how we discover, value, and experience music.

The Algorithms in Your Ears: Looking Into the making of your music feeds
Podcast, Digital Futures, Art Meets Tech
Yao Pei
Ludus: a Ticket Selling Platform Changing the ...

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Andrew Wolverton and Zachary Collins explore how arts-focused technology can transform nonprofit ticketing and operations, tracing Ludus’s journey from a side project for a single high school musical to a nationwide platform serving more than 4,000 organizations. Collins explains how Ludus was built from the ground up around the real needs of drama teachers and community theaters, growing into an end-to-end system for ticketing, fundraising, marketing, volunteers, and concessions—while staying anchored in a people-first culture summed up by the company’s core value, “Give a Shit.” He reflects on navigating the COVID-19 shutdown through livestreaming and social-distancing tools, choosing the right growth equity partner, and why he believes AI shouldn’t replace arts workers but instead act as a “superpower” that frees them to focus on human-centered work and shared live experiences.

Ludus: a Ticket Selling Platform Changing the Game
Podcast, Entertainment, Digital Futures, Artificial Intelligence
Yao Pei
Michael Cioni on Ingenuity and the Future of ...

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Alexann Sharp and Cara Flannery sit down with four-time Emmy-winning innovator Michael Cioni to unpack how technology and creativity converge in modern media workflows. Cioni introduces Strada, a peer-to-peer platform designed to enable remote collaboration without cloud storage, and shares career lessons on building networks through industry events (NAB, Cine Gear, IBC) and assembling complementary teams (“Swiss-cheese” collaboration). He distinguishes generative vs. utilitarian AI, predicts a shakeout and rebound for GenAI, and outlines his Skills Gap Principle and “Technative” mindset for balancing creative and technical strengths. The conversation closes with candid advice on taking smarter risks and betting on yourself.

Michael Cioni on Ingenuity and the Future of Entertainment
Podcast, Art Meets Tech, Digital Futures, Creative Coding
Yao Pei
The Art of Language: Daniel Temkin Reveals The ...

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Daniel Temkin and Luna Lu discussed the artistic possibilities of code, focusing on esoteric programming languages (esolangs) and how they can function as a medium for art and human expression. Temkin explained that his interest began with experimenting in existing esolangs (like Brainfuck) around 2007-2008, leading him to create his own and document them conceptually, moving away from overly technical documentation. The conversation highlighted how giving up on the idea that programming must be practical allows for artistic exploration, connecting esolangs to idea art, constraint-based work (such as the Oulipo Group), and performance art. Temkin detailed the structure of his book, which presents programming languages as idea-based art, containing both realized works and conceptual prompts inspired by artists like Yoko Ono, and described how his languages — such as Fat Finger, which inspired code poetry, and Folders, which manipulates file system hierarchy — explore themes of collaboration, human irrationality, and the extreme constraints of logical systems. Listeners were also encouraged to explore existing esolangs on the Esolang Wiki before trying to design their own.

The Art of Language: Daniel Temkin Reveals The Inner Workings of Esolangs
Podcast, Artificial Intelligence, Society, Media, Public Policy
Yao Pei
Politics and Portrayal: The Impact of AI and ...

In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Melida Hernandez and Christine Rivera dive into the intersections of technology, identity, and representation in digital spaces and media. Melida explores how AI-based recognition systems, often trained on biased datasets, misclassify transgender and non-binary individuals, which impacts their self-presentation, psychological well-being, and digital agency. Melida also discusses how these technologies replicate real-world prejudices, limiting the fluidity of gender expression online, and highlights the lack of diversity in AI research teams, where women make up only 10–15% of staff. Christine’s research, on the other hand, focuses on how scripted and streaming television depicts motherhood and women’s reproductive choices, connecting these portrayals to broader issues such as policy, workplace inequality, and the “motherhood penalty.” Together, they unpack how media archetypes, algorithmic bias, and social platforms shape public perception and reinforce gender roles, calling for more inclusive storytelling, equitable AI design, and better systemic support for women and marginalized communities.

Politics and Portrayal: The Impact of AI and Our Lives

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Technology in the Arts #60

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In this episode of Technology in the Arts, Jason takes a break so the Center for Arts Management and Technology’s Josh Futrell can vent. He’s furious that the Pennsylvania Senate voted 30-20 in favor of a budget that includes ZERO dollars for arts and culture funding. Again... that’s ZERO dollars. Hey Senators... we're mad as hell, and we're coming for you!

Pitchfork (Photo: CC by amy.kay)

PS: The angry man in the photo above is not Josh. But you can follow Josh on Twitter at @jfutrell.

Also, Brad interviews Mollie Alexander Speer from Chicago’s About Face Theatre. The company recently saved itself with a fundraising campaign that was driven largely by social media.

Use the following handy-dandy links to follow along with the episode:

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Technology in the Arts #59

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This episode is dedicated to the addictive, ridiculousness that is TWITTER! Sanchez Hacked (Photo: CNN's Rick Sanchez's Twitter feed was hacked in January 2009. And it was hilarious.)

Some Additional Suggestions for Twitter

Here are a few suggestions for using Twitter that we don't mention in the episode:

  • One of our Twitter friends (arts consultant @heidirettig) submitted this suggestion: "Don’t sell too much. Rather, use Twitter to create an identity."
  • Heidi also said: "Twitter has the ability to make audiences feel 'special,' so give them something no one else is getting."
  • Search for items that are of interest to your organization. You can use any of the desktop tools we mentioned or search.twitter.com to search the Twittersphere. For instance, let’s say you’re a theater company in Baltimore presenting a production of Hamlet. You might search “Baltimore Shakespeare” as a starting point to find people in your area who are interested in your work. This is a good way to make sure you’re following and being followed by the most effective Twitter users.

Tweeps You Should Follow

You can follow Brad's Tweets at twitter.com/bstephenson. Here are some more artists and arts organizations you should be following on Twitter:

Cool Site of the Episode

Current TV's YouTube Channel - "Current is the global TV network all about what's going on in your world, from your perspective, in your voice." Includes the hilarious weekly animated show Supernews!

Reminder - If you have any questions or interesting discussion items, please send them to podcast@technologyinthearts.org.

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Technology in the Arts #58

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Look out behind you... it's Friday the 13th! In honor of the frightening day, Brad and Jason take a bone-chilling look at some of the SCARIEST TECHNOLOGIES EVER! Square Jason (Photo: CC by loganz)

Use the following handy-dandy links to follow along with the episode:

Cool Sites of the Episode

Brad: HootSuite and BurnURL

Jason... is lame and has no cool sites this week. He promises to bring you two next month.

Reminder - If you have any questions or interesting discussion items, please send them to podcast@technologyinthearts.org.

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Technology in the Arts #57

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We're back at long last! Brad recently accepted a position as Web Content Manager for Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College. He's in the same building as CAMT but no longer an employee of the Center. However, he and Jason will continue to host Technology in the Arts as part of his duties for the college. It's all a confusing way to say that if you keep downloading, we'll keep recording! Use the following handy-dandy links to follow along with the episode:

Cool Sites of the Episode

Brad: Gigapan Jason: YouTube Photo Hunt

Again, special thanks to composer and sound designer Joseph Fosco for providing our new theme song. Learn about Joseph and his work at www.JosephFosco.com.

Reminder - If you have any questions or interesting discussion items, please send them to podcast@technologyinthearts.org.

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Technology in the Arts #56

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Happy holidays, everyone! This episode features a discussion of Twitter and Net Neutrality. Use the following handy-dandy links to follow along:

Cool Sites of the Episode

Brad: UnderwaterSculpture.com Jason: Muppets on YouTube

We'll be taking a short hiatus for the holidays, but we'll return in January with more arts and technology goodness!

Again, special thanks to composer and sound designer Joseph Fosco for providing our new theme song. Learn about Joseph and his work at www.JosephFosco.com.

Reminder - If you have any questions or interesting discussion items, please send them to podcast@technologyinthearts.org.

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Technology in the Arts #55

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Our most recent episode features two listener emails - one from Bill with a tip on a new Facebook tool and one from Margot with a question about the implementation of tech tools in museums for arts education. Also this week, Brad interviews musician Jonathan Coulton about his partnership with Creative Commons.

Use the following handy-dandy links to follow along:

If you missed our first interview with Jonathan Coulton from March, check out episode #38.

Cool Sites of the Episode

Brad: Intersquash.com and Venuem.com Jason: YearbookYourself.com

Again, special thanks to composer and sound designer Joseph Fosco for providing our new theme song. Learn about Joseph and his work at www.JosephFosco.com.

Reminder - If you have any questions or interesting discussion items, please send them to podcast@technologyinthearts.org.

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Technology in the Arts #54

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Our most recent episode features two listener emails - one from Gerald, who has actually created a decent MySpace layout. Check out Gerald's work at MySpace.com/MonmouthCivicChorus. And in honor of Thanksgiving, Jason and Brad present their list of technology tools to be thankful for:

Gobble, gobble!

Again, special thanks to composer and sound designer Joseph Fosco for providing our new theme song. Learn about Joseph and his work at www.JosephFosco.com.

Reminder - If you have any questions or interesting discussion items, please send them to podcast@technologyinthearts.org.

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Technology in the Arts #53

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Our most recent episode features the final two interviews from the 2008 Technology in the Arts National Conference, the third annual Pittsburgh-based conference dedicated exclusively to technology strategy and implementation for artists and arts managers. Special thanks to composer and sound designer Joseph Fosco for providing our new theme song. Learn about Joseph and his work at www.JosephFosco.com.

This episode features interviews with:

For more information about the conference, visit www.TechnologyInTheArts.org/Conference.

Reminder - If you have any questions or interesting discussion items, please send them to podcast@technologyinthearts.org.

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Podcast - Technology in the Arts #53

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Technology in the Arts #52

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Our most recent episode features interviews from the 2008 Technology in the Arts National Conference, the third annual Pittsburgh-based conference dedicated exclusively to technology strategy and implementation for artists and arts managers. Special thanks to composer and sound designer Joseph Fosco for providing our new theme song. Learn about Joseph and his work at www.JosephFosco.com.

This episode features interviews with:

For more information about the conference, visit www.TechnologyInTheArts.org/Conference.

Join us in two weeks for episode #53, which will feature the remaining interviews from the conference.

Reminder - If you have any questions or interesting discussion items, please send them to podcast@technologyinthearts.org.

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Podcast - Technology in the Arts #52

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Technology in the Arts #51

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In our most recent episode, Jason and Brad discuss Brad's recent trip to New York, NY, for the 2008 NYC Web 2.0 Expo, where geeks gather to discuss the latest trends in Web development. This episode features Brad's interviews with:

Reminder - If you have any questions or interesting discussion items, please send them to podcast@technologyinthearts.org.

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Podcast - Technology in the Arts #51