The episode mentions the potential scenario of a working class reliant on a universal basic income provided by tech companies if unchecked automation prevails.
The concept of universal basic income is a central topic of the episode, as it explores the feasibility and potential benefits of implementing a system that provides a basic income to all members of society as a response to automation and job displacement.
The podcast episodes discuss the potential implications and considerations around implementing a universal basic income (UBI) as a solution to address economic challenges posed by AI-driven automation and the risk of human labor becoming redundant.
Several episodes explore UBI as a policy intervention, including how it could address income challenges from AI automation, the idea of UBI due to AI job displacement, and the potential benefits and challenges of a post-capitalist society with less work and a UBI.
Other episodes, such as The Iced Coffee Hour and The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett, also briefly touch on the concept of UBI and its merits or drawbacks.