Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast

Somewhere on Earth

Technology

Frequency: 1 episode/6d. Total Eps: 151

Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast — Tech That Actually Matters

If you’re tired of hype, gadgets-for-gadget’s-sake, and the same recycled tech headlines, welcome to Somewhere on Earth (SOEP) — the weekly global tech podcast that digs way deeper.Hosted by the ex-BBC World Service Digital Planet team (yes, the award-winning crew behind 21+ years of world-leading tech journalism and 1.5M annual downloads), SOEP uncovers the untold stories shaping our digital world.This isn’t a show about the latest shiny toy. It’s about technology that changes lives, cultures, and global societies.

Each episode explores:

•⚡ The real-world impact of emerging tech

•🌍 New innovations driving social good

•🔍 Under-the-radar digital trends you should be paying attention to

•🧠 How tech is reshaping communities, culture, and the way we live

•📰 The technology behind the week’s biggest world stories — explained simply

Our mission?To build a tech-for-good ecosystem where new ideas, powerful insights, and meaningful innovation can grow.If you want smart, globally minded tech storytelling from journalists who’ve been doing this longer (and better) than almost anyone else — SOEP is your new must-listen podcast.

Somewhere on Earth: Where tech meets humanity.

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AI’s Hidden E-Waste Crisis and the Rise of CyberParent: The Growing Cost of Our Digital Lives

Episode 126

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 • Duration 20:01

The AI Boom Is Fuelling a New Wave of E-Waste

Artificial intelligence may feel invisible, but the hardware powering it is very real - and short-lived. As companies race to deploy powerful AI servers, turnover of specialised chips and equipment is accelerating. Yet major tech firms rarely disclose AI-specific hardware figures, making it difficult to track where outdated machines end up. With less than a quarter of global e-waste recycled, the expansion of AI infrastructure could quietly add to a growing waste crisis - an angle we’re reporting on for the first time. The Digiconomist, Alex de Vries-Gao, explains his latest research.

Can AI Also Be Part of the Solution? Tackling Cyberbullying in Real Time

While AI raises environmental concerns, it’s also being deployed to solve urgent social challenges. With more than one in three young people globally reporting experiences of online bullying, according to UNICEF, the need for early intervention is clear. Serbian startup CyberParent says its AI-powered app can detect signs of cyberbullying on a child’s phone and alert parents in real time - aiming to stop harm before it escalates. Nemanja Stojmenovic, founder of Cyberparent is on the show.

The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/

Production manager: Liz Tuohy

Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz

Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.

🎥 Learn more about what we do:

➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/

📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co

➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co

📱 Follow us on socials:

➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en)

➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co) ➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast)

➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769)

➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb)

If you like our show please rate and review us.

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🚀 AI Deepfakes From Space & The African Language Tech Revolution | Web Summit Qatar 2026

Episode 125

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 • Duration 20:03

🌍 When Satellite Images Lie: The Rise of Space Deepfakes

Deepfakes are no longer just fake celebrity videos - they’re moving into orbit. AI can now generate or manipulate satellite images, potentially fabricating disasters, military sites, or climate events. In a world that relies on satellite data for journalism, science, and security, that’s a serious threat. Shoaib Burq, AI Researcher Project Lead at Verisat AI explains how they can detect hidden “fingerprints” left by generative models. Backed by the European Space Agency, the project is building tools to help governments and media separate real imagery from artificial deception - before misinformation spreads.

🗣️ African Languages Go Digital: The App Reclaiming Identity Through Tech

Esther Imogu, Founder CEO, NaijaTeach Technology, is preserving and teaching African languages using an app. NaijaTeach helps users learn African languages like Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin with accurate pronunciation, cultural context, and interactive lessons designed for both children and adults. Built with native educators rather than automated translations, the platform supports tonal learning and real-life usage. With plans to expand into Arabic, NaijaTeach is part of a growing movement using tech to strengthen identity, heritage, and connection.

The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/

Production manager: Liz Tuohy

Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz

Drones vs. Mosquitoes, Swabs vs. TB, and a Cyber App India Doesn’t Want

Episode 116

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • Duration 24:25

How AI Is Targeting Malaria at Its Source

Drones, AI and a radically targeted approach to malaria prevention - this week Ania speaks with Mary Yeboah Ansawa from Ghana’s Sora Technology about locating larvae-filled puddles before mosquitoes grow up to bite. From cutting pesticide use to saving field teams days of work, we dive into how this tech could reshape malaria control across Africa.

India’s TB Breakthrough—And a Privacy StormBack in Mumbai

Chavi Sajdev updates us on new TB diagnostics that swap messy sputum tests for simple oral swabs—faster, safer and far more accessible. Then: why India’s plan to preload every new phone with a government cyber-security app sparked a nationwide backlash and pushback from major tech companies.Somewhere on Earth - voices from Ghana to India, innovation to controversy - all in one episode.

The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

Production manager: Liz Tuohy

Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz

🌍 Somewhere on Earth Productions UK. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus.

We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.

🎥 Learn more about what we do:

➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/

📩 Contact us or book a project:

Do we need new laws to control AI? Also the Prix Ars Electronica 2024 winner speaks to SOEP

Episode 41

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 • Duration 34:17

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Do we need new laws to control AI?
Will current legislation be sufficient to control the development of AI? How is AI affecting our human rights? Is AI good enough to draft legal submissions? Does automation bias make us want to trust the technology more than we should? These are just some the of questions SOEP is asking international human rights attorney Susie Alegre. She’s just published her latest book “Human Rights, Robot Wrongs” and will navigate us through the impact of AI on human rights and our interaction with machines.
"Smoke and Mirrors" - the Prix d'Electronica 2024
Beatie Wolfe, pioneering artist and composer, has been awarded the Prix Ars Electronica "Golden Nica" for her work "Smoke and Mirrors". She’s used NASA data on methane emissions. Probably the most prestigious Media Arts Award in the world Beatie represents 60 years of decades of NASA climate data – in this case rising methane levels, set alongside advertising slogans deployed by Big Oil companies to question climate change during this time. Beatie has also beamed her music into space, weaving her second album into an NFC-enabled jacket. SOEP discusses her piece which reflects the interface between art, music, and technology.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington.

More on this week's stories:
Human Rights, Robot Wrongs
Beatie Wolfe - Prix Ars Electronica 2024 winner

Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new

Follow us on all the socials:

Join our Facebook group

Instagram

Twitter/X

If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts

Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co
Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484

Find a Story + Make it News = Change the WorldLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using AI to identify threats to human rights and political activists

Episode 40

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 • Duration 30:27

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Using AI to identify threats to human rights and political activists
Political activities such as hustings, campaigns and voting are well underway in many countries, but alongside these come incidents of reprisals and voter intimidation in certain regions. Ushahidi is an NGO based in Kenya that maps these incidents. They’ve collaborated with major AI companies specializing in global risk detection. Dataminr utilises public data through its platform to identify risks in advance. Their AI system processes trillions of computations daily, analysing billions of public data inputs from nearly a million sources. It processes various forms of data including text, images, video, audio, and other real-time information. Dataminr has helped develop new AI tools for Ushahidi that focus on helping the collection of data, improving geolocation and real time translation into local languages – all of this is leading to improved safety for individuals. Jessie End, VP, Social Good at Dataminr and Angela Odour Lungati, Executive Director Ushahidi are on the show.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.
More on this week's stories:
Dataminr: AI for Good
Leveraging Citizen‑Generated Data In The Age Of AI - And How We're Making That Happen
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new

Follow us on all the socials:

Join our Facebook group

Instagram

Twitter/X

If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts

Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co
Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484

Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen Z, Millennials, technology and the Nairobi protests

Episode 39

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 • Duration 26:39

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Gen Z, Millennials, technology and the Nairobi protests
Following a tumultuous – and violent – series of days in Kenya, President Ruto has reversed his decision on tax hikes that sparked unrest in the streets. The situation has been extremely dire – with law enforcement resorting to tear gas and firearms. Amnesty International, in collaboration with local civic groups in Kenya, has documented a minimum of five fatalities from gunshot wounds and over thirty individuals sustaining injuries. The turmoil primarily took place in the capital city of Nairobi but has also extended to other urban areas across the nation. This protest largely resonated with the Gen-Z demographic, who before seemed unlikely to vote – prompting an examination of the influence of social media. Wairimu Gitahi joins us from Nairobi to delve into this matter further.

Will cheapfakes lead to President Biden’s downfall?
Following, what some commentators are describing as a disastrous presidential debate for Joe Biden, could a low tech misinformation campaign help secure a Trump victory? Misinformation comes in many forms online, but most of us would assume high-level tech would be behind major election interference. However, in the US elections it appears that cheapfakes are becoming increasingly popular. Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School, Tufts University explains how Trump supporters don’t need AI or fancy tech to make Biden look frail and weak.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.

More on this week's stories:
Kenya unrest: Deep economic roots that brought Gen-Z onto streets
White house says Joe-Biden is a victim of ‘cheap fakes’: What are they?
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new

Follow us on all the socials:

Join our Facebook group

Instagram

Twitter/X

If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the WorldLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detecting cancer at the DNA level with AI

Episode 38

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 • Duration 33:59

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Detecting cancer at the DNA level with AI
New research shows that cancer could be detected in the very building blocks of life – our DNA, possibly leading to a diagnosis when the disease is in its infancy. Dr. Shamith Samara-jiwa from Imperial College London is on the show to discuss how AI can be used to detect tiny changes to our DNA called methylation patterns. Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of cancer, making it essential to analyse disruptions in our DNA for accurate diagnosis. However, identifying specific genes affected by cancer is not a straightforward process. The impact of cancer on our DNA may appear random initially, but by studying numerous human genomes and disease cases, researchers can start to identify patterns. This requires analysing billions of individual data points to determine any significant findings.

Could AI help tackle the loneliness epidemic
Being lonely doesn't necessarily mean you are truly alone. We are currently facing what some refer to as a 'loneliness pandemic'. According to a new book, artificial intelligence is becoming more adept at providing social support and helping people overcome the feelings of low self-esteem and social isolation that often accompany loneliness. “The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence” has just been published and author Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield in England joins us on the podcast.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington.

More on this week's stories:
Early detection and diagnosis of cancer with interpretable machine learning to uncover cancer-specific DNA methylation patterns
The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence

Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new

Follow us on all the socials:

Join our Facebook group

Instagram

Twitter/X

If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the WorldLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podextra - how you can get a bit more of Somewhere on Earth...

Episode 1

Monday, June 24, 2024 • Duration 01:23

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Podextra - how you can get a bit more of Somewhere on Earth...Just a gentle reminder that we produce two versions of each show of Somewhere on Earth. There's the main show, which is available to everyone for free and there's an extended PODEXTRA edition where we delve a little deeper and chat longer to our guests. That's just $10US a month and you can cancel anytime - there's no tie in period. We welcome your support of any size, any time as without it we simply wouldn't be able to make the show.You can also support us online - please do join, like, follow or repost - we appreciate every click and comment.Thank you from the SOEP Team.FacebookTwitter/XInstagramThreadsYouTubeLinkedInTikTokWhatsApp: +44 7846 329 484
Support the show
Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials:
Join our Facebook group
Instagram
Twitter/X
If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Who is behind the big hack attacks?

Episode 37

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 • Duration 23:35

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Who is behind the big hack attacks?
More than 100 organisations around the world are believed to have been hacked in ransomware attacks since 2022 by a single hacker group. The most recent occurrence of a ransomware attack was on a company responsible for analysing blood tests for the UK's National Health Service which prompted some major London hospitals to declare a 'critical incident', with many operations postponed. It is believed that a criminal organisation known as Qilin, consisting of individuals fluent in Russian, orchestrated this malicious act, by inserting a piece of software into the company’s IT system which locks it. Once payment is received then access is restored. Ania Lichtarowicz has been investigating for SOEP.

Would tweezers be better than robotic hands?
What if, instead of having hands, we had some kind of bionic device at the end of our arms. Could we adapt to it as naturally as if we’d never had hands in the first place? Researchers in Italy have been addressing that very question using virtual reality. They’ve devised a set of virtual tweezer hands and invited volunteers to try using them to perform dextrous tasks. Professor Viviana Betti leads Cosync, a lab specialising in neurological research at the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, and the Laboratory of Neuroscience and Applied Technology at the Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, also in Rome.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington.

More on this week's stories:
The organization tracking the hackers – Group-IB
Rewiring the evolution of the human hand: How the embodiment of a virtual bionic tool improves behaviour
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new

Follow us on all the socials:

Join our Facebook group

Instagram

Twitter/X

If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts
Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.coSend us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the WorldLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rare earth element boom poisoning Myanmar

Episode 36

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 • Duration 27:06

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Rare earth element boom poisoning Myanmar
Growing demand for electric vehicles and wind turbines might look good for emissions, but there’s an environmental cost too. Regions, habitats and livelihoods in Myanmar are facing significant damage because the surge in demand for permanent magnets is driving up mining for rare earth elements according to a report from Global Witness. CEO Mike Davies tells us more.

SOEPSUDS and your comments and questions
We catch up with our SOEPSUDS numbers and update the database. We’re also checking out your comments and thoughts – do keep us posted on our socials and WhatsApp:
Facebook
Twitter/X
Instagram
Threads
YouTube
LinkedIn
TikTok
WhatsApp: +44 7846 329 484

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.

More on this week's stories:
Rare earth boom poisoning Myanmar
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new

Follow us on all the socials:

Join our Facebook group

Instagram

Twitter/X

If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts

Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co
Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484

Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other26

Buzzsprout3

LinkedIn7

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

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Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other26

Buzzsprout3

LinkedIn7