AI summer picks 2025: books, podcasts & ARISA Academy

Looking for inspiration this summer? Whether you are relaxing on the beach, enjoying a staycation, or taking a break between projects, now is the perfect time to explore new ideas. We are back with AI summer picks for 2025! This year’s edition goes beyond books and podcasts – dive into the ARISA career guidance section for practical insights, and if you are eager to boost your skills even further, why not enrol in an AI course through the ARISA Academy?

Books to Enhance Your AI Knowledge

AI Ethics (2020) and Robot Ethics (2022) by Mark Coeckelbergh

Mark Coeckelbergh is Professor of Philosophy of Media and Technology at the University of Vienna. His two titles, published as part of the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, provide insights into some of today’s most pressing ethical debates:

• AI Ethics – A timely exploration of the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, tackling real-world concerns relevant in the age of ChatGPT and beyond.
• Robot Ethics – A guide to the moral questions surrounding our increasing reliance on robotics from industrial machines to self-driving cars and robot companions.

These books are ideal for casual reading and perfect for anyone curious about the intersection of ethics, technology, and society.

Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing) by Salman Khan (2024)

Brave New Words by Salman Khan, founder of Khan Academy, explains how AI is reshaping the world of education. In this thought-provoking book, Khan examines what this technological shift means for teachers, parents, and students alike — and offers a hopeful vision for how we can harness AI to enhance learning, improve access, and empower the next generation.

The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma by Mustafa Suleyman with Michael Bhaskar (2023)

As co-founder of DeepMind, now part of Google, Mustafa Suleyman has been at the forefront of the AI revolution. In The Coming Wave, he argues that the next decade will be shaped by powerful, rapidly advancing technologies that promise great prosperity, but also pose some threats to global stability. The book is designed to be accessible to readers far beyond the tech world.

The New Breed: What Our History with Animals Reveals about Our Future with Robots by Kate Darling (2021)

In The New Breed, MIT Media Lab researcher Kate Darling challenges the idea that robots should be treated like humans or mere tools. Instead, she argues we should relate to them more like animals: as companions and collaborators. Drawing on history, ethics, and law, Darling offers a fresh perspective on how robots could fit into our lives not by replacing us, but by working alongside us.

You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How Artificial Intelligence Works and Why It’s Making the World a Weirder Place by Janelle Shane (2021)

You Look Like a Thing and I Love You might be one of the best pickup lines, at least according to an AI trained by scientist Janelle Shane, creator of the popular blog AI Weirdness. Known for building quirky AIs that try (and often fail hilariously) to name paint colors, invent recipes, or flirt with humans, Shane uses humour and experiments to demystify the powerful technology shaping our everyday lives.

Podcasts to Keep You Informed 

AI Today Podcast

AI Today Podcast, hosted by Kathleen Walch and Ron Schmelzer, is a top pick for anyone looking for no-hype, practical insights into how AI is being applied in the real world. From enterprises and public sector agencies to leading tech companies and thought leaders, the show dives into what’s actually happening with AI today — beyond the buzzwords.

Everyday AI Podcast

Everyday AI, hosted by Jordan Wilson, breaks down how artificial intelligence is transforming our daily lives and the way we work. Through practical insights, real-world examples, and expert interviews, the podcast helps professionals and businesses not just talk about AI, but truly understand how to use it. Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or aiming to stay ahead of the curve, Everyday AI makes the complex simple and actionable.

Me, Myself and AI

Me, Myself, and AI, a podcast from MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group, features in-depth conversations with business leaders successfully implementing artificial intelligence in their organisations. Each episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is driving innovation, improving operations, and creating value across industries, with practical lessons for anyone looking to turn AI ambition into reality.

ARISA Academy & Career Guidance 

ARISA Academy

The ARISA Academy offers a free, online training programme designed for students, professionals, and educators. With seven expert-led courses, the Academy provides a structured learning path covering AI fundamentals, machine learning, cybersecurity, and more. Whether you’re looking to upskill, reskill, or enhance your curriculum, the ARISA Academy has something for you.

AI Career Guidance

If you’re exploring job opportunities, considering a career change, or simply seeking inspiration, check out our AI Career Guidance. You will find valuable tools and insights: from expert tips on standing out in the recruitment process to a mapping of job portals and first-hand advice from AI professionals.