Joel Garreau, a reporter and editor at the Washington Post, explored profound changes in human evolution in his book Radical Evolution, examining an unprecedented focus on modifying our minds, bodies, and the human experience itself. "We are the first species to take control of our own evolution," he declared, citing technological advancements in memory, limb regeneration, and even extending human life. Garreau described his four pillars of the human future as "genetics, robotics, information, and nanotechnology…which will change who we are and how we function."

He discussed the implications of recent technological shifts, acknowledging that we're at a turning point allowing us to redefine what it means to be human. Many emerging technologies aim to advance our cognitive and physical capabilities, such as memory-enhancing pharmaceuticals, as well as drugs that may even increase IQ. As enhancements become more accessible, Garreau noted, societal disparities may widen between those who can afford such advancements and those who cannot, raising ethical questions about equality and the essence of humanity.

He mentioned the "telepathic monkey" at Duke University, which was trained to play video games and then was implanted with a device to map brain functions. This enabled the monkey to control a robotic arm with its thoughts. At the time, one human had been implanted with a similar device. Garreau divided possible futures into three outcomes he referred to as "heaven," hell," and "prevail." "Heaven" was characterized as a future where we conquer pain, ignorance, stupidity, and even death. "Hell," he defined as runaway developments such as genetic experiments gone awry and escaping into the environment. The "prevail" scenario would involve a careful consideration and control of these new developments so that technology doesn't "run us." The first hour featured news and Open Lines.