Episode 95: Predicting the Class of 2026 & The AI Silent Treatment

In Episode 95 of Flight 1080, Dave Michaels and Billy Armi take a look at the fascinating life and legacy of legendary filmmaker and radio pioneer Orson Welles. The conversation then shifts to the graduating Class of 2026, as Dave and Billy make their predictions about who might become tomorrow's biggest winners—and who could face a rough road ahead.

The episode also features KSCO Whodunnit #54: "The AI Silent Treatment – The Death of Jim Twu," a darkly humorous murder mystery in which artificial intelligence, unanswered questions, and a suspiciously timed demise collide in another installment of the ongoing KSCO Whodunnit series.

Dave Michaels and Billy Armi remember their friend and fellow broadcaster Jeff "Boring Jeff" Savage, longtime host of Driver's Seat, while exploring several highly questionable ways to honor his memory. Things quickly go off the rails when Alec decides that drinking a quart of motor oil is a good idea before anyone can stop him—or encourage him.

Also featured is Episode 3 of BUMTOWN – Suburban Stories of the Weird, titled The Hill on Fire, along with the latest installment of The KSCO Whodunnit, Whatdunnit, What-The-Heck-Is-Going-On-Here Murder Mystery & Slightly Off-Topic Theater of Dubious Justice: Episode 93, The Carol Protocol. Nostalgia, bad decisions, suburban weirdness, and murder mysteries—just another day on Flight 1080.

Dave Michaels and Professor Billy Armi return to the laboratory/studio/kitchen to continue their dangerously underfunded scientific research. This week, the men of science tackle fuel efficiency myths, explore the mysterious rage triggers that make Dave angry, and investigate the horrifying social phenomenon of people microwaving suspiciously smelly foods in workplace breakrooms. Along the way, the professors demonstrate their unwavering dedication to science, common sense, and avoiding whatever exploded in the microwave three minutes ago.

In this dangerous "Men of Science" edition of Flight 1080, Professors Dave Michaels and Detective Billy Armi perform some of the most reckless experiments ever attempted by graduates of Science School and the American Academy of Explosive Stuntmen. Between bubbling chemicals, highly questionable calculations, and Dave insisting that chicks love dangerous guys, the Men of Science risk life, limb, eyebrows, and possibly Watsonville itself in the name of discovery. Plus, Billy debuts his latest skit, "Lost in Watsonville.

In Episode 91 of Flight 1080, Billy and Dave dive deep into the science of being a square, the warning signs of hardcore nerd-dom, and the mysterious line between cool and completely hopeless. Along the way, the gang debates which musical instruments impress the ladies… and which ones practically guarantee you'll be eating dinner alone. Plus, Harold Beane returns in a bizarre forest adventure that somehow gets even stranger than expected.

Dave is joined by Tom, an experienced AI instructor, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation on the origins, inner workings, and uncertain future of artificial intelligence. From how large language models actually function to the rise of neural processing units, Co-Pilot systems, and emerging concepts like evolutionary computation, the discussion pulls back the curtain on what's really driving today's AI boom.

Along the way, they explore the history of AI's ups and downs—from past "AI winters" to today's explosive growth—while touching on influential figures like Geoffrey Hinton and the ethical and security concerns surrounding zero-day exploits and autonomous systems. With references ranging from The Forbin Project to modern "slaughterbot" scenarios, Dave and Tom take a grounded but uneasy look at where this technology may be heading—and whether we're ready for it.

Episode 89 – Cart Chaos and Questionable Ideas

What starts as a few "great ideas at the time" quickly spirals into a full-blown societal breakdown—apparently, all it takes is missing shopping carts. Dave and Bill are joined by local author and paranormal investigator Aubrey Graves as things drift somewhere between real-world absurdity and something… not entirely explainable.

Episode 88 – Microwave Rage & Modern Manners

What happens when a harmless burrito run turns you into a full-blown monster? In Episode 88 of Flight 1080, Dave Michaels and Detective Billy Armi spiral into a hilariously relatable breakdown of what might trigger your inner Hulk—from burnt pizza mouths to everyday annoyances that somehow hit a little too hard. What starts as a ridiculous "microwave radiation" scenario quickly morphs into a sharp, funny, and very real exploration of pet peeves we all pretend don't bother us… until they do.

Along the way, the conversation takes some unexpected turns—previewing future victims in the KSCO Whodunnit series, diving into the isolation of space travel with the Artemis mission, and even touching on something deeper: how we treat artificial intelligence. Dave makes the case that showing respect to AI might actually reflect—and shape—how we treat each other. It's part comedy, part commentary, and all Flight 1080.