ADA Lovelace - PROGRAMMER #1

Get ready to hitch a ride in our time machine because this episode of "What The IF?" takes you all the way back to the 19th century, to have a virtual teatime chat with Lady Ada Lovelace herself. In this special 'computer time travel' edition, host Philip Shane leverages the magical AI abilities of ChatGPT to bring Ada to the mic, all the way from London (and the 1800s!). And boy, is she ready to party like it's 1843, complete with top hats, tea cakes, and trailblazing discussions on early computing. Hold onto your headphones as Philip and 'Ada' discuss her childhood as the daughter of the iconic poet, Lord Byron, and the driven Lady Byron, who defied societal norms and fueled Ada's passion for mathematics and science. Get an earful of Ada's unprecedented journey into what we now call 'computer science' and her game-changing collaboration with Charles Babbage, the man often dubbed as "the father of the computer." If you ever thought that code was a 20th-century thing, this podcast episode is ready to shake up your understanding of history. Witness how 'Ada' wittily juggles with the idea of her time's technology, setting the stage for the industrial revolution, steaming trains, gas lighting, and the first glimmers of binary processing. Buckle up for some time-defying shenanigans as you uncover how Ada anticipated the modern computer's creative potential, long before the first electric bulb even twinkled. She wasn't just about the math – she saw the promise of creating music, art, and facilitating scientific discoveries. That's why many hail her as the world's first computer programmer, and we couldn't be more thrilled to 'have her' on our show. This is an episode jam-packed with history, humor, and some wild "What The IF?" speculation, so don't miss out! If you've ever wanted to meet a real-life time traveler or were just curious about the humble beginnings of your computer, this one's for you. Jump into this historical rollercoaster, learn a thing or two, and most importantly, have fun "What The IF-ing" with us! --- Check out our membership rewards! Visit us at Patreon.com/Whattheif Got an IF of your own? Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at [email protected] and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big! Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe at WhatTheIF.com Keep On IFFin', Philip, Matt & Gaby