Lynn Conway: A Life in Stealth, A Legacy in Silicon
In this episode, we honor Pride Month by sharing the extraordinary story of Lynn Conway.
In the 1960s, while working at IBM, Lynn had a flash of insight that solved a critical problem: how to enable a supercomputer to execute multiple instructions simultaneously, even when dependent on prior instructions. Her invention, known as dynamic instruction scheduling (DIS), would later become a foundation of modern computing. Yet in 1968, IBM fired her for being transgender. Lynn was forced to start over, eventually re-emerging years later as the co-author of a textbook that revolutionized microchip design and helped spark the personal computing era. Listen in to learn how Lynn Conway built the future while hiding from her past and how she ultimately reclaimed her rightful place in history.
The Alan Turing Story
In this episode, I am joined by Jas Powell to delve into the remarkable legacy of Alan Turing, often hailed as the father of computer science. Recorded during Pride Month, this episode explores Turing's early life, groundbreaking contributions to the field of computing, and his pivotal role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II. The discussion touches on Turing's personal struggles, including his tragic prosecution for homosexuality, and his lasting impact, culminating in the posthumous apology and pardon from the UK government. Join us as we celebrate Turing's genius and his enduring influence on both technology and LGBTQ+ rights.