In this episode of AI-Curious, we delve into the disconnect between businesses’ aspirations for AI and their practical implementation. Featuring insights from Anthony Batt and Shane Robinson, co-founders of Co-AI—a hub for AI knowledge and resources—this conversation explores how businesses can adopt AI more effectively.

Jeff, Anthony, and Shane start by identifying two major challenges: finding trustworthy AI tools among the influx of new options and addressing the gap between wanting to use AI and actually seeing results. They then dive into Co-AI’s practical approach, emphasizing the importance of mindset, cultural shifts, and active experimentation as foundational steps for businesses looking to leverage AI.

Topics include:

•How companies can create a culture of experimentation and reward AI exploration.

•Practical use cases of AI as a “thought partner” and “sales coach” to enhance productivity.

•Ways business leaders can overcome inertia and initiate AI practices that evolve with company needs.

•Stories from Anthony and Shane on AI’s role in business evolution, informed by their years in tech innovation.

This episode offers essential guidance for leaders, technologists, and anyone navigating the AI landscape. Join us to learn actionable strategies for bridging the gap between abstract AI goals and measurable business outcomes.

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser sits down with world-class magician, brand strategist, and AI educator Mike Jacobson, also known by his stage name, Magic Mike. Beyond his acclaimed magic performances, Mike has expanded his career into corporate strategy, marketing consulting, and AI education, making him a dynamic force across multiple industries.

During this lively conversation, Jeff and Mike explore the intersection of magic, curiosity, and AI. From Mike’s early “PowerPoint Parties” with friends to AI-infused variety shows at bars in New York, the episode delves into how play and creativity can be powerful tools for demystifying AI. Mike shares his experience leading engaging AI workshops for major corporations, including Meta, where he brings fun and experimentation into the typically serious corporate environment.

Key themes:

•How curiosity can unlock new ways of thinking.

•How AI can be used to inject playfulness into learning, team building, and even corporate workshops.

•Mike’s innovative “It Writes Itself” workshops, where participants create AI-powered presentations, games, and creative projects.

•Practical advice on embracing AI in both work and personal life, with examples from Mike’s unique approach.

Tune in to see how magic and AI can come together to spark creativity, inspire curiosity, and break down the barriers to understanding emerging technologies.

Timestamps:

•[00:00] Intro to Magic Mike and his diverse career

•[05:14] The origin of AI-themed PowerPoint Parties

•[11:59] How AI workshops began with fun and curiosity

•[18:23] What AI can and can’t do for creativity

•[21:24] Transitioning from AI bar shows to corporate workshops

•[29:36] The role of low-stakes creativity in demystifying AI

Magic Mike:
https://hellomagicmike.com/

Mike Jacobson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobsonmike/

AI-Curious on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

Jeff Wilser on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/jeffwilser

www.JeffWilser.com

In this episode of AI-Curious, Jeff Wilser reports from LA Tech Week, where he delves into the pressing questions surrounding AI’s role in Hollywood. Will AI replace actors and screenwriters, or will it enhance the creative process, making content production faster and more efficient? Jeff shares insights from a fireside chat with Susanne Daniels, former Global Head of Content at YouTube, on the limits of AI in the entertainment industry and the need for keeping “humans in the loop.”

Key topics:

•The potential and concerns of AI in film production, animation, and the role of studio executives.

•The idea of AI-powered content personalization, where AI could tailor shows for individual viewers.

•How AI-generated art is breaking new ground, including the robot artist Ai-Da’s abstract portrait, sold at Sotheby’s for over $120,000.

•A news story about an AI-powered site mistakenly accusing a district attorney of murder.

•The latest developments in AI tools like Perplexity and its customizable knowledge search for businesses.

AI-Curious on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

Jeff Wilser on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/jeffwilser

More about Jeff Wilser:
https://jeffwilser.com/JW/

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser sits down with Allison Duettmann, CEO of Foresight Institute, an organization dedicated to advancing transformative technologies for the benefit of humanity. They dive into a forward-thinking conversation about AI, nanotechnology, brain emulation, and longevity biotech—exploring how these emerging fields could reshape our future.

Key Topics:

•Foresight Institute’s Vision (3:02): Allison shares how Foresight has been pushing the boundaries of futuristic technologies like AI, nanotech, and neurotech since 1986, supporting advancements that can dramatically improve the human condition.

•Longevity Biotech (5:25): An in-depth discussion about the latest innovations in longevity science, including cryonics and the push toward life extension technologies. Allison discusses the surge of interest from investors like Sam Altman and how cryonics may offer a long-term hedge against death.

•Neurotech and Whole Brain Emulation (11:06): Allison breaks down the cutting-edge work in neurotechnology, including efforts toward brain emulation and the future possibility of digitizing human consciousness, leading to digital longevity.

•Molecular Nanotechnology (17:44): Allison explains how nanotechnology can revolutionize material science, enabling the construction of stronger, more efficient materials at an atomic level. They explore the potential for drug discovery, environmental impact, and even space exploration.

•AI and the Future of Humanity (30:00): They explore how AI progress could fast-track these technologies, but also touch on the existential risks of runaway AI development.

Final Thoughts (45:41): Allison and Jeff reflect on the importance of imagining and pushing for ambitious futures, emphasizing that the first step to achieving transformative progress is envisioning it.

Enjoy this discussion about the intersection of science fiction and reality, where once-impossible ideas are becoming tangible opportunities for the future.

Foresight Institute:
https://foresight.org/

Allison Duettmann on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/allisondman?lang=en

Jeff Wilser on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/jeffwilser

AI-Curious on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser delves into the rapidly evolving world of digital twins and their growing presence in everyday tasks, such as remote work. Jeff discusses Zoom’s new "AI Companion" feature, which allows users to create their own digital avatars—referred to as “digital twins”—that can attend meetings on their behalf. He also touches on the practical implications of this technology as it enters the mainstream, including other players like HeyGen and their Avatar 3.0 update, which automates content creation for busy creators.

We also cover Elon Musk’s recent unveiling of Tesla’s long-awaited robo-taxi and the introduction of a futuristic robot bus. Jeff reflects on the potential of autonomous vehicles to reshape cities, reduce traffic, and make roads safer by eliminating human error.

And finally, we cover the story about Apple Intelligence... and romantic breakups.

Tune in to explore how AI is transforming both work and everyday life, one digital twin at a time.

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser dives deep into the shifting dynamics of AI with Parmy Olson, Bloomberg technology columnist and author of the book Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World.

We explore her fascinating character study of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Demis Hassabis, co-founder of DeepMind. Both men began with the ambitious vision of creating AI for the benefit of humanity, but as their projects evolved, so did their goals. From non-profit beginnings to corporate pivots, they now find themselves at the center of a high-stakes race between major tech giants, including Google and Microsoft.

Key themes discussed in the episode:

•The rise and rivalry between OpenAI and DeepMind

•How “mission drift” turned altruistic AI projects into profit-seeking ventures

•The challenges of governance, control, and transparency in AI development

•The broader implications of AI’s shift toward corporate dominance and its potential societal harms

•Insights into AI regulation, including the European Union’s AI Act and the difficulties of regulating major tech companies

Timestamps:

•[0:25] Introduction to the episode and guest, Parmy Olson

•[6:48] The origin stories of Sam Altman and Demis Hassabis

•[17:41] Elon Musk’s involvement in OpenAI and early ideals

•[22:14] The pivotal shift from non-profit to for-profit in AI development

•[35:26] The consequences of AI’s secrecy and the risks of developing in a “black box”

•[40:02] The European Union’s AI Act and potential future regulations

This episode uncovers the deep complexities of AI’s evolution and its consequences for the future of innovation, governance, and society.

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World
https://www.amazon.com/Supremacy-ChatGPT-Race-Change-World-ebook/dp/B0CLJTMF84/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kbMUMf_48bq2qFLdMBLWU3Rrl-m-H-pHU3V-xxS6dp8.QPkxtzUrG6GBRfyL6ksoHfc5rGxYjxYqcobNLi-5fAA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=709963915673&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9028770&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=12472730836779239893--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12472730836779239893&hvtargid=kwd-2338411313895&hydadcr=22561_13493272&keywords=supremacy+parmy+olson&qid=1728510497&sr=8-1

Jeff Wilser on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/jeffwilser

Parmy Olson on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/parmy

AI-Curious on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser shares a personal story about how ChatGPT helped him save time and optimize his podcast production workflow. By using ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode, Jeff was able to create a weekly schedule while multitasking in the kitchen. He explains how practical AI tools can transform everyday productivity.

Later in the episode, Jeff covers three quick updates in the AI world:

1.OpenAI’s Latest Features – including the launch of Canvas and a preview of AI Agents, which may become mainstream by 2025.

2.The Longshoremen Strike and the challenges of AI and automation in the labor market.

3.Google’s NotebookLM – a new tool that transforms written content into high-quality audio and its potential to reshape content creation.

If you want to know more about how to integrate AI productivity tools into your daily routine or stay updated on the latest AI developments, this episode is for you.

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser sits down with acclaimed digital artist Shavonne Wong to explore her latest project, “Meet Eva Here”—an AI-powered social experiment examining the evolving relationship between humans and AI companions. Drawing inspiration from the “Be Right Back” episode of Black Mirror, Shavonne has created a chatbot that interacts with users, with conversations being anonymously reflected on the AI companion’s Instagram account. Together, Jeff and Shavonne discuss the implications of AI companions for human emotions, relationships, and even societal norms.

This episode dives deep into some pressing questions: Can AI companions provide meaningful emotional connections? Will AI mimicry of human behavior be useful, even if it lacks true understanding? And what does the future hold for AI-powered digital companions in our everyday lives?

Shavonne also shares her personal experiences as an artist integrating AI into her creative process and the ethical dilemmas surrounding generative AI. The conversation veers into NSFW territory, so consider this a heads-up for sensitive listeners.

Topics Discussed:

•Shavonne Wong’s “Meet Eva Here” AI project (00:01:30)

•The ethical implications of AI companions (00:06:45)

•Exploring grief tech and the future of digital resurrection (00:16:00)

•Emotional connections with AI: Real or illusion? (00:25:30)

•The role of AI in loneliness and mental health (00:30:00)

•Artistic creativity and generative AI’s impact on creators (00:37:00)

Links Mentioned:

•Learn more about “Meet Eva Here” at meetivahere.com

•Follow Eva’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetevahere

Shavonne Wong’s portfolio:
https://www.meetevahere.com/

Follow AI-Curious and Jeff Wilser:

•YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

•Twitter:
https://x.com/jeffwilser