#151 – Dan Kokotov: Speech Recognition with AI and Humans

Jan 4, 2021

Dan Kokotov, VP of Engineering at Rev.ai, shares his expertise in automatic speech recognition technology. He discusses the challenges of real-time transcription, including accuracy issues with accents and pacing. Kokotov emphasizes the role of user feedback and data quality in improving ASR systems. He also explores the future of transcription services in the gig economy and highlights the importance of bridging human and machine efforts. Their conversation touches on the evolution of podcasting and the need for standardized transcripts to enhance accessibility.

01:34:51

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ANECDOTE

Dune's Philosophy

Dan Kokodov considers Dune the greatest sci-fi novel.
He finds the philosophical idea of needing pressure and suffering for progress fascinating.

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ANECDOTE

Rev's Simplicity

Lex Fridman praises Rev for simplifying the transcription process, unlike his past experiences with Upwork.
He compares it to Isotope RX, another product that streamlined his audio editing workflow.

insights

INSIGHT

Rev's Origin

Rev aimed to improve the Upwork model by standardizing service categories and simplifying the user experience.
They started with translation services and later added audio transcription.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Navigating Integrity and Innovation in Media

02:02 • 7min

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Exploring the Philosophical Depths of the Dune Series

09:32 • 3min

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Streamlining Transcription with Rev

12:22 • 6min

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Transcription and Translation in the Gig Economy

18:20 • 15min

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Challenges and Innovations in Automatic Speech Recognition

33:04 • 3min

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The Evolution of Automatic Speech Recognition

35:52 • 17min

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Transforming Meeting Management and Podcasting

52:33 • 7min

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Standardizing Podcast Transcripts and the Dilemma of Exclusivity

59:16 • 2min

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Navigating the Landscape of Podcasting and Free Speech

01:00:59 • 19min

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Portrayal of Power: Film and History

01:19:45 • 13min

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Reflections on Creation and Technology

01:32:53 • 2min

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#430

• Mentioned in 42 episodes

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

A History of Nazi Germany

William L. Shirer

This book is a monumental study based on extensive documentation, including testimony from Nazi leaders and concentration camp inmates, diaries of officials, transcripts of secret conferences, army orders, and private letters. Shirer spent five and a half years sifting through this massive documentation to create a definitive record of one of the most frightening chapters in human history. The book explores how Hitler's regime came to power, its impact on Germany and the world, and its eventual downfall. It is widely acclaimed as the definitive work on Nazi Germany and has won several awards, including the National Book Award for Nonfiction.

#719

• Mentioned in 30 episodes

Creative Selection

Inside Apple's Design Process During the Golden Age of Steve Jobs

Ken Kocienda

In 'Creative Selection,' Ken Kocienda offers a detailed look at Apple's software development process during his 15-year tenure at the company. The book focuses on the 'creative selection' process, a method of iterative development through continuous demos and feedback. Kocienda shares stories of his work on key products like the iPhone, iPad, and Safari web browser, and discusses the essential elements of innovation at Apple, including inspiration, collaboration, craft, diligence, decisiveness, taste, and empathy. The book provides insights into the working culture and decision-making processes under Steve Jobs' leadership.

#64

• Mentioned in 144 episodes

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom.

• Mentioned in 974 episodes

1984

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

#52

• Mentioned in 155 episodes

Dune

Frank Herbert

Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people.

Dan Kokotov is VP of Engineering at Rev.ai, an automatic speech recognition company. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil
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– Business Wars: https://wondery.com/business-wars/
– Cash App: https://cash.app/ and use code LexPodcast to get $10

EPISODE LINKS:
Rev: https://www.rev.com
Rev.ai: https://www.rev.ai

PODCAST INFO:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(09:17) – Dune
(12:34) – Rev
(18:33) – Translation
(25:22) – Gig economy
(34:02) – Automatic speech recognition
(44:53) – Create products that people love
(53:02) – The future of podcasts at Spotify
(1:14:41) – Book recommendations
(1:16:02) – Stories of our dystopian future
(1:19:45) – Movies about Stalin and Hitler
(1:24:59) – Interviewing Putin
(1:30:56) – Meaning of life

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