Podcasts – Weird Things

In this episode of Weird Things, Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young explore the fascinating pace of AI development, demonstrating with a live example how a 2D image can be transformed into a 3D model. They discuss the potential of AI in creating new entertainment and gaming experiences, and the implications of job automation. The conversation shifts to the ambitious projects of Colossal Bio, aiming to bring back extinct species like the dire wolf, and wraps up with speculative takes on the future of Marvel’s cinematic universe, particularly the potential of ‘Thunderbolts’ to redefine superhero team dynamics. Picks: Brian: The first fifteen minutes of Andor Season 2 Justin: The Righteous Gemstones Andrew: Thunderbolts Support Weird Things on Patreon Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts Podcast RSS feed Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250512185016_250502_-_Weird_Things_Podcast.mp3 [podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250512185016_250502_-_Weird_Things_Podcast.mp3

Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young dive into a variety of topics, starting with the potential signatures of life on the exoplanet K2-18b, thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope’s findings. The conversation shifts to the rapid advancements in AI, including the evolution from hydraulic to electric motors in robotics and the implications of quantum computing on AI’s future. A human cannonball incident brings a mix of awe and concern, showcasing the risks performers take. The episode wraps up with discussions on AI’s role in content creation and the ethical considerations of its advancements. Picks: Brian Brushwood: Social Studies on Hulu Justin Robert Young: Daredevil on Disney+ Support Weird Things on Patreon Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts Podcast RSS feed Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250428184321_250418_-_weird_things.mp3 [podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250428184321_250418_-_weird_things.mp3

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a nod to the anniversary of GPT-4, reflecting on its impact and the rapid pace of AI development. The conversation takes a historical detour to the Ramree Island crocodile attack during World War II, with Andrew using AI to sift fact from fiction in this tale of survival and crocodile-infested mangroves. The trio then shifts focus to Colossal Biosciences’ efforts to bring back the woolly mammoth, starting with genetically modified mice sporting thicker coats. This step towards de-extinction sparks a debate on the feasibility and ethics of resurrecting ancient species, alongside a whimsical discussion on whether organic or robotic mammoths will roam the earth first. Picks: Justin Robert Young: Levin by Cali Cowboys Boys Brian Brushwood: The Master Algorithm by Pedro Domingos Andrew Mayne: Daredevil Netflix Series Support Weird Things on Patreon Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts Podcast RSS feed Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250321132838_250314_-_Weird-things-podcast.mp3 [podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250321132838_250314_-_Weird-things-podcast.mp3

The hosts dive into groundbreaking advancements in nanotechnology, featuring a mini video game that could reshape biomedical engineering. They discuss the role of AI in automating workflows and enhancing scientific experiments. There's a playful wager on the upcoming Starship launch, alongside musings on AI voice technologies and their emotional nuances. The conversation takes a whimsical turn with bets involving pie, leading to reflections on the ethical and creative implications of AI in art and family dynamics. Plus, they share their latest media recommendations!

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a cosmic sigh of relief as the chances of an asteroid hitting Earth decrease. They ponder the implications of a moon impact, drawing parallels to sci-fi scenarios and historical events. The conversation then shifts to Microsoft’s announcement of a quantum computing breakthrough using exotic matter, sparking a discussion on the potential and current limitations of quantum computing. Andrew shares his recent Disneyland adventure, highlighting the magic of Rise of the Resistance and the charm of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, contrasting it with his disappointment in Galaxy’s Edge. Picks: Brian: The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North Andrew: Disneyland, specifically Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Support Weird Things on Patreon Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts Podcast RSS feed Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250306195336_250221_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3 [podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250306195336_250221_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3

A looming asteroid dubbed ‘Kanye’s next album’ has a 2.2% chance of colliding with Earth, prompting lively discussions about potential nuclear mitigation strategies. The hosts humorously navigate the frustrations of AI in creative fields and explore the cultural significance of Bigfoot. Insights on the evolution of superhero films shine through as they share cautious optimism for the latest Fantastic Four trailer. They also critique contemporary shows like 'Severance,' blending entertainment with thoughtful commentary on modern storytelling.

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young tackle the rapid advancements in AI, focusing on DeepSeek’s R1 model and its cost-effective training methods. They discuss the skepticism and excitement surrounding DeepSeek’s claims and the broader implications for AI development and compute needs. The conversation shifts to OpenAI’s release of the O3 model, highlighting its reasoning capabilities and potential to accelerate the path to AGI. The trio also explores the role of open source in AI innovation, the significance of AI in mainstream discussions, and the future of AI-driven content creation and problem-solving. Picks: Andrew: Severance Brian: Severance Support Weird Things on Patreon Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts Podcast RSS feed Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250201212530_250131_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3 [podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250201212530_250131_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3

Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood explore the rapid advancements in AI, particularly highlighting the Chinese AI model Deep Seek and OpenAI’s latest creation, Operator. They discuss the technical achievements and controversies surrounding Deep Seek, its implications for the AI community, and the groundbreaking capabilities of Operator in controlling a browser to perform tasks. The conversation also touches on the broader impacts of AI on society, the internet, and how these tools could change our interaction with digital spaces. Picks: Andrew Mayne: Operator Justin Robert Young: Operator Brian Brushwood: Operator Support Weird Things on Patreon Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts Podcast RSS feed Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250201201846_250124_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3 [podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250201201846_250124_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3

Three hosts explore groundbreaking advancements in AI, highlighting OpenAI's O3 model and the emergence of the Chinese AI, DeepSeek. They discuss the potential for artificial general intelligence and the ethical quandaries tied to AI training data. The conversation also touches on the reshaping of creative fields by AI tools, the dynamics of wealth and innovation access, and the evolution of tech talent practices. Insights into neuroscience and innovative tools add depth to their analysis, making this an engaging exploration of the AI landscape.

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood take listeners on a fascinating exploration of entertainment’s past, present, and future. They kick off with a nostalgic look at how theme parks like Universal Studios have evolved, highlighting the technological advancements in attractions such as the Born Stunt Spectacular. The conversation then shifts to the potential of AI in creating immersive experiences, with Andrew sharing insights into reasoning models and the concept of AI agents. They also touch upon the importance of classic sci-fi literature, like ‘A Canticle for Leibowitz’, in understanding the roots of many modern narratives. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the implications of AI in programming and the potential for AI to revolutionize how we interact with technology and each other. Picks: Justin Robert Young: DEF CON Plan about Audio and Electronics Brian Brushwood: A Canticle for Leibowitz Andrew Mayne: Nosferatu by Robert Eggers Support Weird Things on Patreon Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts Podcast RSS feed Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250115204407_250115_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3 [podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250115204407_250115_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3