The Aboard Podcast

Dive into a nostalgic journey reflecting on a 1980 issue of Omni magazine, exploring how past discussions on computers mirror today’s AI conversations. The hosts ponder the meaning of 'new technology' while highlighting the rise of personal computer literacy as a defense against automation and cybercrime. They also analyze IBM's evolution and the shift from hardware to consulting. Plus, get insights on the urgent need for awareness in our rapidly changing tech landscape, illuminated by the interplay of culture and technology.

As the legacy tech giants weave AI functionality through their existing systems, is it all over for AI-first companies like OpenAI and Anthropic? In the wake of this year’s WWDC, Paul and Rich analyze Apple’s AI plans, and contextualize them within broader industry shifts. What’s Apple’s AI endgame—and where can we expect to see a player like OpenAI a few years from now?

When is something “done”—and why is it so hard to define “done” when it comes to AI? On this week’s podcast, Paul and Rich talk about the challenges of the last mile of software development, and why the industry needs a whole new set of processes to actually use AI to ship product. Plus: Paul reveals one neat trick that will make you finish writing something.

OpenAI’s $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive’s startup might be grabbing the headlines, but the real shifts in AI right now are a lot less flashy—and point towards more long-term stability in the industry. On this week’s podcast, Paul walks Rich through some recent Big AI news and they pull out some key trends and takeaways, from the announcements at Google’s I/O 2025 to new capabilities at Anthropic to, in Paul’s words, “Agents, agents, agents, agents, agents.” 

The CEO comes into the office and says, “What are we doing about AI?” What’s wrong with this picture? On the podcast, Paul and Rich offer advice to the CEO whose instinct is to ask that very question. How should business leaders be thinking about these technologies? And when it comes to getting AI into your organization, what’s a better question to ask? Plus: A whole lot of snack-chip talk, including a meditation on the humble Dipsy Doodle.

Last year, the fintech company Klarna announced they were going AI-first—but now, they’re hiring humans again. Is this a sign that the AI pendulum is swinging back in tech? On this week’s podcast, Paul and Rich look back at Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski’s initial pivot, why that strategy probably didn’t get the job done, and what this move signals for the industry on a whole.  

Today’s young people are growing up with generative AI at their fingertips. Should we be worried? On this week’s podcast, Paul (father of 13-year-old twins) and Rich (father of a 12 year old and a 10 year old) discuss the technology world in which their children are coming of age, particularly when it comes to education. If students are bound to turn to these tools no matter the rules, how can we make sure they’re actually learning, rather than just copy/pasting? 

Patrick Lucas Austin, a tech journalist and founding editor of IT Brew, shares his critical perspective on AI technologies. He engages in a lively discussion about the ethical implications of AI in the enterprise sector, including copyright issues and the relationship between content creators and corporations. Austin challenges the capabilities of generative AI and raises concerns about dependency on these technologies. Furthermore, he delves into the ongoing AGI debate and the need for updated regulations in creative industries, all while emphasizing a balanced approach toward technology.

Is the role of product managers safe in the age of AI? The hosts delve into OpenAI's potential acquisition of a coding assistant, questioning why AI would need such tools. They discuss how human skills in understanding context and asking the right questions are irreplaceable, even with advanced AI. The conversation shifts to the impact of AI on software engineering and the essential role of creativity and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Finally, they highlight the importance of curiosity and effective resource management in navigating an automated future.

Does AI have a place in religion—or in our moral decision-making more broadly? Recorded shortly after the death of Pope Francis was announced, Paul and Rich reflect on the pontiff’s legacy and then segue to theology and tech, assessing ChatGPT’s output to moral queries “from a Catholic perspective.” Could these tools ever be a substitute for the real (human) thing? Featuring what’s possibly the most upsetting sentence ever uttered on the podcast: “I wanna see Peter Thiel wash some feet.”