
Smart Talks with IBM
Join Malcolm Gladwell, author and host of Revisionist History, for Smart Talks with IBM as he speaks with visionaries who are creatively applying technology in business to drive change and transform their industries.
This season, Smart Talks with IBM is hitting the road. We’re stepping outside the studio to explore how IBM clients are using artificial intelligence to transform the way they do business. It’s a fresh look behind the curtain of technology, where big ideas meet cutting-edge solutions.
This is a paid advertisement from IBM.
Latest episodes

26 snips
May 20, 2025 • 27min
How AI Assistants Can Transform Education
Malcolm Gladwell visits Kennesaw State University to explore Jiwoo, an innovative AI Assistant designed to aid future teachers. The discussion reveals how AI enhances teaching methods and fosters student agency by enabling responsive teaching. It highlights AI’s potential to revolutionize educational techniques while navigating ethical concerns. The importance of human oversight in AI-assisted learning is emphasized, showcasing practical applications for teacher training and illustrating how AI can support, rather than replace, teachers in their roles.

May 16, 2025 • 1min
New Season of Smart Talks with IBM Coming Soon
Smart Talks with IBM returns Tuesday, May 20th, and this season, we’re really shaking things up. Host Malcolm Gladwell will visit various companies to tell stories of how IBM clients are using artificial intelligence and data to transform the way they do business. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 55min
How Infrastructure is Powering the Age of AI
Ric Lewis, IBM’s Senior Vice President of Infrastructure, shares insights from his extensive career in product innovation. He discusses how hardware advancements, like GPUs, are essential for the math driving AI, enabling businesses from banks to coffee shops to unlock transformative data capabilities. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of IT, the vital role of infrastructure in supporting AI, and the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses and government agencies in harnessing this technology.

Dec 10, 2024 • 27min
Responsible AI: Why Businesses Need Reliable AI Governance
To deploy responsible AI and build trust with customers, businesses need to prioritize AI governance. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Laurie Santos discuss AI accountability with Christina Montgomery, Chief Privacy and Trust Officer at IBM. They chat about AI regulation, what compliance means in the AI age, and why transparent AI governance is good for business. Visit us at: ibm.com/smarttalks Explore watsonx.governance: https://www.ibm.com/products/watsonx-governance This is a paid advertisement from IBM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 22, 2024 • 40min
How AI Can Accelerate Cybersecurity
In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell speaks with Jason Kelley, GM, Strategic Partners and Ecosystems at IBM, and Kristy Friedrichs, SVP and Chief Partnership Officer at Palo Alto Networks. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that the rapid development of AI brings to the cybersecurity space. Jason and Kristy also underscore how implementing a zero trust strategy can help enterprises enhance cyber resiliency and simplify operations. Together, IBM and Palo Alto Networks are delivering fully integrated, open, end-to-end security solutions to enterprises. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions. Visit us at https://ibm.com/smarttalksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 8, 2024 • 34min
Scaling AI With Purpose
In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Jacob Goldstein speaks with Rebecca Finlay, CEO of Partnership on AI, about the importance of advancing AI innovation with openness and ethics at the forefront. Rebecca discusses how guardrails — such as risk management — can advance efficiency in AI development. They explore the AI Alliance’s focus on open data and technology, and the importance of collaboration. Rebecca also underscores how diverse perspectives and open-mindedness can drive AI progress responsibly. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions. Visit us at https://ibm.com/smarttalksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 2024 • 31min
The Power of Granite in Business
Maryam Ashoori, Director of Product Management for IBM's watsonx.ai, dives into the transformative role of AI in business. She discusses how Granite technology enhances transparency and efficiency, particularly in customer care. The shift towards smaller, customized AI models tailored to specific business needs is highlighted, along with the importance of regulatory compliance. Ashoori emphasizes the need for openness and collaboration in AI development, showcasing initiatives like Instruct Lab that let enterprises leverage proprietary data for tailored solutions.

9 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 42min
Education in the Age of AI
Dr. Laurie Santos, host of The Happiness Lab, is joined by Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM's Chief Impact Officer, and April Dawson, Associate Dean of Technology. They discuss how AI is reshaping education, emphasizing lifelong learning and the need for upskilling. The conversation highlights initiatives like IBM SkillsBuild that aim to democratize education and improve access through technology. Ethical considerations of AI in the classroom and its impact on legal education are also explored, showcasing a commitment to creating equitable learning opportunities.

Aug 27, 2024 • 39min
How Open Source can Democratize AI
Mo Duffy, a Software Engineering Manager at Red Hat, dives into the transformative power of open-source technologies in AI. They explore how projects like InstructLab enable community-driven development, promoting inclusivity and flexibility. Mo emphasizes the importance of collaboration in creating transparent AI tools that everyone can access. The conversation also highlights innovative applications, such as enhancing language inclusiveness, and practical uses in various industries, showcasing the expansive possibilities of democratized AI.

Aug 13, 2024 • 33min
An AI Advantage for the US Open
As AI technology progresses, its impact on our daily lives—including how we consume our favorite sports— will grow alongside it. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Jacob Goldstein, host of Pushkin’s own What’s Your Problem?, sat down with Brian Ryerson, Senior Director of Digital Strategy at the US Tennis Association. They discuss the impact of data on the fan experience, the role that storytelling plays in sports, and how AI has unlocked innovative features, such as AI Commentary and Match Reports. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions. Visit us at https://ibm.com/smarttalksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.