

The Data Exchange with Ben Lorica
Ben Lorica
A series of informal conversations with thought leaders, researchers, practitioners, and writers on a wide range of topics in technology, science, and of course big data, data science, artificial intelligence, and related applications. Anchored by Ben Lorica (@BigData), the Data Exchange also features a roundup of the most important stories from the worlds of data, machine learning and AI. Detailed show notes for each episode can be found on https://thedataexchange.media/ The Data Exchange podcast is a production of Gradient Flow [https://gradientflow.com/].
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 39min
Bridging the AI Agent Prototype-to-Production Chasm
Ilan Kadar, co-founder and CEO of Plurai, discusses the challenges of deploying AI agents in production. He introduces IntellAgent, an open-source platform designed to improve agent performance through synthetic data and reinforcement learning. The conversation dives into the complexities of transitioning prototypes to production, particularly in high-stakes sectors. Kadar emphasizes the significance of simulating realistic scenarios and using knowledge graphs to enhance AI agent reliability. They also evaluate the impact of various foundation models on task performance.

Mar 13, 2025 • 46min
The Evolution of Reinforcement Fine-Tuning in AI
Travis Addair, Co-founder and CTO of Predibase, dives into the exciting world of reinforcement fine-tuning (RFT) in AI. He discusses the shift from traditional supervised fine-tuning to RFT, highlighting its advantages in data-scarce scenarios and creative model exploration. Travis emphasizes the importance of gradual learning in AI and how RFT enhances performance in natural language processing tasks. He also explores the integration of SFT and RFT for improving user experience and algorithm efficiency, making advanced AI solutions more accessible.

Mar 6, 2025 • 39min
Beyond GPUs: Cerebras’ Wafer-Scale Engine for Lightning-Fast AI Inference
Hagay Lupesko is the SVP for AI Inference at Cerebras Systems. Subscribe to the Gradient Flow Newsletter 📩 https://gradientflow.substack.com/Support our work by leaving a small tip 💰 https://buymeacoffee.com/gradientflowSubscribe: Apple · Spotify · Overcast · Pocket Casts · AntennaPod · Podcast Addict · Amazon · RSS.Detailed show notes - with links to many references - can be found on The Data Exchange web site.

Feb 27, 2025 • 48min
The Future of AI: Regulation, Foundation Models & User Experience
Paco Nathan, founder of Derwen and expert in data and AI, dives into the evolving landscape of AI regulations post-AI Action Summit in Paris. The discussion highlights a shift towards prioritizing commercial benefits in the EU. Nathan also explores advancements in multimodal AI, including the Gemini model and real-time translation with Hibiki. The conversation addresses the competitive dynamics among major players like OpenAI and Google, and the challenges of integrating AI into existing user experiences, all while emphasizing the importance of innovation.

31 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 24min
The AI Agent Rundown: 10 Things to Know Now
Discover the fascinating world of AI agents as the discussion dives into their evolving frameworks. Learn about GUI-based interactions and the importance of modular design. The challenge of real-world deployment and the need for safety measures are also highlighted. This insightful conversation advocates for accountability and standardization in the rapidly changing AI landscape.

67 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 32min
Why ‘Structure’ Is All You Need: A Deep Dive into Next-Gen AI Retrieval
Tom Smoker, co-founder of WhyHow.ai, shares insights on transforming unstructured data into structured knowledge. He discusses how knowledge graphs enhance AI retrieval, citing successful applications at LinkedIn and Pinterest. The conversation delves into the complexities of building these graphs and the balance between automation and intentional design. They also tackle the hallucination problem in AI, emphasizing the role of data clarity. Smoker argues for leveraging operational data to improve AI systems, showcasing the potential of graph-based methodologies.

Feb 6, 2025 • 39min
Why Legal Hurdles Are the Biggest Barrier to AI Adoption
In this conversation, Andrew Burt, CEO of Luminos AI—a startup focused on reducing AI liabilities—dives into the legal complexities surrounding AI adoption. He highlights the significant disconnect between rapid AI advancements and the slower pace of legal compliance. Topics include the challenges of regulation, bias management, and the stark differences in internal versus external app deployments. Burt underscores the importance of collaboration between technical and legal teams to navigate potential hurdles and ensure responsible AI integration.

16 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 48min
Unlocking Spreadsheet Intelligence with AI
Hjalmar Gislason, Founder and CEO of Grid, discusses the transformative power of AI in the world of spreadsheets. He highlights the limitations of traditional tools like Excel and Google Sheets, showcasing how Grid aims to revolutionize data accessibility through natural language processing. The conversation covers the evolution of spreadsheet programming, the need for trust in AI decision-making, and the upcoming release of innovative solutions that promise to blend classic spreadsheet clarity with cutting-edge functionality.

Jan 23, 2025 • 46min
Monthly Roundup: Deregulation, Hardware, and Inference Scaling
Paco Nathan, founder of Derwen and expert in data and AI, joins to discuss intriguing developments in AI and tech. They explore the intersection of immigration reform and H-1B visa regulations, emphasizing its effects on STEM graduates. The conversation shifts to recent innovations in AI hardware and challenges smaller teams face in accessing computational resources. Nathan also highlights the significance of multimodal models for interpreting diverse data and probes into the philosophical complexities of machine consciousness and human-AI relationships.

17 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 32min
What AI Teams Need to Know for 2025
The conversation dives into the transformation of AI from a buzzword to a crucial business asset by 2025. Key topics include advancements in post-training optimization, self-correcting AI systems, and the impact of synthetic data. The challenges of navigating emerging regulations in the U.S. and Europe are discussed, alongside the importance of model agnosticism for AI teams. Additionally, there's a focus on the political ramifications of semiconductor controls and the role of AI in cybersecurity and real-time deepfake detection.