AI-Curious with Jeff Wilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser sits down with Allison Duettmann, CEO of Foresight Institute, an organization dedicated to advancing transformative technologies for the benefit of humanity. They dive into a forward-thinking conversation about AI, nanotechnology, brain emulation, and longevity biotech—exploring how these emerging fields could reshape our future.Key Topics:•Foresight Institute’s Vision (3:02): Allison shares how Foresight has been pushing the boundaries of futuristic technologies like AI, nanotech, and neurotech since 1986, supporting advancements that can dramatically improve the human condition.•Longevity Biotech (5:25): An in-depth discussion about the latest innovations in longevity science, including cryonics and the push toward life extension technologies. Allison discusses the surge of interest from investors like Sam Altman and how cryonics may offer a long-term hedge against death.•Neurotech and Whole Brain Emulation (11:06): Allison breaks down the cutting-edge work in neurotechnology, including efforts toward brain emulation and the future possibility of digitizing human consciousness, leading to digital longevity.•Molecular Nanotechnology (17:44): Allison explains how nanotechnology can revolutionize material science, enabling the construction of stronger, more efficient materials at an atomic level. They explore the potential for drug discovery, environmental impact, and even space exploration.•AI and the Future of Humanity (30:00): They explore how AI progress could fast-track these technologies, but also touch on the existential risks of runaway AI development.Final Thoughts (45:41): Allison and Jeff reflect on the importance of imagining and pushing for ambitious futures, emphasizing that the first step to achieving transformative progress is envisioning it.Enjoy this discussion about the intersection of science fiction and reality, where once-impossible ideas are becoming tangible opportunities for the future.Foresight Institute:https://foresight.org/Allison Duettmann on Twitter/X:https://x.com/allisondman?lang=enStay Connected:• 🐦 Twitter/Xhttps://x.com/jeffwilser• 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwilser/• 🖥️ JeffWilser.comwww.JeffWilser.com🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:• Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-curious-with-jeff-wilser/id1703130308• Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/70a9Xbhu5XQ47YOgVTE44Q?si=c31e2c02d8b64f1b• YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser delves into the rapidly evolving world of digital twins and their growing presence in everyday tasks, such as remote work. Jeff discusses Zoom’s new "AI Companion" feature, which allows users to create their own digital avatars—referred to as “digital twins”—that can attend meetings on their behalf. He also touches on the practical implications of this technology as it enters the mainstream, including other players like HeyGen and their Avatar 3.0 update, which automates content creation for busy creators.We also cover Elon Musk’s recent unveiling of Tesla’s long-awaited robo-taxi and the introduction of a futuristic robot bus. Jeff reflects on the potential of autonomous vehicles to reshape cities, reduce traffic, and make roads safer by eliminating human error.And finally, we cover the story about Apple Intelligence... and romantic breakups. Tune in to explore how AI is transforming both work and everyday life, one digital twin at a time.Stay Connected:• 🐦 Twitter/Xhttps://x.com/jeffwilser• 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwilser/• 🖥️ JeffWilser.comwww.JeffWilser.com🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:• Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-curious-with-jeff-wilser/id1703130308• Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/70a9Xbhu5XQ47YOgVTE44Q?si=c31e2c02d8b64f1b• YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser dives deep into the shifting dynamics of AI with Parmy Olson, Bloomberg technology columnist and author of the book Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World.We explore her fascinating character study of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Demis Hassabis, co-founder of DeepMind. Both men began with the ambitious vision of creating AI for the benefit of humanity, but as their projects evolved, so did their goals. From non-profit beginnings to corporate pivots, they now find themselves at the center of a high-stakes race between major tech giants, including Google and Microsoft.Key themes discussed in the episode:•The rise and rivalry between OpenAI and DeepMind•How “mission drift” turned altruistic AI projects into profit-seeking ventures•The challenges of governance, control, and transparency in AI development•The broader implications of AI’s shift toward corporate dominance and its potential societal harms•Insights into AI regulation, including the European Union’s AI Act and the difficulties of regulating major tech companiesTimestamps:•[0:25] Introduction to the episode and guest, Parmy Olson•[6:48] The origin stories of Sam Altman and Demis Hassabis•[17:41] Elon Musk’s involvement in OpenAI and early ideals•[22:14] The pivotal shift from non-profit to for-profit in AI development•[35:26] The consequences of AI’s secrecy and the risks of developing in a “black box”•[40:02] The European Union’s AI Act and potential future regulationsThis episode uncovers the deep complexities of AI’s evolution and its consequences for the future of innovation, governance, and society.Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the Worldhttps://www.amazon.com/Supremacy-ChatGPT-Race-Change-World-ebook/dp/B0CLJTMF84/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kbMUMf_48bq2qFLdMBLWU3Rrl-m-H-pHU3V-xxS6dp8.QPkxtzUrG6GBRfyL6ksoHfc5rGxYjxYqcobNLi-5fAA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=709963915673&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9028770&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=12472730836779239893--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12472730836779239893&hvtargid=kwd-2338411313895&hydadcr=22561_13493272&keywords=supremacy+parmy+olson&qid=1728510497&sr=8-1Parmy Olson on Twitter/X:https://x.com/parmyStay Connected:• 🐦 Twitter/Xhttps://x.com/jeffwilser• 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwilser/• 🖥️ JeffWilser.comwww.JeffWilser.com🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:• Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-curious-with-jeff-wilser/id1703130308• Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/70a9Xbhu5XQ47YOgVTE44Q?si=c31e2c02d8b64f1b• YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

Discover how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can revolutionize your workflow while you multitask in the kitchen. Hear about the latest features from OpenAI, including the innovative Canvas and upcoming AI Agents. The conversation also tackles the implications of automation on labor markets, especially in light of the Longshoremen Strike. Plus, learn about Google's NotebookLM, a tool poised to transform written content into high-quality audio, reshaping content creation as we know it.

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser sits down with acclaimed digital artist Shavonne Wong to explore her latest project, “Meet Eva Here”—an AI-powered social experiment examining the evolving relationship between humans and AI companions. Drawing inspiration from the “Be Right Back” episode of Black Mirror, Shavonne has created a chatbot that interacts with users, with conversations being anonymously reflected on the AI companion’s Instagram account. Together, Jeff and Shavonne discuss the implications of AI companions for human emotions, relationships, and even societal norms.This episode dives deep into some pressing questions: Can AI companions provide meaningful emotional connections? Will AI mimicry of human behavior be useful, even if it lacks true understanding? And what does the future hold for AI-powered digital companions in our everyday lives?Shavonne also shares her personal experiences as an artist integrating AI into her creative process and the ethical dilemmas surrounding generative AI. The conversation veers into NSFW territory, so consider this a heads-up for sensitive listeners.Topics Discussed:•Shavonne Wong’s “Meet Eva Here” AI project (00:01:30)•The ethical implications of AI companions (00:06:45)•Exploring grief tech and the future of digital resurrection (00:16:00)•Emotional connections with AI: Real or illusion? (00:25:30)•The role of AI in loneliness and mental health (00:30:00)•Artistic creativity and generative AI’s impact on creators (00:37:00)Links Mentioned:•Learn more about “Meet Eva Here” at meetivahere.com•Follow Eva’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetevahereShavonne Wong’s portfolio: https://www.meetevahere.com/Stay Connected:• 🐦 Twitter/Xhttps://x.com/jeffwilser• 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwilser/• 🖥️ JeffWilser.comwww.JeffWilser.com🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:• Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-curious-with-jeff-wilser/id1703130308• Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/70a9Xbhu5XQ47YOgVTE44Q?si=c31e2c02d8b64f1b• YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, we dive into one of the most polarizing debates in AI right now: California’s SB-1047, the state’s proposed AI safety bill. After months of intense discussion, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill, which many considered to be the toughest AI regulation ever introduced in the U.S. But why? And what does this mean for the future of AI safety and innovation?We explore the surprising twists in this debate, including the unusual alliances formed around the bill. Nancy Pelosi opposed it, while Elon Musk, in a rare turn, supported it. The AI startup community largely rejoiced at the veto, but the AI safety crowd saw it as a missed opportunity to hold tech companies accountable.Governor Newsom’s rationale? He argued that the bill, while well-intentioned, didn’t properly account for how AI systems are deployed and could unfairly target smaller developers. Critics, however, saw it as caving to corporate lobbying. We unpack all of these angles, asking: what does this decision tell us about the future of AI regulation, both at the state and national level?We also cover quick updates from OpenAI’s leadership shakeup, a study that suggests AI can outperform human CEOs, and a fascinating discovery of new Nazca geoglyphs using AI technology.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/26/nazca-lines-peru-new-geoglyphs?utm_source=www.therundown.ai&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=google-s-ai-designs-its-own-chips&_bhlid=a125bba170bd7857a1f7133251266592555d839fhttps://hbr.org/2024/09/ai-can-mostly-outperform-human-ceosStay Connected:• 🐦 Twitter/Xhttps://x.com/jeffwilser• 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwilser/• 🖥️ JeffWilser.comwww.JeffWilser.com🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:• Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-curious-with-jeff-wilser/id1703130308• Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/70a9Xbhu5XQ47YOgVTE44Q?si=c31e2c02d8b64f1b• YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, Jeff Wilser is joined by Denver’s Mayor Mike Johnston to discuss how governments can leverage AI for good. Recorded live from the Denver AI Summit, Mayor Johnston outlines his vision for using AI to enhance public services, streamline city operations, and solve pressing societal issues.The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:•How Denver is becoming a laboratory for AI innovations in city government•Practical applications of AI, from speeding up traffic management to reducing government red tape•The ethical considerations of AI (and why there's low-hanging fruit before we need to get to the "doomsday" concerns) •Mayor Johnston’s partnership with AI leaders like Reid Hoffman to position Denver as a hub for AI solutions•How AI can improve public services like permitting, trash collection, and public safetyJeff and the Mayor also explore the future potential of AI in transforming cities and public policy, with Denver leading the charge as a model for other cities. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how AI for Good can reshape the way governments serve their citizens.Listen now to learn how AI is being used to make day-to-day life more efficient, equitable, and transparent.https://denverite.com/2024/09/18/den-ai-summit-johnston-hoffman/https://denaisummit.com/Stay Connected:• 🐦 Twitter/Xhttps://x.com/jeffwilser• 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwilser/• 🖥️ JeffWilser.comwww.JeffWilser.com🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:• Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-curious-with-jeff-wilser/id1703130308• Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/70a9Xbhu5XQ47YOgVTE44Q?si=c31e2c02d8b64f1b• YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, Jeff Wilser explores the role of AI in the film industry, focusing on a major new partnership between Lionsgate and AI video startup Runway. Could AI actors and AI-written scripts become the norm in Hollywood? With access to John Wick, Hunger Games, and 20,000 other movie and TV titles, Runway is poised to revolutionize film production.Jeff dives into how AI tools are changing pre-production and post-production workflows, discussing both the optimistic view—AI as a tool for creators—and the concerns raised by industry professionals like Reid Southen, a concept artist for The Matrix Resurrections and Hunger Games.Additionally, we discuss the potential of a secret AI-powered device being developed by Jony Ive, Apple’s former design chief, and Sam Altman of OpenAI. What could they be building, and why are they raising $1 billion for it?Lastly, the episode highlights a new study published in Science, which explores how AI chatbots could be used to combat conspiracy theories, offering a rare positive angle on AI and misinformation.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction: AI in Hollywood and the Lionsgate-Runway partnership[01:00] The potential impact of AI on creators and filmmakers[03:00] Concerns from concept artists about AI replacing human roles[04:00] Jony Ive and Sam Altman’s secret AI project[05:00] Can AI help fight misinformation and conspiracy theories?[07:00] Using AI in podcast production: lessons and challengesIf you’re interested in how AI is reshaping Hollywood and creative industries, this episode offers a balanced look at both the opportunities and challenges.https://runwayml.com/news/runway-partners-with-lionsgatehttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq1814Stay Connected:• 🐦 Twitter/Xhttps://x.com/jeffwilser• 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwilser/• 🖥️ JeffWilser.comwww.JeffWilser.com🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:• Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-curious-with-jeff-wilser/id1703130308• Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/70a9Xbhu5XQ47YOgVTE44Q?si=c31e2c02d8b64f1b• YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

In this episode of AI-Curious, Jeff Wilser dives deep into AI critiques with Sara Watson, a leading technology critic. The conversation explores the often overlooked risks of AI, moving beyond the usual dystopian scenarios of robots taking over and instead addressing the more subtle, real-world implications of AI. Sara is a former principal analyst at Forrester, the co-founder of A People’s History of Tech, and has written for outlets such as The Atlantic and Wired, and her work has been featured in The New Yorker. She brings a thoughtful and nuanced perspective to the current AI landscape. On this episode we cover AI’s environmental toll, the concentration of power, bias in AI training data, and the challenges of distinguishing truth in an era of deepfakes.If you’re curious about how technology shapes society and what AI means for our future, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Key Topics:•[00:02:00] The Role of Criticism: It’s Not About Negativity or Nihilism•[00:04:00] Being “Cautiously Optimistic” and Understanding the Hype Cycle•[00:05:00] Investigating AI’s Claims in a Critical Moment of Hype•[00:06:00] The Importance of Asking the Right Questions•[00:07:00] Long-Term Existential AI Risks vs. Present Harms•[00:08:00] Bias in AI: The Historical Injustices Baked into Data Sets•[00:11:00] Environmental Costs of AI and the Hidden Resource Strain•[00:12:00] The Concentration of Power: Who Owns and Controls AI?•[00:14:00] The Ethical Challenges of AI Development•[00:15:00] How Bias in Training Data Reinforces Systemic Injustice•[00:16:00] Human Choices Behind Algorithms: The Myth of Objectivity•[00:19:00] Deepfakes and the Erosion of Trust in Visual Media•[00:22:00] The Weaponization of AI to Cast Doubt on Authentic Media•[00:24:00] Sci-Fi’s Role in AI Critique: From Killer Robots to Governance•[00:25:00] The Fragility of the Systems Built on AI: A Conversation on Tech Infrastructure•[00:26:00] Tech Criticism Today: How It’s Evolved Over the Last Decade•[00:27:00] What Are We Optimizing For? How This Question Shapes AI’s Development•[00:29:00] Regulation, Children, and the Role of Government in Tech•[00:31:00] Progress for Whom? Criticism as Part of AI’s Development•[00:34:00] Future Justice and What AI Should Be Used For•[00:35:00] Creativity, Human Time, and AI’s Role in Freeing Us for Innovation•[00:36:00] What Sara Means by Being a “Radical Futurist”•[00:38:00] AI and Capitalism: Can We Imagine a Different System?Key Topics Covered:•The role of AI criticism in driving thoughtful progress•The environmental impact of AI and its hidden costs•Bias in AI algorithms and its real-world consequences•The risks of AI misinformation and deepfakes•How concentration of power in AI development affects us allSara M. Watsonhttp://www.saramwatson.com/Toward a Constructive Technology Criticismhttps://www.cjr.org/tow_center_reports/constructive_technology_criticism.phpStay Connected:• 🐦 Twitter/Xhttps://x.com/jeffwilser• 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwilser/• 🖥️ JeffWilser.comwww.JeffWilser.com🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:• Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.

In this episode of AI-Curious, here's your quick, bite-sized weekly roundup of the latest developments in artificial intelligence, starting with OpenAI’s newest model, the bizarrely-named “o1.” Is it a groundbreaking advancement or just another step in AI’s evolution? We explore both sides, offering a balanced look at the bullish and skeptical takes on the model.Key Topics:•[00:00] - Introduction to OpenAI’s o1 ModelA quick primer on OpenAI’s “o1” model, highlighting its unique approach to problem-solving and how it compares to previous models like ChatGPT.•[01:00] - Bullish Take on o1’s PerformanceHow o1 outperformed ChatGPT-4 in key benchmarks, including PhD-level science questions, coding, and even scoring an IQ of 120. There’s also the example where o1 developed a 200-year plan to Terraform Mars.•[02:00] - The skeptical takeOn the flip side, we explore skepticism from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who admits the model is still flawed. AI expert Gary Marcus also critiques o1’s limitations, noting its failure in tasks like playing chess.•[03:00] - Ethan Mollick’s Middle GroundWe take a closer look at Ethan Mollick’s perspective, where he acknowledges o1’s strength in handling complex work tasks but notes that most people might not find it useful for everyday applications.•[04:00] - 3 Quick Things:•[04:00] - The White House’s new AI infrastructure task force and its role in managing AI’s growing energy consumption, which could account for 17% of U.S. electricity demand by 2030.•[05:00] - Fei-Fei Li’s $230 million spatial AI startup, World Labs, and how it’s contributing to the future of humanoid robots.•[06:00] - The legacy of James Earl Jones and how AI voice cloning could preserve iconic voices for the future.Mars terraform AI prompt:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JTF411tMmicqEe6HJ9OnhRNswTq8qIjcZUzh_GhppPM/editFuturism's article on James Earl Jones:https://futurism.com/the-byte/james-earl-jones-voice-rights-aiStay Connected:• 🐦 Twitter/Xhttps://x.com/jeffwilser• 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwilser/• 🖥️ JeffWilser.comwww.JeffWilser.com🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:• Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-curious-with-jeff-wilser/id1703130308• Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/70a9Xbhu5XQ47YOgVTE44Q?si=c31e2c02d8b64f1b• YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser