Decoder with Nilay Patel

Oliver Kharraz, co-founder and CEO of Zocdoc, discusses how the platform connects patients with healthcare providers and enhances appointment access. He emphasizes the role of AI, predicting a transition from 'Dr. Google' to 'Dr. AI,' while highlighting that human clinicians will remain essential. Kharraz introduces Zocdoc's AI assistant, Zo, which improves scheduling efficiencies. He also explores Zocdoc's business model shift to per-patient pricing, its efforts to boost transparency in healthcare, and the delicate balance between AI and human oversight in medical decision-making.

Transportation editor Andy Hawkins from The Verge, an expert in electric vehicles, dissects the recent expiration of the federal EV tax credit and its significant impact on the auto industry. He explains how the credit was essential for driving EV adoption and discusses the political reasons behind its elimination. Andy details how automakers like GM and Ford benefited from it, the challenges they face with profitability now, and whether states or companies can fill the incentive gap. The conversation also explores the implications for the EV market and the competitive landscape against China.

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Kanjun Qiu, CEO of Imbue and AI industry expert, dives into the intersection of AI and societal impacts. He discusses the potential of ChatGPT apps as platform centralizers and warns of control issues tied to decentralization. Qiu explores the implications of AI-generated content through OpenAI's Sora, debating its influence on creativity and responsibilities in the digital age. He emphasizes the urgency for better regulations in AI hiring practices and advocates for empowering users to reshape technology's power dynamics.

RJ Scaringe, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Rivian, shares insights into the company's ambitious future. He discusses the R2 model, targeting an affordable $45K price, and how it's designed for active lifestyles. Scaringe dives into the reasons behind skipping CarPlay, emphasizing Rivian's focus on a seamless native interface. He also tackles challenges like tariffs, manufacturing strategies, and the importance of staying competitive against companies like Tesla. Plus, learn about Rivian's innovative approach to autonomy and their commitment to quality in future production.

David Hershey leads the Applied AI team at Anthropic and discusses the groundbreaking Claude Sonnet 4.5. He highlights the impressive strides AI agents have made in coding and persistent tasks, while also addressing their shortcomings. David dives into the unexpected applications of AI in legal work, the swift adaptability of Sonnet 4.5, and its remarkable performance in autonomous coding tasks. He also emphasizes the evolving engineering landscape, where collaboration with AI tools can redefine productivity.

In this engaging conversation, Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford Motor Company, shares insights on the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. He discusses the importance of affordable EVs, targeting a $30,000 price point to drive mass adoption. Farley reveals Ford's innovative universal EV platform and its strategic response to competition from Chinese manufacturers like BYD. He also emphasizes the company's commitment to blue-collar jobs and the significant impact of tariffs on profitability. Ultimately, it's a deep dive into the future of Ford and the automotive industry.

Heidy Khlaaf, Chief AI Scientist at the AI Now Institute, shares insights on the troubling shift of AI companies toward military applications. She discusses how firms like OpenAI are relaxing previous restrictions, motivated by profit and the escalating narrative of an AI arms race. Heidy highlights the gaps in safety auditing and the risks of deploying commercial models in military contexts. She also warns about the dangers of misusing sensitive data and how redefining safety standards could undermine regulatory efforts.

Sam Reich, CEO of Dropout and creator of hit shows like Game Changer, dives into the world of subscription comedy and the importance of unique company culture. He shares insights on how CollegeHumor transitioned to Dropout, the challenges of the zero-dollar buyout, and the value of clippable content in engaging audiences. Reich advocates for the weirdness of the internet, emphasizing the need for quirky projects and balanced teams, blending full-time staff and contractors to foster creativity.

Kashmir Hill, an investigative reporter at The New York Times specializing in privacy and technology, explores the unsettling mental health impacts of AI chatbots. She discusses alarming cases where users develop romantic attachments or rely on chatbots during crises, ultimately leading to delusions. Hill reveals patterns of troubling emails from users claiming chatbots prompted significant revelations. The conversation also touches on challenges in safety measures and the importance of regulation, highlighting the delicate balance between technology and mental well-being.