

"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis
Erik Torenberg, Nathan Labenz
A biweekly podcast where hosts Nathan Labenz and Erik Torenberg interview the builders on the edge of AI and explore the dramatic shift it will unlock in the coming years.The Cognitive Revolution is part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: turpentine.co
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 10min
Inside Google’s AI Studio with Logan Kilpatrick
Logan Kilpatrick, Product Manager at Google and former Developer Relations Lead at OpenAI, dives into the exciting world of AI. He discusses Google's innovative Gemini 1.5 Flash model and contrasts its approach to traditional AI frameworks. The conversation highlights the integration of DeepMind and the significance of transparency in AI development. Logan shares insights into the competitive landscape of AI tools and essentials for businesses looking to implement AI effectively, all while emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in this fast-evolving sector.

14 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 30min
The Implications of AI on the Global Balance of Power with Alex Wang, Andrew Ng, Jack Clark and Cory Booker
Join Andrew Ng, a leading figure in deep learning and education, and Cory Booker, U.S. Senator and technology policy advocate, as they delve into the global AI landscape. They discuss how China's advancements in AI rival those of the U.S., emphasizing motivation over mere creativity. The panel critiques current regulatory measures, arguing for a more balanced approach that fosters innovation while addressing national security. Their engaging conversation highlights the race against time in harnessing AI for societal betterment, urging collaboration over confrontation.

210 snips
Jun 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
AI Scouting Report: NOT Investment Advice Edition
Explore the cutting-edge of AI applications in medicine, where AI systems are now surpassing human capabilities. Discover how advancements are reshaping healthcare and the job market as AI competes with traditional professions like medicine and law. Unpack the challenges and breakthroughs in unsupervised learning, transforming how AI interprets vast data sets. Delve into the fundamentals of AI infrastructure, including the pivotal role of data and GPUs. Finally, gain insights into the fierce competition among tech giants and the need for effective governance in this rapidly evolving landscape.

36 snips
May 25, 2024 • 1h 59min
The AI Revolution in Biology: From Vaccines to Protein Engineering with Amelie Schreiber
In this engaging discussion, Amelie Schreiber, a computational biochemist and AI researcher, explores how AI is transforming drug design and protein engineering. She delves into the complexities of molecular interactions and shares advancements like AlphaFold2 that enhance protein structure predictions. Amelie also highlights the impact of AI on clinical trials, addressing both the promise of efficient treatments and the challenges of technology adoption. Her insights on the future of biology and medicine reveal exciting possibilities for human health.

37 snips
May 22, 2024 • 58min
Claude Interpreter: Taking Safe AI to Market with Alex Albert of Anthropic
In this engaging discussion, Alex Albert, Developer Relations Lead at Anthropic and an AI innovator, takes us deep into the world of Claude AI. He highlights the ethical standards and unique capabilities of Claude III, exploring its creative writing strengths. Alex reflects on his transformative journey at Anthropic, covering AI's evolving role in executive assistance and the philosophical dilemmas surrounding AI consciousness. The conversation touches on the competitive landscape of AI, emphasizing the importance of safe and responsible development for future innovations.

31 snips
May 19, 2024 • 56min
OpenAI's Safety Team Exodus: Ilya Departs, Leike Speaks Out, Altman Responds - Zvi Analyzes Fallout
The recent resignations from OpenAI raise urgent questions about AI ethics and safety. Discussions delve into the tension between innovation and risk management in AI development. The impact of non-disparagement clauses on whistleblower protections becomes a focal point. Additionally, the need for third-party testing in AI is emphasized to foster trust and transparency. Philosophical dilemmas about simulated realities also add depth to the analysis, urging a careful balance between technological engagement and personal well-being.

50 snips
May 18, 2024 • 2h 2min
OpenAI and Google Race to "Her" - Is the Big Tech Singularity Near? Part 1 with Zvi Mowshowitz
Join Zvi Mowshowitz, an AI expert, as he dives into the fierce competition between tech giants like OpenAI and Google. He analyzes key innovations from their recent events, spotlighting the impact of new AI technologies on productivity and user experience. Zvi critiques the showcases, particularly pointing out the risks of relying too heavily on AI for social connections. He discusses the trend of talent exits from OpenAI's safety team, raising concerns about responsible AI development and internal dynamics shaping the future of the industry.

May 15, 2024 • 45min
The Open Source AI Question - Part 2 | Robert Wright & Nathan Labenz
In a thought-provoking discussion, Robert Wright, acclaimed author and host of the NonZero podcast, joins Nathan Labenz to explore the transformative potential of AI. They delve into the complexities of mechanistic interpretability and the pressing need for effective AI alignment strategies. Topics include the ambitious future of AI-powered virtual reality and the ethical implications of smart contracts. The conversation highlights the unpredictable impacts of AI on society and the challenges of mitigating its risks in an open-source ecosystem.

36 snips
May 9, 2024 • 54min
Governing Frontier AI, with CA Senator Scott Wiener, Author of SB 1047
California State Senator Scott Wiener, the architect behind SB 1047 focused on AI safety, dives deep into the intricacies of regulating advanced AI technologies. He discusses the crucial balance between fostering innovation and ensuring safety protocols, sharing insights on independent testing and government involvement. Wiener addresses concerns about algorithmic bias and the need for equitable access to AI advancements. This engaging conversation uncovers the challenges and responsibilities developers face in navigating the fast-evolving landscape of AI legislation.

May 6, 2024 • 1h 51min
TinyGPU, Massive Learning, with Adam Majmudar
In this engaging discussion, Adam Majmudar, the creator of the TinyGPU project, shares his remarkable journey of building a GPU from scratch. Despite starting with no prior experience, Adam highlights how collaborative open-source efforts and modern AI tools accelerated his learning. He delves into the complexities of GPU design, the democratization of hardware development, and the significance of memory management. Listeners will appreciate the innovative approach towards GPU architecture and the future of chip technology in AI applications.


