
Hidden Layers: AI and the People Behind It
Hidden Layers: AI and the People Behind It, is a series focused on all things artificial intelligence. Hosted by our Co-Founder and CTO, Ron Green, who uses his 20+ years of AI experience to break down complex topics into digestible, engaging conversations. If you’re a tech professional, or just looking to better understand the world of AI, you’re in the right place. Each episode will explore cutting-edge technical advances, discuss the art of the possible, and review some of the incredible work being done in the field.
Latest episodes

Jun 5, 2024 • 39min
AI's Secret Foundation: High Performance Computing | EP.22
Explore the critical role of high performance computing (HPC) in artificial intelligence with experts Jay Boisseau and Luke Wilson. Host Ron Green delves into how HPC enables advancements in AI, from the complexities of managing large-scale compute resources to the evolution of supercomputing. Discover the behind-the-scenes technology that powers today's AI breakthroughs and the innovative solutions driving the field forward.

May 29, 2024 • 51min
Scott Aaronson: Aligning Superintelligent AGI | EP.21
In this episode Ron interviews Scott Aaronson, a renowned theoretical computer scientist, about the challenges and advancements in AI alignment. Aaronson, known for his work in quantum computing, discusses his shift to AI safety, the importance of aligning AI with human values, and the complexities involved in interpreting AI models. He shares insights on the rapid progress of AI technologies, their potential future impacts, and the significant hurdles we face.

May 22, 2024 • 29min
Trendspotting in AI: Governance Strategies for Tomorrow | EP.20
Join Ron and AI industry veteran Paco Nathan as they delve into the latest developments and future directions of artificial intelligence. Paco, managing partner at Derwen Inc. and author of "Latent Space," shares his insights on emerging areas within AI, such as advanced mathematical analysis of models, the role of hardware evolution in decision support systems, and the potential of hybrid neurosymbolic approaches bridging deep learning and symbolic AI. Discover the cutting-edge work happening in data governance and its profound impact on AI evolution. Paco explores overlooked aspects like the strategic use of domain-specific languages (DSLs) in AI training and the importance of aligning AI systems with rigorous governance frameworks. Looking ahead, Paco predicts a hardware revolution that will drive AI capabilities to the edge, facilitating low-power inference and boosting the adoption of sophisticated AI technologies. While discussing the concept of AGI (artificial general intelligence), Paco emphasizes the challenges and complexities surrounding its realization, drawing parallels with the gradual evolution of self-driving cars.

May 9, 2024 • 51min
Phi-3, Llama 3, Transformer-XL, InternVL, Apple's MM1 and more | EP.19
In this episode, we change things up a bit. On May 1st, Ron met with Michael Wharton and Dr. ZZ Si of KUNGFU.AI to unpack the latest developments in AI. Together, we'll explore recent groundbreaking advancements, dissect their technological underpinnings, and debate their potential long-term effects on society and industry. They chat through Phi-3, Llama 3, Transformer-XL, InternVL, Infini-Attention, Apple’s MM1, OpenELM, Sam Altman's recent remarks on "steamrolling" the competition and more.

May 1, 2024 • 31min
Inside the AI Talent Hunt: Strategies for Success and Inclusion | EP.18
Join Ron as he explores the ins and outs of hiring practices in the fast-paced AI industry with KUNGFU.AI’s Director of People, Ryman Stringer. In this episode, Ron and Ryman discuss best practices for building and nurturing diverse AI teams. Ryman shares valuable insights on identifying top talent that aligns not only with technical skills but also with company culture and values.Learn about essential screening techniques, the importance of upskilling and continual growth, and strategies for fostering ethical and psychologically safe environments within AI teams. Discover how KUNGFU.AI cultivates a unique culture that emphasizes collaboration, growth, and inclusivity.

Apr 24, 2024 • 27min
Understanding Real-World Applications of Graph Neural Networks | EP.17
Join Ron Green in episode 17 as he delves into the world of artificial intelligence with industry veterans Paco Nathan and Dr. Steve Kramer.In this episode, they explore the rise of graph neural networks (GNNs), a game-changer in AI for modeling complex relationships across various domains. From weather forecasting to fraud detection, GNNs are revolutionizing how we leverage connected data.Discover how GNNs reduce computation time, tackle the cold start problem in recommendation engines, and even aid in election integrity. Learn about real-world applications in pharma, healthcare, and cybersecurity, and the promising future of hybrid AI architectures merging symbolic and neural approaches.Resources: www.kungfu.ai/videos/episode-17-understanding-real-world-applications-of-graph-neural-networks

Apr 17, 2024 • 39min
Decoding AI's History and Future with Dr. Raymond Mooney | EP.16
Explore the past, present, and future of artificial intelligence in episode 16 of Hidden Layers, where Ron chats with Dr. Raymond Mooney, a luminary in the AI field. Delve into Dr. Mooney's vast experience and witness his firsthand account of AI’s transformative journey. From the rule-based systems of the '80s to the groundbreaking developments in machine learning and natural language processing, Dr. Mooney offers invaluable insights into the evolution of AI technologies. This episode not only traces significant milestones but also contemplates the ethical implications and future potential of AI. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will deepen your understanding of AI's impact on society and inspire curiosity about what lies ahead.

Apr 10, 2024 • 36min
Inside AI’s Golden Age with Stephen Straus | EP.15
In our newest episode, Ron Green has a candid conversation with his Co-founder and Managing Director of KUNGFU.AI, Stephen Straus.In this episode you will:-Get insights into their journey into AI and why they opted for services over products. Learn about the pivotal decisions that shaped our company's trajectory.-Gain a deeper understanding of Generative AI's role in today's transformative landscape. Ron and Stephen delve into its implications across various domains, from computer vision to natural language processing.-Explore the significance of culture, psychological safety, and trust in fostering innovation. Discover how these essential elements contribute to KUNGFU.AI's success.-Understand why ethical considerations are at the forefront of their AI ventures. Hear about their decision to turn down the first potential deal and the ethical principles guiding their company through industry challenges.-Learn how companies can navigate technological advancements while making meaningful contributions to society.Ron and Stephen end the episode by reflecting on whether we're experiencing the "golden age" of AI, drawing parallels to the early days of the internet.

Mar 28, 2024 • 28min
Making Sense of Product Sense: AI with a Human Touch | EP.14
In this episode, your host Ron Green is joined by colleague Alex Olden to dissect the multifaceted world of data science and its intersection with product sense in AI development.Alex, a senior data scientist at KUNGFU.AI, shares insights on anticipating user needs, identifying opportunities, and aligning AI development with customer requirements. With a background in English and applied statistics, Alex brings a unique perspective to the discussion.Episode Highlights:Understanding product sense through real-world analogies.Identifying opportunities through user-centric approaches.Balancing data-driven insights with intuition in AI development.Managing stakeholder relationships for effective collaboration.Navigating challenges unique to data science-driven product features.Link to Alex's blog: www.kungfu.ai/blog-post/product-sense-a-hidden-lynchpin-in-data-science-and-ai

Mar 20, 2024 • 21min
Why AI is to Marketers as Calculators are to Mathematicians | EP.13
In episode 13, join Ron Green as he explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and marketing with Jasper’s Al Biedrzycki, an expert with over 15 years of experience in scaling up organizations.In this episode:-Explore how generative AI is transforming marketing strategies and budgets, while navigating the crucial ethical considerations in balancing human creativity with automation.-Discover how Jasper serves as an AI co-pilot for enterprise marketing teams, focusing on empowering marketers to scale their efforts efficiently.-Uncover the dominant use cases of Jasper's generative AI tool, from orchestrating campaigns to ensuring brand consistency through tailored content generation.-Delve into the delicate balance between human creativity and AI automation, as Al shares insights on the necessity of human oversight and editing in content creation.-Explore how Jasper ensures responsible AI usage through thought leadership, technology, and governance measures, ensuring transparency and accountability.