

Interconnects
Nathan Lambert
Audio essays about the latest developments in AI and interviews with leading scientists in the field. Breaking the hype, understanding what's under the hood, and telling stories. www.interconnects.ai
Episodes
Mentioned books

15 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 13min
The White House's plan for open models & AI research in the U.S.
The White House's new AI Action Plan highlights the necessity of open models for driving innovation and academic progress. It discusses how these models can empower startups and researchers while reinforcing U.S. leadership in AI. The podcast also delves into geopolitical challenges affecting access to computing resources and the importance of formulating strategic policies. Furthermore, it explores how global standards influenced by other nations, like China, necessitate a U.S. response that upholds democratic values in AI governance.

50 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 7min
Kimi K2 and when "DeepSeek Moments" become normal
The launch of Kimi K2 marks a pivotal moment in AI, showcasing China's competitive edge over Western models. As an open-source agentic model, Kimi K2 highlights a significant shift in AI development that could reshape global dynamics. Discussions revolve around the implications for geopolitics and the urgent need for the West to reevaluate its AI strategies. With Kimi K2 outperforming existing models, the episode also touches on notions of open modeling and the evolution of AI's frontier.

58 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 11min
The American DeepSeek Project
The podcast dives into America's waning influence in the AI landscape, highlighting China's rapid advancements in open-source models and datasets. It discusses the alarming trend of researchers favoring Chinese publications over Western ones. There’s a call to action for the DeepSeek Project to champion trustworthy AI development. The need for open access to AI technologies is emphasized to prevent monopolization and encourage community-driven, ethical AI practices. Listeners are urged to support responsible developments in the evolving AI sector.

73 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 10min
Some ideas for what comes next
Dive into the intriguing world of AI breakthroughs as the o3 model redefines search capabilities, likening its efficiency to a skilled hunting dog. Explore the challenges faced in developing reliable agents and the ongoing evolution of scaling parameters. With industry shifts and potential delays in major releases like GPT-5, reflect on how these advancements could reshape the tech landscape. Delve into the critical impact of pre-training techniques and emerging standards as we navigate the changing tide of AI innovation.

69 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 30min
Crafting a good (reasoning) model
Dive into the intriguing world of AI reasoning models! Discover why exceptional benchmark performance doesn't always translate to real-world success. Learn how restraint and intuition play crucial roles in crafting effective models. The discussion also sheds light on the fine line between innovation and usability, as labs navigate new failure modes while striving for breakthroughs. Plus, explore the latest advancements in model training and the importance of effective benchmarks, touching on neurosymbolic approaches and future trends in AI planning.

70 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 9min
The rise of reasoning machines
Explore the fascinating world of reasoning in humans compared to AI. Uncover the similarities and differences in cognitive processes, with insightful metaphors like flight mechanisms. Delve into the complexities of human reasoning, including free will, and how it parallels AI's evolving capabilities. The discussion highlights the importance of continual learning in AI and urges for informed dialogue about its growth, rather than emotional reactions. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey into the essence of reasoning!

36 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 14min
What comes next with reinforcement learning
Delve into the cutting-edge advancements and challenges in reinforcement learning, particularly the quest for verifiable rewards. Discover the implications of continual learning and the societal risks posed by evolving AI systems. The conversation further navigates the complexities of personalized AI models, stressing the need for caution in deployment. Explore how advanced optimization techniques can impact AI performance and why specialized models might offer better outcomes in this rapidly evolving field.

38 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 6min
How I Write
Explore the speaker's surprising journey to becoming a confident writer despite doubts. Discover how dedicating time and making writing a priority can crystallize ideas. Delve into the intersection of AI and writing, reflecting on the rising importance of quality amidst automation. The discussion also underscores the simplicity of improving writing through consistent practice, even as new technologies challenge aspiring writers.

83 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 13min
A taxonomy for next-generation reasoning models
Discover the evolution of reasoning models as they transition from basic skills to complex strategic planning. The discussion highlights the essential traits for next-generation models, such as calibration and abstraction. Learn how reinforcement learning enhances problem-solving abilities and why training for planning optimization is crucial. This engaging exploration delves into the intricate components necessary to craft advanced language modeling applications that can tackle real-world challenges effectively.

103 snips
May 27, 2025 • 15min
Claude 4 and Anthropic's bet on code
Claude 4 boasts remarkable advancements in software engineering and hybrid reasoning. Its performance is compared against competitors, shedding light on the fierce dynamics within the AI landscape. The discussion emphasizes how Claude Code is outshining rival chat interfaces, showcasing Anthropic's strategic focus on enterprise tools. Listeners learn about the evolving capabilities of AI models and why they matter in today’s tech environment.