The Most Interesting Thing in A.I.

In this engaging discussion, Diogo Rau, Executive Vice President at Eli Lilly, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing drug discovery, making it quicker to find life-saving medications. Dan Priest, Chief AI Officer at PwC, explores the future of patient experiences through AI innovations. They delve into the benefits of personalized medicine, the adaptation of AI in healthcare, and the potential of collaborative AI to tackle global issues. Their foresight into the integration of advanced technologies promises an exciting transformation for the pharma industry.

AI is transforming the creative landscape, opening up possibilities for a new generation of artists. In this episode, Nicholas speaks with experimental musician and AI artist Holly Herndon about the intersection of human and machine creativity. Featured Guest: Holly Herndon, co-founder of Spawning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nita Farahany, a distinguished professor of law and philosophy at Duke University and a leading voice in neuroethics, joins Nicholas Thompson to explore how AI is transforming human cognition. They discuss the ethical implications of brain-computer interfaces and the potential risks of cognitive offloading, raising concerns about our reliance on technology. Farahany advocates for new legal frameworks to protect mental privacy and cognitive liberty as technology evolves, challenging listeners to balance innovation with individual agency.

Join Nicholas Thompson as he chats with Audrey Tang, Taiwan's Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Affairs and a champion of digital democracy. They discuss how AI can bolster civic engagement and improve governance. Audrey shares insights on using humor to combat misinformation and foster community trust during crises. They explore the role of AI in decision-making and the importance of citizen involvement in assessing AI's moral status. Tang also emphasizes innovative strategies in Taiwan's digital landscape amidst global challenges.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Gary Marcus, a prominent cognitive scientist and entrepreneur known for his critical perspective on AI, joins Nicholas Thompson. They dive into the shortcomings of today’s AI models and advocate for a balanced approach to development. Topics include the limitations of scaling laws, the need for neurosymbolic AI, and the financial challenges facing leading companies. They also explore the potential risks of AI in democracy and discuss future capabilities in tasks like cooking and coding, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices.

A podcast series examining how AI is reshaping our world. Each episode features a conversation with a leading thinker who offers a fresh perspective on the far-reaching ethical, economic, and social implications of this technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Sougwen Chung, an artist and founder of SCILICET, explores the transformative role of AI in creative expression. She discusses the delicate balance of curiosity and criticality in AI development, urging creators to prioritize equity and ethics. The interplay between human creativity and robotic assistance challenges traditional notions of authorship while fostering emotional connections. Chung highlights the fusion of art and technology, advocating for meaningful collaboration and the importance of imperfection in the creative process.

The environmental cost of AI is significant, but so is the technology’s potential to help develop new sustainable solutions. This episode examines how AI may guide us to promising breakthroughs in energy creation, and how organizations can leverage the technology to track emissions, optimize resource usage, and support corporate ESG goals, offering insights into how businesses can embrace technology to drive meaningful environmental impact.Featured Guests: Scott Likens, Chief AI Engineering Officer for PwC US and Global, and Heather Horn, PwC National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Ng, founder of DeepLearning.AI and a key figure in AI, tackles the hot topic of AI's rapid evolution. He contrasts gradual advancements with explosive growth in societal interest and enthusiasm for AI. Ng highlights the potential shift to more human-like AI behaviors and decreasing training costs. He also explores decentralized training through federated learning, the rise of open-source AI, and the competitive landscape between the U.S. and China, showcasing a future ripe with innovation and opportunities.

Dan Priest, Chief AI Officer for PwC US, dives into how AI is transforming business operations. He discusses how companies are embedding AI into their strategies, enhancing customer experiences, and boosting operational efficiency. The conversation covers the dual impacts of AI on employment—potential job losses versus new growth opportunities. Priest also addresses the need for businesses to adapt quickly to remain competitive and stresses that while AI can enhance productivity, human creativity remains essential in the process.