Crazy Wisdom

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop speaks with Moritz Bierling, community lead at Daylight Computer, about reimagining our relationship to technology through intentional hardware and software design. The conversation traverses the roots of Daylight Computer—born from a desire to mitigate the mental and physiological toll of blue light and digital distraction—into explorations of AI integration, environmental design, open-source ethos, and alternative models for startup funding. Moritz discusses the vision behind Daylight’s “Outdoor Computing Club,” a movement to reclaim nature as a workspace, and the broader philosophical inquiry into a “third timeline” that balances techno-optimism and primitivism. You can explore more about the project at daylightcomputer.com and connect through their primary social channels on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 – Introduction to Daylight Computer, critique of mainstream tech as a distraction machine, and inspiration from Apple’s software limitations.05:00 – Origin story of Daylight, impact of blue light, and how display technology influences wellbeing.10:00 – Exploration of e-ink vs. RLCD, Kindle as a sanctuary, and Anjan’s experiments with the Remarkable tablet.15:00 – Development of Solo OS, the role of spaces in digital environments, and distinctions between hardware and software.20:00 – Vision for AI-assisted computing, voice interaction, and creating a context-aware interface.25:00 – Emphasis on environmental design, using devices outdoors, and the evolutionary mismatch of current computing.30:00 – Reflections on solar punk, right relationship with technology, and rejecting accelerationism.35:00 – Introduction of the third timeline, rhizomatic organizational structure, and critique of VC funding models.40:00 – Discussions on alternative economics, open-source dynamics, and long-term sustainability.45:00 – Outdoor Computing Club, future launches, on-device AI, and the ambition to reclaim embodied computing.Key InsightsTechnology as Both Lifeline and HindranceMoritz Bierling frames modern computing as a paradox: it connects us to society and productivity while simultaneously compromising our well-being through overstimulation and poor design. The Daylight Computer aims to resolve this by introducing hardware that reduces digital fatigue and invites outdoor use.Inspiration from E-Ink and Purposeful ToolsThe initial concept for Daylight Computer was inspired by the calm, focused experience of using a Kindle. Its reflective screen and limited functionality helped Anjan, the founder, realize the power of devices built for singular, meaningful purposes rather than general distraction.Designing for Contextual IntentWith the introduction of Sol OS, Daylight enables users to define digital “spaces” aligned with different modes of being—such as waking, deep work, or relaxation. This modular approach supports intentional interaction and reduces the friction of context-switching common in modern OS designs.Respectful Integration of AIRather than chasing full automation, the Daylight team is exploring AI in a measured way. They’re developing features like screen-aware AI queries through physical buttons, creating a contextual assistant that enhances cognition without overpowering it or promoting dependency.Alternative Economic ModelsRejecting venture capital and the short-term incentives of traditional tech funding, Daylight pursues a community-backed model similar to Costco’s membership. This aligns financial sustainability with shared values, rather than extracting maximum profit.Third Timeline VisionMoritz discusses a conceptual “third timeline”—a balanced future distinct from both primitivism and techno-solutionism. This alternative future integrates technology into life harmoniously, fostering right relationship between humans, nature, and machines.Environmental Computing and Cultural RegenerationDaylight is not just a hardware company but a movement in environmental design. Through initiatives like the Outdoor Computing Club, they aim to restore sunlight as a central influence in human life and work, hinting at a cultural shift toward solar punk aesthetics and embodied digital living.

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop speaks with futurist Richard Yonck about the profound implications of our accelerating relationship with technology. Together, they explore the emergence of emotionally intelligent machines, the nuances of anticipatory systems, and how narrative frameworks help societies prepare for possible futures. Richard unpacks the role of emotion in AI and why cultivating foresight is essential in an age of rapid disruption.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 – The episode opens with Richard Yonck introducing the concept of artificial emotional intelligence and why it matters for the future of human-machine interaction.05:00 – The discussion moves to anticipatory systems, exploring how technologies can be designed to predict and respond to future conditions.10:00 – Richard explains how narrative foresight helps individuals and societies prepare for possible futures, emphasizing the power of storytelling in shaping collective imagination.15:00 – A deeper look into affective computing, with examples of how machines are learning to detect and simulate emotional states to improve user experience.20:00 – The conversation touches on the role of emotion in intelligence, challenging the misconception that emotion is the opposite of logic.25:00 – Richard outlines how technological disruption can mirror societal values and blind spots, urging more thoughtful design.30:00 – The focus shifts to long-term thinking, highlighting how future-oriented education and leadership are vital in an age of rapid change.35:00 – Closing thoughts center around the evolution of human-technology partnerships, stressing the need for ethical, emotionally aware systems to support a thriving future.Key InsightsEmotion as a Computational Frontier: Richard Yonck highlights that as we push the boundaries of artificial intelligence, the next significant frontier involves enabling machines to understand, interpret, and possibly simulate emotions. This capacity isn’t just a novelty—it plays a crucial role in how machines and humans interact, influencing trust, empathy, and cooperation in increasingly digital environments.The Importance of Anticipatory Systems: One of the core ideas explored is the concept of anticipatory systems—those that can predict and react to future conditions. Richard emphasizes how building such foresight into our technologies, and even into our societal structures, is vital in managing the complexity and volatility of the modern world. It’s not just about responding to the future, but actively shaping it.Narrative as a Tool for Foresight: The discussion underscores that storytelling isn’t just entertainment—it’s a powerful instrument for exploring and communicating possible futures. By framing future scenarios as narratives, we can emotionally and cognitively engage with potential outcomes, fostering a deeper understanding and preparedness across different segments of society.Emotions as Integral to Intelligence: Contrary to the view that emotion impairs rationality, Richard points out that emotions are essential to decision-making and intelligence. They help prioritize actions and signal what matters. Bringing this understanding into AI development could result in systems that more effectively collaborate with humans, particularly in roles requiring empathy and nuanced social judgment.Technology as a Mirror of Humanity: A recurring insight is that the technologies we create ultimately reflect our values, assumptions, and blind spots. Emotionally intelligent machines won’t just serve us—they’ll embody our understanding of ourselves. This raises profound ethical questions about what we choose to model and how these choices shape future interactions.Urgency of Long-Term Thinking: The conversation brings to light how short-termism is a critical vulnerability in current systems—economic, political, and technological. Richard advocates for integrating long-term thinking into how we design and deploy innovations, suggesting that futures literacy should be a core skill in education and leadership.Evolutionary Partnership Between Humans and Machines: Lastly, Richard describes the trajectory of human-technology interaction not as domination or subservience, but as an evolving partnership. This partnership will require emotional nuance, foresight, and ethical maturity if we’re to co-evolve in ways that support human flourishing and planetary stability.Contact InformationRichard Yonck's LinkedIn

I, Stewart Alsop, am thrilled to welcome Xathil of Poliebotics to this episode of Crazy Wisdom, for what is actually our second take, this time with a visual surprise involving a fascinating 3D-printed Bauta mask. Xathil is doing some truly groundbreaking work at the intersection of physical reality, cryptography, and AI, which we dive deep into, exploring everything from the philosophical implications of anonymity to the technical wizardry behind his "Truth Beam."Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps01:35 Xathil explains the 3D-printed Bauta Mask, its Venetian origins, and its role in enabling truth through anonymity via his project, Poliepals.04:50 The crucial distinction between public identity and "real" identity, and how pseudonyms can foster truth-telling rather than just conceal.10:15 Addressing the serious risks faced by crypto influencers due to public displays of wealth and the broader implications for online identity.15:05 Xathil details the core Poliebotics technology: the "Truth Beam," a projector-camera system for cryptographically timestamping physical reality.18:50 Clarifying the concept of "proof of aliveness"—verifying a person is currently live in a video call—versus the more complex "proof of liveness."21:45 How the speed of light provides a fundamental advantage for Poliebotics in outmaneuvering AI-generated deepfakes.32:10 The concern of an "inversion," where machine learning systems could become dominant over physical reality by using humans as their actuators.45:00 Xathil’s ambitious project to use Poliebotics for creating cryptographically verifiable records of biodiversity, beginning with an enhanced Meles trap.Key InsightsAnonymity as a Truth Catalyst: Drawing from Oscar Wilde, the Bauta mask symbolizes how anonymity or pseudonyms can empower individuals to reveal deeper, more authentic truths. This challenges the notion that masks only serve to hide, suggesting they can be tools for genuine self-expression.The Bifurcation of Identity: In our digital age, distinguishing between one's core "real" identity and various public-facing personas is increasingly vital. This separation isn't merely about concealment but offers a space for truthful expression while navigating public life.The Truth Beam: Anchoring Reality: Poliebotics' "Truth Beam" technology employs a projector-camera system to cast cryptographic hashes onto physical scenes, recording them and anchoring them to a blockchain. This aims to create immutable, verifiable records of reality to combat the rise of sophisticated deepfakes.Harnessing Light Speed Against Deepfakes: The fundamental defense Poliebotics offers against AI-generated fakes is the speed of light. Real-world light reflection for capturing projected hashes is virtually instantaneous, whereas an AI must simulate this complex process, a task too slow to keep up with real-time verification.The Specter of Humans as AI Actuators: A significant future concern is the "inversion," where AI systems might utilize humans as unwitting agents to achieve their objectives in the physical world. By manipulating incentives, AIs could effectively direct human actions, raising profound questions about agency.Towards AI Symbiosis: The ideal future isn't a human-AI war or complete technological asceticism, but a cooperative coexistence between nature, humanity, and artificial systems. This involves developing AI responsibly, instilling human values, and creating systems that are non-threatening and beneficial.Contact Information*   Polybotics' GitHub*   Poliepals*   Xathil: Xathil@ProtonMail.com

I, Stewart Alsop, had a fascinating conversation on this episode of Crazy Wisdom with Mallory McGee, the founder of Chroma, who is doing some really interesting work at the intersection of AI and crypto. We dove deep into how these two powerful technologies might reshape the internet and our interactions with it, moving beyond the hype cycles to what’s truly foundational.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 The Intersection of AI and Crypto01:28 Bitcoin's Origins and Austrian Economics04:35 AI's Centralization Problem and the New Gatekeepers09:58 Agent Interactions and Decentralized Databases for Trustless Transactions11:11 AI as a Prosthetic Mind and the Interpretability Challenge15:12 Deterministic Blockchains vs. Non-Deterministic AI Intents18:44 The Demise of Traditional Apps in an Agent-Driven World35:07 Property Rights, Agent Registries, and Blockchains as BackendsKey InsightsCrypto's Enduring Fundamentals: Mallory emphasized that while crypto prices are often noise, the underlying fundamentals point to a new, long-term cycle for the Internet itself. It's about decentralizing control, a core principle stemming from Bitcoin's original blend of economics and technology.AI's Centralization Dilemma: We discussed the concerning trend of AI development consolidating power within a few major players. This, as Mallory pointed out, ironically mirrors the very centralization crypto aims to dismantle, potentially shifting control from governments to a new set of tech monopolies.Agents are the Future of Interaction: Mallory envisions a future where most digital interactions aren't human-to-LLM, but agent-to-agent. These autonomous agents will require decentralized, trustless platforms like blockchains to transact, hold assets, and communicate confidentially.Bridging Non-Deterministic AI with Deterministic Blockchains: A fascinating challenge Mallory highlighted is translating the non-deterministic "intents" of AI (e.g., an agent's goal to "get me a good return on spare cash") into the deterministic transactions required by blockchains. This translation layer is crucial for agents to operate effectively on-chain.The Decline of Traditional Apps: Mallory made a bold claim that traditional apps and web interfaces are on their way out. As AI agents become capable of generating personalized interfaces on the fly, the need for standardized, pre-built apps will diminish, leading to a world where software is hyper-personalized and often ephemeral.Blockchains as Agent Backbones: We explored the intriguing idea that blockchains might be inherently better suited for AI agents than for direct human use. Their deterministic nature, ability to handle assets, and potential for trustless reputation systems make them ideal backends for an agent-centric internet.Trust and Reputation for Agents: In a world teeming with AI agents, establishing trust is paramount. Mallory suggested that on-chain mechanisms like reward and slashing systems can be used to build verifiable reputation scores for agents, helping us discern trustworthy actors from malicious ones without central oversight.The Battle for an Open AI Future: The age-old battle between open and closed source is playing out again in the AI sphere. While centralized players currently seem to dominate, Mallory sees hope in the open-source AI movement, which could provide a crucial alternative to a future controlled by a few large entities.Contact Information*   Twitter: @McGee_noodle*   Company: Chroma

I, Stewart Alsop, welcomed Ben Roper, CEO and founder of Play Culture, to this episode of Crazy Wisdom for a fascinating discussion. We kicked things off by diving into Ben's reservations about AI, particularly its impact on creative authenticity, before exploring his innovative project, Play Culture, which aims to bring tactical outdoor games to adults. Ben also shared his journey of teaching himself to code and his philosophy on building experiences centered on human connection rather than pure profit.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:55 Ben Roper on AI's impact on creative authenticity and the dilution of the author's experience.03:05 The discussion on AI leading to a "simulation of experience" versus genuine, embodied experiences.08:40 Stewart Alsop explores the nuances of authenticity, honesty, and trust in media and personal interactions.17:53 Ben discusses how trust is invaluable and often broken by corporate attempts to feign it.20:22 Ben begins to explain the Play Culture project, discussing the community's confusion about its non-monetized approach, leading into his philosophy of "designing for people, not money."37:08 Ben elaborates on the Play Culture experience: creating tactical outdoor games designed specifically for adults.45:46 A comparison of Play Culture's approach with games like Pokémon GO, emphasizing "gentle technology."58:48 Ben shares his thoughts on the future of augmented reality and designing humanistic experiences.1:02:15 Ben describes "Pirate Gold," a real-world role-playing pirate simulator, as an example of Play Culture's innovative games.1:06:30 How to find Play Culture and get involved in their events worldwide.Key InsightsAI and Creative Authenticity: Ben, coming from a filmmaking background, views generative AI as a collaborator without a mind, which disassociates work from the author's unique experience. He believes art's value lies in being a window into an individual's life, a quality diluted by AI's averaged output.Simulation vs. Real Experience: We discussed how AI and even some modern technologies offer simulations of experiences (like VR travel or social media connections) that lack the depth and richness of real-world engagement. These simulations can be easier to access but may leave individuals unfulfilled and unaware of what they're missing.The Quest for Honesty Over Authenticity: I posited that while people claim to want authenticity, they might actually desire honesty more. Raw, unfiltered authenticity can be confronting, whereas honesty within a framework of trust allows for genuine connection without necessarily exposing every raw emotion.Trust as Unpurchasable Value: Ben emphasized that trust is one of the few things that cannot be bought; it must be earned and is easily broken. This makes genuine trust incredibly valuable, especially in a world where corporate entities often feign trustworthiness for transactional purposes.Designing for People, Not Money: Ben shared his philosophy behind Play Culture, which is to "design for people, not money." This means prioritizing genuine human experience, joy, and connection over optimizing for profit, believing that true value, including financial sustainability, can arise as a byproduct of creating something meaningful.The Need for Adult Play: Play Culture aims to fill a void by creating tactical outdoor games specifically designed for adult minds and social dynamics. This goes beyond childlike play or existing adult games like video games and sports, focusing on socially driven gameplay, strategy, and unique adult experiences.Gentle Technology in Gaming: Contrasting with AR-heavy games like Pokémon GO, Play Culture advocates for "gentle technology." The tech (like a mobile app) supports gameplay by providing information or connecting players, but the core interaction happens through players' senses and real-world engagement, not primarily through a screen.Real-World Game Streaming as the Future: Ben's vision for Play Culture includes moving towards real-world game streaming, akin to video game streaming on Twitch, but featuring live-action tactical games played in real cities. This aims to create a new genre of entertainment showcasing genuine human interaction and strategy.Contact Information*   Ben Roper's Instagram*   Website: playculture.com

I, Stewart Alsop, am thrilled to welcome Leon Coe back to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast for a second deep dive. This time, we journeyed from the Renaissance and McLuhan's media theories straight into the heart of theology, church history, and the very essence of faith, exploring how ancient wisdom and modern challenges intertwine. It was a fascinating exploration, touching on everything from apostolic succession to the nature of sin and the search for meaning in a secular age.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:43 I kick things off by asking Leon about the Renaissance, Martin Luther, and the profound impact of the printing press on religion.01:02 Leon Coe illuminates Marshall McLuhan's insights on how technologies, like print, shape our consciousness and societal structures.03:25 Leon takes us back to early Church history, discussing the Church's life and sacraments, including the Didache, well before the Bible's formal canonization.06:00 Leon explains the scriptural basis for Peter as the "rock" of the Church, the foundation for the office of the papacy.07:06 We delve into the concept of apostolic succession, where Leon describes the unbroken line of ordination from the apostles.11:57 Leon clarifies Jesus's relationship to the Law, referencing Matthew 5:17 where Jesus states he came to fulfill, not abolish, the Law.12:20 I reflect on the intricate dance of religion, culture, and technology, and the sometimes bewildering, "cosmic joke" nature of our current reality.16:46 I share my thoughts on secularism potentially acting as a new, unacknowledged religion, and how it often leaves a void in our search for purpose.19:28 Leon introduces what he calls the "most terrifying verse in the Bible," Matthew 7:21, emphasizing the importance of doing the Father's will.24:21 Leon discusses the Eucharist as the new Passover, drawing connections to Jewish tradition and Jesus's institution of this central sacrament.Key InsightsTechnology's Shaping Power: McLuhan's Enduring Relevance. Leon highlighted how Marshall McLuhan's theories are crucial for understanding history. The shift from an oral, communal society to an individualistic one via the printing press, for instance, directly fueled the Protestant Reformation by enabling personal interpretation of scripture, moving away from a unified Church authority.The Early Church's Foundation: Life Before the Canon. Leon emphasized that for roughly 300 years before the Bible was officially canonized, the Church was actively functioning. It had established practices, sacraments (like baptism and the Eucharist), and teachings, as evidenced by texts like the Didache, demonstrating a lived faith independent of a finalized scriptural canon.Peter and Apostolic Succession: The Unbroken Chain. A core point from Leon was Jesus designating Peter as the "rock" upon which He would build His Church. This, combined with the principle of apostolic succession—the laying on of hands in an unbroken line from the apostles—forms the Catholic and Orthodox claim to authoritative teaching and sacramental ministry.Fulfillment, Not Abolition: Jesus and the Law. Leon clarified that Jesus, as stated in Matthew 5:17, came not to abolish the Old Testament Law but to fulfill it. This means the Mosaic Law finds its ultimate meaning and completion in Christ, who institutes a New Covenant.Secularism's Spiritual Vacuum: A Modern Religion? I, Stewart, posited that modern secularism, while valuing empiricism, often acts like a new religion that explicitly rejects the spiritual and miraculous. Leon agreed this can lead to a sense of emptiness, as humans inherently long for purpose and connection to a creator, a void secularism struggles to fill.The Criticality of God's Will: Beyond Lip Service. Leon pointed to Matthew 7:21 ("Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven...") as a stark reminder. True faith requires more than verbal profession; it demands actively doing the will of the Father, implying that actions and heartfelt commitment are essential for salvation.The Eucharist as Central: The New Passover and Real Presence. Leon passionately explained the Eucharist as the new Passover, instituted by Christ. Referencing John 6, he stressed the Catholic belief in the Real Presence—that the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ—which is essential for spiritual life and communion with God.Reconciliation and Purity: Restoring Communion. Leon explained the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) as a vital means, given through the Church's apostolic ministry, to restore communion with God after sin. He also touched upon Purgatory as a state of purification for overcoming attachments to sin, ensuring one is perfectly ordered to God before entering Heaven.Contact Information*   Leon Coe: @LeonJCoe on Twitter (X)

I, Stewart Alsop, welcomed Woody Wiegmann to this episode of Crazy Wisdom, where we explored the fascinating and sometimes unsettling landscape of Artificial Intelligence. Woody, who is deeply involved in teaching AI, shared his insights on everything from the US-China AI race to the radical transformations AI is bringing to education and society at large.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps01:17 The AI "Cold War": Discussing the intense AI development race between China and the US.03:04 Opaque Models & Education's Resistance: The challenge of opaque AI and schools lagging in adoption.05:22 AI Blocked in Schools: The paradox of teaching AI while institutions restrict access.08:08 Crossing the AI Rubicon: How AI users are diverging from non-users into different realities.09:00 Budgetary Constraints in AI Education: The struggle for resources like premium AI access for students.12:45 Navigating AI Access for Students: Woody's ingenious workarounds for the premium AI divide.19:15 Igniting Curiosity with AI: Students creating impressive projects, like catapult websites.27:23 Exploring Grok and AI Interaction: Debating IP concerns and engaging with AI ("Morpheus").46:19 AI's Societal Impact: AI girlfriends, masculinity, and the erosion of traditional skills.Key InsightsThe AI Arms Race: Woody highlights a "cold war of nerdiness" where China is rapidly developing AI models comparable to GPT-4 at a fraction of the cost. This competition raises questions about data transparency from both sides and the strategic implications of superintelligence.Education's AI Resistance: I, Stewart Alsop, and Woody discuss the puzzling resistance to AI within educational institutions, including outright blocking of AI tools. This creates a paradox where courses on AI are taught in environments that restrict its use, hindering practical learning for students.Diverging Realities: We explore how individuals who have crossed the "Rubicon" of AI adoption are now living in a vastly different world than those who haven't. This divergence is akin to past technological shifts but is happening at an accelerated pace, impacting how people learn, work, and perceive reality.The Fading Relevance of Traditional Coding: Woody argues that focusing on teaching traditional coding languages like Python is becoming outdated in the age of advanced AI. AI can handle much of the detailed coding, shifting the necessary skills towards understanding AI systems, effective prompting, and higher-level architecture.AI as the Ultimate Tutor: The advent of AI offers the potential for personalized, one-on-one tutoring for everyone, a far more effective learning method than traditional classroom lectures. However, this potential is hampered by institutional inertia and a lack of resources for tools like premium AI subscriptions for students.Curiosity as the AI Catalyst: Woody shares anecdotes of students, even those initially disengaged, whose eyes light up when using AI for creative projects, like designing websites on niche topics such as catapults. This demonstrates AI's power to ignite curiosity and intrinsic motivation when paired with focused goals and the ability to build.AI's Impact on Society and Skills: We touch upon the broader societal implications, including the rise of AI girlfriends addressing male loneliness and providing acceptance. Simultaneously, there's concern over the potential atrophy of critical skills like writing and debate if individuals overly rely on AI for summarization and opinion generation without deep engagement.Contact Information*   Twitter/X: @RulebyPowerlaw*   Listeners can search for Woody Wiegmann's podcast "Courage over convention" *   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dataovernarratives/

I, Stewart Alsop, welcomed Alex Levin, CEO and co-founder of Regal, to this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast to discuss the fascinating world of AI phone agents. Alex shared some incredible insights into how AI is already transforming customer interactions and what the future holds for company agents, machine-to-machine communication, and even the nature of knowledge itself.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:29 Alex Levin shares that people are often more honest with AI agents than human agents, especially regarding payments.02:41 The surprising persistence of voice as a preferred channel for customer interaction, and how AI is set to revolutionize it.05:15 Discussion of the three types of AI agents: personal, work, and company agents, and how conversational AI will become the main interface with brands.07:12 Exploring the shift to machine-to-machine interactions and how AI changes what knowledge humans need versus what machines need.10:56 The looming challenge of centralization versus decentralization in AI, and how Americans often prioritize experience over privacy.14:11 Alex explains how tokenized data can offer personalized experiences without compromising specific individual privacy.25:44 Voice is predicted to become the primary way we interact with brands and technology due to its naturalness and efficiency.33:21 Why AI agents are easier to implement in contact centers due to different entropy compared to typical software.38:13 How Regal ensures AI agents stay on script and avoid "hallucinations" by proper training and guardrails.46:11 The technical challenges in replicating human conversational latency and nuances in AI voice interactions.Key InsightsAI Elicits HonestyPeople tend to be more forthright with AI agents, particularly in financially sensitive situations like discussing overdue payments. Alex speculates this is because individuals may feel less judged by an AI, leading to more truthful disclosures compared to interactions with human agents.Voice is King, AI is its HeirDespite predictions of its decline, voice remains a dominant channel for customer interactions. Alex believes that within three to five years, AI will handle as much as 90% of these voice interactions, transforming customer service with its efficiency and availability.The Rise of Company AgentsThe primary interface with most brands is expected to shift from websites and apps to conversational AI agents. This is because voice is a more natural, faster, and emotive way for humans to interact, a behavior already seen in younger generations.Machine-to-Machine FutureWe're moving towards a world where AI agents representing companies will interact directly with AI agents representing consumers. This "machine-to-machine" (M2M) paradigm will redefine commerce and the nature of how businesses and customers engage.Ontology of KnowledgeAs AI systems process vast amounts of information, creating a clear "ontology of knowledge" becomes crucial. This means structuring and categorizing information so AI can understand the context and user's underlying intent, rather than just processing raw data.Tokenized Data for PrivacyA potential solution to privacy concerns is "tokenized data." Instead of providing AI with specific personal details, users could share generalized tokens (e.g., "high-intent buyer in 30s") that allow for personalized experiences without revealing sensitive, identifiable information.AI Highlights Human InconsistenciesImplementing AI often brings to light existing inconsistencies or unacknowledged issues within a company. For instance, AI might reveal discrepancies between official scripts and how top-performing human agents actually communicate, forcing companies to address these differences.Influence as a Key Human SkillIn a future increasingly shaped by AI, Sam Altman (via Alex) suggests that the ability to "influence" others will be a paramount human skill. This uniquely human trait will be vital, whether for interacting with other people or for guiding and shaping AI systems.Contact Information*   Regal AI: regal.ai*   Email: hello@regal.ai*   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexlevin1/

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, Stewart Alsop III talks with Bobby Healy, CEO and co-founder of Manna Drone Delivery, about the evolving frontier where the digital meets the physical—specifically, the promise and challenges of autonomous drone logistics. They explore how regulatory landscapes are shaping the pace of drone delivery adoption globally, why Europe is ahead of the U.S., and what it takes to build scalable infrastructure for airborne logistics. The conversation also touches on the future of aerial mobility, the implications of automation for local commerce, and the philosophical impacts of deflationary technologies. For more about Bobby and Manna, visit mana.aero or follow Bobby on Twitter at @RealBobbyHealy.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 – Stewart Alsop introduces Bobby Healy and opens with the promise vs. reality of drone tech; Healy critiques early overpromising and sets the stage for today's tech maturity.05:00 – Deep dive into FAA vs. EASA regulation, highlighting the regulatory bottleneck in the U.S. and the agility of the EU's centralized model.10:00 – Comparison of airspace complexity between the U.S. and Europe; Healy explains why drone scaling is easier in the EU’s less crowded sky.15:00 – Discussion of urban vs. suburban deployment, the ground risk challenge, and why automated (not fully autonomous) operations are still standard.20:00 – Exploration of pilot oversight, the role of remote monitoring, and how the system is already profitable per flight.25:00 – LLMs and vibe coding accelerate software iteration; Healy praises AI-powered development, calling it transformative for engineers and founders.30:00 – Emphasis on local delivery revolution; small businesses are beating Amazon with ultra-fast drone drop-offs.35:00 – Touches on Latin America’s opportunity, Argentina’s regulatory climate, and localized drone startups.40:00 – Clarifies noise and privacy concerns; drone presence is minimal and often unnoticed, especially in suburbs.45:00 – Final thoughts on airspace utilization, ground robots, and the deflationary effect of drone logistics on global commerce.Key InsightsDrone Delivery’s Real Bottleneck is Regulation, Not Technology: While drone delivery technology has matured significantly—with off-the-shelf components now industrial-grade and reliable—the real constraint is regulatory. Bobby Healy emphasizes that in the U.S., drone delivery is several years behind Europe, not due to a lack of technological readiness, but because of a slower-moving and more complex regulatory environment governed by the FAA. In contrast, Europe benefits from a nimble, centralized aviation regulator (EASA), which has enabled faster deployment by treating regulation as the foundational "product" that allows the industry to launch.The U.S. Airspace is Inherently More Complex: Healy draws attention to the density and fragmentation of U.S. airspace as a major challenge. From private planes to hobbyist aircraft and military operations, the sheer volume and variety of stakeholders complicate the regulatory path. Even though the FAA has created a solid framework (e.g., Part 108), implementing and scaling it across such a vast and fragmented system is slow. This puts the U.S. at a disadvantage, even though it holds the largest market potential for drone delivery.Drone Logistics is Already Economically Viable at a Small Scale: Unlike many emerging technologies, drone delivery is already profitable on a per-flight basis. Healy notes that Manna’s drones, operating primarily in suburban areas, achieve unit economics that allow them to scale without needing to replace human pilots yet. These remote pilots still play a role for oversight and legal compliance, but full autonomy is technically ready and likely to be adopted within a few years. This puts Manna ahead of competitors, including some well-funded giants.Suburban and Rural Areas Will Benefit Most from Drone Delivery First: The initial commercial impact of drone delivery is strongest in high-density suburban regions where traditional logistics are inefficient. These environments allow for easy takeoff and landing without the spatial constraints of dense urban cores. Healy explains that rooftops, parking lots, and small-scale launch zones can already support dozens of flights per hour. Over time, this infrastructure could rebalance urban and rural economies by enabling local producers and retailers to compete effectively with large logistics giants.Drone Logistics Will Redefine Local Commerce: One of the most compelling outcomes discussed is how drone delivery changes the playing field for small, local businesses. Healy shares an example of a local Irish bookstore now beating Amazon on delivery speed thanks to Manna’s platform. With a six-minute turnaround from purchase to backyard delivery, drone logistics could dramatically lower barriers to entry for small businesses, giving them access to modern fulfillment without needing massive infrastructure.Massive Deflation in Logistics Could Lead to Broader Economic Shifts: Healy argues that drone delivery, like AI, will drive a deflationary wave across sectors. By reducing the marginal cost of transportation to near zero, this technology could increase consumption and economic activity while also creating new jobs and opportunities in non-urban areas. This shift resembles the broad societal transformation brought on by the spread of electricity in the early 20th century—ubiquitous, enabling, and invisible.Drones Could Transform Defense Strategy Through “Mutually Assured Defense”: In a thought-provoking segment, Healy discusses how cheap, scalable drone technology might shift the geopolitical landscape. Instead of focusing solely on destruction, drones could enable countries to build robust “defense clouds” over their borders—creating a deterrent similar to nuclear weapons but more accessible and less catastrophic. He proposes that wide-scale deployment of autonomous defensive drones could prevent conflicts by making invasion logistically impossible.

Neil Davies, creator of the Extelligencer project, dives into survival strategies amid modern civilization's chaos. He discusses the 'Dark Forest' metaphor, illustrating the dangers of the internet age. Innovations like zero-knowledge proofs are highlighted as defenses against scams. The conversation touches on the evolution of tribal identities and the need for decentralized solutions to strengthen trust. Davies also examines the fragile balance of governance and societal structures in the face of cryptographic advancements.