Pioneers of AI

Hilke Schellmann, a journalist and author of "The Algorithm," dives deep into how AI is reshaping the job market. She discusses the transformative impact of AI on hiring practices and the challenges job seekers face, revealing biases in algorithm-driven selection. Hilke emphasizes the importance of transparency and diversity in AI tools to combat inequality. Additionally, she shares strategies for job seekers to leverage AI for an edge, highlighting both the opportunities and ethical concerns of AI surveillance in remote work.

Alex Hardiman, Chief Product Officer of The New York Times, discusses the paper's innovative integration of AI in journalism. She reveals how AI enhances audience engagement while preserving human creativity. The episode explores the cultural impact of games like Wordle and delves into the complexities of safeguarding IP rights amid AI adoption. Hardiman highlights practical AI applications, particularly in covering the 2024 election, and stresses the importance of ethical considerations in technology use for media organizations.

Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy and a pioneer in online learning, shares his insights on AI's transformative role in education. He discusses how AI can alleviate teachers' administrative burdens, allowing for more meaningful student connections. The conversation explores personalized AI tutoring, the evolving definition of cheating in the digital age, and the importance of maintaining human interaction in the classroom. Khan also reflects on his journey from finance to education, driven by a passion to enhance learning experiences for all.

Shantell Martin, an award-winning visual artist renowned for her distinctive black-line drawings, shares her decade-long journey incorporating AI into her art. She dives into the balance between creative control and technology, discussing how AI can amplify artistic expression. Martin highlights the necessity of protecting artists' intellectual property in a digital landscape while addressing ethical considerations surrounding ownership and attribution in AI-generated work. She also introduces innovative solutions like the Legacy platform to empower artists amidst these challenges.

Jeremy Kahn, AI Editor at Fortune, dives into the much-anticipated launch of GPT-5. He evaluates its innovative features like dynamic routing and enhanced user interface. Jeremy discusses the model's evolution, emphasizing reduced hallucination rates and its positioning against competitors. He also highlights GPT-5's capabilities in health diagnostics and its use among students with a new 'study mode.' Lastly, he shares insights on OpenAI's strategies for talent retention and the model's role in the long journey toward artificial general intelligence.

Alexis Ohanian, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Reddit, shares insights on building healthy online and offline communities. He discusses his vision for reinventing Digg and emphasizes the need for authenticity in social media. Ohanian also highlights the impact of AI on women's sports and encourages using AI tools for creative endeavors with children. His personal journey as a parent shapes his approach to technology and innovation, advocating for genuine connections and the exciting future of community-driven platforms.

May Habib, Co-founder and CEO of Writer, leads a pioneering AI company at the forefront of human-AI collaboration. She discusses how Writer's custom AI agents can enhance workflows for Fortune 500 companies by automating routine tasks. Habib emphasizes the importance of proprietary models for efficiency and trust, the transition to generative AI engine optimization, and the value of diverse perspectives in AI development. With insights into the future of work, she inspires listeners to embrace AI integration in their workplaces.

Lila Ibrahim, the COO of Google DeepMind and former Coursera executive, is on a mission to develop AI that benefits humanity. She discusses DeepMind's revolutionary projects like AlphaFold, which predicts protein structures, and how AI is transforming education. Lila emphasizes the importance of managing risks in AI development and advocates for inclusive and responsible technology. The conversation also touches on practical applications of AI in everyday life and the ethical considerations that come with such powerful innovations.

David Rand, a Cornell University professor specializing in Information Science and marketing, explores the intersection of AI and conspiracy theories. He discusses how AI chatbots can engage individuals entrenched in conspiracies to promote factual understanding, revealing surprising results from recent studies. Rand delves into the psychological allure of these beliefs, comparing their spread to evolutionary concepts. He also highlights innovative tools like debunkbot.com, demonstrating AI's potential to combat misinformation across various fields.

Karen Hao, a journalist and author of the New York Times bestseller 'Empire of AI', dives into the parallels between AI giants and historical empires. She critiques OpenAI's evolution from altruism to corporate ambitions, highlighting labor exploitation and ethical dilemmas in tech. Hao shares a poignant story of a Venezuelan refugee affected by data annotation work and discusses the critical need for diversity in AI. Her insights push for a reevaluation of how we build technology to foster a more equitable future.