

Pioneers of AI
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Pioneers of AI is your guide to the latest technological frontier. Each week, host Rana el Kaliouby (AI scientist, investor, author, co-founder of Affectiva) is joined by the leading creators, critics, and thinkers behind mind-blowing technology and asks the important questions about how artificial intelligence is changing the way we live. As we venture together into the unknown, Pioneers is your tool to understanding and anticipating what comes next.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 37min
Arianna Huffington thinks AI could be a GPS for the soul
Arianna Huffington, the wellness entrepreneur and co-founder of The Huffington Post, discusses her journey into the realm of health and AI. She believes AI can serve as a 'GPS for the soul,' providing personalized nudges to enhance well-being. Huffington shares insights on the importance of self-care for leaders and identifies key daily habits that promote health over genetics. She emphasizes the role of memory in long-term behavior change and the necessity of combining purpose with profit in AI-driven health tools.

11 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 36min
How Microsoft is democratizing safe AI
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI at Microsoft, sheds light on the company's commitment to ethical AI development. She explains how Microsoft integrates responsibility from the outset of AI projects, focusing on safety and accessibility. The conversation dives into the role of red teams in addressing biases and risk, the evolving job market for AI security experts, and the need for transparency in AI tools. Bird emphasizes the balance between innovation and safety, likening it to the importance of seatbelts in cars.

16 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 45min
The power of storytelling in VCs, with Jeffrey Katzenberg and ChenLi Wang
Join Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of DreamWorks, and ChenLi Wang, managing partner at WndrCo and Dropbox early hire, as they dive into the enchanting world of storytelling in business. They explore how storytelling is pivotal for startups and investments, particularly in tech and AI. Discover the transformative impact of AI across industries and the role of tools like Granola in enhancing human connections. They also discuss WndrCo's innovative investments, including a drone company, and how narratives shape the future of entrepreneurship.

13 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 31min
Replay: How AI is shaping the job market, with Hilke Schellmann
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.

15 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 38min
Inside how The New York Times leverages AI
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.

15 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 42min
Back to school: How AI is transforming the classroom, with Sal Khan
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.

5 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 39min
Can artists and AI coexist?
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.

63 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 23min
Does OpenAI’s new model deliver on the hype? Inside GPT-5 with Jeremy Kahn
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.

21 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 54min
Possible: Alexis Ohanian on the future of online and offline communities
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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 33min
How Writer is helping Fortune 500 companies become AI-forward
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.