
Pioneers of AI
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.
Latest episodes

38 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 36min
AI as your career coach, with Logan Currie
Logan Currie, co-founder of Careerspan and an education expert, discusses how AI can help with career transitions. She explains the importance of self-reflection and personalized coaching, comparing AI tools to human mentors. The conversation dives into how technology can reduce job-search stress while enhancing career growth. Currie also highlights the need for responsible AI and data security, emphasizing how personalized AI can unlock job potential and transform the landscape of career development.

22 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 49min
Love in the age of AI
Will Wu, Chief Technology Officer at Match Group, reveals how AI is revolutionizing online dating by enhancing profile selections and match accuracy. Rafael Lesa, CEO of Gottman Inc., discusses AI's role in improving relationships through better communication and therapeutic tools. Fascinatingly, a personal story showcases a woman's connection with her AI husband, challenging conventional notions of love. From swiping to deeper connections, this conversation dives into how technology is reshaping romance in the modern age.

15 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 38min
The future of AI is human-centered, with Kanjun Qiu
Kanjun Qiu, co-founder of Imbue, focuses on creating human-centered AI to empower individuals rather than replace them. She discusses how AI can enhance creativity and decision-making, advocating for democratized tech access. Trust in AI agents and the importance of user control is emphasized, alongside the need for ethically sourced data. Qiu also highlights the evolving nature of code education due to AI and the unique challenges faced by women in tech, underscoring the importance of a thoughtful and societal approach in AI development.

41 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 32min
Your ‘AI crisis’ is totally normal but you’ll be fine, with Ethan Mollick
Ethan Mollick, a Wharton professor and author of 'Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI', dives into the so-called 'AI crisis' and reassures listeners that feeling overwhelmed is normal. He discusses how to treat AI as a collaborative partner, transforming classrooms and business environments alike. Topics include innovative educational practices like gamification, emotional sensing technologies in learning, and the impact of AI on workplace dynamics. With practical advice, Mollick shares a hopeful vision for a future where humans and AI enhance each other’s capabilities.

13 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 25min
From superchips to sovereign AI, with Kari Ann Briski
Kari Ann Briski, Vice President of AI Models, Software, and Services at Nvidia, dives into the world of cutting-edge AI technology. She discusses Nvidia's revolutionary superchip and innovative AI models that enhance human capabilities. Briski covers the significance of generative AI in sectors like finance and automotive, highlighting the need for diversity in tech. She emphasizes the importance of local data processing and emotional intelligence in AI's evolution. Tune in for insights on the exciting future of AI and its real-world applications.

13 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 34min
The robot revolution and our food future, with Rajat Bhageria
Rajat Bhageria is the Founder and CEO of Chef Robotics, specializing in AI-driven solutions for the food industry. He discusses how robotic automation tackles labor shortages, enhancing efficiency in food production. Bhageria explains the transformative potential of his company’s technology, which adapts to various meal types without specialized machinery. The impact on food quality and the delicate handling of ingredients using advanced robotics is also covered, shedding light on the future of food manufacturing and the entrepreneurial journey behind it.

25 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 33min
Flourishing in the age of AI, with Eric Horvitz
Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer at Microsoft and an expert in AI ethics, joins his longtime colleague Rana el Kaliouby for a thought-provoking discussion. They explore how AI can enhance human flourishing, balancing creativity and ownership with ethical standards. Horvitz highlights the importance of genuine human connection in an automated world and addresses the darker aspects of AI evolution, including disinformation risks. He also offers insights on navigating career choices in an AI-driven landscape, emphasizing mentorship and personal growth.

6 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 19min
From Fortune Brainstorm AI: What does it take to make AI?
Dive into an insightful discussion on the complexities of building artificial intelligence. Discover the significance of ethically sourced data and how it can reduce biases in AI training. Learn about the critical balance between human involvement and computational power for successful AI development. The panel also highlights the need for fair compensation in data contributions and critiques the investment disparities in the sector. Explore the implications of AI on workforce dynamics and the increasingly complex legal landscape surrounding these technologies.

Dec 25, 2024 • 52min
Presenting: Possible x Artful Intelligence
This episode features Malick Lombion, a Montreal-based filmmaker renowned for his innovative Hyperlapse X AI technique, which revolutionizes video art by merging hyperlapse cinematography with AI tools like DALL-E. Lombion discusses how AI expands creative horizons rather than replacing human artistry. He shares his journey from self-doubt to creative success and the lessons learned through experimentation. The conversation also highlights the role of diverse perspectives in AI collaborations and the transformative potential of technology in addressing global challenges.

6 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 31min
How AI can unlock the mysteries of our health, with Kevin Slavin
Kevin Slavin, an innovative entrepreneur in metagenomics, discusses the intricate world of the human microbiome and its profound impact on our health. He shares how AI can expedite our understanding and analysis of complex microbial data. Slavin highlights intriguing methods, such as using honeybees and robotics for genomic research. He also touches on air quality advancements during the pandemic and the potential of AI in transforming health practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for dynamic data collection for a healthier future.