Women Talkin' 'Bout AI

Send us a textIn this episode, we open up about something we haven’t shared publicly before: our decision to shut down Moxie, the startup we spent years building.We talk honestly about what led to that choice—the excitement of early growth, the challenges of raising money as non-technical founders, and the impossible reality of competing with free tools from tech giants like Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft.This isn’t just a story about one company. It’s about trust, expertise, failure, and the messy human side of working with generative AI in education and research. Along the way, we reflect on what we wish we’d known earlier, how burnout shaped our decisions, and what we’ve learned about ourselves through the process of letting go.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why we ultimately decided to shut down MoxieThe pressures of fundraising and pitching as non-technical foundersThe gap between hype and reality with AI in educationLessons on trust, expertise, and failure in both startups and academiaHow we’re processing life and work after MoxieIf you’ve ever wondered what it really feels like to close the doors on something you’ve poured yourself into, or you’re navigating your own questions about AI, startups, or burnout—you’ll find some resonance here.Support the showContact Jessica or Kimberly on LinkedIn: Jessica's LinkedIn Kimberly's LinkedIn

Send us a textToday we sit down with Dr. Leslie Gruis — mathematician, NSA veteran, and author of The Privacy Pirates — to talk about the urgent importance of protecting personal information in our tech-driven world.From children’s online privacy to the rise of corporate data exploitation, Dr. Gruis shares both her insider experience from decades in national security and her practical advice for safeguarding our digital lives.📚 About our guest:First president of the NSA’s Women in Mathematics SocietyContributor to U.S. Cyber Command & National Intelligence CouncilAuthor of The Privacy Pirates: Pirates of Personal DataMentor and advocate for STEM students🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:Why privacy is essential to democracyThe risks kids face with school-issued laptops & smartphonesHow corporations collect and exploit our personal dataWhat parents and educators can do today to protect childrenThe ethical questions surrounding AI, surveillance, and data use🎙️  Show Notes & Topics we cover:Defining informational privacy in the 21st centuryChildren’s Online Privacy Protection Act (and why it’s outdated)School-issued laptops and surveillance concernsCorporate data collection, sentiment analysis, and manipulationThe asymmetric power between consumers and corporationsWhy protecting privacy is vital for democracy🔗  LinksBuy The Privacy PiratesFollow Dr. Leslie Gruis Follow Women Talking About AI:📺 YouTube📰 SubstackSupport the showContact Jessica or Kimberly on LinkedIn: Jessica's LinkedIn Kimberly's LinkedIn

Join David Shapiro, a systems thinker and AI researcher, as he dives into Post-Labor Economics. He discusses how automation is reshaping job structures and challenges the myth that technology will always create new jobs. Explore the potential of Universal Basic Income as a safety net in a changing economy. Shapiro emphasizes the need for education that nurtures empathy and critical thinking. Plus, hear about the evolving social contract and what personal fulfillment may look like in a world where work isn’t central to identity.

Juliana Peloche, a global educator and senior AI literacy advisor with extensive teaching experience, delves into her inspiring journey into AI education, sparked by a curious student. Topics include the essential role of AI literacy in fostering critical thinking and ethics, the significant knowledge gap in basic digital skills, and misconceptions about AI's impact on productivity. Juliana advocates for embracing programmatic learning, emphasizing the need for educators to adapt while maintaining humanity amid technological advancements.

Dr. Tamara Tate, Associate Director at UC Irvine’s Digital Learning Lab, discusses her transition from a legal career to education research. She reveals how AI, particularly through her Papyrus project, is reshaping writing instruction and student engagement. Tamara emphasizes the importance of AI literacy and authentic expression over speed in writing. The conversation delves into issues of trust among students using AI and the complexities of providing effective feedback. Hear her thoughtful insights on meaningful learning in this evolving landscape.

Send us a textIn this episode of Women Talkin’ 'Bout AI, host Kimberly Becker sits down with Dr. Mathilde Cerioli—a cognitive neuroscientist, mom, and Chief Scientist at Everyone.AI—to unpack the complex, often messy intersections of child development, technology, and artificial intelligence.We cover:What AI can and can’t do for young mindsHow critical thinking actually develops—and why it can’t be outsourcedThe myth of "tech for tech’s sake" and why some edtech harms more than it helpsWhy your kid doesn’t need a bedtime podcast voiced by a deepfaked parentThe neuroscience behind struggle, dopamine, and why learning should be hardMisinformation, deepfakes, and why everyone needs a family safe wordThis conversation blends scientific rigor with real-world parenting chaos, offering both hope and hard truths. Whether you're raising a kindergartener or advising policymakers, this one’s for anyone who wants a future where tech serves human development, not the other way around.****If you find value in these conversations, consider supporting the podcast with a small donation—every bit helps us keep the mics on and the ideas flowing. Click the link below to donate.  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411501/supporters/newSupport the showContact Jessica or Kimberly on LinkedIn: Jessica's LinkedIn Kimberly's LinkedIn

Send us a textWhat happens when a passionate educator steps away from the whiteboard and into the world of AI? In this episode, we sit down with Marissa Sadler Holder, a former classroom teacher turned consultant/entrepreneur, and the founder of Teaching with Machines. With a master’s in e-learning and recognition as a two-time recipient of SVS’s Leading Women in AI, Marissa brings a grounded, human-centered approach to AI literacy in education.We unpack her journey from teaching French to building a business, the emotional complexities of leaving the classroom, and why she believes teachers—not technologists—should be at the table when shaping the future of AI in education. From the power of small wins to the significance of that second “aha” moment, this conversation is a candid exploration of fear, hope, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful learning in an uncertain world.📝 Show Notes:Guest: Marissa Sadler Holder Founder of Teaching with Machines | Edtech Consultant | SVS Leading Women in AI (2024 & 2025)Topics We Cover:How COVID catalyzed Marissa’s shift into e-learning and AIThe founding story of Teaching with Machines: https://www.teachingwithmachines.com/What it really feels like to leave the classroom after 13 yearsHow she supports teachers at every stage of AI literacyWhy incremental change in classrooms matters more than big tech rolloutsTwo “aha” moments every educator has with generative AIThe emotional weight of entrepreneurship vs. classroom stressThe role of women’s voices in shaping AI discourseBridging the AI gap between students, teachers, and parentsHer upcoming project: Learning with Machines, focused on student + parent AI literacyWhy we should stop aiming to “master AI” and start focusing on meaningful applicationConference reflections: Why it's the people who make ASU+GSV unforgettableQuotable Moments:“The goal isn’t to master AI. It’s to stay curious, stay human, and keep learning.” “Every teacher will hit that second lightbulb moment—where you realize AI isn’t just a tool. It’s a transformation.” “What we do in professional development should mirror what we do in great teaching: make it relevant, make it engaging, and meet people where they are.”Links & Resources:Teaching with Machines (Marissa’s platform for educator-focused AI PD)Marissa on LinkedInSVS Summit: Leading Women in AIMentioned thought leader: Ethan Mollick’s SubstackSupport the showContact Jessica or Kimberly on LinkedIn: Jessica's LinkedIn Kimberly's LinkedIn

Send us a textIn this episode, hosts Jessica and Kimberly welcome Amanda Bickerstaff, founder and CEO of AI for Education. Amanda shares her journey from teaching to EdTech and discusses the current state of AI in education. Key topics include:The limitations and potential of AI tools in educationThe importance of AI literacy for educators and studentsHow generative AI is challenging traditional educational structuresEffective prompting techniques for AI systemsBalancing AI optimism and resistance in educationAmanda offers candid insights on the tensions between EdTech promises and realities while exploring how AI could fundamentally transform learning. This thought-provoking conversation examines the challenges and opportunities as education adapts to the age of artificial intelligence.Support the showContact Jessica or Kimberly on LinkedIn: Jessica's LinkedIn Kimberly's LinkedIn

Send us a textIn this thought-provoking episode of Women Talkin' 'Bout AI, hosts Dr. Kimberly Becker and Dr. Jessica Parker engage in an insightful conversation with Dr. Stella Lee, founder and chief learning strategist at Paradox Learning. With over 20 years of experience in AI, learning analytics, and digital ethics, Dr. Lee brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the discussion.• AI literacy: Why it matters and how to teach it• Debunking AI myths in education• Using AI as a learning partner• Balancing AI efficiency with holistic learning• AI adoption challenges in under-resourced areas• Ethical considerations in AI development📚 Content Discussed in This Episode: 00:00 Meeting Dr. Stella Lee and Her Impact  06:43 Exploring Paradox Learning's Mission and Insights13:50 The Role of Language in AI Communication19:20 Overcoming Blank Canvas Syndrome with AI  25:17 Enhancing Conversations with Chatbots  31:45 Embracing Technology with Critical Literacy38:15 The Evolution of Digital Literacy and AI  44:50 The Urgency of Innovation in Education51:11 Advocating for Thoughtful AI DevelopmentLearn how AI is reshaping education, its impact on student engagement, and the importance of diverse voices in tech.🎓 Perfect for educators, EdTech professionals, and anyone interested in the future of learning!Follow Women Talkin' 'Bout AI for more engaging conversations exploring the intersection of AI, education, and ethics from diverse female perspectives in the field.Support the showContact Jessica or Kimberly on LinkedIn: Jessica's LinkedIn Kimberly's LinkedIn

Send us a text🎙️ In this episode of Women Talkin' 'Bout AI, host Kimberly Becker welcomes Tricia Friedman, an all-around educational innovator who's been doing really future-forward and inclusive work in AI literacy and community building. In this powerful conversation, international educator and neuroqueer futurist Tricia uncovers the profound potential of AI in education while maintaining authentic human connections.Key Insights:-The critical need for AI literacy in K-12 and higher education-Reimagining learning assessment in the age of generative AI-How technology can deepen human understanding and creativity-Innovative approaches to integrating AI without losing human connection📚 Content Discussed in This Episode: 0:00 - Introduction5:30 - AI in Education15:45 - Challenges in K-12 Learning25:20 - Reimagining Assessment35:10 - Personal AI Experiments45:30 - Future of Technology and LearningRESOURCES:1. "The AI Mirror" by Shannon Valor2."The New Breed" by Dr. Kate Darling3. *Parker, J. L., Richard, V., & Becker, K. (2023). Flexibility & iteration: exploring the potential of large language models in developing and refining interview protocols. The Qualitative Report, 28(9), 2772-2791.This research explores the potential of large language models to iteratively develop and refine interview protocols, providing empirical evidence for their utility in qualitative research.*Parker, J. L., Richard, V., & Becker, K. (2023). Guidelines for the integration of large language models in developing and refining interview protocols. The Qualitative Report, 28(12), 3460-3474.This paper provides comprehensive guidelines for integrating large language models in the development and refinement of interview protocols, enhancing qualitative research methodologies.Support the showContact Jessica or Kimberly on LinkedIn: Jessica's LinkedIn Kimberly's LinkedIn