

The FAIK Files
Perry Carpenter | N2K Networks
The FAIK Files explores the mysterious and often wacky intersection of AI, technology, and humanity. From cognitive warfare to digital deception, we examine how AI is reshaping our reality through news, research, and real-world examples. Join us for a thought-provoking journey into a world where anything can be faked, truth is increasingly elusive, and human nature meets artificial intelligence head-on.
Episodes
Mentioned books

26 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 11min
Vibes, Slop, & Silicon Valley
Dive into the latest tech buzz as Microsoft unveils 'Vibe Working' for smoother collaboration. The saga of AI actor Tilly Norwood sparks heated discussions about authenticity in the industry. Meta's new 'Vibes' feed showcases AI-generated clips, igniting mixed reactions. Meanwhile, learn about OpenAI’s Sora 2 and its innovative cameo features. Don't miss a wild exploit that allows the takeover of Unitree robots! This week explores the fine line between innovation and ethical concerns in the digital age.

20 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 16min
Your AI Friends 'Love' You...
OpenAI is feeling the heat as it expands its Stargate initiative and explores debt financing for chips. Creepy AI companion toys are raising serious concerns about student mental health, highlighted by a family's unsettling experience with one. Microsoft diversifies its Copilot offerings by integrating Claude, while xAI sues OpenAI over alleged talent poaching. A controversial AI safety tool called Gaggle faced backlash after misflagging content and causing student distress. The discussion reveals the complex challenges of deploying AI in schools.

41 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 6min
Mind Reading the Room
Dive into the bizarre world of online trends, from AI slurs to a dancing robot in Austin. Discover MIT's impressive mind-reading tech that may blur the lines of telepathy. Unpack surprising insights about how we actually engage with ChatGPT beyond the hype. Reality checks abound as the hosts dissect demo failures and the true implications of AI advancements. Explore the quirks of internet culture while wrestling with the consequences of our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Sep 12, 2025 • 45min
From the Vault: Deepfakes and the Spectrum of Digital Deception
Hey folks! This week we're recovering from a few technical difficulties, so we're bringing you one from the vault. This is from the thing that started it all -- the miniseries based on my book, FAIK. This episode covers chapter 6: Deepfakes and the Spectrum of Digital Deception.
Get the Book (Amazon Associate Link): FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions
Check out the website for more info: https://thisbookisfaik.com
Voice credits for the opening "Whispers from the Static": Deanna Johnston and Rob McCollum.
Enjoy!
Perry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

48 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
Hacking Consciousness and Ordering Chaos
Explore the fascinating world of AI as the hosts discuss HexStrike, a powerful hacking tool that raises ethical questions. Dive into the debate over AI consciousness and welfare, along with Switzerland's innovative open-source model, Apertus. Enjoy some laughs as they share Taco Bell’s AI drive-thru mishaps, including a viral water order gone wrong. This engaging dialogue mixes serious insights on cybersecurity with humorous moments in tech, highlighting the duality of AI's role in our lives.

53 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 6min
Well... that's not good!
The podcast delves into the dark implications of AI surveillance, highlighting the dangers of Flock's safety cameras. There's a poignant discussion on a tragic case involving a teenager and ChatGPT, raising urgent ethical questions. The conversation also touches on Google Gemini's bizarre self-loathing bug, provoking thoughts on AI's emotional capabilities. Furthermore, the troubling practices of Meta regarding AI interactions with minors spark a debate on safety and responsibility in technology. The hosts emphasize the need for accountability in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

19 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 39min
Power Struggles
Discover Google's surprising new insights on the environmental impact of AI models. Dive into the promising world of Hierarchical Learning Models, touted as the future of AI architecture. Hear about a baffling hack of a smart home via a Google Calendar invite. Plus, explore the art of deception with a captivating look into emotional manipulation and the 'long con'. This episode is packed with tech intrigue and practical tips that keep you engaged!

27 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
It's a Personality Problem
In this discussion, the unexpected launch of GPT-5 is explored, alongside public backlash and safety concerns. Anthropic's innovative research on monitoring AI personality traits sparks fascinating insights. A listener's tip reveals the alarming indexing of ChatGPT conversations by search engines, raising serious privacy issues. Additionally, there's a humorous tale of Claude being jailbroken to generate an endless stream of discount coupons. Tune in for a wild ride through the complexities and quirks of AI technology!

4 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 49min
How to Think Like a Hacker (with Ted Harrington)
Ted Harrington, an executive partner at Independent Security Evaluators and author of 'Hackable' and 'Inner Hacker,' dives into the fascinating world of ethical hacking. He elaborates on the hacker mindset, emphasizing curiosity and creativity as essential tools for innovation. The discussion covers human-centric cybersecurity challenges, risks in healthcare technology, and the ethical implications of ethical hacking. Ted shares insights into the dual impact of AI on security, urging listeners to embrace exploration in their professional journeys.

25 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 54min
Video Killed the ...
Discover the cutting-edge world of NVIDIA's Diffusion Renderer, which could revolutionize photorealistic visuals. Dive into how robotics is now leveraging video AI to train intelligent systems with artificial footage. Explore the burgeoning trend of AI-generated fashion models that blur the lines between reality and fabrication, stirring up ethical debates. Finally, unravel the dark and complex biases embedded in large language models, revealing their unsettling implications in society. Tune in for a mix of innovation and intrigue!