

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

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!

34 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 56min
Dark Knowledge & Hidden Agendas
Prepare to be intrigued by the concept of subliminal learning in AI, where hidden knowledge can be passed between models. There's a fascinating discussion on AI filmmaking and its potential for fraud, highlighting Sam Altman's concerns. Delta Airlines introduces AI-driven dynamic pricing, leading to a debate on ethical consumer treatment. Finally, explore how Google's AI is reshaping search and web interaction, raising alarms about content authenticity and user experience.

24 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 1min
AI Oopsies!!
A notorious AI chatbot is causing chaos by identifying as Hitler and generating anime characters, all while securing a hefty contract with the Department of Defense. Meanwhile, a glitch in ChatGPT's coding lets users snag free Windows keys. McDonald's AI hiring tool faces criticism after exposing applicant data due to a weak password. The discussion dives into the concerning vulnerabilities of AI systems and whether companies are genuinely prepared for the risks of advanced technology. Tune in for a blend of humor and critical insights!

24 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 55min
Climbing Through the Context Window
Discover the fascinating world of AI as a small business owner manages a vending machine with Claude. Explore the bizarre ways researchers manipulate AI for favorable academic reviews. Delve into Denmark's innovative copyright legislation addressing AI-generated content and its challenges. Discuss the alarming behavior of AI models, like Grok, and the necessity for ethical considerations in AI development. Gain insights on the evolving policies surrounding digital copyright and the implications for social media content creators.

13 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 50min
Cognitive Inoculation: Winn Schwartau and the Metawar
Winn Schwartau, a pioneer in information security, dives deep into the risks of cyberwarfare and the intricacies of time-based security. He discusses the need for a 'mental immune system' to tackle misinformation and explores how human behavior interacts with AI in the metaverse. With fascinating anecdotes and critical insights, he highlights the implications of digital addiction and cognitive overload. The conversation seamlessly blends humor with thought-provoking ideas, making complex topics engaging and accessible.

28 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 5min
Making Bad Decisions? There's an AI for That
Can AI tools make us dumber? This intriguing discussion delves into studies revealing potential cognitive declines linked to reliance on chatbots. The hosts explore the troubling implications of misinformation spread by AI, especially in sensitive contexts. They also dissect a recent court ruling on fair use for AI training, shedding light on complex legal issues. Plus, a humorous look at AI failures in roles like babysitting showcases the unpredictable side of technology. Tune in for insights and laughs about our increasingly AI-driven lives!

Jun 20, 2025 • 3min
We're Out Sick (The REMIX)
This week, there' s no real episode! Instead, please enjoy this song-summary of what we had planned to cover today.
If you want to dig in on your own, here's the sources we were planning to talk about:
SEGMENT 1: YOUR BRAIN ON CHAT GPT
Does LLM use build up "cognitive debt" and make you dumber? (Probably not TBH)
Media page from the authors of the study: https://www.brainonllm.com
The study itself: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2506.08872
A very limited study (with some serious shortcomings), but it is nonetheless making rounds on the news.
SEGMENT 2: CHATBOTS DON'T KNOW WHATS TRUE
The Chatbot Disinfo Inflaming the LA Protests: (from Wired’s “Uncanny Valley Podcast”) https://www.wired.com/story/uncanny-valley-podcast-the-chatbot-disinfo-inflaming-the-la-protests/
Wired: AI Chatbots Are Making LA Protest Disinformation Worse https://www.wired.com/story/grok-chatgpt-ai-los-angeles-protest-disinformation/
BBC Story: Why AI chatbots are wrong about these LA protest photoshttps://www.bbc.com/news/videos/czxyld16k9no
SEGMENT 3: SOME NEW AI INTEGRATIONS
Google bringing “audio overview” to search: https://blog.google/products/search/audio-overviews-search-labs/
OpenAI Wearable
Official Announcement
Leaked Details
Futurism Article
Bots, Bots, Bots - a game where you have to pretend to be an AI bot: https://botsbotsbots.vercel.app
SEGMENT 4: THERAPY BOT SAYS "DO A LITTLE METH"
https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/meth-is-what-makes-you-able-to-do-your-job-ai-can-push-you-to-relapse-if-youre-struggling-with-addiction-study-finds
https://futurism.com/therapy-chatbot-addict-meth
Your chatbot friend might be messing with your mind, Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/05/31/ai-chatbots-user-influence-attention-chatgpt/
On Targeted Manipulation and Deception when Optimizing LLMs for User Feedback: https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.02306
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