What's Your Problem?

Nick Jacobson and his team at Dartmouth medical school spent over 100,000 hours trying to build an AI chatbot that can serve as a safe, effective therapist. After a few false starts, they seem to be on to something.Note: This episode contains references to self harm. Get early, ad-free access to episodes of What's Your Problem? by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Nate and Maria discuss AI 2027, a new report from the AI Futures Project that lays out some pretty doom-y scenarios for our near-term AI future. They talk about how likely humans are to be misled by rogue AI, and whether current conflicts between the US and China will affect the way this all unfolds. Plus, Nate talks about the feedback he gave the AI 2027 writers after reading an early draft of their forecast, and reveals what he sees as the report’s central flaw. Enjoy this episode from Risky Business, another Pushkin podcast. The AI Futures Project’s AI 2027 scenario: https://ai-2027.com/ Get early, ad-free access to episodes of What's Your Problem? by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, dives into the ambitious quest to create a commercial supersonic airplane. He shares insights on the historical journey of air travel speed, tackling the lessons learned from the Concorde and Apollo missions. Blake humorously navigates the challenges of designing such aircraft, discussing engine advancements, funding strategies, and regulatory hurdles. He emphasizes how faster travel can strengthen human connections, along with reflecting on the exhilarating challenges of entrepreneurship and innovation in aviation.

Fiorenzo Omenetto, a Tufts University Professor and director of Silklab, dives into the intriguing world of silk innovation. He reveals how this ancient material can revolutionize modern medicine, from silk-based microneedle patches for vaccine delivery to breakthroughs in tissue engineering. The conversation also touches on silk's role in food preservation and its transformative applications in technology. Discover how this age-old fiber is reshaping diverse industries while weaving together science, entrepreneurship, and cultural reflections.

Jon DiMaggio, Chief Security Strategist at Analyst One, dives into the dark underbelly of the LockBit ransomware gang he infiltrated using wartime spy tactics. He shares gripping insights on their recruitment strategies and motivations, including shocking attacks like the one on Sick Kids hospital. DiMaggio discusses how international governments countered this menace, using innovative methods to take down their operations. His tale challenges perceptions of cybercriminals, highlighting an unexpected friendship with one, offering a complex view of human connection amidst chaos.

Christopher Kirchhoff, a key figure behind the Defense Innovation Unit, discusses the military's struggle to adapt to rapid technological changes. The conversation explores drone warfare innovations in Ukraine and how they defy traditional military strategies. Kirchhoff emphasizes the need for the U.S. military to update outdated procurement processes and embrace AI, while also reflecting on how autonomous technologies can shift global power dynamics. The urgency for transformation to keep pace with modern threats shares the spotlight with tales of ingenuity in conflict.

Jared Baeten is senior vice president in virology at Gilead Sciences. Jared's problem is this: In a world without a vaccine, how do you make a medicine that people will actually take to help prevent HIV?There’s already a daily pill that reduces the risk of getting HIV, but a majority of people who are at high risk are unwilling or unable to take it.So Jared and his colleagues are developing a new drug, lenacapivir, designed to be given as a shot once every six months. Note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Get early, ad-free access to episodes of What's Your Problem? by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlos Araque is the co-founder and CEO of Quaise Energy. Carlos' problem is this: How do you make drilling for geothermal energy as routine, widespread, and profitable as drilling for oil or gas? The answer involves digging deeper into the Earth than anyone has ever dug before.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Rapoport, co-founder and CSO of Precision Neuroscience, is on a mission to create brain-computer interfaces that allow paralyzed individuals to control computers with their thoughts. He discusses the groundbreaking implications of this technology for communication and independence while emphasizing minimally invasive methods to ensure safety. The conversation also dives into clinical trials, ethical considerations, and the intersection of neuroscience with AI. Plus, Ben shares insights on hiring practices in tech, making for a thought-provoking listen.

Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik, is on a mission to make humanoid robots affordable for less than $50,000. He shares the journey of overcoming initial skepticism and the challenges of developing safe, reliable robots for factories and elder care. Exploring advancements in AI, Jeff emphasizes the emotional and practical benefits of integrating robots into daily life. He discusses crucial innovations in manufacturing to achieve mass production and the transformative role of robotics in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.