
Conversations on Applied AI
Welcome to the Conversations on Applied AI Podcast where Justin Grammens and the team at Emerging Technologies North talk with experts in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning. In each episode, we cut through the hype and dive into how these technologies are being applied to real-world problems today. We hope that you find this episode educational and applicable to your industry and connect with us to learn more about our organization at AppliedAI.MN. Enjoy!
Latest episodes

Mar 12, 2024 • 37min
Jody Carey - The Future of Copywriting, Education, and the Workplace
The conversation this week is with Jody Carey. Jody says in her LinkedIn profile: “You can call me a copywriter or content writer or the person you need when you need words. Words that help you educate your audience, sell your product or service and share your expertise.” Jody is based in Minneapolis and Sydney, Australia. She helps clients on both sides of the globe. She's been a contributing writer, staff writer and senior content writer. at many organizations such as Schneider Electric and Engage. Finally, she's a guest speaker at Eden Prairie Public Schools, where she speaks with students in entrepreneurship and writing classes about marketing and copywriting.If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeJodyCarey.comGrammarlyLoomDescriptKhan AcademyKhanmigoThe War on Normal People by Andrew YangCanvaEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens

Feb 27, 2024 • 34min
Will Preble - Creating Heart-Centered Technology
The conversation this week is with Will Preble. Will is a media and tech entrepreneur passionate about the intersection of Web3 and human potential. He believes the world needs strong, empathetic, and holistically minded leaders who are willing to break from models of the past and help their communities imagine abundant futures. He is currently the head of strategy at Ascendance, where he partners with brands and leaders to amplify reach, revenue, and impact through AI and emerging technologies. Additionally, he is the director of advancement and a founding board member of Smart North, a Minnesota based 501c3 organization that is dedicated to closing the digital equity gap in marginalized urban and rural communities.If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeAscendanceSmart NorthWeb3BubbleEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens

Feb 13, 2024 • 40min
David Espindola - What AI Means to Us as Human Beings
The conversation this week is with David Epsindola. David is an entrepreneur, futurist, keynote speaker, award-winning author, consultant, and advisor to businesses, nonprofits, and academia. He founded Brainyus, a company that applies the principles of transformative purpose, lifelong learning, And servant leadership to guide human AI transformation. David has been featured in the U S and international media, ranging from Fox News to TV Global. He is the award-winning author of Soulful You in the Future of Artificial Intelligence and the Exponential Era and an advisory board member of the Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota. David continues to get back through his work with Feed My Starving Children and other nonprofits.If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeBrainyusDavidEspindola.comFeed My Starving ChildrenThe Exponential Era: Strategies to Stay Ahead of the Curve in an Era of Chaotic Changes and Disruptive Forces by David Espindola, Michael W. WrightOODA loopSoulful: You in the Future of Artificial Intelligence by David EspindolaTechnological Leadership InstituteMIT Sloan AI Online CourseEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens

Jan 30, 2024 • 38min
Jenny Zhang - How AI Can Help Creators and Influencers Succeed
The conversation this week is with Jenny Zhang, otherwise known as Jay-Z. Jenny has been a senior AI product manager who has launched machine learning products for Capital One, which saved more than a hundred million dollars annually, retained employees, and retained customers. A graduate of Stanford University, she is currently a co-founder and senior product manager of Founder Design Thinking, where she works with creators who want more reach by helping them to speak on a podcast, find AI tools that help their startup, and prioritize features that users love.If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this Episodecallmejz.aiAI MarketingSpeaker ProfileHeyGenRobloxArt BaselTheresAnAIForThatNoCode AI Discord ChannelProduct Led AllianceHeadlinerEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens

Jan 16, 2024 • 49min
Bradley Canham - The Standing Reserve That AI Is Ready to Release
The conversation this week is with Bradley Canham. Brad is the VP of Research for Transforma Insights, a UK based high tech analyst firm, corporate fellow and mentor at the University of St. Thomas Opus School of Business and Entrepreneur Program. He's also a member of the learning community at St. Thomas on generative AI and education. He's the founder and original editor of Eden Prairie Local News, a thriving news publication and example of social entrepreneurship.If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeTransforma InsightsEden Prairie Local NewsNatural language processingCustomer relationship managementGitHub CopilotTeaching What Can't Be Taught: The Shaman's Strategy by David RigoniCarlos CastanedaRadical Uncertainty: Decision-Making Beyond the Numbers by John Kay and Mervyn KingPrediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans and Avi GoldfarbEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens

Nov 28, 2023 • 34min
Michael Petersen - Artificial Intelligence and Repairing Your Automobile
The conversation this week is with Michael Petersen. With over 30 years of engineering, marketing, and leadership experience, he is the founder and CEO of Raise a Hood Inc., a startup that aims to democratize the automotive maintenance and repair sector through AI, crowdsourcing, and community platforms.He enjoys building outstanding specialized teams that are committed to a shared vision and a culture of excellence, collaboration, and diversity. As a passionate automotive enthusiast, he spends his free time building engines. Practicing vehicle dynamics and riding adventure bikes. He also serves as a board member and CMO of Sunset Hospice Cottage, a nonprofit organization that supports patients and families in their end-of-life journeys. If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeHow AI is Changing the Future of Car DiagnosticsRole of AI and Databases in AutomotiveAutomotive Sector and Average AmericansMechanics, AI, and Customer InteractionImpact of COVID-19 and AI DevelopmentRaise A Hood PressTekne Awards

Nov 7, 2023 • 49min
Alex Muller - Deploying AI Easier and Faster Using Turn-Key Solutions
The conversation this week is with Alex Muller. Alex is the founder of Savvy AI, where he and his team run a mission to make AI work for all of us.Previously, he co-founded GP Shopper, which was later acquired by Synchrony in 2017. During his time there, he served on their investment committee, where he helped the venture team evaluate prospective venture investments. His current interests are innovative AI ML-based products, tools, and companies.And supporting fellow diverse founders to refine their operations, technology, vision, and strategy as they go through their entrepreneurial journey. He was named by Forbes as a top 10 CEO disrupting the retail industry through technology.If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeHow AI is Changing Every IndustryThe Top 10 Industries Using AI TodayHow AI is Changing the Retail IndustryWhat is the Difference Between Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning?A Beginner's Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningGPShopper AcquiredSavvy AIGP ShopperSynchrony FinancialAI (Artificial Intelligence)ML (Machine Learning)Data ScienceMLS (Machine Learning as a ServiceIoT (Internet of Things)Reinforcement LearningStar TrekEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens

Oct 24, 2023 • 42min
Rehgan Avon - Applying Artificial Intelligence to Strategic Initiatives
The conversation this week is with Rehgan Avon. Rehgan is co-founder and CEO at Align AI. Align AI helps AI experts scale their knowledge faster and more effectively within their organization. She was the founder and is now a board member of Women in Analytics, whose mission is to increase the visibility of women making an impact in the analytics space. And provide a platform for women to lead conversations for the advancement of analytical research development and applications. And if that wasn't enough to keep her busy, she is also on the advisory board of OhioX.If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeAlign AIWomen in AnalyticsOhioXNatural language processingAmazon QuickSightDataConnect ConferenceRenée CummingsChip HuyenCassie KozyrkovNoelle SilverEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens

Oct 10, 2023 • 58min
Beth Rudden - How Linguistics, Semantics, and Artifacts Improve Our Understanding of AI
The conversation this week is with Beth Rudin. Beth is the CEO of Bast AI and a global executive leader with 20 plus years of IT and data science experience. Previously, she has held roles such as Chief Data Officer, Chief Data Scientist, and Distinguished Engineer. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the 100 most brilliant leaders in AI ethics. At Bast, Beth and the team developed software that allows humans to create their own AI, redefining the experience of the human for our shared future. She believes we have a vested interest in creating AI that can explain itself to humans.If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeBast AIAbstract semantic graphOntologyKubernetes ClustersNatural language processingStructured Query LanguageImaginable by Jane McGonigalAI Superpowers by Kai-fu LeeRobin Wall KimmererThe Inmates Are Running the Asylum by Alan CooperAI for the Rest of Us by Phaedra Boinodiris and Beth RuddenThe Information by James GleickThe Overstory by Richard PowersEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens

Sep 26, 2023 • 42min
Steve Hsu - Solving the Hallucination Problem
The conversation this week is with Steve Hsu. Steve is a professor of Theoretical Physics and Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. He is also the founder of SuperFocus.ai, which is for lack of a better term Enterprise GPT. However, its AI uses large language models, but with customer-defined memory to eliminate hallucinations.If you are interested in learning about how AI is being applied across multiple industries, be sure to join us at a future AppliedAI Monthly meetup and help support us so we can make future Emerging Technologies North non-profit events!Emerging Technologies NorthAppliedAI MeetupResources and Topics Mentioned in this EpisodeSteve Hsu on TwitterSuperfocus.aiHallucination (artificial intelligence)U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeFoundation modelsClaude.aiLlama 2Artificial general intelligenceForward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy by Andrew YangEnjoy!Your host,Justin Grammens