Practical AI
Practical AI LLC
Making artificial intelligence practical, productive & accessible to everyone. Practical AI is a show in which technology professionals, business people, students, enthusiasts, and expert guests engage in lively discussions about Artificial Intelligence and related topics (Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Neural Networks, GANs, MLOps, AIOps, LLMs & more).
The focus is on productive implementations and real-world scenarios that are accessible to everyone. If you want to keep up with the latest advances in AI, while keeping one foot in the real world, then this is the show for you!
The focus is on productive implementations and real-world scenarios that are accessible to everyone. If you want to keep up with the latest advances in AI, while keeping one foot in the real world, then this is the show for you!
Episodes
Mentioned books
25 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 44min
The impact of AI on the workforce: A state-level case study
Chelsea Linder, the Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at TechPoint, shares her journey from VC to AI economic development. She highlights the launch of Indiana's AI Innovation Network, designed to foster collaboration across urban and rural areas. The conversation delves into the key findings of TechPoint's workforce report, revealing a rising demand for AI skills and generative roles. Chelsea provides insights into the practical measures businesses are taking to adopt AI, emphasizing the need for policies to manage shadow AI use.
176 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 44min
We've all done RAG, now what?
Rajiv Shah, Chief Evangelist at Contextual AI and an active content creator, shares insights from his year of building retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines. He discusses why many AI pilots fail and emphasizes the importance of evaluation and error analysis. Shah explains how RAG differs from traditional model fine-tuning and sheds light on multi-step reasoning in models. He warns against using large language models for every problem and highlights the need for user-focused AI projects that provide measurable value.
168 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 53min
Creating a private AI assistant in Thunderbird
Chris Aquino, a software engineer at Thunderbird, shares insights on developing a privacy-centric AI executive assistant. He discusses the journey from relying on large models to a modular approach, splitting tasks among smaller models. Key topics include the challenges of local versus remote processing, the importance of privacy in AI features, and how user feedback shapes future developments. With a focus on encrypted inference and efficient workflows, Chris envisions a new era for email management that balances functionality and user privacy.
182 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 47min
Cracking the code of failed AI pilots
A recent MIT report reveals a staggering 95% of AI pilots fail before production. The discussion emphasizes the crucial need for proper integration and tailored solutions to navigate challenges. Listeners learn about the latest trends like GPT-5 and open source models, and their implications for jobs and enterprise strategy. The hosts use a cooking analogy to illustrate that expertise is key for success with AI technologies. They advocate for a multifaceted approach, dispelling myths about AI adoption and stressing the importance of engineering talent.
145 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 43min
GenAI risks and global adoption
Rick Kobayashi, Co-founder and CEO of Citadel AI, and Kenny Song, Co-founder and CTO, previously with Google Brain, dive into the world of generative AI. They discuss Japan's unique approach to AI adoption, contrasting it with Western regulatory frameworks. The conversation addresses the security challenges of AI systems, including hallucinations and prompt injections, while exploring risk management in finance. They also consider the implications of rapid advancements like ChatGPT-5 and the exciting opportunities that AI brings to society.
171 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 44min
Inside America’s AI Action Plan
The hosts delve into America's AI Action Plan, dissecting its three key pillars: innovation acceleration, infrastructure building, and international diplomacy. They explore the mixed political reactions and the implications for AI regulation and funding. The discussion also touches on the need for collaboration between AI developers and defense agencies amid geopolitical tensions. Additionally, challenges in the job market due to generative AI are examined, emphasizing the importance of balanced regulation and fostering bipartisan cooperation in policy-making.
122 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 48min
Confident, strategic AI leadership
Allegra Guinan, Co-founder and CTO of Lumiera, helps leaders tackle the complexities of AI with a focus on responsible practices. She shares her journey from the arts to tech leadership, emphasizing the importance of a human-centered approach. The conversation highlights challenges in AI adoption, the necessity for transparency, and fostering trust within teams. Allegra advocates for a user-focused mindset in AI implementation and insists on proactive ethical decision-making to ensure that AI serves real-world business needs.
80 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 45min
Educating a data-literate generation
Mark Daniel Ward and Katie Sanders from Purdue University's Data Mine discuss how higher ed is evolving for an AI-driven job market. They explore the importance of data literacy across various fields, showcasing hands-on learning and corporate partnerships. The duo highlights the benefits of living-learning communities for student collaboration and mentorship. They also delve into industry collaborations, like with Eli Lilly, reshaping educational experiences and enhancing student opportunities in data science.
306 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 44min
Workforce dynamics in an AI-assisted world
AI is transforming hiring practices and reshaping job roles across industries. There’s a buzz about the benefits and risks of integrating AI in workplaces, stirring debates on job security. Continuous learning is becoming essential for professionals to thrive, especially as compensation trends evolve. The podcast highlights the need for adaptation and responsible innovation, while emphasizing the importance of skills development and mental health in navigating this AI-driven future.
141 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 41min
Reimagining actuarial science with AI
Igor Nikitin, CEO and co-founder of Nice Technologies, dives into how AI is revolutionizing actuarial science. He discusses integrating programming into insurance pricing workflows, highlighting the impact of Python-based engines and collaborative tools. Igor sheds light on the evolving landscape, where AI enhances efficiency and automates mundane tasks, allowing actuaries to innovate faster. He also envisions a future where common technologies improve modeling practices, paving the way for a more flexible and balanced professional life in the actuarial field.
