
Practical AI
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!
Latest episodes

Dec 2, 2021 • 26min
Technology as a force for good
In this engaging conversation, Paula Goldman, Chief Ethical and Humane Use Officer at Salesforce, shares her insights on the ethical responsibilities of technology companies in the AI realm. She emphasizes the importance of safeguards in tech development and how technology can foster opportunities, particularly in education. The discussion also touches on the need for guardrails to navigate AI ethics, balancing human judgment with innovation. Paula envisions a future where ethical considerations shape tech education and corporate culture, preparing professionals for responsible use of technology.

Nov 30, 2021 • 47min
AI-generated code with OpenAI Codex
Natalie Pistunovich, a developer advocate at AeroSpike and an OpenAI ambassador, shares her insights on the revolutionary Codex model and GitHub Copilot. She discusses how AI tools like GPT-3 enhance coding workflows, making software development more efficient and collaborative. The conversation dives into the training challenges of AI, the importance of MLOps, and how Codex is transforming coding practices. They explore amusing anecdotes about automatic code generation and the future of AI in engineering teams.

Nov 24, 2021 • 46min
Zero-shot multitask learning
In this discussion, the hosts delve into the potential resurgence of in-person AI conferences post-pandemic. They explore BigScience and the innovative T0 models focused on zero-shot multitask learning in natural language processing. Listeners gain insights into the transformative impact of NLP across sectors like healthcare and finance. The concept of 'humology' is introduced, highlighting the interplay between humans and technology in an automated world. Finally, essential resources for deep learning beginners are shared, making it a comprehensive guide to current AI trends.

Nov 10, 2021 • 46min
Analyzing the 2021 AI Index Report
This discussion dives into the latest insights from the AI Index Report, showcasing the surge in investments for AI-driven drug development. The hosts explore the realm of natural language processing, highlighting breakthroughs like GPT-3 and its industry applications. Ethical considerations of AI, particularly its implications on misinformation, are critically examined, alongside innovative models like Delphi for integrating morals into AI. The conversation underscores the evolving landscape of AI expertise, especially in hiring trends in academia versus industry.

Nov 2, 2021 • 44min
Photonic computing for AI acceleration
Nicholas Harris, CEO of Lightmatter, leads a company pioneering photonic computing for AI acceleration. He discusses the energy constraints of traditional transistor-based technology and the necessity for innovative solutions. The podcast dives into how photonic chips, utilizing lasers, can greatly enhance both performance and efficiency in deep learning. Harris highlights advancements that tackle issues like heat management and signal interference. He emphasizes the crucial difference between training and inference in AI and the powerful potential of photonics in overcoming current computational challenges.

Oct 26, 2021 • 37min
Eureka moments with natural language processing
Nicholas Mohnacky, CEO and co-founder of Bundle IQ, discusses the fascinating intersection of natural language processing and eureka moments. He elaborates on how GPT-3 is revolutionizing AI by transforming information overload into meaningful insights. Mohnacky explores the potential of knowledge graphs in investment decisions and emphasizes AI's role as a productivity enhancer. The conversation also addresses the balance between human creativity and machine efficiency, offering a glimpse into the future of technology and its impact on intellectual property.

Oct 19, 2021 • 43min
🌍 AI in Africa - Makerere AI Lab
Join Joyce and Mutembesa as they discuss groundbreaking work in AI at Makerere University's lab. They tackle community-driven data collection and innovative solutions for local challenges in agriculture and healthcare. Hear about the Open for Good Alliance and its efforts to empower smallholder farmers through technology. The conversation also highlights the importance of teamwork in AI projects, while addressing data bias and the role of AI in responding to COVID-19 in Africa. It's an inspiring look at how AI can create real impact.

8 snips
Oct 12, 2021 • 45min
Federated Learning 📱
The discussion dives into federated learning as a pivotal approach for ensuring data privacy and ethical AI development. It highlights the transformation towards decentralized training methods and addresses the struggles of implementing these systems in organizations. The conversation also covers real-world applications, such as speech recognition and healthcare, while considering battery implications for mobile deep learning. Through exploring privacy concerns and necessary frameworks, this dialogue emphasizes the balance between innovation and user confidentiality.

14 snips
Oct 5, 2021 • 38min
The mathematics of machine learning
Tivadar Danka, an educator and content creator in machine learning, dives into how high school math connects to neural networks in this enlightening discussion. He shares his personal journey from academia to practical teaching, illuminating the relevance of calculus, linear algebra, and probability in machine learning. The conversation emphasizes the challenges learners face in grasping these concepts while fostering motivation through real-world applications. Danka also discusses his interactive book aimed at making these crucial theories accessible and engaging for newcomers.

Sep 28, 2021 • 42min
Balancing human intelligence with AI
Discover the fascinating world of balancing human and artificial intelligence! The discussion reveals how the Polarity Mapping framework aids organizations in integrating AI while preserving human oversight. Learn about the essential role of trust in AI interactions and how empathy shapes effective technology. Explore the synergy in tasks like translation, where collaboration between human creativity and AI's focused capabilities leads to better outcomes. Dive into the significance of aligning AI strategies with genuine human needs for optimal solutions!