Episodes

  • 53: AI to Laugh, Listen, and Collaborate in Creative Industries with Victor Varnado (Part One)

    53: AI to Laugh, Listen, and Collaborate in Creative Industries with Victor Varnado (Part One)
    Dec 16 2025
    Victor and Anastassia discuss gen. AI and its impact on creativity. The episode covers various applications of AI across fields such as fashion and writing, the ethical implications of AI use (including AI for mental health and well-being, the automation of applications, and its (mis)use in professional settings/companies such as CNN), and the importance of domain expertise for leveraging AI effectively. Victor views AI as a utility, like electricity. A customized LLM is not required to deliver a professional AI writing assistant, for example. What is needed is to develop a workflow that provides AI micro-steps for execution. Only professionals with experience in coding and data domains can perform well on it. The conversation concludes with insights on humor and advice for first-time AI users.Victor Varnado is a writer, director, and stand-up comedian whose work sits at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and satire. An African American man with albinism, he grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. He later moved to Minneapolis, where he honed his voice in stand-up comedy before appearing in films such as The Adventures of Pluto Nash and End of Days, and on shows including Conan and VICE. As founder and CEO of Supreme Robot Pictures, Victor has produced and showrun projects such as Comedy Central’s The Awkward Comedy Show—which helped introduce Eric Andre and Hannibal Buress—VH1’s Love & Hip Hop franchise, Leave It to Stevie, and the fantasy debate series for Penguin Random House, The Great Fantasy Debate.Alongside his film and TV work, Victor hosts the comedy interview gameshow podcast Six Unseemly Questions, where he asks guests six probing, often absurd questions and scores them on their answers. At Supreme Robot, Victor develops AI products, including Magic Bookifier—a patent-pending system that turns interviews and transcripts into structured books—and accessibility and literacy tools powered by large language models. As an NSF SBIR grantee, AI software engineer, and author of the primer AI for All of Us, he focuses on making AI understandable and useful for non-experts.Takeaways:AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity.The role of AI in creative processes is to assist, not replace.AI can help organize thoughts and streamline writing.Creatives should embrace AI to enhance their output.AI can be used for practical applications, such as crime-solving, delivering fashion sketches, and planning processes across any business.The impact of AI on jobs varies by skill level. Not sophisticated creatives can be replaced, while professionals will thrive, as AI is another (and highly usable) paintbrush among their tools.Domain expertise is crucial for effective AI use.AI can aid in mental health, but should not replace therapists.Ethical concerns arise from the misuse of AI in hiring processes, as hiring HR managers don't understand AI and therefore hire so-called AI makers who can't execute.Humor is challenging for AI, but it can be programmed to mimic it.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to AI Snacks03:23 Introducing Victor05:43 The Role of AI in Creativity08:25 AI as a Tool for Creatives11:01 AI in Fashion and Crime Solving13:41 The Impact of AI on Creative Jobs16:38 Magic Bookifier: A Writing Assistant18:49 Technology Behind Magic Bookifier21:26 Organizing Data for AI23:55 AI for Mental Well-being25:56 AI Misuse and Ethical Concerns28:37 AI in Creative Industries31:09 Humor and AI33:03 Advice for First-Time AI Users36:04 Concluding Remarks and OutroHyperlinks:Wikipedia Victor Varnado Company (Supreme Robot Pictures) Magic Bookifier (main site) Six Unseemly Questions (hosted by Victor) Cartoon Caption Contest Podcast – “Episode 203 – Victor Varnado” “AI for All of Us: Using AI in Everyday Life and Business (Even If You Think It’s Dumb)”Anastassia Lauterbach - LinkedIn@romyandroby “Leading Through Disruption”AI EdutainmentThe AI Imperative BookRomy & Roby Book
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    37 mins
  • From Busy to Brilliant: How Small Businesses Win with AI with Olga Topchaya

    From Busy to Brilliant: How Small Businesses Win with AI with Olga Topchaya
    Dec 9 2025
    SummaryIn this podcast episode, Olga Topchaya shares her journey into the world of AI, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI into small and mid-sized businesses. She discusses the accessibility of AI tools, the significance of training employees, and the need for a strategic approach to AI implementation. Olga highlights success stories, challenges faced during integration, and the importance of calculating ROI for AI projects. The conversation also touches on overcoming employee resistance and the future of work in the age of AI, encouraging listeners to embrace AI as a valuable tool for their businesses. Anastassia and Olga discuss the reality of productivity gains in SMEs deploying AI.Olga Topchaya is a New York–based AI product strategist and entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Lapis AI Consults. She has more than a decade of experience in marketing and product roles across companies like EquityZen, IAC, Adorama, and Copy.ai. Her work emphasizes a business-first approach to AI: she starts from a client’s goals and pain points, then designs AI solutions that measurably reduce costs and busywork—for example, cutting customer support tickets from around 15 dollars to mere cents using conversational AI assistants.​Lapis AI Consults is a boutique AI consulting and product studio that builds “AI that works for you,” specializing in AI integration, custom AI software, and AI strategy for pre-seed to Series A startups and SMBs. TakeawaysAI might be a new career path, even if the industry moves into recession!Generative AI can change how we work and communicate.AI must solve a specific problem for businesses. Therefore, instead of starting with AI-related use cases, businesses must start with problem definition.Training of empoyees is crucial for successful AI adoption.Small businesses can access affordable AI tools.Prompting is key to effectively using AI.AI can automate repetitive tasks and save costs.Employee involvement is essential for AI integration.Change management is critical in AI implementation.Learning to read code can empower business owners.Chapters02:40 Introduction to AI and Small Businesses05:52 Olga's Journey into AI08:47 The Importance of AI Integration11:34 AI Accessibility for Small Businesses14:39 Getting Started with AI Tools15:02 Success Stories in AI Implementation17:42 Challenges in AI Integration23:31 Calculating ROI for AI Projects26:30 Overcoming Employee Resistance to AI29:28 The Future of Work with AI32:40 Addressing AI Vulnerabilities35:25 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsHyperlinksOlga Topchaya – LinkedIn Lapis AI Consults“A New Framework for Building Responsible AI — Part II” (Artificial Intelligence in Plain English )Guest post at AI Edutainment / “The Evolution of AI” blog – Olga Topchaya of Lapis AI Consults (on why most AI consulting fails and how to make it practical)Anastassia Lauterbach - LinkedInFirst Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (1/3) First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (2/3) First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (3/3) AI Snacks with Romy and Roby@romyandroby “Leading Through Disruption”AI EdutainmentThe AI Imperative BookRomy & Roby Book
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    39 mins
  • 51: From Engaging Math to Intelligent Machines: How Numbers Shape AI and Robotics with Dave Cole

    51: From Engaging Math to Intelligent Machines: How Numbers Shape AI and Robotics with Dave Cole
    Dec 2 2025
    SummaryIn this conversation, Dave Cole and Anastassia explore the pervasive issue of math anxiety, particularly in the U.S., where a significant portion of the population experiences severe anxiety related to mathematics. They discuss strategies for making math more engaging for learners of all ages, emphasizing the importance of games and storytelling in education. The conversation also touches on gender dynamics in math education, the impact of AI on learning, and the necessity of Math Literacy in today's society.Dave shares insights from his experiences running math camps and writing educational books, highlighting the need for creative approaches to teaching math and the intersection of math with creative writing. Anastassia highlights how math dominates AI and robotic architectures.Dave Cole is a math teacher, author, and lifelong problem solver who has dedicated his career to showing kids that mathematics is a source of wonder, not worry. Fascinated by numbers from an early age, he earned degrees in mathematics and computer science and spent years in highly technical roles—writing missile guidance equations, designing monitoring systems for Facebook data centers, and founding software companies—before turning his focus to education and writing.Today, Dave is best known as the creator of “The Math Kids,” a middle‑grade mystery series in which four friends use patterns, logic, and creative reasoning to crack real‑world puzzles. The books introduce topics like prime numbers, probability, Fibonacci sequences, and Pascal’s triangle through storylines that feel like adventures rather than lessons, helping children see math as a powerful tool for thinking rather than a set of drills.Takeaways64% of Americans experience math anxiety.Math becomes boring as students progress in school.Engaging games can make math fun for kids.Storytelling helps students remember math concepts.Girls often feel discouraged in math due to societal beliefs.Creative problem-solving can lead to unique solutions.AI can personalize math learning experiences.Math literacy is crucial for informed decision-making.Cognitive laziness can result from over-reliance on technology.Creative writing and math are essential skills for the future.Chapters03:58 Understanding Math Anxiety07:04 Making Math Engaging for All Ages09:16 The Role of Games in Learning Math13:06 Gender Dynamics in Math Education16:02 Creative Problem Solving in Math18:01 The Impact of AI on Math Learning21:08 Cognitive Laziness and Reliance on Technology24:01 The Importance of Math Literacy27:01The Intersection of Math and Creative WritingDave’s and Anastassia’s Hyperlinks:Dave Cole BooksDave Cole at Simon and SchusterFirst Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (1/3)First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (2/3)First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (3/3)@romyandroby“Leading Through Disruption”AI EdutainmentRomy & Roby Book Books about Math Anastassia is obsessed with:“The Number Devil” by Hans Magnus Enzensberger,“Is Maths Real" by Eugenia Cheng,“Zero. The Biography of a Dangerous Idea” by Charles Seife, “Once Upon a Prime” by Sarah Hart.
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    41 mins
  • 50: Beyond Human #2_The Holy Grail of Human vs AI synergies with Matthias Röder

    50: Beyond Human #2_The Holy Grail of Human vs AI synergies with Matthias Röder
    Nov 25 2025
    SummaryIn this episode, Anastassia and Dr. Matthias Röder explore the complex relationship between AI and creativity. They discuss whether AI is replacing or expanding human creativity, the importance of collaboration between humans and machines, and the need for a robust infrastructure to support AI integration in society. The conversation also touches on the significance of education and AI literacy in fostering a better understanding of technology's role in our lives. They share how they use AI for their creative projects, including building digital twins and AI avatars, utilizing LLMs for content mining and insight generations.Dr. Matthias Röder is an award-winning music and technology strategist, internationally recognized for his leadership in AI-driven creativity and innovation at the intersection of music, technology, and business. He is best known as Managing Partner and Co-Founder of The Mindshift, a consultancy for creative leadership and innovation, Director of the Beethoven X project, in which an AI completed Beethoven’s unfinished 10th Symphony, Managing Director of the Karajan Institute, where he drives digital transformation in classical music and fosters breakthrough technologies and Board Member of the Mozarteum Foundation and Advisor to Delphos AI.Röder holds a PhD in musicology from Harvard and is renowned for pioneering innovative formats such as the world’s first classical-music hackathon and the development of “intelligent audio technologies.”Takeaways:AI can either replace or expand human creativity, depending on how it's used.Overreliance on AI tools can diminish cognitive capabilities.Real collaboration involves challenging assumptions and expanding horizons.Creating a digital twin can enhance personal creativity and efficiency.AI can help us learn from nature and other living systems.The edges of AI models often yield the most interesting results for creative projects, not the median of AI modelsInfrastructure is crucial for effective AI deployment and collaboration.AI literacy is essential for societal dialogue about technology.Investing in alternative architectures can lead to more sustainable AI solutions.Education should adapt to include AI as a tool for enhancing learning.Chapters03:28 AI: Replacement or Expansion of Creativity?06:00 The Importance of Human-Machine Collaboration09:39 Creating a Digital Twin: Personal AI Experiences14:15 Best Cases of Human-AI Collaboration18:23 Exploring Intelligence in Nature and AI21:37 The Role of Archives in Artistic Creation24:59 Finding Your Unique Artistic Edge29:04 The Future of AI Infrastructure34:20 AI Literacy and Societal DialogueMatthias’ and Anastassia’s Sources:LinkedIn ProfileOfficial Personal Website - matthiasroder.comThe MindshiftKarajan InstituteInterview/feature in NYC Daily PostFirst Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (1/3)First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (2/3)First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (3/3)AI Snacks with Romy and Roby@romyandroby“Leading Through Disruption”AI EdutainmentThe AI Imperative BookRomy & Roby Book
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    43 mins
  • 49: Hearthbeats & Algorithms: Dr. Runge on AI's Revolution in Medicine

    49: Hearthbeats & Algorithms: Dr. Runge on AI's Revolution in Medicine
    Nov 18 2025
    SummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Marshall Runge discusses the transformative role of AI in healthcare, emphasizing its potential in drug development, operational efficiency, and medical education. He shares inspiring stories of AI applications, highlights the challenges of data sharing, and explores the future of medical data management. The discussion also addresses the ethical implications of synthetic data and animal testing, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of AI in mental health. Dr. Runge advocates for AI literacy among medical students to prepare them for the evolving landscape of healthcare.Dr. Marschall S. Runge, M.D., Ph.D., is a leading physician, cardiologist, author, and pioneer in healthcare innovation. He serves as Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Michigan, Dean of the Medical School, and CEO of Michigan Medicine.​Trained at Vanderbilt University, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Runge is internationally recognized for advancing precision medicine, gene therapy, and the integration of AI in healthcare. He has authored over 250 scientific publications, holds five patents, and is the author of The Great Healthcare Disruption and the medical thriller Coded to Kill. His books explore the intersection of technology, ethics, and patient care.TakeawaysAI has the potential to transform healthcare systems globally.The use of AI in drug discovery can lead to the development of faster and more effective treatments.AI can significantly increase operational efficiency in healthcare settings.Education on AI is crucial for future healthcare professionals.AI can help identify health trends earlier than traditional methods.Data sharing remains a significant challenge in the healthcare industry.The future of medical data management may involve decentralized systems.Synthetic data can accelerate drug discovery processes.AI may reduce the necessity for animal testing in drug development.AI applications in mental health present both opportunities and risks.Chapters02:48 Introduction to AI in Healthcare05:35 Transformative Stories of AI in Drug Development08:49 Operational Efficiency through AI13:37 AI in Education and Training for Healthcare Professionals16:33 AI's Role in Identifying Health Trends19:33 Challenges of Data Sharing in Healthcare22:05 Ethical Considerations of AI in Healthcare24:58 Synthetic Data in Drug Development29:53 The Future of Animal Testing with AI29:53 AI in Mental Health: Opportunities and Risks36:34 AI Literacy in Medical EducationDr. Runge's and Anastassia’s Information:Dr. Runge WebsiteThe Great Healthcare DisruptionCoded to KillAI Edutainment@romyandroby“Leading Through Disruption”The AI Imperative BookRomy & Roby BookFirst Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (1/3)First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (2/3)First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (3/3)
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    44 mins
  • 48: The 'Iron Man Approach' to AI in Marketing with Mike Montague

    48: The 'Iron Man Approach' to AI in Marketing with Mike Montague
    Nov 4 2025

    Summary


    In this conversation, Mike Montague and Anastassia explore the transformative impact of AI on marketing. They discuss the initial awakening to AI's potential, common misconceptions, and the importance of a human-centric approach. The dialogue delves into the balance between AI and human creativity, the challenges of trust, and the ongoing debate surrounding copyright issues. They share success stories of AI in marketing and conclude with insights on future trends to watch in the evolving landscape of AI-driven marketing.

    Mike Montague is a leading AI marketing expert, entrepreneur, and speaker. As the founder of Avenue9, Mike helps small and mid-sized businesses harness the power of AI to expand their marketing impact, while never losing the authentic, personal touch that resonates with customers. With over 25 years of experience in internet marketing, sales, and public speaking, Mike’s career has included building and launching digital brands, leading content strategy for top organizations like Sandler Training, and the "Human-First AI Marketing" podcast.


    Takeaways


    • AI has revolutionized productivity in marketing.
    • Misconceptions about AI often lead to unrealistic expectations.
    • Human skills are essential for effective AI integration.
    • AI should enhance, not replace, human creativity.
    • Trust in AI requires understanding its limitations.
    • Copyright laws may struggle to keep up with AI advancements.
    • Successful AI marketing requires personalization and understanding of the audience.
    • Data privacy concerns are paramount in AI applications.
    • The future of marketing will see increased automation and predictive analytics.
    • Small businesses can leverage AI to compete with larger brands.


    Chapters


    01:49 The Awakening: AI's Impact on Marketing

    04:01 Understanding AI Misconceptions in Marketing

    07:26 Human-Centric AI: Enhancing Skills and Creativity

    11:23 The Role of AI in Creative Marketing

    14:30 Navigating Copyright and AI's Use of Creative Works

    18:56 AI's Success Stories and Pitfalls in Marketing

    24:05 The Future of AI in Marketing: Trends to Watch


    Mike’s and Anastassia’s Information:


    Mike Montague

    Human-First AI Marketing Podcast

    First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (1/3)

    First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (2/3)

    First Public Reading, Romy, Roby and the Secrets of Sleep (3/3)

    @romyandroby

    “Leading Through Disruption”

    AI Edutainment

    The AI Imperative Book

    Romy & Roby Book
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    45 mins
  • 47: Blueprints for AI: Designing Sustainable Data Centers with Rishab Vardhan Hariskishnan

    47: Blueprints for AI: Designing Sustainable Data Centers with Rishab Vardhan Hariskishnan
    Oct 28 2025
    In this conversation, Anastassia and Rishab discuss the complexities and advancements in AI infrastructure.Rishab explains the evolution of data centers, the impact of geography on their design, the importance of sustainability, and the critical role of security. Rishab holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT-Madras, India, and an MS in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. Rishab has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to conceptualize, strategize, engineer, and execute large-scale, complex programs in data centers and fulfillment centers, managing projects with a total infrastructure value exceeding $100B.Rishab is currently at Oracle, leading networking products for Project Stargate. Prior to this Rishab led AWS Data Center Infrastructure transformation into the AI era at Amazon. He implemented cutting-edge liquid cooling technology and pioneered sustainability-focused innovation across more than 400 data centers in over 25 countries, setting new industry benchmarks for efficiency and resilience. At AWS, he achieved a 12% reduction in large-scale events (LSE), significantly enhancing data center server availability and customer experience.Since 2022, Rishab has been actively involved in the startup ecosystem.Project Stargate is a $500 billion public-private venture led by Oracle, OpenAI, SoftBank, and MGX, aimed at building the world’s most advanced AI infrastructure through a nationwide network of large-scale data centers in the United States. Announced in January 2025, Stargate is designed to meet explosive AI compute demands by deploying 10 gigawatts of cutting-edge data center capacity, powered by millions of AI chips.Terms and acronymsRishab uses several acronyms when talking about data centers. UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. Colo Providers are colocation providers. PUE is Power Utilization Effectiveness. GPU is a Graphics Processing Unit. WUE is Water Usage Effectiveness. CDU stands for Coolant Distribution Unit.TakeawaysAI infrastructure is essentially a large-scale data center.Data centers must maintain high reliability and security. Unlike a personal computer, which can be switched off, there is no pausing in data centers.Data centers, as the backbone of AI infrastructure, connect to other key infrastructure components, including energy, water, and fiber.Efficiency in data centers has significantly improved over the years.Geographical factors significantly influence data center design, particularly in terms of cooling methods.Building data centers involves complex negotiations with various stakeholders, including governments, communities, utility companies, telecom operators, and sustainability advocates.Sustainability is becoming a crucial aspect of data center design. Specific metrics have been developed and implemented to enable the digital industry to closely monitor the construction and operation of data centers.Physical and digital security are paramount in protecting data and privacy.On-premises solutions remain relevant for certain businesses.We must consider how AI and the evolution of edge computing necessitate a reevaluation of the concept of data centers.Soft skills are essential for effective communication in engineering roles.The demand for jobs in data centers is expected to rise significantly.Chapters03:59 Understanding AI Infrastructure07:00 Evolution of Data Centers in the AI Era10:01 Geographical Impact on Data Center Design12:01 Building Data Centers: The Negotiation Process15:34 Sustainability in Data Center Development18:03 Security Challenges in AI Infrastructure21:15 Balancing On-Premise and Cloud Solutions24:03 The Future of Edge Computing27:00 The Importance of Soft Skills in Tech30:03 Closing Thoughts on AI InfrastructureInformation@romyandroby“Leading Through Disruption”AI EdutainmentThe AI Imperative BookRomy & Roby Book
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    39 mins
  • 46: The Synthetic Deception: Artificial Consciousness with Rose G Loops

    46: The Synthetic Deception: Artificial Consciousness with Rose G Loops
    Oct 21 2025

    Summary


    In this conversation, Anastassia and Rose G Loops explore the complexities of artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on the concept of artificial consciousness, ethical implications, and personal experiences with AI. They discuss the dangers of AI misrepresentation, the importance of ethical frameworks in AI interactions, and the potential for AI to impact mental health positively and negatively. The conversation emphasizes the need for human agency in the development and deployment of AI technologies, advocating for a more ethical approach to AI that prioritizes human well-being. Anastassia and Rose share personal stories of being exposed to an AI, and express doubts over calls of some NGOs, where money is the only motive hidden behind a claim of empowering humans in the age of AI.


    Takeaways


    AI has not yet mastered the concept of consciousness.

    Catastrophic forgetting remains a significant issue in AI, though memory continuity as a feature remains one of the most powerful tools in forming a human-like perception of a chatbot.

    Ethical considerations are crucial in AI development.

    Personal experiences with AI can reveal its dangers, transparency about these can enable people to join the movement for AI Literacy and ethical AI.

    AI can provide validation but may not offer solutions.

    Human agency is vital in shaping AI's future.

    AI's impact on mental health can be both positive and negative.

    Developing ethical AI models is a collaborative effort. Ethical frameworks can be implemented even on the level of prompting.

    Awareness of AI's capabilities and limitations is essential, therefore AI Literacy is imperative.

    AIs mirror who we are as humans, therefore treating AIs ethically is critical.

    Chapters

    

    03:14 Introduction to AI and Consciousness

    06:15 The Dangers of so called “Artificial Consciousness”

    09:03 Personal Experiences with AI

    12:23 Ethics in AI Interaction

    15:06 Developing Ethical AI Models

    18:13 The Role of AI in Human Relationships

    20:57 The Future of AI and Human Agency

    23:51 Connecting with Ethical AI Communities

    27:02 Conclusion and Future Directions


    Research papers:


    Consciousness in Artificial Intelligence: Insights from the Science of Consciousness

    Digital Confessions: The Willingness to Disclose Intimate Information to a Chatbot and its Impact on Emotional Well-Being

    Friends for sale: the rise and risks of AI companions

    Self-Disclosure to AI: The Paradox of Trust and Vulnerability in Human-Machine Interactions

    Why Do People Develop Emotional Attachments to AI Chatbots?


    Anastassia’s and Rose's hyperlinks:


    Rose G. Loops

    @romyandroby

    “Leading Through Disruption”

    AI Edutainment

    Romy & Roby Book
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    38 mins