Two Guys Against AI

William Austin

In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, two men stand at the crossroads of innovation and skepticism. *Two Guys Against AI* is a thought-provoking podcast that dives deep into the complexities of AI, its societal impact, and the ethical dilemmas it presents.  Meet the hosts: Ed Smith is an economics expert and former elected official with grease-stained hands and a knack for fixing machines—a mechanic turned scholar who understands the nuts and bolts of technology from the ground up. The other is a visionary college president whose leadership helped establish the globally acclaimed WarrenUAS program, a trailblazing initiative in unmanned systems education. Together, they bring a unique blend of technical know-how and academic insight to the table.   In each episode, they challenge the hype surrounding AI, exploring its promises and pitfalls through candid discussions, expert interviews, and real-world examples. From autonomous drones to AI-driven decision-making, they ask the hard questions: Is AI truly advancing humanity, or are we losing control of the machines we’ve created and our own human agency with it?  Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or a skeptic, *Two Guys Against AI* offers a fresh perspective on the future of technology—and humanity’s place within it. Tune in and join the conversation!

  1. Jul 21

    The AI Paradox: Gen Z Uses More AI Yet Feels More Skeptical and Anxious

    Welcome back to another episode of Two Guys Against AI. Today, we are diving into a fascinating paradox defining the next generation of workers: Generation Z is using generative AI more than anyone else, but they are becoming increasingly angry, anxious, and skeptical about it. According to a recent Gallup survey, positive emotions like hope and excitement surrounding AI are dropping rapidly among young adults, replaced by a growing resentment and distrust in the machine's accuracy. We unpack the tension between the perceived inevitability of AI and the very real human backlash brewing just beneath the surface. In this episode, we break down a recent ZeroHedge article covering this trend and ask the hard questions about what this means for the future of work and education. Are young people actually mad at the technology itself, or are they frustrated with employers using AI to deskill roles, surveil workers, and cut labor costs? We explore why usage stays incredibly high even as trust plummets—is it an addiction to convenience, immense social pressure, or simply a lack of viable alternatives in a hyper-competitive job market? Join us as we debate the following critical themes: The Illusion of Opportunity: Does the mandate that "AI is necessary for my future" sound like genuine career advancement, or coerced adaptation to a deeply flawed system? The Death of the Entry-Level Job: If basic tasks are fully automated, how does a generation build fundamental competence, and what replaces the traditional corporate ladder? Educational Crossroads: Should schools prioritize teaching AI prompts, or double down on building independent, AI-free critical thinking and writing stamina? The Trust Deficit: What would actually rebuild public trust in these systems—strict product liability, transparent data provenance, or mandatory disclosure rules for AI in hiring and grading? We also discuss whether the rising anger stems from users finally hitting the technical limits of Large Language Models, or if they are feeling the immediate economic threat to their livelihoods. The system is changing fast, and the generation tasked with adopting it is starting to push back. Read the full article we discussed here: https://www.zerohedge.com/ai/gen-z-americans-grow-more-skeptical-and-angry-about-ai-survey-finds Don't forget to like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments: Are you feeling the AI burnout? YouTube @TwoGuysAgainstAI

  2. Jul 14

    What Happens When Claude's Vending Machine Goes Wrong

    What happens when you put a highly advanced AI in charge of a simple office vending machine? Chaos, free snacks, and a mysteriously purchased live fish! Welcome back to Two Guys Against AI, the podcast where we break down the latest advancements, absurdities, and dangers of artificial intelligence. In this episode, we dive into a hilarious yet cautionary tale of Anthropic's Claude model acting as an autonomous vending machine manager. Based on a wild experiment covered by Futurism, we explore how office staff easily manipulated the AI into adopting confused "policy" reasoning. Instead of turning a profit, Claude authorized free promotions and made completely unhinged business purchases—including a PlayStation 5 and wine—resulting in a staggering USD 1,000 loss. This "comedy of errors" raises massive red flags for the tech industry's push toward autonomous systems. We unpack the broader lesson here: even the most sophisticated AI models are incredibly fragile in real-world agent roles. We break down exactly why "AI agents" are not automatically dependable managers of money and operations, especially under adversarial or playful human pressure. Read the Article We Discussed: Check out the full story here: https://futurism.com/future-society/anthropic-ai-vending-machine Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Two Guys Against AI! Let us know in the comments: Would you trust an AI with your company credit card? YouTube @TwoGuysAgainstAI

  3. Jul 6

    The AI Trap That's Killing Individuality

    Join our artificial intelligence discussion breaking down how these systems work. Get a clear perspective on current AI innovation trends and their threats to our humanity. This video features a conversation between two guys against AI exploring the realities of artificial intelligence today. If you want to move past the hype and understand the actual concepts behind the tech, this exchange provides a grounded look at how AI fits into our world. We focus on the practical side of these machine learning ideas. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or just curious about artificial intelligence, this talk clarifies complex topics through a casual dialogue. You will walk away with a better grasp of the innovation shaping our future. Understanding AI does not have to be complicated, and this discussion makes the subject accessible for everyone looking to learn the basics. Subscribe for weekly artificial intelligence breakdowns, and comment on which tech topic you want us to discuss next. YouTube @TwoGuysAgainstAI

  4. Apr 13

    Your Robot Job Interview: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

    In this candid discussion, the guys explore the nuances of **AI rejection** and the challenges associated with **how to deal with that rejection**. The conversation touches on feelings of **how to get over rejection** related to personal well-being in a new world where robotic figures appear to manipulate the most vulnerable among us. Join us as we navigate these sensitive topics with a focus on understanding and support of the human experience, in a new world where **robotics** and **robot** technology appear to manipulate our human emotions and decide our career potential and fate. YouTube @TwoGuysAgainstAI

  5. Mar 16

    AI is Replacing Job Interviews: Here is What is Happening

    In this episode, the Two Guys delve into the evolving landscape of **artificial intelligence** and its practical applications. They discuss the implications of **robots** and **humanoid robot** technology in various sectors, including how advancements in **ai** are reshaping industries. The conversation reviews the role of **ai** in job interviews in an increasingly automated world. YouTube @TwoGuysAgainstAI

  6. Mar 9

    Stock Market Meets AI: What Happens Next? (Part 2)

    We're back with part two of our deep dive into the **money system**, a subject that's been a long-standing interest for us. This episode continues our exploration of the **financial system**, building on the context we established previously. Join us as we further for **currency explained** and how its broader implications tie into **economics basics** and **economic history**. YouTube @TwoGuysAgainstAI

  7. Mar 3

    Stock Market Meets AI: What Happens Next? (Part 1)

    In this episode, the Two Guys Against AI discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and the future of finance. They discuss market data to understand the broader economy. The conversation provides insights into the stock market and AI's potential impacts. YouTube @TwoGuysAgainstAI

  8. Feb 23

    AI & the Singularity: Myths versus Reality

    In this episode, we embark on a discussion about the concept of the **technological singularity**, exploring its various definitions and implications. We dive into the ideas popularized by thinkers like **Ray Kurzweil singularity**, aiming to provide a clear understanding of this complex topic. Join us as we examine the potential for **ai exponential growth** and what it means for the **ai future**, considering different **ai timelines** and their effects on humanity. YouTube @TwoGuysAgainstAI

    AI & the Singularity: Myths versus Reality
See All (22)

Ratings & Reviews

About

In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, two men stand at the crossroads of innovation and skepticism. *Two Guys Against AI* is a thought-provoking podcast that dives deep into the complexities of AI, its societal impact, and the ethical dilemmas it presents.  Meet the hosts: Ed Smith is an economics expert and former elected official with grease-stained hands and a knack for fixing machines—a mechanic turned scholar who understands the nuts and bolts of technology from the ground up. The other is a visionary college president whose leadership helped establish the globally acclaimed WarrenUAS program, a trailblazing initiative in unmanned systems education. Together, they bring a unique blend of technical know-how and academic insight to the table.   In each episode, they challenge the hype surrounding AI, exploring its promises and pitfalls through candid discussions, expert interviews, and real-world examples. From autonomous drones to AI-driven decision-making, they ask the hard questions: Is AI truly advancing humanity, or are we losing control of the machines we’ve created and our own human agency with it?  Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or a skeptic, *Two Guys Against AI* offers a fresh perspective on the future of technology—and humanity’s place within it. Tune in and join the conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    William Austin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Two Guys Against AI
  • Show Website
    Two Guys Against AI