AI In Action: Exploring Tomorrow's Tech Today

Maurie Beasley
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Join hosts Maurie and Jim on 'AI in Action: Exploring Tomorrow's Tech Today'. Drawing from their extensive education and technology backgrounds, they navigate AI's rapidly evolving landscape across sectors. Each episode unpacks the latest AI breakthroughs, making this complex field accessible for educators, tech enthusiasts, and curious minds alike. Tune in to explore how AI is transforming our world, today and tomorrow.

  1. MAR 11

    From Idea to Product in a Day? AI, Design Systems, and the Future of Software with Knapsack CEO Chris Strahl

    In this episode of AI in Action, Maurie and Jim talk with Chris Strahl, CEO of Knapsack, about how AI is transforming the way companies design and build software products. Chris explains how modern product teams are connecting design tools, code, planning systems, and analytics into a unified AI-assisted workflow. The goal is simple: shorten the path between an idea and a product that actually reaches users. The conversation also explores what this shift means for the next generation of computer science graduates. If AI can now help write code, what skills will matter most? Chris argues that the future will reward people who understand systems, context, and how to design workflows where humans and AI work together. Topics include: • AI-assisted product development• Design systems and enterprise software workflows• Human-in-the-loop AI decision making• The future of computer science careers• Why experience and systems thinking still matter If you're wondering how AI will reshape the way technology gets built, this episode offers a thoughtful and optimistic perspective.

    33 min

  2. MAR 4

    The Smartest Thing You Can Do for Your Kids (Hint: It’s Not AI)

    In this episode of AI in Action, Maurie and Jim Beasley take a step back from the usual AI headlines and ask a surprising question: What is the smartest thing you can do for your child in the age of AI? The answer might not be a new tool, a new device, or even new technology at all. Instead, it may come down to something much more fundamental: learning through struggle. Maurie and Jim explore why real learning often happens at friction points, and how modern technology is designed to remove the very challenges that help our brains grow. They also discuss a new concept Jim has been experimenting with, which he calls strategic friction, a learning framework designed to intentionally test understanding rather than bypass it. Along the way, they unpack several important questions: • Why removing struggle can weaken learning• The difference between cognitive offloading and intelligent assistance• Why students must learn to articulate what they know• The overlooked advantages of rural education environments• Why parents matter more than ever in the AI era• How AI can act as part of the “village” that helps raise the next generation This conversation challenges the idea that education must completely reinvent itself in response to AI. Instead, Maurie and Jim argue that the future of learning may come from combining timeless learning principles with smarter tools. AI is powerful. But it should not replace the struggle that helps people truly learn.

    31 min

  3. FEB 26

    Efficiency AI vs. Opportunity AI: The Agentic Shift

    AI isn’t just about efficiency anymore. In this episode, Maurie and Jim Beasley break down the difference between Efficiency AI and Opportunity AI, and explain how the rise of agentic AI systems may redefine business, automation, and the web itself. From small-town restaurants to AI wallets and infrastructure layers, this conversation explores what AI 3.0 really looks like—and why the biggest opportunities may not be where you think. If you’re curious about where AI is headed next, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Efficiency vs Opportunity 05:29 Understanding Agentic AI 11:28 The Evolution of AI: From 1.0 to 3.0 17:01 The Concept of the Agentic Web 22:46 Enhancing Restaurant Operations with AI 28:42 Conclusion: Opportunities for Small Town Businesses

    32 min

  4. FEB 17

    Conference Chaos and the Agentic Shift

    We just got back from TCEA… and apparently, we brought COVID home with us. But more importantly, we brought back a realization: AI agents are moving faster than most schools are prepared for. In this episode, we unpack what we saw at the conference, the growing misinformation around AI in education, and why IT leaders need to start treating AI like infrastructure — not magic. We talk about: • Why most districts are overspending on AI tools• The difference between chatbots and true agentic AI• Why open-source AI is changing the game• How bots are shaping AI conversations online• And what happens if fear slows innovation If you’re responsible for technology decisions in a district, or you’re trying to make sense of where AI is heading next, this one’s for you. The agentic shift is here. Are you ready for it?

    32 min

  5. JAN 29

    Understanding Food Inflation Through AI

    Summary In this episode of AI in Action, hosts Maurie and Jim Beasley get into the intersection of artificial intelligence and the current state of grocery prices. They explore how AI can facilitate in-depth research into complex topics such as food inflation, regulatory impacts, and the dynamics of the food supply chain. Through engaging discussions, they highlight the importance of education in navigating these issues and the role of AI in enhancing our understanding of the world around us. Takeaways AI can provide deeper insights into complex topics. Grocery prices are influenced by various factors including supply chain issues. Infographics can effectively communicate research findings. Education is crucial for understanding and utilizing AI. Price fixing in the food industry is a significant concern. The dynamics of food pricing can be likened to the rocket and feather analogy. Regulations can impact food prices and industry practices. AI tools can assist in research and information gathering. Understanding the food supply chain is essential for consumers. Systemic issues in food access need to be addressed. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Personal Insights 02:01 Deep Research and AI Reasoning 04:41 Infographics and Visual Learning 07:43 Understanding Grocery Inflation 10:17 Factors Influencing Meat Prices 13:15 The Role of Corporations in Pricing 15:51 Debating Rigged vs. Real Systems 18:48 The Impact of Natural Disasters on Prices 21:35 Regulations and Their Effects on Pricing 24:18 The Role of AI in Research and Education 27:16 Conclusion and Call to Action 34:21 businessTech-outro-low.wav

    35 min

  6. JAN 20

    If Your Gun Detection Just Texts You… Walk Away

    Summary In this episode of AI in Action, hosts Maurie and Jim Beasley welcome JJ Parma from Zero Eyes, a company focused on AI-driven weapon detection technology. JJ shares his journey from a Navy SEAL to his current role, discussing the importance of integrating AI in school safety systems. The conversation delves into the challenges of false positives, the role of human verification in AI detection, and the impact of media representation on public perception. The episode emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technology in schools, ensuring safety without compromising the educational environment. Takeaways JJ Parma is a retired Navy SEAL who now works in AI weapon detection. Zero Eyes aims to implement AI technology in schools for safety. The technology focuses on detecting brandished firearms only. Human verification is crucial to reduce false positives in AI detection. Media representation can misinterpret incidents involving AI technology. Schools need to balance safety measures with a non-prison-like environment. AI technology must be integrated thoughtfully in educational settings. The importance of situational awareness during emergencies is highlighted. JJ emphasizes the need for human oversight in AI systems. The conversation reflects on the ethical implications of AI in schools. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Action 06:07 The Journey of JJ Parma 14:02 Understanding AI in Weapon Detection 23:39 The Clarinet Incident and Media Misrepresentation 31:26 The Role of Human Verification in AI 33:29 Conclusion and Future of AI in Schools

    36 min

  7. JAN 14

    Can AI Save Rural Healthcare?

    Summary This conversation explores the potential of AI to transform rural healthcare, particularly through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Maurie and Jim discuss the challenges faced by rural healthcare systems, including doctor shortages, cybersecurity threats, and the need for innovative technologies. They emphasize the importance of trust in technology and the workforce's adaptation to new tools. The discussion highlights the role of AI in reducing burnout among healthcare providers and improving patient care, while also addressing the potential risks and costs associated with implementing these technologies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rural Health Transformation Program 02:59 The Role of AI in Rural Healthcare 05:54 Cybersecurity Challenges in Rural Healthcare 09:15 AI Innovations: Scribes and Beyond 12:09 Trust Issues with AI in Healthcare 15:00 The Future of Healthcare in Rural America 18:13 Bridging the Trust Gap with Technology 21:01 Workforce Concerns in the Age of AI 24:15 AI as a Triage Tool in Healthcare 27:01 Conclusion: Hope for Rural Healthcare with AI

    29 min

  8. JAN 4

    Season 4: Episode 1 - An Interview with Tina Austin

    Summary In this conversation, Maurie and Jim Beasley, along with Tina Austin, explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, focusing on the importance of metacognition, global perspectives on AI, and the need for innovative teaching methods. They discuss the challenges and misunderstandings surrounding AI tool adoption, the need to rethink assessment frameworks, and the potential for AI to enhance student engagement and critical thinking. Tina introduces her Unblooms framework, which aims to create a more inclusive and effective approach to learning in the age of AI. Takeaways Metacognition is thinking about one's own thinking. AI can eliminate friction points in learning, but we need to reintroduce them. Global perspectives on education reveal diverse pedagogical methods. AI can enhance student engagement and provide opportunities for personalized learning. Misunderstandings about AI tools can hinder effective adoption in education. Assessment frameworks need to evolve to address AI's capabilities. Innovative teaching methods are essential to keep students engaged. Critical thinking and problem-solving should be prioritized in education. Higher education must adapt to maintain its value in the face of AI. Unblooms offers a new framework for learning that emphasizes problem-solving and critical engagement with AI. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education 02:25 Understanding Metacognition and Its Importance 04:34 Global Perspectives on AI in Education 07:37 AI's Role in Enhancing Student Engagement 10:18 Misunderstandings in AI Tool Adoption 12:06 Rethinking Assessment in the Age of AI 15:06 The Need for Innovative Teaching Methods 19:06 Fostering Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 23:36 The Future of Higher Education and AI 26:18 Introducing Unblooms: A New Framework for Learning

    35 min
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Join hosts Maurie and Jim on 'AI in Action: Exploring Tomorrow's Tech Today'. Drawing from their extensive education and technology backgrounds, they navigate AI's rapidly evolving landscape across sectors. Each episode unpacks the latest AI breakthroughs, making this complex field accessible for educators, tech enthusiasts, and curious minds alike. Tune in to explore how AI is transforming our world, today and tomorrow.

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