AI: Hype vs. Reality

As a data mining grad student, I’ve enjoyed the first few episodes as they venture into different sub-fields of AI / Machine Learning. I’d prefer less or more simple background music; listening while driving I kept thinking my car was making noise, ha!

Interesting new tech with an eager, upbeat host.

I very much enjoy listening to technology oriented podcasts, and am open to a wide variety of topics. However, in my opinion, it is important that the host delivers the material with a minimal sense of seriousness and professionalism to lend credibility to the format and topic. I understand that Jessica is trying to bring a level of energy and fun to the program, but her approach is a bit too over the top. I hope that she and the producer(s) take this to heart to improve the potential of this show.

A lot of reviews criticize the host, and honestly I think they look down on her because if a woman shows she’s excited about a topic and let’s her outgoing personality come through, suddenly people think she’s being “unprofessional”. The truth is, she’s exploring the world of science/AI and presenting it in an interesting way. She’s putting her own personality into it because that’s what MANY excellent hosts of excellent podcasts DO to engage the audience and add relatability. Her interviews are very informative and relevant, and the people she interviews clearly feel happy and comfortable talking to her. I’ve listened to tons of AI podcasts and it’s easy to tune out the dry conversation that goes on. She makes her podcast fun to listen to and learn from in every second of every episode.