100 episodes

Have you found yourself experiencing a lot of stress recently? Do you want to be more creative? Stewart Alsop interviews successful creatives to find out how they work with and manage the stress that is inherent in creative work. He investigates the questions: "What is the connection between stress and creativity?"

Crazy Wisdom Stewart Alsop

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 67 Ratings

Have you found yourself experiencing a lot of stress recently? Do you want to be more creative? Stewart Alsop interviews successful creatives to find out how they work with and manage the stress that is inherent in creative work. He investigates the questions: "What is the connection between stress and creativity?"

    Beyond LLMs: The Personal Touch of AI

    Beyond LLMs: The Personal Touch of AI

    In this episode, the host, Stewart Alsop, takes a deep dive with Suman Kanuganti, the co-founder and CEO of personal.ai. They discuss the concepts of Personal Language Models (PLM), artificial intelligence, and the UX of AI systems. Suman presents the idea of creating personalized AI for every individual to preserve their memory and enable people to interact with it, thus introducing a new way to retain and access human knowledge. They also touch upon the impacts of AI on the way history will be told and remembered in the future.
    We built a Custom GPT trained on this episode for you to interact with. Try this prompt with it:
    What are Suman's thoughts on the evolution of personal AI?
    Key Insights
    Introduction to Personal AI: Discussion on the concept of Personal AI, an AI version of oneself that leverages personal data, facts, and opinions to create interactive experiences for others.
    Origin of Personal AI: Suman Kanuganti shares his inspiration behind Personal AI, motivated by the loss of his mentor, Larry Bok, and the desire to maintain intellectual and emotional connections.
    Nature of Personal AI: Unlike current Large Language Models (LLMs), Personal AI focuses on individual memory, including context, location, and personal history. It grows over time, assimilating various aspects of an individual's life.
    Explicit vs. Implicit Memory: Exploration of the concept of explicit memory control in Personal AI, ensuring intellectual integrity, and distinguishing it from implicit inference.
    Personal AI's User Experience: Discussion on the evolution of the user experience in Personal AI, highlighting how it started before the hype of current LLMs like GPT-3.
    Integration with LLMs: Insight into how Personal AI integrates with general LLMs to enhance user experience and fill gaps in personal knowledge.
    Challenges and Solutions in Personal AI Development: Suman Kanuganti discusses overcoming challenges related to UX design, data training, and market adaptation.
    Future of AI Interaction: Speculation on the future modalities of interacting with AI, including voice, virtual avatars, and potential integration into the metaverse and synthetic biology.
    Vision and Persistence in Developing Personal AI: Suman Kanuganti reflects on the journey of developing Personal AI, emphasizing the importance of vision and overcoming resistance and challenges in the tech industry.
    Historical Implications of Personal AI: A closing thought on how Personal AI could change the way history is recorded and told, with individual memory shaping personal narratives.

    • 47 min
    Water as a Healer: Understanding Aguahara with Seba Tutt

    Water as a Healer: Understanding Aguahara with Seba Tutt

    This podcast features a discussion with Seba Tut, an expert practitioner and facilitator of Aguahara. They explore the concept of Aguahara, a therapeutic experience in water. Seba shares his view on its spiritual, practical, and therapeutic aspects, and how it fosters surrender, intuition, and adaptability. He also discusses the connections between Aguahara and broader cultural and technological trends, integrating perspectives from ancient wisdom, water therapies, and the challenges of modern life. The podcast also covers Seba's plans for sharing Aguahara through a round trip journey across Latin America and potentially further afield.
    If you want to find out what happened in this episode, we trained this ChatGPT for you
    00:04 Introduction and Guest Presentation
    00:22 Understanding Aguahara: A Deep Dive
    02:46 The Origins and Evolution of Aguahara
    06:35 The Role of Water in Aguahara
    06:51 The Birth of Aguahara and Its Connection to Water
    14:18 Exploring the Practice of Aguahara
    27:14 The Healing Power of Aguahara
    35:18 The Aquatic Consciousness in Aguahara
    36:40 Discussing Life's Struggles and the Aquatic Revolution
    38:25 The Power of Empathy and the Impact of the Psychedelic Movement
    38:47 The Emergence of Holistic Views and the Power of Communication
    39:54 Exploring the Concept of Connected Minds and Astrology
    40:30 The Transition from Pisces to Aquarius Era
    41:42 The Power of Words and the Impact of AI
    43:29 The Potential of AI and the Age of Magic
    53:11 Exploring the Concept of Personal AI
    57:04 The Influence of Hollywood and the Perception of AI
    59:23 The Power of Touch and the Healing Potential of Water
    01:03:35 The Future of Aguahara and the Power of Community
    Key Points
    Definition of Aguahara: Seba Tut described Aguahara as difficult to define succinctly. It is seen as both a territory and an exploration, an aquatic experience that cannot be fully captured in a simple definition. It invites curiosity and personal experience to truly understand what it is.
    Origin and Influences: Aguahara is influenced by and considered a descendant of older practices like Watsu (water shiatsu) and Water Dance. These were developed independently in California and Switzerland, respectively. Aguahara also has roots in Jansu, another aquatic therapy developed in an Osho ashram in India.
    The Role of Water: Water is central to Aguahara, not just as a medium but as an element that influences the practice. The therapy often takes place in warm water, similar to body temperature, but can also be conducted in cooler waters. The water facilitates relaxation and movement.
    Connection to Other Practices: Aguahara draws from various traditions and practices, including tantric explorations, shiatsu massage, and dance. It is seen as a combination of these elements, adapted to an aquatic environment.
    Development and Evolution: Aguahara evolved through experimentation and collaboration among practitioners, who brought their learnings and understandings from other therapies and movement practices.
    Philosophical and Spiritual Aspects: The discussion touched on broader philosophical and spiritual themes, such as the mystery of water and the mind, the concept of surrender, and the interplay of intuition and intention.
    Practical Aspects of Aguahara Sessions: Sessions typically involve entering the water, surrendering to the experience, and allowing the facilitator to guide movements. The experience can be therapeutic and involves elements of touch, movement, and a deep connection with water.
    The Cultural and Social Context: The conversation also delved into the broader cultural and social implications of practices like Aguahara, discussing aspects like community, empathy, and the human connection with nature.

    • 1 hr 9 min
    The Argentine Advantage: Thriving in a World of Uncertainty

    The Argentine Advantage: Thriving in a World of Uncertainty

    Interact with this episode using this bot that Crazy Wisdom trained to be your companion to this episode
    This in-depth conversation provides invaluable insights into running a tech startup in Argentina. Former Rappi executive, Lucas Assad, discusses the challenges faced by businesses in an unpredictable economy marked by hyperinflation and rapid changes in exchange rates. Using his experiences in managing Rappi and his present venture dealing with imported construction materials, Lucas explains the complexities of Argentina's entrepreneurial ecosystem. One must be street-smart and agile, adept at handling the unpredictable. Equally, there's a resilience brought out in entrepreneurs dealing with these trying conditions. This podcast also takes a detour, analyzing the complexities of the food delivery business, the competition, and unrest in the marketplace, especially in comparison to the USA.
    00:02 Introduction and Guest Background
    01:11 Discussing Entrepreneurship in Argentina
    06:25 Impact of Government Policies on Business
    07:51 Exploring Successful Latin American Startups
    12:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Argentine Business Environment
    19:59 Effects of Currency Devaluation on Business
    24:20 Impact of Rappi on Argentine Market
    29:33 Unexpected Encounter and Introduction to Rappi
    29:58 Expansion of Rappi in Latin America
    31:55 Competition in the Food Delivery Market
    33:17 Challenges in the Food Delivery Business
    33:30 The Importance of Perfect Delivery
    34:33 Balancing Supply and Demand in Food Delivery
    35:10 The Role of Restaurants in the Delivery Ecosystem
    36:08 The Financial Aspects of Food Delivery
    44:17 The Impact of the Pandemic on Food Delivery
    45:34 The Future of Food Delivery Businesses
    50:27 Transition from Tech to Construction
    Key Discussion Points:
    Background and Introduction:
    Lucas Assad, a friend of Nico (previously interviewed), is an entrepreneur with experience in both traditional business and the tech startup world. He transitioned from the pharmaceutical industry to tech startups, playing a significant role in Rappi's expansion in Argentina. Entrepreneurship in Argentina:
    Discussion on the unique challenges and opportunities in Argentina due to political and economic instability. Examples include hyperinflation and rapidly changing laws. The concept of being "street smart" (DNA in Spanish) in Argentina, highlighting the need for agility and adaptation in business. MercadoLibre and Rappi:
    Insights into successful Latin American startups like MercadoLibre and Rappi. The impact of these platforms on daily life and the economy. Differences between MercadoLibre's evolution and Rappi's rapid expansion. Challenges of Food Delivery Business:
    Exploring the operational difficulties of running a food delivery service like Rappi. The importance of balancing supply and demand, and maintaining customer satisfaction. The role of technology in managing logistics and enhancing customer experience. The Pandemic's Impact:
    How Rappi adapted and grew during the pandemic, particularly in Argentina. A notable surge in orders for products like ice cream and the importance of adapting offerings to consumer demands. Sustainability of VC-Funded Startups:
    Discussion on whether companies like Rappi represent sustainable business models. The role of venture capital in scaling businesses rapidly and the potential pitfalls of this approach. Lucas's Current Endeavors:
    Transition from tech startups to a more traditional business model. Lucas is currently involved in importing construction materials, aiming to capitalize on the anticipated construction boom in Argentina. Contact Information:
    Lucas Assad can be reached via Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under the name "Lucas Assad". His email address is asadlucas@gmail.com.

    • 54 min
    Business Beyond the Numbers: A Conversation with Maranda Dziekonski

    Business Beyond the Numbers: A Conversation with Maranda Dziekonski

    In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stuart interviews Maranda Dziekonski, a CS executive and CCO. They talk about business, touching on topics like the importance of human aspects in business, the power of having a strong mission, and addressing company crises. Dikonsky also explains how she defines business and shares intriguing insights about the role of philosophy in business. Further, they discuss the state of manufacturing in the U.S. and how AI might affect the world of work. She also provides tips for startups on maturing while maintaining their core ethos. The conversation delves into contrasting the perceptions around the end of San Francisco's reign as a tech hub.
    00:02 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    00:23 Understanding Business: A Deep Dive
    01:03 The Importance of People in Business
    03:04 Bridging the Gap between Ideals and Reality in Business
    07:08 The Role of Philosophy in Business
    07:22 The Human Component in Business
    08:24 The Challenge of Measuring ROI
    09:20 The Value Cycle and Problem Statements
    20:26 The Future of Manufacturing
    23:29 The Impact of AI on the Tech Industry
    26:00 Chat GPT and its Impact
    26:30 Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
    28:26 Challenges of Dealing with Automated Systems
    29:50 The Pendulum Swing in Customer Service
    31:39 The Competitive Landscape of Startups
    32:39 Life's Challenges and Managing Stress
    37:42 The Hippie-Business Connection in Startups
    44:48 The Evolution of Tech Hubs: From Michigan to San Francisco
    46:54 Is San Francisco Dead? The Future of Tech Hubs
     
    Definition of Business
    Maranda defines business as a transaction between two entities, which could involve exchanging money for a service or a service for another service. Learnings in Business
    Emphasizes the importance of people in business. Shares a personal experience from the SVB crisis, highlighting the value of transparency and honesty in leadership. Team members offered to delay their paychecks, illustrating the strength of a committed and inspired workforce. Bridging the Gap Between Ideals and Reality
    Maranda stresses the need for flexibility and contingency planning in business. Highlights the human component in business planning, accounting for personal desires, and motivations. Importance of Diverse Perspectives
    Advocates for including multiple perspectives in business processes and decisions. Discusses the culture of debate and openness in her current company, where challenging ideas, even those of higher executives, is encouraged. Philosophy and Business
    Believes that business and philosophy are interlinked, especially when dealing with human behaviors and decisions. Points out the human-driven nature of ROI (Return on Investment) and its subjective assessment. Handling Intangibles in Business
    Discusses the challenges and methods of quantifying intangibles, like time savings in processes. Shares experiences from her past roles to illustrate how intangibles can be made tangible through efficiency gains. Manufacturing and AI's Impact on Jobs
    Reflects on her manufacturing background and the ongoing relevance of manufacturing jobs. Discusses the potential disruptive impact of AI on tech jobs, emphasizing the need for critical thinking skills. Balancing Tangible and Intangible Aspects in Business
    Highlights the unpredictability in business and life, advocating for adaptability and understanding that not everything can be measured or foreseen. Manufacturing in the U.S. and Global Supply Chain
    Shares insights on the fragility of the supply chain and the complexities of onshoring manufacturing. Future of Work and Human Skills
    Ponders over the future role of humans in an increasingly automated world, stressing the importance of skills that are uniquely human, like critical thinking. Conclusion Maranda’s insights reflect a deep understanding of the human element in business and the need for adaptability, diversity, and ethical lead

    • 51 min
    Efficiency by Design: Paul Lambert's Quest for Climate-Smart Home Heating

    Efficiency by Design: Paul Lambert's Quest for Climate-Smart Home Heating

    This Crazy Wisdom Podcast episode features Paul Lambert, CEO of Quilt, a start-up working to revolutionize home heating and cooling systems. Quilt's solution is an all-electric system that replaces traditional fossil fuels, significantly reducing households' contributions to global warming. Lambert shares Quilt's approach to HVAC, emphasizing overall comfort, efficiency, and incorporating modern technologies like machine learning and AI. Quilt has a waitlist in anticipation of their 2024 launch.
    Time Stamps
    00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast
    00:39 Guest Introduction: Paul Lambert, Founder and CEO of Quilt
    00:49 Understanding Quilt: A Revolutionary Heating and Cooling System
    02:42 The Efficiency and Benefits of Heat Pumps
    07:58 The Quilt Experience: Installation and User Interface
    08:35 The Business Aspects and Challenges of Quilt
    24:20 The Future of Quilt and Home Energy Systems
    30:35 Understanding AI, Machine Learning, and Their Role in Quilt
    37:16 Closing Remarks
    Key Points
    Quilt aims to introduce a state-of-the-art HVAC system that is not only highly efficient but also contributes to reducing the environmental impact traditionally associated with home temperature regulation. Lambert explains that a heat pump, a core component of Quilt's system, functions much like a refrigerator, transferring heat instead of generating it, leading to remarkable efficiency gains. You can put 100 watts into the machine and, effectively, get 400 watts of heating power into the home. Lambert brings an impressive resume to the table, with experience leading a 120-person team and an investment fund at Google. His transition from Google to Quilt was fueled by a high level of conviction to address climate change.. Quilt's strategy revolves around combining mature core technologies into a seamless system that offers advantages over centralized heating and cooling methods. The company aims to address the inherent inefficiencies in traditional duct systems and provide a more tailored, room-by-room control approach to homeowners. Lambert believes that smart software and AI integration will further drive efficiency and user comfort in Quilt's system, making a substantial difference in energy consumption and sustainability. Conclusion:
    Lambert envisions Quilt as a platform that not only offers economic benefits to consumers but also contributes positively to the environment. With plans to roll out real home implementations by 2024, Quilt is poised to become a significant player in the home energy market, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods.
    Quotes:
    "We're not just creating energy; we're moving it from one place to another. It's like rotating the energy." "By simply moving the heat that already exists, we can achieve insane levels of efficiency." "Choosing to work on the biggest problem means a commitment to provide a better world for the next generation. In my case, it’s addressing climate change head-on." "In the home, our jobs are to keep you warm and safe. We’re extending this by making sure we also keep you comfortable and do it sustainably."

    • 38 min
    Full-Stack Mindfulness and AI: Allison Durham's Vision for the Future

    Full-Stack Mindfulness and AI: Allison Durham's Vision for the Future

    Intro Allison Durham Focus: Exploring AI, Software Development, and the Human Mind What is the Human Mind? Allison doesn't make a distinction between the brain and the mind. She sees the mind as a dynamic range of cognitive experiences that include thoughts, perception, and self-awareness. The mind exists alongside the human experience and is fully integrated with bodily sensations. On Consciousness Allison discusses the topic of consciousness, noting that awareness can vary in its intensity. She mentions an intriguing question: Can awareness exist without the brain? She recalls an interesting conversation with a friend who asked her about consciousness and awareness. The Experience of Dreams Allison describes a dream she had that was "rooted in Earth," contrasting it with another dream featuring a monstrous, otherworldly creature. She emphasizes her ability to fully visualize experiences in her dreams, even though she struggles with visualization in her waking life. Aphantasia and Visualization Allison brings up the concept of Aphantasia, where people have difficulty visualizing images. She explores the idea that visualization might be trainable, mentioning techniques such as the "candle technique" to improve skill. She notes that while most people can recall memories with images, these people also often have underdeveloped other sensory recall like smell and hearing. Software Development and AI Allison talks about Rust, a systems-level programming language she enjoys using. She delves into the concept of Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), explaining it stems from Google's earlier operations methods. She praises GitLab for packaging all the tools needed for DevOps, making it more accessible. She explores the concept of MLOps, which focuses on getting machine learning models into production. She finds the speed of open-source AI development both exciting and challenging, noting that problems can't be fully solved before new ones appear. Personal Psychology Framework Allison discusses her psychological framework, leaning heavily on mindfulness-based tactics. She believes in being fully aware of one's thoughts and emotional state, and she finds this awareness essential for taking proper action in life. Final Thoughts She mentions her website, AdjectiveAllison.com, and her social media handle, AdjectiveAllison on X. Time Stamps: 2:30 - Discussing the nature of the mind and its relationship to the brain and awareness
    5:00 - Allison explains her experience with aphantasia
    7:30 - Stuart talks about training himself to visualize through meditation
    9:00 - Whether imagination and visualization can be trained as skills
    11:00 - Allison's perspective on not training her own visualization abilities right now
    12:00 - Allison's interest in learning Rust programming language
    14:00 - Using ChatGPT to assist with engineering problems as a "rubber duck debugger"
    16:00 - Explanation of DevOps, APIs, serverless solutions like Repl.it
    19:00 - How AI may or may not change API and engineering architectures
    21:00 - Automation as connecting APIs; engineers building instead of using no-code
    23:00 - AI unlikely to change API interface itself, complexity happens behind it
    24:00 - Allison's favorite psychological framework is mindfulness
    25:30 - Aligning with specific frameworks depending on the problem
     

    • 56 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
67 Ratings

67 Ratings

g steak ,

Diverse and always fascinating

Extremely well prepared podcast on a huge range of topics.

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