Crazy Wisdom Stewart Alsop

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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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.

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

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."

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