Free Form AI

Michael Berk
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Free Form AI explores the landscape of machine learning and artificial intelligence with topics ranging from cutting-edge implementations to the philosophies of product development. Whether you're an engineer, researcher, or enthusiast, we cover career growth, real-world applications, and the evolving AI ecosystem in an open, free-flowing format. Join us for practical takeaways to navigate the ever-changing world of AI.

  1. 4D AGO

    Agentic Systems: Architectures at Microsoft (E. 29)

    The conversation delves into Victor Dibia's career journey, global experiences, transition to a PhD, and strategic career planning. It also explores his focus on AI tooling and frameworks, as well as the evolution of Autogen and the Microsoft Agent Framework. The conversation delves into the actor-first paradigm in multi-agent systems and the concept of ensembling in machine learning. It explores the benefits of the actor-first approach and the considerations for using multiple agents in complex tasks. Additionally, it discusses the power of ensembling in complementing the biases of individual models and the potential for mixture of experts in achieving better performance. Topics Career progression through diverse experiencesActor-first paradigm in multi-agent systemsAutogen and Semantic Kernel Chapters 00:00 Career Journey and Global Experiences11:03 Focus on AI Tooling and Frameworks19:11 Evolution of Autogen and Microsoft Agent Framework28:59 Actor-First Paradigm in Multi-Agent Systems36:39 Ensembling in Machine Learning

    57 min

  2. FEB 11

    Knowledge Transfer: How to Help Others (E. 28)

    The conversation delves into the importance of knowledge transfer within an organization, highlighting the benefits of a collaborative culture, the value of building replacements, and the demonstration of one's value through knowledge sharing. It emphasizes a kindness-oriented approach and the need for frequent touch points when teaching and learning. The discussion covers the minimum requirements for knowledge transfer, the approach to teaching someone senior and junior, and the curation of work and experiences to facilitate learning and growth. Takeaways Collaborative cultureBuilding replacementsDemonstrating valueKindness-oriented approachFrequent touch points Chapters 00:00 Introduction and UI Learning06:07 Why Help Others?18:31 Teaching Someone Senior to You26:02 Teaching Someone Junior to You33:03 Curating Work and Experiences39:24 Final Thoughts on Knowledge Transfer

    43 min

  3. JAN 17

    Diverse Hiring for AI Skills (E.27)

    The conversation covers the topics of diversifying vs. focusing, structuring your day for productivity, the evolution of AI training, AI leadership training, building community and support, and navigating career transitions. Key takeaways include the importance of structuring your calendar for productivity, the value of diverse hiring practices, and the concept of social entrepreneurship as a North Star for career navigation. Takeaways Structuring your calendar for productivityDiverse hiring practices for better outcomesSocial entrepreneurship as a North Star Chapters 00:00 Diversifying vs. Focusing07:58 AI Training Evolution29:08 Building Community and Support33:52 Navigating Career Transitions

    37 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Systematic Creativity: TRIZ, Knowledge Graphs and AI-Driven Innovation (E.26)

    What happens when creativity is treated not as intuition, but as a system that can be studied and scaled? In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael and Ben sit down with Nicolas Douard, Lead Data Scientist at the Virtue Foundation, to explore how AI and data science are being used to automate innovation itself. Drawing from Nicolas’ PhD research, the conversation examines TRIZ — a systematic framework for inventive problem solving — and how it can be augmented with modern AI techniques to connect ideas across disciplines. The discussion moves through biomimicry as a model for interdisciplinary discovery, the use of knowledge graphs to represent and traverse complex domains, and the role AI may play in accelerating scientific insight. Along the way, this conversation unpacks deeper questions about creativity, discovery and whether innovation can be meaningfully formalized without losing its human essence. Tune into episode 26 for a wide-ranging conversation about: TRIZ as a structured methodology for inventive problem solvingBiomimicry as a blueprint for cross-disciplinary innovationHow knowledge graphs enable new forms of scientific reasoningThe role of AI in discovery, not just automationWhether creativity can be systematized without being diminished Whether you work in data science, engineering or applied research, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how AI innovation itself might become a computable process. Note: This episode was released first on YouTube as part of Free Form AI’s video-first relaunch.

    1h 5m

  5. 11/13/2025

    Inside the Codebase: Reviews, Testing and the Hidden Mechanics of Good Software (E.25)

    Ever wondered what senior engineers actually talk about behind closed doors? In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael and Ben open up the conversations developers usually only hear behind closed doors. We're talking how real engineering teams review code, manage dependencies, keep tests reliable and prevent their codebases from turning into chaos. Live and in real time, they break down the habits and workflows that make software durable: using reusable components to avoid reinvention, building integration tests that catch silent failures, choosing versioning strategies that won’t break downstream users, and writing documentation that actually accelerates collaboration. Tune into episode 25 for a wide-ranging conversation about: • What code reviews really accomplish • Why reusable components reduce long-term friction • How dependency management goes wrong (and how to keep it stable) • Why integration tests are the backbone of reliable software • How versioning choices shape releases • The role of clear documentation in team velocity • Why internal utilities need user-centric design • How clean codebases speed up onboarding and feedback If your work touches code, this episode gives you the kind of insight you’d normally only get sitting next to seasoned engineers at the office.

    1h 6m

  6. 10/23/2025

    Beyond Intelligence: GPT-5, Explainability and the Ethics of AI Reasoning (E.24)

    What happens when AI stops generating answers and starts deciding what’s true? In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael Berk and Ben Wilson dive into GPT-5’s growing role as an interpreter of information — not just generating text, but analyzing news, assessing credibility, and shaping how we understand truth itself. They unpack how reasoning capabilities, source reliability, and human feedback intersect to build, or break trust in AI systems. The conversation also examines the ethical stakes of explainability, the dangers of “sycophantic” AI behavior and the future of intelligence in a market-driven ecosystem. Tune in to Episode 24 for a wide-ranging conversation about: • How GPT-5’s reasoning is redefining “understanding” in AI • Why explainability is critical for trust and transparency • The risks of AI echo chambers and feedback bias • The role of human judgment in AI alignment and evaluation • What it means for machines to become arbiters of truth Whether you build, study, or rely on AI systems, this episode will leave you questioning how far we’re willing to let our models think for us.

    42 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    The Cost of Complexity: Why Simplicity Wins in Software Development (E.23)

    How to fight complexity creep and build software that stays simple, even as it grows. Every engineer knows the struggle: a simple system slowly buried under complexity. In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael Berk and Ben Wilson break down how complexity creeps into code, dependencies and design. And why simplicity almost always wins. They cover how iteration, testing and mentorship can keep software maintainable. So where Gen AI can (and can’t) help reduce friction? Tune in to Episode 23 for a wide-ranging conversation about: • Complexity shows up in code, dependencies and design decisions • Incremental iteration helps map the solution space more effectively • Testing isn’t just QA, it’s how we preserve maintainability • Gen AI can simplify coding tasks, but it still needs human oversight • Mentorship remains one of the best ways to fight chaos in code If you’ve ever wrestled with “complexity creep,” this one’s for you.

    43 min

  8. 09/25/2025

    Competence, Trust and Ethical Client Engagement: Applying Military Strategies to Consulting (E.22)

    In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael and Ben draw surprising parallels between military strategy and consulting practice. They break down how principles like competence, trust-building and ethical engagement translate into stronger client relationships and long-term success. From showing quiet confidence to making clients aware of their pitfalls, the discussion explores how consulting is as much about empathy and communication as it is about analysis. Along the way, they highlight why being “nice” is not a soft skill but a strategic one. Tune in to Episode 22 for a wide-ranging conversation about: • Why competence and confidence create credibility in client work • How to earn trust by showing clients their blind spots • Why ethical guidelines are non-negotiable for lasting relationships • The role of empathy, communication, and culture in consulting success If you’ve ever wondered how to approach consulting with both rigor and humanity, this episode is for you.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Free Form AI explores the landscape of machine learning and artificial intelligence with topics ranging from cutting-edge implementations to the philosophies of product development. Whether you're an engineer, researcher, or enthusiast, we cover career growth, real-world applications, and the evolving AI ecosystem in an open, free-flowing format. Join us for practical takeaways to navigate the ever-changing world of AI.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Berk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Michael Berk
  • Show Website
    Free Form AI