01/29/2025

AI in Sci-Fi: What 'Her' and '2001' Teach Us About the Future

17 min

01/22/2025

AI's Human Touch: Successes, Failures, and Ethical Challenges

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the fascinating duality of artificial intelligence—how it excels at some tasks while hilariously floundering at others. From personal chef experiments to AI's infamous "burrito test," we explore where AI gets it right, where it misses the mark, and what that means for its future. 🧠 Topics Covered: How AI is evolving rapidly, with stunning successes like adaptive meal planning. The "bits vs. bites" problem: why AI struggles to grasp real-world common sense. Applications of AI in self-driving cars, healthcare, and beyond—what works and what doesn’t. Ethical considerations for using AI responsibly and transparently. 💡 Key Takeaways: AI’s potential is enormous, but it still lacks key aspects of human intuition. Collaboration between humans and AI is essential for meaningful innovation. Building trust and transparency in AI development is crucial for its ethical use. Join us as we explore the highs, lows, and ethical complexities of this game-changing technology. 🎧 Listen now and discover how we can shape a future where AI and humanity thrive together! Check out Mike in the below links: LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/todasco⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Articles ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠medium.com/@todasco⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Invite Mike to be a Guest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW7KN40xs6xP6ngQ80Y6nvlPjDS-hjK0Yfx8qwcX1w4t0j5A/viewform?usp=sf_link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *It's important to note that this audio was created with NotebookLM with real articles written by Mike Todasco. The voices in this episode are AI but the text they're discussing are completely real. The links to those articles are found below: ⁠⁠https://medium.com/@todasco/from-bits-to-bites-where-ai-fails-to-comprehend-humans-d5d0d300bc67⁠⁠ https://medium.com/@todasco/i-made-chatgpt-my-personal-chef-05564319cd57 ⁠⁠https://medium.com/@todasco/are-you-freaking-out-about-ai-yet-e3a712a313a1

11 min

01/15/2025

Text-to-Image AI: Creativity, Copyright, and the Future of Art

In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving world of text-to-image AI and the complex challenges it poses to creativity and copyright. From incredible advancements in AI tools to the legal and ethical questions they raise, we’re diving deep into how this technology is shaping the future of art and innovation. 🧠 Topics Covered: How text-to-image AI has transformed from complex prompts to user-friendly simplicity. Mike’s analysis of platforms like DALL·E, MidJourney, and Ideogram, and their stunning capabilities. The tricky balance between enabling creativity and adhering to copyright laws. How copyright debates are reshaping the way we think about AI-generated art and ownership. The potential of AI to democratize creativity while navigating its ethical challenges. 💡 Key Takeaways: AI tools are evolving to make creativity more accessible than ever, empowering artists and innovators worldwide. Copyright laws are struggling to keep up, raising questions about intellectual property in the AI era. The future lies in collaboration: humans and AI working together to push the boundaries of art and creativity. 🎧 Listen Now: Discover how text-to-image AI is changing the creative landscape and learn what’s at stake in the legal and cultural debates surrounding this groundbreaking technology. Check out Mike in the below links: LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/todasco⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Articles ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠medium.com/@todasco⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Invite Mike to be a Guest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW7KN40xs6xP6ngQ80Y6nvlPjDS-hjK0Yfx8qwcX1w4t0j5A/viewform?usp=sf_link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *It's important to note that this audio was created with NotebookLM with real articles written by Mike Todasco. The voices in this episode are AI but the text they're discussing are completely real. The links to those articles are found below: ⁠https://medium.com/@todasco/ducking-the-copyright-police-openais-dall-e-vs-iconic-ip-6f0d460685f1 https://medium.com/@todasco/a-deep-dive-into-text-to-image-ai-how-googles-new-imagefx-stacks-up-087d5d82eab2

16 min

01/08/2025

How AI Design Shapes the Future: Lessons from Chat GPT

In this episode, we dive into the critical role of design in the adoption and success of AI technologies. Inspired by the user-friendly revolution sparked by tools like ChatGPT, we explore how simplicity, transparency, and user-centric approaches can make AI accessible and impactful for everyone. Topics Covered: The evolution of ChatGPT: From the intimidating Playground to its streamlined, user-friendly interface. Lessons from the iPod: How simplicity revolutionized both music and AI. MidJourney’s innovative use of Discord to build an engaged community around AI art. The importance of transparency, ethical considerations, and empowering users in AI design. Key Takeaways: Simplicity is key: Removing complexity lets users experience AI’s magic without barriers. Transparency and user empowerment build trust and control in AI interactions. Good design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating ethical, accessible, and empowering tools. Join us as we explore how great design not only helps AI reach its full potential but also ensures it serves humanity in meaningful and responsible ways. 🎧 Tune in now to discover how design is shaping the future of AI! Check out Mike in the below links: LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/todasco⁠⁠⁠⁠ Articles ⁠⁠⁠⁠medium.com/@todasco⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Invite Mike to be a Guest ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW7KN40xs6xP6ngQ80Y6nvlPjDS-hjK0Yfx8qwcX1w4t0j5A/viewform?usp=sf_link⁠⁠⁠⁠ *It's important to note that this audio was created with NotebookLM with real articles written by Mike Todasco. The voices in this episode are AI but the text they're discussing are completely real. The links to those articles are found below: https://medium.com/@todasco/the-ipod-lesson-for-ai-stop-marketing-tokens-and-start-marketing-solutions-506ef4ccb449 https://medium.com/@todasco/good-ai-bad-design-or-when-less-is-more-80c8de54506f

10 min

01/01/2025

Reframing AI: Augmented Intelligence and Evolving Perceptions

In this episode, we continue exploring the groundbreaking insights of Mike Todasco, former PayPal innovator and Visiting Fellow at SDSU’s AI Center. This time, we dive into Todasco’s research on AI detection tools and the profound impact of language in shaping our perception of AI. 🧠 Topics Covered: How AI detection tools like Grammarly’s work and their limitations in identifying AI-generated content. The psychology of “AI” as a term and why Todasco believes rebranding to “Augmented Intelligence” could shift public perception. Real-world applications of augmented intelligence in industries like education, architecture, and healthcare. Key challenges like transparency, bias, and accessibility in AI systems. 💡 Key Takeaways: Words matter: The term “AI” can unintentionally evoke fear and skepticism. A rebrand to “Augmented Intelligence” emphasizes collaboration and human enhancement. Transparent and explainable AI systems are essential to building trust and fostering ethical development. The future of AI isn’t about replacement but partnership—working together to amplify human creativity and problem-solving. Join us as we unpack Todasco’s visionary ideas and discuss how we can reshape our understanding of AI to build a more inclusive and equitable technological future. 🎧 Listen now and redefine your perspective on AI! Check out Mike in the below links: LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/todasco⁠⁠⁠ Articles ⁠⁠⁠medium.com/@todasco⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/⁠⁠⁠ Invite Mike to be a Guest ⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW7KN40xs6xP6ngQ80Y6nvlPjDS-hjK0Yfx8qwcX1w4t0j5A/viewform?usp=sf_link⁠⁠⁠ *It's important to note that this audio was created with NotebookLM with real articles written by Mike Todasco. The voices in this episode are AI but the text they're discussing are completely real. The links to those articles are found below: ⁠https://medium.com/@todasco/would-you-trust-it-more-if-it-wasnt-called-ai-f5b31894cd8f https://medium.com/@todasco/an-upgrade-for-ai-detection-cfc3a5208d4b

16 min

12/25/2024

Mike Todasco’s Insights on AI Evolution and Finding the Right AI for You

In this episode, we dive deeper into the groundbreaking work of Mike Todasco, former PayPal innovator and Visiting Fellow at SDSU’s AI Center. Building on last week’s discussion of his best AI books of 2024, we now explore Todasco’s hands-on experiments and thought-provoking concepts that shape the way we think about AI today. 🧠 Topics Covered: How AI has evolved from rough early outputs like DALL-E in 2022 to stunningly detailed MidJourney visuals in 2023. Mike’s exploration of AI-written books and the leap in efficiency from 20 hours to just 10 minutes with Claude 3.5. AutoGPT’s potential to automate and redefine tasks, from business ideas to creative writing. The “Mike Tyson test” and what it reveals about AI’s increasing caution and communication style. Todasco’s LLM Peer Grading System to help users find the AI model best suited to their needs. 💡 Key Takeaways: Embrace innovation while navigating challenges. AI as a collaborative partner, augmenting human creativity and unlocking new possibilities. The need for critical thinking, ethical development, and proactive conversations to shape AI’s impact on society. Join us as we unpack Todasco’s unique approach to AI experimentation and his visionary ideas for navigating the future of this rapidly evolving technology. 🎧 Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve! Check out Mike in the below links: LinkedIn ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/todasco⁠⁠ Articles ⁠⁠medium.com/@todasco⁠⁠ Newsletter ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/⁠⁠ Invite Mike to be a Guest ⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW7KN40xs6xP6ngQ80Y6nvlPjDS-hjK0Yfx8qwcX1w4t0j5A/viewform?usp=sf_link⁠⁠ *It's important to note that this audio was created with NotebookLM with real articles written by Mike Todasco. The voices in this episode are AI but the text they're discussing are completely real. The links to those articles are found below: https://medium.com/@todasco/americas-next-top-large-language-model-b2bbd652eaa6 https://medium.com/@todasco/the-best-ai-model-for-you-a54b279af989

20 min

12/18/2024

Takes on AI Evolution, Challenges, and Co-Intelligence

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the ever-evolving world of AI with insights from Mike Todasco, former Head of Global Innovation at PayPal and Visiting Fellow at SDSU’s AI Center. Building on his top AI books list, we now turn to his groundbreaking articles, experiments, and predictions. 🧠 Topics Covered: How AI evolved from "no-code" tools to "generative AI." A fascinating timeline of AI's improvements, from early DALL-E to MidJourney and beyond. Experiments with AI, including writing books and testing GPT models with creative prompts like the “Mike Tyson test.” The rise of autonomous agents like AutoGPT and their potential (and pitfalls). Mike’s concept of “co-intelligence” and how AI can augment, not replace, human creativity. 💡 Key Takeaways: “Today is the worst AI will ever be”—a reminder to stay curious and embrace change. The importance of hands-on experimentation with AI to demystify its capabilities. Why fear of AI should be replaced with a mindset of collaboration and innovation. Join us as we unpack how Mike’s work bridges the gap between AI’s technical advancements and its societal implications. From his AI book experiments to his predictions about AI’s future, this episode offers actionable insights for everyone curious about how AI is shaping our world. 🎧 Tune in now and stay ahead of the curve! Check out Mike in the below links: LinkedIn ⁠linkedin.com/in/todasco⁠ Articles ⁠medium.com/@todasco⁠ Newsletter ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/⁠ Invite Mike to be a Guest ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW7KN40xs6xP6ngQ80Y6nvlPjDS-hjK0Yfx8qwcX1w4t0j5A/viewform?usp=sf_link⁠ *It's important to note that this audio was created with NotebookLM with real articles written by Mike Todasco. The voices in this episode are AI but the text they're discussing are completely real. The links to those articles are found below: https://medium.com/@todasco/the-ai-revolution-two-years-in-3e3ff79f38d6 https://medium.com/@todasco/the-autogpt-revolution-e1ef886ae906

17 min

12/11/2024

AI’s Next Chapter: Essential Reads for 2024

In this episode, we explore the best AI books of 2024, guided by the expertise of Mike Tedasco, Senior Director of Innovation at PayPal and a Visiting Fellow at SDSU’s AI Center. From personal journeys in AI development to practical guides for collaboration and bold predictions about the future, these books cover it all. 📚 Books Discussed: The World I See by Fei-Fei Li: A blend of personal narrative and groundbreaking AI work. Annie Bot by Cierra Greer: Examining AI relationships and what it means to be human. Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick: Practical rules for working with AI effectively. The Singularity is Nearer by Ray Kurzweil: Bold predictions on humanity’s future with AI. Supremacy by Parmi Olson: Inside the global AI race shaping our world. We discuss AI’s evolution, the ethics of human-AI collaboration, and how these stories and insights help shape a better future for humanity. 🎙️ Tune in for actionable takeaways and thought-provoking discussions about the books and the themes they tackle, from innovation to ethical challenges in AI. *It's important to note that this audio was created with NotebookLM based on real articles written by Mike Todasco. The article can be found in Mike's LinkedIn and Medium: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/ Medium: https://medium.com/@todasco Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/ SDSU: https://business.sdsu.edu/centers-institutes/ai Mike has also been a guest on many wonderful shows and if you want to invite him to be on your show you can fill out the form below: https://forms.gle/D1LTE14iScMrA4Ly9

23 min

12/04/2024

AI as Your Creative Partner for Storytelling, Innovation, and Efficiency

In this episode, we welcome back the insights of Mike Todasco, AI expert, innovator, and visiting fellow at San Diego State University, for another thought-provoking conversation. This time, we tackle your questions about how AI is reshaping creativity, business, and our daily lives. Mike shares practical tips on: Harnessing AI for storytelling: Learn how tools like Claude can enhance your business narratives. Streamlining mundane tasks: Discover how AI saved Mike hours on employee reviews at PayPal. Brainstorming with AI: Master creative prompts to spark ideas and innovate effectively. AI for good: Explore how startups like Justice Text are using AI to address systemic challenges. Overcoming AI anxiety: Hear Mike’s advice for embracing AI in simple, everyday ways. We also dive into AI’s potential to revolutionize industries, especially in medicine and the workplace, and explore its role in creating a more human-centered future. Finally, we leave you with a question: If AI frees us from the mundane, what will you do with your newfound time and creativity? Don’t miss this inspiring and insightful episode! Check out Mike in the below links: LinkedIn ⁠linkedin.com/in/todasco⁠ Articles ⁠medium.com/@todasco⁠ Newsletter ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/⁠ Invite Mike to be a Guest ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW7KN40xs6xP6ngQ80Y6nvlPjDS-hjK0Yfx8qwcX1w4t0j5A/viewform?usp=sf_link *It's important to note that this audio was created with NotebookLM based on real answers provided by Mike Todasco. The answers and transcripts used to generate the episode can be found in Mike's AIdeas YouTube Channel where we share clips of shows he's been part of and weekly thoughts: https://www.youtube.com/@MikesAIdeas Stay tuned as next episode we'll highlight other great articles published by Mike!

8 min

11/27/2024

AI, Jobs, and the Illusion of Stagnation

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Mike Todasco’s groundbreaking ideas on the intersection of AI and the workforce. Todasco, a Visiting Fellow at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at SDSU, challenges common fears about AI replacing jobs by exploring historical patterns of technological change. Using examples like video editing and radiology, he demonstrates how innovation often transforms jobs rather than eliminates them. From physical film splicing to advanced AI-driven tools, Todasco highlights how human adaptability has repeatedly redefined industries. A central theme of our discussion is the "end of history illusion," a concept Todasco explores to explain why we underestimate our ability to adapt to new technologies. He delves into how our evolving tastes in music mirror the way jobs and skills have adapted to technological shifts. By examining radiologists’ integration of AI into their workflows, Todasco makes a compelling case that AI can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them, ultimately improving efficiency and patient outcomes. We also explore the tantalizing possibility of a four-day workweek, driven by productivity gains from AI. Todasco connects this modern conversation to historical predictions from figures like Richard Nixon and John Maynard Keynes, who foresaw shorter workweeks enabled by technological advancements. Despite past failures to realize this vision, Todasco argues that AI presents a renewed opportunity to shift from endless consumption to greater leisure and balance in our lives. Throughout the episode, Todasco emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, creativity, and emotional intelligence in an AI-powered world. Rather than competing with AI, he encourages us to view it as a teammate that complements human ingenuity. By investing in education, training, and equitable policies, Todasco inspires us to shape a future where technology benefits everyone. Whether you’re curious, concerned, or excited about AI, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the power of human adaptability in an ever-changing world. Check out Mike in the below links: LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/todasco Articles medium.com/@todasco Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/ Invite Mike to be a Guest https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW7KN40xs6xP6ngQ80Y6nvlPjDS-hjK0Yfx8qwcX1w4t0j5A/viewform?usp=sf_link *It's important to note that this audio was created with NotebookLM with real articles written by Mike Todasco. The voices in this episode are AI but the text they're discussing are completely real. The links to those articles are found below: https://medium.com/@todasco/will-ai-take-your-job-part-1-the-end-of-history-illusion-08f47ed1ccce https://medium.com/@todasco/will-ai-take-your-job-part-2-embracing-ai-9038e2c41c25 https://medium.com/@todasco/will-ai-take-your-job-part-3-more-ai-more-leisure-f52c346a6e97

12 min

Mike's AIdeas

Episodes

AI in Sci-Fi: What 'Her' and '2001' Teach Us About the Future

AI's Human Touch: Successes, Failures, and Ethical Challenges

Text-to-Image AI: Creativity, Copyright, and the Future of Art

How AI Design Shapes the Future: Lessons from Chat GPT

Reframing AI: Augmented Intelligence and Evolving Perceptions

Mike Todasco’s Insights on AI Evolution and Finding the Right AI for You

Takes on AI Evolution, Challenges, and Co-Intelligence

AI’s Next Chapter: Essential Reads for 2024

AI as Your Creative Partner for Storytelling, Innovation, and Efficiency

AI, Jobs, and the Illusion of Stagnation

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