The Austin Forum Upload The Austin Forum Upload

AI is the mosts hyped technology right now, and the buzz has been growing for several years exploding after ChatGPT launched. But should you believe the hype? Renowned data and AI expert, and unabashed critic of hype, Paco Nathan of derwen.ai delivers some real talk and hot takes with Austin Forum executive director Jay Boisseau about what’s real, what’s over hyped, and what sources you should follow and use to be informed about AI, not misled by marketing.

Rabbi Neil Blumofe, a Austin civic leader and human-centric thought and spirituality leader (and jazz afficionado), returns to the Austin Forum Upload in the post-ChatGPT era to have a conversation with Austin Forum executive director Jay Boisseau about how the growing personal usage and evolving capabilities and AI—and tech in general—can influence our spirituality and quality of our lives. They discuss the pros and cons, share experiences, and offer their own opinions and suggestions for how humans and humanity can benefit from AI as a tool and as a partner... and maybe suggest a new business idea, RabbAI. :)

In this special episode of the Austin Forum Upload, Brad Englert - longtime partner at Accenture and CIO at The University of Texas at Austin (and support of the Austin Forum!) - talks with Austin Forum executive Director Jay Boisseau about his new book, Sphere of Influence. Brad shares his insights, experiences, and advice for how to cultivate and sustain effective professional relationships, but in the your inner circles, or really spheres, and in external spheres of colleagues and associate. Themes including integrity and sincerity, clarity of communication, commitment to excellent arise throughout this conversation, and it is easy to see Brad was such an effective leader and professional - and to see how you can be, too!

The Austin Forum on Technology and Society team (all employees of Vizias, the AI, HPC, and advanced computing tech consultancy that supports and manages the Austin Forum) shares their opinions about the state of AI as the Austin Forum begins its third “AI April” program of activities. The Vizias team has been using, developing, and teaching AI for years, and every April we get to plan presentations, other events, and podcasts that bring other AI experts to the Austin Forum community. Dr. Luke Wilson, John Lockman, Adnan Khaleel, and Mary Garza talk with Austin Forum executive director and founder (and Vizias colleague) Jay Boisseau about what they are most excited about in AI as we enter April 2024, and what they are most concerned about in AI. Everyone shares why they are excited about different events coming up in the Austin Forum’s “AI April,” and why listeners should participate by registering for these events at www.austinforum.org.

Austin technology ecosystem experts, community builders, and fellow podcast hosts Jason Scharf (Austin Next podcast) and Thom Singer (Austin Tech Connect podcast) join Austin Forum executive director Jay Boisseau (and Austin Forum Upload podcast host) to discuss technology trends facing the world in 2024, and what Austin's impact, role, and ecosystem opportunities and challenges as we head into 2024. Join us for a great conversation about technology and society, and learn about Austin's place in tech and the lessons it has for other tech hubs.

SXSW 2024 is coming in mid-March 2024, and it will have a bigger tech program than ever! Hugh Forrest, co-president and chief programming officer of SXSW, joins Austin Forum executive director Jay Boisseau to preview SXSW 2024. Hugh shares what new tracks are part of the conference festival, how AI is prevalent throughout the programming, other technologies that are highly represented in the programming, emerging technologies he is most excited about, and the big societal challenges that the tech program content addresses. Hugh also shares his advice on how attendees can get the most out of their SXSW 2024 experience, and even how those not attending can still benefit from the cutting-edge technology content and creative programming of SXSW 2024. Get the early scoop from Hugh so you can make the most of SXSW 2024!