Episode #406: The Productive Side of AI: Moving from Consumption to Creation

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes Leon Coe, founder of Amplify Intelligence, to explore the cutting edge of AI and its practical applications in workflows, agentic systems, and beyond. They discuss the evolution of autonomous agents, the shift toward combining traditional code with large language models, and how these integrations are reshaping both business processes and personal productivity. The conversation touches on the potential for AI to transform repetitive tasks, the role of probabilistic versus deterministic AI models, and Leon’s perspective on the future of a more AI-enabled economy. Leon also shares thoughts on balancing creativity with automation, especially for non-technical users, while Stewart probes the deeper implications of our increasingly AI-driven world. To learn more about Leon’s work, visit Amplify Intelligence or connect with him on Twitter @LeonJCoe.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:26 Understanding AI Agents02:51 Agentic Workflows vs. Autonomous Agents04:31 Productizing Large Language Models06:56 Challenges and Innovations in AI Adoption10:15 Enhancing Workflows with AI18:30 Technical Insights and Practical Applications25:29 Exploring Future Shock and AI Adoption27:17 The Economic Impact of AI29:01 The Evolution of AI Models31:01 Voice AI and Its Potential34:21 The Role of Social Media in AI Adoption41:01 Historical Perspectives on Media and Misinformation44:28 The Future of Media and AI45:30 Navigating the Digital Age with AI55:10 Concluding Thoughts and Future DiscussionsKey InsightsRedefining AI Agents: Leon introduces a unique perspective on AI agents, emphasizing that they don’t have to be fully autonomous or self-directing to be useful. He defines an AI agent as simply the combination of large language models (LLMs) with traditional code, capable of producing workflows and taking actions. This broader view allows businesses to leverage agentic technology today by integrating LLMs into workflows in a controlled, deterministic way, similar to tools like Zapier but with enhanced intelligence.Adoption Challenges for Non-Technical Users: One of the biggest challenges in AI adoption, Leon argues, is bridging the gap between technical and non-technical users. Programmers and those familiar with building digital workflows can push AI’s capabilities further by crafting complex queries and structured workflows. However, non-technical users often lack this mental framework, so introducing them to AI involves not only teaching specific tools but also new ways of conceptualizing and using automation to make their lives easier.AI for Personal Productivity and Business Efficiency: Leon explains how AI can revolutionize business workflows by injecting intelligence at different points. For example, an AI-enhanced workflow could automatically extract key insights from meetings, turn transcripts into actionable summaries, and even create custom reports with minimal human intervention. This not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of tasks falling through the cracks, which can improve productivity across entire organizations.Cost Optimization and Model Selection in AI Workflows: In building effective AI applications, choosing the right model and managing costs are essential. Leon illustrates how selecting cheaper, high-performance models, like Gemini Flash instead of more expensive alternatives, can make workflows more efficient and cost-effective. By carefully balancing speed, token limits, and other parameters, companies can optimize their AI usage and control expenses without sacrificing performance.The Future of Databases and Dynamic Information: The conversation explores a potentially transformative shift in data storage and retrieval, where static databases might be replaced by API calls to AI models that generate information dynamically. This approach could allow for more flexible and up-to-date data management, where only critical user data is stored traditionally, and the rest is created on-demand, reducing the need for static databases.Media Evolution and Personalized AI: Leon discusses how AI has the potential to shape media in unprecedented ways by generating hyper-personalized content for users, contrasting with the traditional, one-size-fits-all TV experience. As AI takes media personalization to new levels, it could further fragment audiences, changing how we relate to information and even how we form identities, which were once rooted in collective media experiences.Balancing Consumption and Creation in the Digital Age: Stewart and Leon share insights on moving from passive content consumption to active creation with AI tools. By harnessing AI as a productive force, users can redefine their relationship with digital media, turning social platforms into educational or note-taking spaces rather than time-sinks. Leon’s experience with LinkedIn, where he engages by sharing valuable insights rather than merely consuming content, exemplifies this shift, suggesting that AI’s real value may lie in its ability to empower individuals to create rather than consume.

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom Podcast, Stewart Alsop is joined by Jenna Biancavilla, a multi-entrepreneur and founder in financial services and tech. They discuss Jenna’s experience navigating complex regulatory landscapes in finance, her insights into global work dynamics, and her unique approach to asset management for business owners and families. Stewart and Jenna also cover the challenges of building a tech platform from the ground up, exploring cultural and logistical hurdles along the way. You can check out Jenna’s latest venture at BeSvvy.com where she connects clients with trusted advisors.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast01:21 Navigating Financial Regulations and Borders02:56 The Complexities of State and Federal Regulations07:45 Philosophical Insights on Business and Identity12:53 The Role of Technology in Financial Services19:17 Building a Trustworthy Financial Platform26:14 Exploring New Technologies in Financial Planning27:58 Remote Work in a Regulated Industry29:17 Excitement for Future Business Growth31:52 Valuing and Scaling Businesses33:16 Challenges of Building a Technology Company41:26 Cross-Border Financial Advising44:20 Cryptocurrency and Regulatory Risks49:17 Future Plans and Market ExpansionKey InsightsNavigating Regulation as a Financial Advisor: Jenna explains the layers of regulatory complexity that financial advisors face, especially those operating across state and national borders. Being SEC-registered allows her firm to operate more freely within the U.S., but international borders introduce significant restrictions. These regulations are in place to protect clients but can also make the advisor’s job challenging, as they need to register each office location where they meet clients, which complicates the lives of both advisors and clients in a globally mobile world.The Rise of Digital Nomadism and Its Challenges in Finance: Stewart and Jenna discuss the impact of digital nomadism and remote work, particularly on regulated industries like financial services. Jenna shares that many business owners and wealthy clients are interested in moving states or even countries to optimize taxes and enjoy greater mobility, but that this lifestyle doesn’t always align well with the rigid regulatory framework that advisors have to navigate.The Emotional Side of Exit Planning: Jenna describes the psychological transition many business owners face when preparing to exit their companies. For many, their business is intertwined with their identity, and letting go can lead to self-sabotage if not handled well. To support clients through this, Jenna often brings in life coaches and therapists, emphasizing that financial planning is often also about personal and emotional alignment, not just numbers.Embracing Technology and AI in Finance, Carefully: While Jenna uses technology extensively in her businesses, she remains cautious, particularly in the finance arm, where accuracy is paramount. In her view, the promise of robo-advisors and AI in financial planning has not yet replaced the need for human intuition and oversight, although AI is helpful in client communication training for new advisors and for content creation in marketing.Building a Tech Platform for Trustworthy Financial Advice: Jenna’s second business, BeSvvy.com, is a tech platform designed to help clients find trustworthy advisors. The platform uses a blend of algorithms and human vetting to ensure advisors are not only certified but aligned with clients’ best interests. Jenna’s approach contrasts with relying solely on regulatory safeguards, aiming to disrupt the industry by using technology to put consumer needs first.Cultural and Logistical Challenges of Outsourced Development: Jenna shares her experience outsourcing early development work to India for cost efficiency but found that cultural misunderstandings and a lack of alignment in vision became barriers. This experience taught her the importance of communication and trust in development partnerships. For version two of BeSvvy.com, Jenna has moved development to a U.S.-based team, allowing for more direct oversight and fewer cultural barriers.A Pragmatic Approach to Scaling a Technology Business: Jenna has opted for a measured, profitable approach to scaling BeSvvy.com, rather than pursuing rapid, venture-funded expansion. Recognizing the challenges of building a marketplace, she sees slow, steady growth as the best way to balance quality with business sustainability, contrasting with the traditional “burn rate” model of many tech startups.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, I, Stewart Alsop, speak with Leo Kayali, CEO of Invo Station, about the pioneering world of electric flying vehicles (eVTOLs). Leo shares how his early sketches evolved into a patented design for a personal electric flying vehicle, inspired by none other than Leonardo da Vinci. We dive into the challenges of scaling production, environmental impacts, and the critical role of automation and autonomy. Leo also explains the regulatory landscape, aiming for a near-future where electric flying vehicles integrate seamlessly into urban spaces. You can find more about Leo’s work on Invo Station's website and follow them on social media @invostation. Also, if you're around, Leo’s team will showcase their tech at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:15 The Birth of a Flying Car Idea01:01 Prototyping and Early Development02:13 Design Inspirations and Challenges06:39 Battery Innovations and Future Prospects12:24 Mass Production and Automation26:26 Autonomy in Flying Vehicles32:23 Introduction to eVTOL Vehicles32:54 Autonomy and Safety Systems34:13 Regulatory Landscape and Industry Collaboration35:58 Upcoming Releases and Pre-Orders37:15 Future of Urban Air Mobility39:32 Global Market Potential42:40 Innovative Vehicle Designs52:04 Charging and Infrastructure52:36 Lessons from Historical Inventors58:38 Conclusion and Contact InformationKey InsightsThe Birth of Electric Flying Vehicles: Leo Kayali, CEO of Invo Station, explains his journey from sketching ideas in a coffee shop to prototyping his eVTOL concept. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s inventive spirit, he developed a design that draws on the artist’s legacy of combining engineering with aesthetics. This approach led him to conceptualize a circular vehicle layout, which is optimized for lift and resembles Da Vinci’s early designs. His design not only aims to innovate but to shape the future of personal and sustainable aerial transportation.The Benefits of Aerial Autonomy: Autonomy in flying vehicles is, as Leo describes, paradoxically easier to achieve than with ground vehicles due to the reduced number of obstacles. In the air, autonomy faces fewer unpredictable factors like pedestrians, stoplights, and multiple vehicle types. Instead, aerial autonomy focuses on collision avoidance, scanning airspace, and adapting to bird traffic, making fully autonomous air vehicles a viable and less complex solution compared to self-driving cars.Revolutionizing Mass Production for eVTOLs: One of Leo's core goals is to make eVTOLs affordable and mass-producible. Drawing on his experience with Tesla and Siemens, he designed Invo Station’s production process for efficiency and scalability, so that vehicle production could be completed in just two minutes, thanks to advanced automation and robotics. This approach allows Invo Station to eventually sell flying vehicles at a consumer-friendly price, potentially putting eVTOLs within reach of the average car buyer.Environmental Impact and Emission Reduction: Invo Station’s mission is not just about bringing flying cars to market but also about tackling urban pollution and reducing emissions. Leo envisions a future where flying electric vehicles replace traditional cars for shorter urban trips, significantly reducing air pollution and congestion. He is especially interested in targeting cities with heavy traffic and pollution issues, like São Paulo and Los Angeles, to create a real, measurable impact on urban sustainability.Regulatory Challenges and Industry Standardization: With new regulatory frameworks emerging after 80 years of stagnant aviation standards, Leo believes the current climate is favorable for eVTOL integration. Invo Station works closely with regulators, helping to set safety and operation standards for urban air mobility. Although the regulatory landscape is evolving, Leo’s aim is to influence these standards to support a future where autonomous flying vehicles share airspace safely and efficiently with traditional aircraft and other eVTOLs.Battery Innovation and Energy Efficiency: A critical part of making eVTOLs practical is optimizing battery life and charge times. Leo discusses potential breakthroughs in solid-state lithium batteries that could reach ranges up to 900 miles with rapid charging capability. This would far surpass the range of current lithium-ion batteries and make eVTOLs viable for longer journeys, enhancing both usability and energy efficiency in the electric vehicle market.Future of Multi-Purpose eVTOL Applications: Beyond personal transportation, Leo envisions a wide range of applications for eVTOLs, from emergency response vehicles to freight transport. Invo Station is already planning models with features like firefighting capabilities, medical transport, and goods delivery, all optimized to reduce weight and maximize functionality. These diverse applications could fundamentally change how cities operate, providing rapid response in emergencies and potentially creating a new standard in logistics and public safety.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes Chia Yang, co-founder of whyhow.ai, a company specializing in data infrastructure and AI-powered knowledge graphs. They discuss the pivotal role of knowledge graphs in AI, particularly in enhancing structured search and reasoning, contrasting them with more stochastic systems like large language models (LLMs). Chia explains how knowledge graphs allow for more structured, reliable connections between data, and how this impacts the development of production-grade AI systems. He also touches on the limitations of LLMs, the significance of neurosymbolic approaches, and the future of AI reasoning. For further resources, Chia encourages listeners to visit whyhow.ai, check out their Medium articles, and join the discussion on their Discord channel.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:26 Understanding Knowledge Graphs02:32 The Role of Knowledge Graphs in AI05:08 Challenges and Limitations of LLMs09:51 Production Grade Systems and SOPs13:17 Competency Crisis and Real-World Problems18:11 The Future of Human and Machine Collaboration21:03 Exploring Social Inequality and Learning Challenges21:57 The Importance and Complexity of Data22:44 Understanding Knowledge Graphs and LLMs24:29 Building Practical Systems with LLMs25:42 The Evolution of Knowledge Graphs29:12 Technical Aspects of the Platform31:52 Philosophical Insights on Language and AI36:48 Future Milestones and Beta Program38:24 Final Thoughts on Knowledge GraphsKey InsightsThe Power of Knowledge Graphs: Knowledge graphs are central to creating structured representations of data, enabling more reliable and hierarchical relationships between information. They play a crucial role in enhancing AI systems' ability to retrieve relevant information and reason through complex problems, contrasting with the more flexible but less deterministic nature of LLMs.Limitations of Large Language Models: While LLMs have revolutionized AI with their probabilistic approach, they often struggle with reasoning and structured outputs. Their reliance on semantic similarity leads to occasional inaccuracies, known as hallucinations, highlighting the need for more structured, rule-based systems like knowledge graphs to complement their capabilities.Neurosymbolic Systems as the Future: There is growing interest in neurosymbolic systems, which combine the strengths of both neural networks and symbolic reasoning systems. This approach promises to overcome the limitations of LLMs by incorporating structured knowledge representation, improving AI’s ability to perform reliable and scalable reasoning tasks.Production-Grade AI Systems Require Structure: As Chia explains, building AI systems ready for large-scale, real-world applications requires more than just probabilistic models. Introducing structured frameworks, like those provided by knowledge graphs, allows for more predictable and controlled outputs, which are essential for systems that need to operate reliably in high-stakes environments.Human Expertise and AI Collaboration: Non-technical domain experts, such as doctors or engineers, are key to building effective AI systems. Their specialized knowledge helps refine how data is represented within a knowledge graph, making it more accurate and useful for specific industry applications, demonstrating the importance of human-AI collaboration.The Role of SOPs in AI: Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are crucial not only for humans in high-stakes professions but also for AI systems. Chia draws parallels between the structured guidance provided by SOPs and how AI can benefit from similar rule-based structures to ensure accurate, repeatable outcomes, especially in critical fields like healthcare and engineering.The Evolution of AI Reasoning: Chia highlights that while LLMs are powerful, the next big leap in AI will likely come from improving reasoning capabilities. Autonomous agents and AI systems that can follow structured paths and make decisions based on a combination of stochastic and symbolic methods will bring AI closer to AGI (artificial general intelligence).

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, I, Stewart Alsop, welcome Reaxionario, a Twitter personality deeply immersed in Argentine politics and geopolitics. We discuss Argentina's turbulent political history, from the rise of Peronism to the current economic policies under Javier Milei. Our conversation weaves through the complexities of socialism, populism, and the global shifts in economic power, touching on the failures of central banking, the erosion of middle-class values, and the emerging counterculture on the political right. For more, follow Reaxionario on Twitter @reaxionario.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:32 Global Markets and Economic Trends03:13 Argentina's Economic History and Central Bank05:35 The Rise and Fall of Argentina's Economy13:30 Peronism and Its Impact on Argentina20:29 Modern Political Movements in Argentina33:27 The 2020 Pandemic and Its Aftermath36:21 The Argentine Way of Defiance37:20 Economic Struggles and Public Resentment40:35 The Rise of Javier Milen42:31 Middle Class and Inflation46:45 The Welfare State Debate52:38 Youth Rebellion and Kirchnerismo54:59 Global Counterculture and Humor01:02:11 Decentralized Movements and Optimism01:05:18 Conclusion and Future OutlookKey InsightsThe Erosion of Argentina’s Middle Class: One of the central themes is the decline of Argentina’s middle class, which has been squeezed by inflation, high taxes, and policies that favor the political elite and public sector employees. Reaxionario argues that decades of socialist and Peronist policies have created a two-tiered society where the bureaucratic class prospers, while the middle class steadily shrinks, losing access to the cultural and material wealth it once enjoyed.Javier Milei as a Refined Populist: Unlike populists such as Donald Trump, Javier Milei is presented as a more intellectual figure, grounded in a deep understanding of economics and a clear vision for dismantling Argentina’s welfare state. Milei channels the anger of a disenfranchised population, especially among the youth, but his appeal lies in his coherence and refined arguments, not just in emotional rhetoric.The Failure of the Welfare State: The episode emphasizes that Argentina’s welfare state, which initially provided comfort for the middle class, has failed over time. Reaxionario points out that the system is unsustainable, creating temporary prosperity by consuming wealth created in previous generations while leaving future generations without the means to produce new wealth. This mirrors a broader global trend where welfare states are collapsing under the weight of unsustainable promises.Argentina’s Role as a Bellwether for the West: Reaxionario suggests that Argentina is a microcosm of what is happening—or will happen—across Western nations. Once a prosperous country in the early 20th century, Argentina’s descent into populism, central planning, and the erosion of individual freedoms mirrors what is now happening in Europe and the U.S. Argentina, having already reached the extreme, may offer insight into the future trajectory of other nations struggling with similar economic and political dynamics.Youth Rebellion Against the Political Class: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding how Argentina’s younger generations have rallied around Milei. After suffering through the longest lockdown in the world and seeing the failures of the Kirchnerist elite, young Argentines are rejecting the political establishment. This generation, stifled by economic hardships and a bleak future, sees Milei as a vehicle for real change and an escape from the political class’s control.The Impact of the 2020 Pandemic: The pandemic served as a tipping point for many Argentines, exacerbating societal divisions and heightening resentment toward the ruling elite. The long lockdown, particularly in Buenos Aires, crippled the economy while exposing the hypocrisy of the political class, as government officials flouted their own lockdown rules. This fed into a broader distrust of the government, fueling the rise of figures like Milei who promise to dismantle these failed structures.The Global Counterculture Shift: Reaxionario posits that there is a new, decentralized counterculture rising on the political right, much like the left-wing counterculture of the 1960s. This movement is characterized by a rejection of progressive authoritarianism, particularly in humor, free speech, and economic freedom. This counterculture is spreading globally and has found fertile ground in Argentina, where the failure of leftist policies is most visible. This marks a significant shift as the left-wing establishment is now the authoritarian force, while the right becomes the voice of rebellion and change.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes Jonathan Dickinson, a specialist in Ibogaine treatment and co-founder/CEO of Ambio Life Sciences and Teregnosis. They discuss the history and therapeutic uses of Iboga and Ibogaine, focusing on its effects in treating heroin addiction, traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain. Jonathan also shares insights into the cultural origins of Iboga, its use in traditional Bwiti ceremonies, and how modern approaches, particularly his work with veterans, expand its applications. More information about Jonathan's work can be found at Ambio Life.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:21 Understanding Ibogaine and Its Uses02:00 Ibogaine's Impact on Veterans and Brain Injuries03:57 Psycho-Spiritual and Medical Benefits of Ibogaine07:12 Scientific Studies and Misconceptions18:50 Legalization and Research Challenges25:05 Ibogaine Sourcing and Sustainability31:43 Ibogaine Smuggling and Export Practices32:10 Pharmaceutical Grade Iboga Extract33:36 Challenges of Growing Iboga33:53 Traditional Growth Methods and Cultural Attitudes37:04 Global Cultivation Efforts38:05 Access and Benefit Sharing Agreements38:54 Traditional Knowledge and Bwiti Culture39:40 Historical Context of Iboga Use40:44 Bantu and Pygmy Cultural Exchange42:31 Bwiti Rituals and Practices46:23 Learning from Traditional Practices48:19 Western and Traditional Knowledge Integration55:58 Future of Iboga and Ibogaine59:22 Connecting with AmbioKey InsightsIboga and Ibogaine as Addiction Treatments: Ibogaine is primarily known for its effectiveness in treating heroin addiction. It interrupts the addiction cycle through a powerful psychoactive experience lasting 12-24 hours, which helps individuals detox from drugs like heroin and opioids. After the session, many report being free of withdrawal symptoms and cravings for months, providing a unique pathway out of addiction.Use in Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Jonathan has worked extensively with veterans, especially Navy SEALs, using Ibogaine to address TBIs. These injuries, often from combat-related concussive forces, lead to symptoms that mirror PTSD. Ibogaine appears to regenerate brain function, as seen in a study conducted with Stanford University, where veterans exhibited significant brain activity improvement following treatment.Cultural Roots in Bwiti and African Traditions: Iboga has deep cultural significance in Gabon, particularly in Bwiti spiritual practices, which have been influenced by both indigenous Pygmy traditions and Bantu peoples. Bwiti uses Iboga in ceremonies for psycho-spiritual exploration, healing, and connection to ancestors, a tradition that has persisted for centuries and possibly millennia.Misunderstandings About Noribogaine: Many believe that noribogaine, a metabolite of Ibogaine, remains in the body for up to eight months, contributing to long-lasting effects. However, Jonathan clarifies that noribogaine remains in the system for only a few days or a week. The extended feeling of ease or afterglow people experience may be due to neurotrophic factors like GDNF, which stimulate brain healing and regeneration over time.Emerging Scientific Understanding of Ibogaine: Research into Ibogaine's mechanisms is still developing. It acts on many receptors in the brain, including the Sigma 2 receptor, which has been linked to pain relief and neuroprotective effects. There's also growing interest in its potential role in intracellular processes and energy metabolism, where it appears to improve cellular efficiency, possibly explaining its long-term regenerative effects on brain function.Decentralized Knowledge and Treatment Communities: Unlike tightly regulated pharmaceutical models, Ibogaine treatment has grown in a decentralized, community-driven way, with providers sharing their experiences and knowledge. This echoes the traditions of Bwiti and emphasizes the importance of communal support around Ibogaine therapy, where the intensity of the experience requires a supportive environment and a collective sharing of insights.Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing of Iboga: Jonathan is actively involved in ensuring the sustainable and ethical sourcing of Iboga through his company, Teregnosis. Working with Gabonese communities, Teregnosis follows the Nagoya Protocol to ensure that the benefits of Iboga's growing global interest are shared with the traditional communities that have long relied on this plant, protecting both the ecosystem and cultural heritage.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes guest Neal Davies, a former computer science professor and nuclear engineering PhD, currently working at the Urbit Foundation. Their conversation covers a range of intriguing topics including the Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet from the 19th century, Neal’s experiences balancing generalist and specialist roles, and the influence of AI in both his work and the world at large. Neal also shares his insights on syntax, symbols, and the cultural shifts that have shaped modern consciousness. You can connect with Neal on Twitter @Sigilante or find him on Urbit as @Lagravnokvap.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:19 Exploring the Deseret Alphabet04:02 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Generalist06:47 Impact of AI on Generalism and Specialization08:24 AI in Code and Image Generation13:43 Salvador Dali's Paranoiac Critical Method17:18 Symbolism in Art and Language20:49 The Spiritual Connection with Language30:05 Greek Influence on Language and Zero32:59 Exploring Number Systems35:10 Rational Numbers and Greek Innovations38:12 The Evolution of Linguistic Systems40:29 Cultural Shifts: 1870s to 1960s45:46 The Impact of the 1960s on Modern Thought49:58 The Role of Illegible Spaces in Innovation56:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future DirectionsKey Insights1-Deseret Alphabet as a Cultural and Linguistic Experiment: Neal Davies is deeply fascinated by the 19th-century Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet created to help immigrants in Utah become literate. Its unique structure and religious origins present a profound example of how language can be intentionally shaped to serve a community, although this project ultimately didn’t gain widespread adoption.2-Balancing Generalism and Specialization: Neal shares his personal journey of pursuing generalist roles while maintaining expertise in specific fields like computer science and nuclear engineering. He emphasizes the value of broad, diverse knowledge in a world that often rewards specialization. His approach allows for flexibility and creativity in problem-solving, despite the professional challenges generalists may face in a society focused on specialization.3-AI as a Tool for Productivity, Not Replacement: Neal highlights the utility of AI in his work, particularly in code generation and ideation. He discusses how tools like GitHub’s Copilot act as force multipliers for developers, offering a starting point that saves time without replacing the critical thinking required for final implementation. AI is seen as a support system for creativity, especially in programming and image generation.4-Syntax and Symbols as Catalysts for Thought: Neal discusses the profound relationship between syntax, symbols, and thought. By exploring different symbol systems, such as mathematical notation or alphabets like Deseret, he argues that they can unlock new ways of thinking. Symbol systems not only shape reasoning but allow people to build layers of understanding and explore more complex ideas.5-Cultural Experimentation and Enclaves: Reflecting on the importance of high variance in human endeavor, Neal supports creating enclaves of culture and thought outside the mainstream. He argues that monoculture, driven by surveillance and conformity, limits the ability to think freely and explore novel solutions. Platforms like Urbit, which emphasize privacy and decentralized communication, provide a space for communities to experiment and innovate without being surveilled or controlled.6-The Failure and Legacy of the 1960s Counterculture: Neal suggests that the cultural revolution of the 1960s was an ambitious attempt at societal transformation that ultimately failed. Co-opted by commercialism, politics, and other forces, the movement couldn’t fully realize its vision of reshaping consciousness. However, it planted seeds for future cultural shifts, much like the influence of the Romanticists in the 19th century.7-The Importance of Illegibility in Innovation: Neal explains that true freedom in innovation comes from creating spaces where ideas and communities can evolve without constant oversight. He draws a parallel to Hemingway’s theory that the unseen parts of a story are as important as the visible ones. Similarly, innovation flourishes when parts of a system or community remain illegible and unobserved, allowing for creativity and growth beyond the constraints of external control.

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop III interviews Kelvin Lwin, the founder and CEO of Alin.ai. Their conversation ranges from Kelvin's experiences at NVIDIA and his deep knowledge of hardware-software integration to broader philosophical discussions about the future of AI, spirituality, and wisdom. Kelvin touches on how AI and technological advancements are shaping not just industries, but society and consciousness itself. They also explore how AI could personalize experiences and learning, using examples from his own company, Alin.ai, which focuses on K-12 education through personalized math learning. For more details, check out Alin.ai.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:28 Kelvin Lewin's Journey: From NVIDIA to CEO01:10 The Intersection of AI, Spirituality, and Technology01:49 The Role of AI in Understanding Complex Systems02:44 The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Society03:48 Spirituality and the Quest for Wisdom07:47 The Evolution of Consciousness and Technology13:33 The Importance of Ancestral Wisdom18:22 The Role of AI in Education and Personal Growth33:00 Buddhism, AI, and the Nature of Reality42:20 The Salem Witch Trials and Spiritual Realities43:04 Western Intellectuals and Traditional Structures44:57 The Role of Tradition and Empirical Data47:20 Buddhism and the Concept of God49:50 AI and Hardware Fundamentals51:31 Parallelism in AI and Software58:37 Liberation and Code Analogies in Buddhism01:09:17 Personalization in AI and Education01:12:10 Conclusion and Future GoalsKey InsightsThe Relationship Between Hardware and Software: Kelvin Lwin explains the critical relationship between hardware and software, particularly how advancements in GPUs have enabled the AI revolution. He emphasizes that AI is inherently parallel, meaning its computations can be processed simultaneously, making GPUs essential to its progress. Understanding this dynamic is key to grasping the future of AI development.AI's Impact on Society and Consciousness: The discussion touches on how AI isn't just a technical tool but also influences society and even individual consciousness. Kelvin shares insights into how AI shapes our decision-making processes and could guide human development in a way that blends technology with personal growth, raising ethical questions about its long-term effects on humanity.The Importance of Personalization in Learning: One of the central ideas explored is personalization in education, a core focus of Kelvin’s company, Alin.ai. By using AI to tailor math learning to students’ individual needs and psychological states, the platform aims to help students overcome emotional blocks and anxiety associated with learning, especially in challenging subjects like math.Spirituality and Technology Intersect: A recurring theme is the intersection between spirituality and technology, where Kelvin talks about AI’s potential to assist in guiding individuals through personal development, akin to how spiritual teachers work. He sees AI as a tool that could simulate aspects of this guidance, while recognizing the inherent dangers of superficial understanding.The Role of Breath in Meditation and AI Training: Kelvin emphasizes the role of breath in meditation as a bridge between conscious and subconscious states. In his work with Alin.ai, breath exercises are integrated into learning to manage stress and improve focus. He also warns, however, that breath exercises are powerful and should be approached cautiously, especially for beginners.Cultural and Spiritual Layers in AI Development: Kelvin draws from Eastern traditions like Buddhism to frame the development of AI, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural and spiritual contexts when designing systems that interact with human psychology. He compares levels of consciousness to different layers in AI programming, noting how both require understanding and pattern recognition to guide progress.The Ethical Complexity of AI Companionship: The conversation briefly touches on AI’s role as a companion, especially in emotionally vulnerable populations. Kelvin expresses concern about using AI to simulate relationships, arguing that while it might serve a market demand, it could deepen isolation and emotional dependence, rather than fostering real human connection and growth.

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop interviews Yaron Brook, chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute and host of "The Yaron Brook Show" on YouTube. They explore a range of topics including the recent political developments in Argentina with the rise of libertarian figure Javier Milei, the intersection of libertarianism and religion, and critiques of anarcho-capitalism. Yaron Brook also shares his thoughts on how culture and politics shape freedom, the significance of reason, and the role of technology in shaping the future. You can find more about Yaron’s work on his YouTube channel and the Ayn Rand Institute's website aynrand.org.Time Stamps00:28 Discussing Libertarianism and Objectivism02:08 Analyzing Anarcho-Capitalism03:52 Millet's Political Actions and Challenges07:43 Comparing Libertarian Leaders16:59 Cultural and Philosophical Foundations of Liberty18:24 Historical Context of Liberty25:30 Current Political Landscape and Challenges30:02 Comfort and Radicalism in Modern Society30:43 Immigration and Cultural Discomfort31:42 European Immigration and Political Shifts33:14 The Right-Wing Political Landscape34:20 The Golden Age and Technological Progress35:31 The Influence of Greek Philosophy37:38 The Renaissance and Rediscovery of Greek Ideas39:55 The Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution41:09 Christianity and Individualism44:01 The Future of Technology and Freedom47:16 Living in Latin America: Freedom and Safety52:43 El Salvador's Approach to Crime and GovernanceLibertarianism’s Global Moment: Yaron Brook reflects on the significance of Javier Milei’s rise to power in Argentina, noting that Milei is the first self-identified libertarian elected to a major political position. This moment represents a test of libertarian principles in governance, but it also highlights the challenges libertarians face when trying to implement free-market policies in a culture that hasn’t fully embraced the underlying philosophical foundation of liberty.The Contradiction of Anarcho-Capitalism: Brook explains why he believes anarcho-capitalism is a contradiction in terms. He argues that capitalism requires a government to enforce laws, protect individual rights, and maintain a monopoly on the legitimate use of force. Without such an authority, he contends that society would descend into chaos, resembling a cartel-dominated environment like that of Mexico, where competing factions destroy markets rather than protect them.Libertarianism’s Philosophical Weakness: A recurring theme in the conversation is the critique of libertarianism’s philosophical inconsistency. Brook contrasts libertarianism with objectivism, which he sees as a more coherent and philosophically grounded worldview. He criticizes libertarians for embracing a "big tent" approach that allows for religious and anarchist factions, which dilutes the movement’s commitment to reason, individualism, and true freedom.Religion and Libertarianism: The conversation touches on the influence of religion within the libertarian movement, particularly in Milei’s case. Brook acknowledges that many libertarians are religious, but he argues that objectivism, as an atheistic philosophy, offers a more consistent framework for defending individual rights. He expresses concern that religious elements in Milei’s platform, such as his anti-abortion stance, could undermine the broader goal of achieving a society based on individual freedom.The Role of Culture in Political Change: Brook emphasizes that lasting political change requires a corresponding cultural shift. He argues that while Milei may implement free-market policies, the Argentine culture remains largely statist. Without a cultural embrace of individualism, personal responsibility, and reason, Brook is skeptical that Milei’s reforms can succeed in the long term. He warns that politics is downstream of culture, and real freedom must be rooted in a philosophical commitment to individual rights.Technology as a Double-Edged Sword: In discussing the future of freedom, Brook points to the potential of technology to both advance and suppress liberty. While technological innovation, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, offers hope for economic growth and efficiency, Brook cautions that these tools can also be used by authoritarian regimes to tighten their control over citizens. He uses China’s use of AI for surveillance and social credit systems as an example of how technology can be weaponized against freedom.The Misalignment of Libertarians with Authoritarian Leaders: Brook criticizes certain libertarians, especially in the U.S., for aligning themselves with authoritarian figures like Trump and Putin. He contrasts this with Milei’s foreign policy, which he admires for being pro-American and pro-Israel, and for rejecting alliances with authoritarian regimes like China and Russia. Brook warns that libertarians who associate with authoritarian leaders are damaging the movement’s credibility and principles.

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, I'm Stewart Alsop, and my guest is Nathan Mintz, CEO and co-founder of CX2. We explore the fascinating world of defense technology, the evolution of electronic warfare, and how consumer tech is reshaping the battlefield. Nathan shares insights from his experiences, including his work with CX2, a company focused on building affordable, scalable electronic warfare systems for modern conflicts. We also touch on military tech's impact on broader societal trends and dive into the complexities of 21st-century warfare. You can find more about Nathan and CX2 at CX2.com. Nathan also writes on his Substack, Bow Theseus, which you can access via his LinkedIn.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:23 The Gundo vs. El Segundo Debate01:32 Tech Hubs in the US: San Francisco vs. LA02:41 Deep Tech and Hard Tech in Various Cities04:59 Military Tech: Software vs. Hardware09:54 The Rise of Consumer-Scale Warfare13:32 Nathan Mintz's Background and Career22:17 The Evolution of Military Strategies26:57 The Evolution of Air Combat Tactics28:29 Vietnam War's Impact on Military Strategy29:23 Asymmetric Warfare and Modern Conflicts31:43 Technological Advances in Warfare34:16 The Role of Drones in Modern Combat38:38 Future of Warfare: Man-Machine Teaming45:13 Electronic Warfare and CX2's Vision46:44 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKey InsightsThe Rise of Consumer-Scale Warfare: Nathan Mintz discusses how warfare has reached a "consumer scale," with small, affordable, and widely available technologies like drones playing a massive role in modern conflicts. In Ukraine, for instance, inexpensive drones are regularly used to take out much larger, multi-million-dollar military assets. This shift shows how accessible tech is transforming the nature of warfare.The Importance of Spectrum Dominance: A central theme of the conversation is the increasing importance of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum in modern warfare. Mintz explains that the ability to maintain secure communications, disrupt enemy signals, and ensure the operation of autonomous systems is critical. As battlefields become more technologically complex, controlling the spectrum becomes as important as physical dominance.Hard Tech's Role in Military Innovation: Nathan highlights the growing importance of hard tech—physical hardware solutions like satellites, drones, and electronic warfare systems—in the defense industry, especially in regions like LA. While software has dominated in areas like San Francisco, LA has become a key hub for aerospace, space tech, and hard tech innovations, crucial for the future of defense technology.Dual-Use Technologies in Defense: A significant insight is the role of dual-use technologies, where products developed for consumer or commercial markets are adapted for military use. Technologies like drones, which have everyday applications, are being repurposed for the battlefield. This shift allows for more cost-effective, scalable solutions to military challenges, marking a departure from traditional defense industry practices.The Future of Manned-Unmanned Teaming: Nathan describes how the future of military operations will involve manned-unmanned teaming, where humans will act as "quarterbacks" managing a fleet of autonomous drones and systems. This strategy is designed to leverage the strengths of AI and automation while keeping humans in the loop to make critical decisions in contested or unpredictable environments.Electronic Warfare as a Key Battlefield Domain: One of Nathan’s key points is that electronic warfare is becoming a primary battlefield domain. Modern warfare increasingly involves not just physical attacks but also the disruption of enemy communications, navigation, and targeting systems. This form of warfare can neutralize advanced technologies by jamming signals or launching cyber-attacks, making it a vital aspect of future conflicts.Innovation in Warfare through Startups: Nathan discusses how small defense tech startups like CX2 are becoming crucial to military innovation. These companies are building nimble, affordable solutions for modern challenges, contrasting with the traditional defense contractors that build massive, expensive systems. This shift allows for quicker development and deployment of technologies tailored to the changing face of warfare.