132 episodes

A biweekly podcast where hosts Nathan Labenz and Erik Torenberg interview the builders on the edge of AI and explore the dramatic shift it will unlock in the coming years.
The Cognitive Revolution is part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: turpentine.co

"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis Turpentine

    • Technology
    • 4.6 • 56 Ratings

A biweekly podcast where hosts Nathan Labenz and Erik Torenberg interview the builders on the edge of AI and explore the dramatic shift it will unlock in the coming years.
The Cognitive Revolution is part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: turpentine.co

    Emergency Pod: Examining SB 1047, California's Proposed AI Legislation

    Emergency Pod: Examining SB 1047, California's Proposed AI Legislation

    Dive into the nuanced debate over California's SB 1047 AI legislation with Nathan Calvin, Dean Ball, and Steve Newman. Our expert panel discussion explores the bill's intent, dispels misconceptions, and debates its potential impact on technology and regulation. Learn about AI's tail risks, the role of government, and hear suggestions for improving the legislation. Share your thoughts and join the conversation around shaping a positive AI future.
    You can reach out and share your thoughts by using the contact form here : https://www.cognitiverevolution.ai/contact/

    SPONSORS:
    The Brave search API can be used to assemble a data set to train your AI models and help with retrieval augmentation at the time of inference. All while remaining affordable with developer first pricing, integrating the Brave search API into your workflow translates to more ethical data sourcing and more human representative data sets. Try the Brave search API for free for up to 2000 queries per month at https://bit.ly/BraveTCR

    Omneky is an omnichannel creative generation platform that lets you launch hundreds of thousands of ad iterations that actually work customized across all platforms, with a click of a button. Omneky combines generative AI and real-time advertising data. Mention "Cog Rev" for 10% off https://www.omneky.com/

    Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention "Turpentine" to skip the waitlist.

    CHAPTERS:
    (00:00:00) Introduction
    (00:05:45) Opinions
    (00:11:57) The Bill
    (00:17:05) Elevated discussion
    (00:18:51) Sponsors: Brave | Omneky
    (00:20:18) AI Doctor
    (00:22:55) Centralized Regulator
    (00:26:29) SB 1047
    (00:27:47) Critical infrastructure
    (00:31:51) Should we regulate?
    (00:39:00) Sponsors: Squad
    (00:40:28) Safety standards for training
    (00:46:09) What is 10^26 flops?
    (00:52:10) Regulating general purpose technology
    (00:53:42) AI regulation
    (00:58:31) Societal adaptation
    (01:01:18) AI safety
    (01:04:20) AI regulations
    (01:07:19) The current state of the industry
    (01:10:08) What industry wants changed
    (01:25:42) Safety is hard to legislate
    (01:33:06) How to decide the trajectory of AI?
    (01:45:52) Testing, Transparency, Whistleblower Provision
    (01:55:17) Closing thoughts

    • 1 hr 59 min
    Infinite AI Interns: How Young Professionals Can Win in an AI-Powered World

    Infinite AI Interns: How Young Professionals Can Win in an AI-Powered World

    Join us as we explore the future of work in the age of artificial intelligence. Nathan shares essential strategies for college students, especially in computer science, to succeed in a landscape dominated by AI tools. Discover the most important skills to develop, how to use AI for efficiency, and insights into AI-driven task automation. Get valuable advice on incorporating AI into your work and resources for beginning your journey into AI professionalism.

    SPONSORS:
    The Brave search API can be used to assemble a data set to train your AI models and help with retrieval augmentation at the time of inference. All while remaining affordable with developer first pricing, integrating the Brave search API into your workflow translates to more ethical data sourcing and more human representative data sets. Try the Brave search API for free for up to 2000 queries per month at https://bit.ly/BraveTCR
    Omneky is an omnichannel creative generation platform that lets you launch hundreds of thousands of ad iterations that actually work customized across all platforms, with a click of a button. Omneky combines generative AI and real-time advertising data. Mention "Cog Rev" for 10% off https://www.omneky.com/
    Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention "Turpentine" to skip the waitlist.

    CHAPTERS:
    (00:00:00) Introduction
    (00:05:18) AI Closing in on Human Experts
    (00:08:48) Limitations of Current AI
    (00:13:16) AI's Speed and Availability Advantages
    (00:16:26) AI's Evolutionary Advantages
    (00:19:01) Viewing AI as Entry-Level Employees
    (00:20:38) Sponsors: Brave | Omneky
    (00:22:05) Modes of AI Production
    (00:25:09) Agent Mode: The Best of Both Worlds
    (00:30:08) Prompting Techniques
    (00:32:17) AI Coding Assistants
    (00:37:01) Automating Processes with AI
    (00:37:55) Sponsors: Squad
    (00:39:23) University Curriculum and AI Tools
    (00:44:50) AI-Generated Music and Video Editing
    (00:46:04) Introduction to AI Tools
    (00:47:11) Devon AI Agent
    (00:49:26) Waymark AI Evaluation Example
    (00:52:51) Setting the Context
    (00:54:30) Mantras for AI Adoption
    (00:56:48) Recommended AI Thought Leaders
    (00:59:53) Setting up AI Training
    (01:04:25) Avoiding Over-engineering Solutions

    • 1 hr 5 min
    The State of AI, from the 80,000 Hours Podcast

    The State of AI, from the 80,000 Hours Podcast

    Dive into the accelerating world of artificial intelligence with our latest podcast episode. We discuss the latest AI advancements and the challenges leaders face in keeping up, potential societal backlashes, and regulatory concerns. Explore the possibilities and immerse yourself in a strategic AI scouting report from our conversation with the 80,000 Hours podcast. Listen now for insights on AI's role in various sectors and the necessity for informed discourse.

    SPONSORS:
    The Brave search API can be used to assemble a data set to train your AI models and help with retrieval augmentation at the time of inference. All while remaining affordable with developer first pricing, integrating the Brave search API into your workflow translates to more ethical data sourcing and more human representative data sets. Try the Brave search API for free for up to 2000 queries per month at https://bit.ly/BraveTCR

    Omneky is an omnichannel creative generation platform that lets you launch hundreds of thousands of ad iterations that actually work customized across all platforms, with a click of a button. Omneky combines generative AI and real-time advertising data. Mention "Cog Rev" for 10% off https://www.omneky.com/

    Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention "Turpentine" to skip the waitlist.

    CHAPTERS:
    (00:00:00) Introduction to the Interview with Nathan LeBenz
    (00:05:50) Exploring AI's Capabilities and Ethical Considerations
    (00:14:43) Sponsors: Brave | Omneky
    (00:16:10) AI's Impact on Medicine and Healthcare Innovations
    (00:36:29) Sponsors: Squad
    (00:37:56) Predictions and Expectations for Next-Gen AI Applications
    (00:57:33) Exploring the Frontier of AI and Robotics
    (00:58:57) The Leap in AI: From Language Models to Physical Robots
    (01:00:21) GPT-4's Remarkable Achievements and Future Prospects
    (01:03:55) Navigating the Discourse on AI Safety and Regulation
    (01:12:53) The Polarization of AI Discourse: A Deep Dive
    (01:16:17) The Impact of Social Media on AI Conversations
    (01:34:53) Exploring the Dynamics of AI Regulation and Public Perception
    (01:49:27) Navigating AI's Rapid Progress and Public Perception
    (01:50:55) Current State of AI Legislation and Industry Response
    (01:53:31) The Challenge of Regulating AI and Ensuring Safety
    (02:03:37) The Impact of AI on Information and Social Dynamics
    (02:19:18) AI in Warfare: Ethical Considerations and Future Prospects
    (02:27:25) Recommendations for Keeping Up with AI Developments
    (02:33:45) Final Thoughts and Advice for AI Enthusiasts and Professionals

    • 2 hr 38 min
    Organic Holodeck with Prophetic AI co-founders Eric Wollberg and Wesley Berry

    Organic Holodeck with Prophetic AI co-founders Eric Wollberg and Wesley Berry

    In this episode from new podcast Emergent Behavior, host @Ate-a-Pi interviews the co-founders of Prophetic AI to learn how they're using AI to facilitate lucid dreaming. Prophetic had come up in the recent Cognitive Revolution conversation with Dean W. Ball about brain computer interfaces, and Nathan had them on the list of companies to invite on the show, so it was really fun to discover that Ate-a-Pi had already done an interview with them right around the same time.
    --
    Subscribe to Emergent Behavior:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KfbuKL7iqIfbpY31PHtEg
    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emergent-behavior/id1735023473
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmergentBehaviorPod
    &
    Check out Nathan's new chatbot on www.cognitiverevolution.ai

    --
    SPONSORS:

    The Brave search API can be used to assemble a data set to train your AI models and help with retrieval augmentation at the time of inference. All while remaining affordable with developer first pricing, integrating the Brave search API into your workflow translates to more ethical data sourcing and more human representative data sets. Try the Brave search API for free for up to 2000 queries per month at https://bit.ly/BraveTCR

    Omneky is an omnichannel creative generation platform that lets you launch hundreds of thousands of ad iterations that actually work customized across all platforms, with a click of a button. Omneky combines generative AI and real-time advertising data. Mention "Cog Rev" for 10% off https://www.omneky.com/

    Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

    --
    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Intro
    (00:43) Diving Deep with Prophetic AI
    (02:18) Exploring Lucid Dreaming with Halo
    (05:08) The Technical Marvel Behind Halo
    (07:25) A Deep Dive into Lucid Dreaming Experiences
    (13:15) Sponsor: Brave | Omneky
    (14:42) Do All People Have Lucid States?
    (32:19) Sponsor: Squad
    (41:05) Building the Neural Model for Dream Control
    (43:15) Exploring the Intersection of EEG, fMRI, and Ultrasound in Lucid Dreaming
    (43:48) The Journey from Open Source Data to Targeted Brain Stimulation
    (47:08) Collaboration with the Donders Institute and the Future of Lucid Dreaming Research
    (48:40) The Role of Machine Learning and AI in Enhancing Data Collection and Analysis
    (50:04) From Theory to Practice: Implementing Transcranial Focused Ultrasound (TFUS)
    (53:51) Personalizing the Lucid Dreaming Experience through Reinforcement Learning
    (1:16:18) Looking Ahead: The Potential and Challenges of Neurostimulation Technology
    (1:22:55) Addressing the Skeptics: The Debate Over Natural vs. Technologically Induced Lucid Dreaming

    • 1 hr 27 min
    Merging Man and Machine? The Neurotech Frontier with Dean W. Ball

    Merging Man and Machine? The Neurotech Frontier with Dean W. Ball

    In this podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of brain-computer interfaces with Dean W. Ball. We learn about the latest technologies, from non-invasive EEG and ultrasound stimulation to invasive Neuralink implants. We also discover the state-of-art tools, technical challenges, and the big questions around thought dimensionality, ethical considerations, and the societal impact of brain reading and writing.

    SPONSORS:
    The Brave search API can be used to assemble a data set to train your AI models and help with retrieval augmentation at the time of inference. All while remaining affordable with developer first pricing, integrating the Brave search API into your workflow translates to more ethical data sourcing and more human representative data sets. Try the Brave search API for free for up to 2000 queries per month at https://bit.ly/BraveTCR

    Omneky is an omnichannel creative generation platform that lets you launch hundreds of thousands of ad iterations that actually work customized across all platforms, with a click of a button. Omneky combines generative AI and real-time advertising data. Mention "Cog Rev" for 10% off https://www.omneky.com/

    Plumb is a no-code AI app builder designed for product teams who care about quality and speed. What is taking you weeks to hand-code today can be done confidently in hours. Check out https://bit.ly/PlumbTCR for early access.

    Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

    CHAPTERS:
    (00:00:00) Introduction
    (00:04:00) Background
    (00:06:50) Journey to Neurotech Interest
    (00:07:56) Concept of Human-Machine Merge
    (00:12:01) Impact of Language Models
    (00:15:53) Sponsors: Brave / Omneky
    (00:17:20) Adoption of AI Tools like ChatGPT
    (00:22:33) Neural Technologies as Sensor Fusion
    (00:26:03) Brain Signals and EEG Devices
    (00:29:09) Electrodes and Electrical Field Measurement
    (00:37:04) Sponsors: Plumb / Squad
    (00:39:01) Neurofeedback and Brain Training
    (00:48:44) The Rise of Neural Networks
    (00:57:29) Shared Latent Space for Brain Signals
    (01:09:18) Trajectory of Brain-Computer Interface
    (01:14:44) Near-Term Possibilities
    (01:26:25) Limitations of Brain-Computer Interfaces
    (01:38:31) Stimulating Brain Activity
    (01:46:08) Policy Considerations
    (01:52:02) Solved World and Artificial Constraints
    (02:04:27) Acclimating to Merge Technology
    (02:08:33) Advice for Understanding Neural Interfaces

    • 2 hr 9 min
    Automating Circuit Board Design Using Reinforcement Learning w Sergiy Nesterenko, Founder of Quilter on Autopilot

    Automating Circuit Board Design Using Reinforcement Learning w Sergiy Nesterenko, Founder of Quilter on Autopilot

    In this episode from the Autopilot podcast, Sergiy Nesterenko, founder of Quilter (backed by Benchmark), discusses designing PCB circuitboards end-to-end using reinforcement learning. "Autopilot" host Will Summerlin and Nesterenko cover how current PCB boards are designed and how Quilter’s tech stack enables faster board design, what better circuit boards enable in the future, their GTM and where they are seeing most market pull right now, and much more.

    Subscribe to Autopilot:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333&nd=1&dlsi=18fee5e95b284d02
    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AutopilotwithWillSummerlin

    Check out Nathan's new chatbot on www.cognitiverevolution.ai

    SPONSORS:
    The Brave search API can be used to assemble a data set to train your AI models and help with retrieval augmentation at the time of inference. All while remaining affordable with developer first pricing, integrating the Brave search API into your workflow translates to more ethical data sourcing and more human representative data sets. Try the Brave search API for free for up to 2000 queries per month at https://bit.ly/BraveTCR

    Omneky is an omnichannel creative generation platform that lets you launch hundreds of thousands of ad iterations that actually work customized across all platforms, with a click of a button. Omneky combines generative AI and real-time advertising data. Mention "Cog Rev" for 10% off https://www.omneky.com/

    Plumb is a no-code AI app builder designed for product teams who care about quality and speed. What is taking you weeks to hand-code today can be done confidently in hours. Check out https://bit.ly/PlumbTCR for early access.

    Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.


    LINKS:
    Quilter: https://www.quilter.ai/
    Autopilot Ventures: https://www.apv.vc/


    X/SOCIAL:
    @labenz (Nathan)
    @WSummerlinAI (Will)
    @sergiynest (Sergiy)
    @quilterai (Quilter)

    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Intro & Sergiy’s Background
    (04:31) What Sergiy learned from SpaceX
    (05:53) Founding thesis of Quilter and Quilter’s journey
    (06:57) Where would one find circuit boards?
    (08:11) What is the process of designing a circuit board?
    (09:39) Design process today with Quilter
    (14:34) Sponsor: Omneky
    (16:01) Quilter’s thesis and designing more complex circuits
    (18:25) How much are humans currently paid for board design
    (19:41) Labor dynamics in board design
    (20:30) Do most companies have board designers in-house?
    (21:14) Incentive structure
    (22:44) What does a high-performance circuit board look like vs low-performance?
    (26:37) Quilter’s technology stack
    (29:15) Sponsor: Plumb | Squad
    (31:15) How Quilter can grow with scale?
    (33:50) Where is circuit manufacturing happening
    (37:17) What other parts of knowledge work can be solved with reinforcement learning
    (41:03) GTM and who Quilter is selling to
    (42:48) Pricing
    (44:04) Where Quilter is seeing the most market pull right now
    (45:21) What makes Quilter an exciting company to work at or invest
    (47:14) The effects of closed research in private companies for the industry
    (49:25) Open source vs closed source
    (51:14) What Sergiy would advise to himself in his early founder
    (53:59) What drew Sergiy to working with Benchmark
    (56:19) Wrap

    • 57 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
56 Ratings

56 Ratings

Wightout ,

I enjoy this a lot and you might too

The cognitive revolution is an amazing podcast that has really captured my interest. The host talks with AI experts about the significant ways artificial intelligence is reshaping our world. Each episode is deep and insightful, making me come back to listen to some of them more than once. It’s a great resource for anyone curious about the impact of AI across various fields.

Pluteski ,

Excellent content, but…

…. Difficult to understand due to the sound. Perhaps invest in better microphone for the host and ensure that the guests use them too.

JohnW8111 ,

Terrific AI podcast

Nathan does a great job to find important and interesting material to share with the audience on a regular basis. He has a diverse group that he interviews, and I appreciate when he works deeply on the subject and then just does a long monologue to explain his thinking. This is one of the best AI podcasts going

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