On this episode of Actually Intelligent, Max Thon sits down with Lexi Reese, CEO and co-founder of Lanai, the enterprise AI observability platform helping companies track, govern, and scale AI workflows without the creep factor. Lexi unpacks how AI is becoming an invisible second workforce and what leaders need to do now to manage it responsibly. With past roles at Google, Gusto, and AmEx, she brings the receipts on scaling innovation while keeping data secure and teams in the loop. From the risks of shadow AI to what's next for AI policy, this episode is packed with takeaways for leaders who want to harness AI's power without losing control. Plus, Lexi shares the AI tool that's changing her day-to-day life.

On today's episode of Actually Intelligent, Patrick Ellis, the CTO and co-founder of SnapBar and resident AI expert at the AI house in Seattle, shares how SnapBar is turning AI-generated imagery and video into immersive marketing experiences. The two also discuss how bridging the gap between a cool demo and a real product is harder than it looks, and a rapid-fire breakdown of which LLMs are best for what—from coding to strategic research to, yes, getting actual work done.

On today's episode of Actually Intelligent, Max sits down with Emre Kazim, the co-founder of Holistic AI. From unpacking what AI governance actually means, to auditing systems for bias and compliance, and even managing the risks of "shadow AI," Emre shares lessons drawn from both academic research and hands-on experience helping enterprises adopt and scale AI with confidence.

Actually Intelligent showcases how founders, investors, and everyday people are using artificial intelligence. Hosted by Max Thon, a media strategist with a deep passion for making complex technology understandable, the show goes beyond the hype to reveal the human creativity, challenges, and breakthroughs driving AI forward. Each episode unpacks real stories of AI in action, from research to practical tools that change daily life, through conversations that make the complex accessible.