Welcome back to AI In Real Life, the podcast from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making! In our first ever solo episode, host Ariel explores a question that sits at the heart of many conversations about generative AI: what does it mean to be find and what does it mean to create?

Beginning with the viral claim that AI had “solved” an Erdős problem as a starting point, this episode discusses the distinction between discovering something new and retrieving something forgotten. What initially looked like a breakthrough in machine originality goes a little deeper into a deeper inquiry about how ideas are found, connected, and brought into visibility.

In this episode, we dive into the realms of retrieval, inspiration, and innovation, challenging the traditional notion of creativity as a singular “aha” moment and reframing creativity as a layered, iterative process: one that has always involved recombination, repetition, and influence, long before AI entered the picture.

In this episode, we explore:

Retrieval vs. creation: Ariel examines how AI’s ability to surface buried knowledge at scale complicates our understanding of originality, asking whether making something visible can itself be a creative act.

The myth of the “Eureka” moment: From science to art, Ariel breaks down how ideas actually emerge through accumulation, iteration, and exposure rather than sudden flashes of genius.

Scale as the defining shift: While humans have always built on existing ideas, AI accelerates this process dramatically, reshaping what feels like discovery by changing what’s accessible.

Human meaning vs. machine output: Ariel reflects on what remains uniquely human in the creative process, arguing that while AI can rearrange information, humans assign meaning, stakes, and value.

Whether you’re a student, creator, or simply curious, this episode offers valuable insight into how AI is reshaping definitions for words that were previously much more stable in our dictionaries.

Get involved! We want to hear from you.

Get your questions answered on future episodes by submitting at the link below or through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/index.html

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Welcome back to AI In Real Life, the podcast from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making! In this episode, host Ariel talks with Professor Kun Zhang, professor in the CMU philosophy department and an affiliate faculty member in the machine learning department. His research interests lie in causality, and he develops methods for automated causal discovery, investigates learning problems, and studies philosophical foundations of machine learning.

They dive into the fascinating intersection between AI and higher education, using real-world cases of AI-assisted cheating and university responses as a springboard for a deeper conversation about learning, independence, and what the ultimate goal of education is.

They explore: 

Current climate: Ariel explores how students are already using tools like ChatGPT, why traditional notions of “cheating” are being challenged, and how universities across America are responding

True learning vs. short-term results: Kun emphasizes education as a long-term process of self-improvement rather than assignment completion, arguing that AI can either undermine or strengthen learning depending on how it’s used.

Causality (what Kun is doing a lot of research on right now!): Kun introduces causality as a core concept missing from many AI systems today, explaining why understanding the why for occurrences is essential for reasoning, decision-making, and societal impact.

Going into the black box of LLMs: Kun breaks down tokens, next-token prediction, and the illusion of fluency.

Education reform and the future of learning: They discuss why education systems may need structural change, as well as why boredom and reflection are still essential for creativity and innovation.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping learning and human thought, this episode offers valuable insight into how AI is changing the academic landscape! 

Get involved! We want to hear from you!

Get your questions answered on future episodes by submitting at the link below or through our website:

https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html

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Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel

Click here to follow AI-SDM on LinkedIn

https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/

Welcome back to AI In Real Life, the podcast from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making! In this episode, host Katy talks with Professor Eunsu Kang, a visiting professor and instructor of Art and Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University. Eunsu is also a renowned media artist whose interactive installations and AI-generated artworks have been exhibited worldwide.

They dive into the fascinating world of AI and creativity, discussing:

• What is Creative AI?: Eunsu explains how AI becomes a collaborator in the artistic process and how the definition of creativity is evolving.
  
  
• The Nature of Creativity: They explore the difference between human and machine creativity, and how AI can generate "non-stereotypical" ideas that push human artists in new directions.
  
  
• The Dilemma of AI Art Tools: Eunsu shares her perspective on popular tools like Midjourney and DALL-E, explaining how while they democratize art, they can also limit creative exploration and raise serious ethical questions.
  
  
• Ethical Considerations: Eunsu addresses common misconceptions about AI-generated art, and shares her thoughts on authorship, data ownership, and the ethical boundaries that artists navigate. She highlights the serious copyright issues stemming from a "greediness of companies making AI models" and their data collection practices.
  
  
• The Future of Art: They look ahead to the future of AI and art, focusing on the potential for collaboration and accessibility. Eunsu also provides a first step for beginners interested in getting involved.

Whether you're an artist, a technologist, or just curious about how AI is pushing the boundaries of imagination, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving relationship between art and artificial intelligence.

Get involved! Submit your questions for future episodes through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html

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Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel

Click here to follow AI-SDM on LinkedIn

https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/

Welcome back to AI In Real Life, the podcast from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making! In this episode, host Katy talks with Sean Ammirati, a Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business, a partner at Birchmere Ventures, and CEO of Growth Signals.

They dive into the dynamic world of AI and entrepreneurship, discussing:

• Growth Signals: Learn about Sean's new platform that uses AI to help people build innovative products and services.
  
  
• Startup Uncertainty: How can entrepreneurs navigate the "hallucinations" and other challenges of AI, and when should they trust their own judgment over the AI's suggestions?
  
  
• Innovating in Big Companies: Discover how large organizations, traditionally slow to change, can use AI to foster creativity and innovation.
  
  
• The Future of Work: Sean shares his insights on how AI will transform the job market and what individuals and companies can do to prepare for these changes. He shares a colleague's quote: "AI is not going to take your job but somebody who knows how to use AI is going to take the job from someone who doesn't."

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or just curious about how AI is changing the world of work, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology and human ingenuity.

Get involved! Submit your questions for future episodes through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html

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Listen on your favorite podcasting platform!

• Apple Podcasts
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Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel

Click here to follow AI-SDM on LinkedIn

https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/

AI IRL: Real Talk with Real Experts

Interview with Ido Erev, Professor of Behavioral Science and “Women’s Division—ATS Academic Chair” at the Faculty of Data and Decision Science at the Technion--Israel Institute of Technology

Welcome back to AI In Real Life! This episode dives deep into the complexities of human decision-making and how it deviates from traditional rational models.

Join host Katy, live from the AI-SDM workshop at Carnegie Mellon University, as she speaks with Professor Ido Erev, a leading researcher in cognitive science and the intersection of psychology and economics. They discuss:

• Defining Rationality: Understand the simple model of rational choice and why humans often fail to adhere to it.
  
  
• Two Types of Deviation: Explore the crucial distinction between suboptimal behavior and actions that benefit the individual but harm society, such as pollution and texting while driving.
  
  
• Learning from Past Experiences: Discover how our brains operate like machine learning algorithms, relying on past experiences to inform present decisions.
  
  
• AI's Role in Behavioral Change: Learn how AI can be used to improve laws, regulations, and enforcement, ultimately reducing counterproductive behaviors.
  
  
• Objective AI Criteria for Research: Explore how AI can enhance scientific progress by creating more objective evaluation methods for research.
  
  
• The Generalizability of Decision Models: Understand how basic learning processes observed in lab settings can explain behavior in diverse real-world scenarios, and even across different species.
  
  
• Human Judgment vs. AI Tools: Discuss the future of human-AI collaboration, emphasizing that AI will serve as a tool to augment, not replace, human decision-making.

If you've ever wondered why we sometimes act against our own best interests, and how AI can help us navigate those tendencies, you'll want to check out this episode!

Get involved! Submit your questions for future episodes through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html

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AI IRL: Real Talk with Real Experts

Interview with:

• Robin Murphy, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Texas A&M,
• Terri Adams, Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Howard University

AI and Robotics for Disaster Response

Welcome back to AI In Real Life! This episode takes you to the front lines of disaster response, exploring the critical role AI and robotics play in helping communities prepare for and recover from crises.

Join host Katy as she speaks with Dr. Robin Murphy, a pioneer in disaster robotics, and Dr. Terri Adams, a leading expert in human behavior during disaster.  They discuss:

• The real-world challenges of implementing AI and robotics in disaster situations:  Hear about the unexpected hurdles, from regulatory hurdles and funding issues to the complex socio-technical landscape that often hinders the adoption of life-saving technologies.
  
  
• Human error in robotics:  Dr. Murphy explains why "human error" in disaster robotics is often a misnomer, and how AI can be designed to support human operators in high-stress, cognitively demanding situations.
  
  
• Building trust between humans and AI:  Dr. Adams shares insights on how to foster trust in AI systems among first responders and the public, emphasizing the importance of transparency, ethical considerations, and addressing job displacement concerns.
  
  
• The future of human-AI teaming in disaster response:  Discover how AI can enhance human decision-making by processing vast amounts of data, providing critical information in real-time, and even helping to address the psychological impact of disasters.
  
  
• The essential role of humans in disaster management:  Learn why, even with advanced technology, human responders remain indispensable, bringing local knowledge, community understanding, and ethical judgment to the complex challenges of disaster response.

This episode offers a crucial look at the intersection of technology and human resilience, highlighting the potential of AI and robotics to transform disaster management while emphasizing the enduring importance of the human element.

Get involved! Submit your questions for future episodes through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html

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https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/

AI IRL: Real Talk with Real Experts

Interview with Michael Lee, Professor of Cognitive Science at UC Irvine

The Power of Cognitive Modeling in Human-AI Teaming

Welcome back to AI In Real Life! This episode delves into the fascinating world of human-AI collaboration, exploring how cognitive science can help us understand and optimize these partnerships.

Join host Katy as she chats with Professor Michael Lee, a leading expert in cognitive science and computational modeling. They discuss:

The role of cognitive modeling in understanding human decision-making: Learn how Professor Lee uses computational models to describe, explain, and predict human behavior.  In this episode, our guest discusses:

• Human-AI teaming in action: Discover how cognitive models can help us understand how humans might adapt their behavior when working alongside AI, such as in refereeing sports or other collaborative decision-making scenarios.
  
  
• The power of real-world data: Explore how leveraging naturally occurring data, like shopping habits and ride-sharing patterns, can provide valuable insights into human behavior and guide the development of more effective human-AI teams.
  
  
• The future of cognitive modeling: Discover how advancements in data collection and analysis are opening up new possibilities for understanding human preferences, biases, and decision-making styles.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of human cognition, artificial intelligence, and the future of human-AI collaboration.

Get involved! Submit your questions for future episodes through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html

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Listen on your favorite podcasting platform!

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Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel

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AI IRL: Human-AI Teaming for Decision Making - A Powerful Partnership

Interview with Nancy Cooke, Professor of Human Systems Engineering at The Polytechnic School at Arizona State University

Welcome back to AI In Real Life! This episode, recorded live and on-site at the inaugural AI-SDM workshop on Human-AI Teaming for Decision Making, dives into the future of collaborative intelligence.

Join Katy, our host, as she chats with Dr. Nancy Cooke, a leading expert in Human Systems Engineering, about how AI is transforming the way we make decisions.

Get ready to explore:

• What human-robot teaming and hybrid human-AI systems mean in practice. Dr. Cooke dives into real-world examples to demystify these concepts.
  
  
• The delicate balance between AI assistance and human critical thinking. Discover how AI can empower human analysts in complex fields like cyber and intelligence analysis while avoiding overstepping their role.
  
  
• The power of AI for team cognition. Learn how AI contributes to shared situational awareness and adaptability, fostering a dynamic and cohesive human-AI team.
  
  
• The societal challenges for human-AI collaboration. Dr. Cooke sheds light on the roadblocks to successful implementation and how to design hybrid systems for maximum impact.
  
  
• The surprising future of human-AI teaming. Explore unexpected domains where AI could emerge as a critical partner and how we can adapt AI design to cross-disciplinary applications.

Don't miss Dr. Cooke's insights on potential overhyped areas of AI and the key barriers to successful implementation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AI and its potential to revolutionize decision-making.

Get involved! Submit your questions for future episodes through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html

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Listen on your favorite podcasting platform!

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https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/

AI in Real Life: Demystifying the Hype and Empowering Collaboration with Rebecca Nugent

Welcome back to AI In Real Life! This episode, we dive into the crucial topic of AI education and outreach with Professor Rebecca Nugent, a leading figure in making AI accessible and understandable.

Professor Nugent's diverse background in industry, non-profits, and academia grants her a unique perspective on AI's societal impact. We explore how her experiences inform her role as the Education & Outreach Lead for the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making (AI-SDM) at Carnegie Mellon University.

Join host Katy as they explore:

• From Industry to Education Champion: Professor Nugent's career journey shaped her understanding of AI and its implications on society. Learn how she transitioned from industry experience to leading AI education efforts.
• AI for Everyone: We break down the mystery behind complex concepts like ChatGPT and address common misconceptions surrounding AI.
• Beyond the Buzzwords: Professor Nugent tackles public anxieties about AI, including job displacement fears. We discuss how to empower people to collaborate with these technologies, not be intimidated by them.
• Bridging the Digital Divide:  We acknowledge the potential for AI to widen socioeconomic inequality and discuss the strategies AI-SDM is implementing to ensure equitable access and benefits from this technology. 
• The Future of AI Education: Get a sneak peek into AI-SDM's exciting initiatives to expand AI education and cultivate a new generation of informed decision-makers.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of AI and its impact on our world. Join us as we navigate this evolving technological landscape alongside Professor Rebecca Nugent.

Get involved! Submit your questions for future episodes through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html

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AI in Real Life: The Art of Making Choices on the Fly with Coty Gonzalez

Ever wonder how humans make decisions in real-time, under pressure?  This episode dives into the fascinating world of dynamic decision-making with Professor Coty Gonzalez!

Professor Gonzalez is a leading expert in dynamic decision-making.  Her research at Carnegie Mellon University focuses on how humans make choices in complex, real-time environments.  She's not just interested in the "what" of decision-making, but also the "how."  Professor Gonzalez uses a combination of behavioral experiments and computational modeling to understand the cognitive processes behind those split-second choices.

Join host Katy as they explore:

• The science behind dynamic decision-making: What makes it different from your typical "pro-and-con" list?
• The intersection of AI and societal decision-making: How is AI being used to improve the choices we make every day? (Bonus! We unpack the difference between AI and Machine Learning)
• AI-SDM's cutting-edge projects: Discover how Professor Gonzalez's research is enhancing the way we make decisions as a society.
• The future of AI and human judgment: Will AI replace us entirely? We explore the unique role of AI in assisting, not supplanting, human decision-making.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the psychology of decision-making and the exciting potential of AI!

Get involved! Submit your questions for future episodes through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html

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Listen on your favorite podcasting platform!

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Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel

Click here to follow AI-SDM on LinkedIn

https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/