AI Rebels

What if the biggest obstacle to using AI in finance isn’t the technology, but the way we think? In this episode of AI Rebels, Spencer and Jacob sit down with Jason Pikoos, Managing Partner at Connor Group, to uncover how AI is reshaping accounting, where companies are falling behind, and what mindsets are essential for the future. Packed with real-world use cases and actionable advice, this conversation will change how you see AI and your career.

What happens when a philosopher, physicist, and lawyer walks into the world of quantum AI? In this mind-expanding episode of *AI Rebels*, Dr. Elijah Perry unpacks his journey from poststructuralist theory to cutting-edge quantum machine learning. With razor-sharp insight, he explores how quantum systems might unlock new dimensions of artificial general intelligence, why AI risk needs a serious empirical upgrade, and how evaluating the identity of AI agents could be the key to safer, smarter systems. Whether you're into metaphysics or machine learning, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

Is today’s AI built on a flawed foundation? In this episode of AI Rebels, Alexander Naumenko, software developer turned AI theorist, challenges the dominant paradigms of logic-driven and statistical AI. Drawing from his concept of "semantic binary search," Naumenko proposes a new model of intelligence inspired by the game 20 Questions—where intelligence is about selecting the best option under constraints, not predicting outcomes. He argues that true intelligence hinges on recognizing relevant differences and defining features, not statistical similarity. His vision? A radical rethinking of AI—one that may finally bring us closer to real general intelligence.

Daniel Alberson, founder and CEO of Agentive, passionately reveals how AI is shaking up the traditionally conservative auditing industry. Frustrated by repetitive, low-value tasks early in his audit career at Ernst & Young, Alberson embarked on a journey to revolutionize the audit process. His company, Agentive, leverages advanced AI technologies, notably language models, to automate painstaking manual reconciliations and document reviews that auditors dread.
https://goagentive.com/

"Are you ready to revolutionize early childhood education with tech that empowers rather than numbs?" On this energizing episode of the AI Rebels Podcast, hosts Jacob and Spencer sit down with DeLonn Crosby, founder of Say Kid, to explore how technology can transform learning for our youngest minds. DeLonn introduces 'Toy Bot'—an innovative, screen-free device that fuses voice technology with tangible play to spark creativity, boost executive function, and forge genuine human connections. Through a live magic trick demo and an in-depth discussion on design challenges—like making cutting-edge tech affordable on platforms such as Alexa and ensuring it’s developmentally appropriate—DeLonn makes a powerful case: if we’re serious about transforming education, we must reach kids early with tools that empower both teachers and families.

https://www.toybot.com/

Can AI predict when your employees are about to quit—before they even realize it themselves? Tyler Hochman, founder and CEO of FORE Enterprise, reveals how his company uses artificial intelligence to pinpoint hidden workforce attrition risks and proactively tackle them. Learn why seemingly trivial data, like where an employee eats lunch, can be a shocking indicator of turnover. 

https://foreenterprise.com/

Can AI innovation outpace our ability to regulate it? In this episode of AI Rebels, Andrea Isoni, Chief AI Officer at AI Technology, dives deep into the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, the complexities of synthetic data, and the tricky legal landscape surrounding AI-generated content. From the surprising global landscape of data centers to the shifting market demands post-2023, Andrea shares sharp insights into how smaller AI models are challenging industry giants. Plus, discover why compliance and AI safety might be the hottest trends in tech—and what investors need to know to stay ahead.

Do we even know what intelligence is? Michael dives into his wild journey from video games and music to pioneering AI research, revealing how his 'inactive cognition' theory flips conventional wisdom on its head. He challenges the old-school notion of computational dualism by insisting that intelligence isn’t just software on hardware—but an inseparable blend of both. By leveraging rigorous mathematical formalism, Michael explains how shifting from complex, additive models to lean, ‘weak constraints’ can unlock AI’s true adaptability and safety, with far-reaching impacts from academia to legal personhood. This candid, no-holds-barred discussion is a must-watch for anyone ready to rethink what intelligence means in the AI era.

Would you set up an AI twin of yourself if it helped you understand yourself better and get more done?

AI agent designer and developer Aric Eggers joins us to discuss this question and much more. From exploring the power of generative AI in music production with his text-to-wave and text-to-MIDI tools to discussing the philosophical implications of human-AI integration, Aric shares his unique perspective on the blurred lines between digital and human identity. The conversation explores how AI could transform creative industries, the potential for personalized agents to act as digital extensions of ourselves, and the broader implications of AI in everyday life. Don't miss this mind-bending discussion on creativity, technology, and the future of digital personas!

https://xebidiah.com/

What will the design process and design jobs look like in an AI lead world? 

Marco van Hylckama Vlieg's insights shed light on the evolving role of AI in creativity, design, and the workplace. He advocates for a balanced approach where AI is used as a tool to enhance human creativity rather than replace it. His journey and initiatives, such as Imagine AI Live, underscore his commitment to building a vibrant AI community and educating others on the potential of AI in creative industries.

Follow Marco on X and YouTube at @AIandDesign for more insights on AI in creativity and design.