In this episode of Mind the Machine Podcast, Cheryl talks with Ashley Virtue from the National Conflict Resolution Center about one of the most human questions of our time: can AI actually help us resolve conflict? They explore the emotional roots of fear, the importance of belonging, and how trust and authenticity play a role in how we navigate both human tension and technological change.Ashley shares how the art of conflict resolution has evolved, what timeless truths still hold up, and why AI will never fully replace the human experience of being seen, heard, and understood. They also discuss the future of mediation, how chatbots are already filling unexpected roles, and what workplace leaders must do now to prepare for AI-fueled transitions.00:00 – Fear, misunderstanding, and the root of conflict00:24 – Can AI help us resolve conflict?01:12 – What the National Conflict Resolution Center actually does03:10 – Making conflict resolution tools available to everyone05:03 – Why fear of AI is really fear of not belonging07:00 – Turning fear into hope through education08:30 – What we lose when we don’t feel included in tech conversations10:10 – Preparing workplaces for AI-related change12:10 – Timeless truths of conflict and what people really need14:00 – Why “resolution” doesn’t always mean a good outcome15:30 – The problem with calling AI “magic”17:00 – Can chatbots mediate conflict?18:30 – The danger of baked-in bias in human vs. AI mediators20:50 – Why managers struggle with mediation too23:00 – Reflection, healing, and the role of authenticity25:15 – The last mile: can AI truly replicate empathy?28:00 – Why “humans in the loop” isn’t just a buzzword30:00 – Free workplace conflict resources from NCRC🌐 Learn more about the National Conflict Resolution Center: https://www.ncrconline.com💼 Connect with Ashley Virtue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-virtue/Follow Mind the Machine Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthemachinepodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindthemachinepodcastWebsite: https://findgood.tech/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findgood-tech/

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl talks with Pelu Tran, CEO of Ferrum Health, about how AI is quietly transforming healthcare—not by replacing doctors, but by making the system smarter, faster, and more humane. They dive deep into how AI tools are catching missed cancers, improving patient follow-up, and reducing dangerous inefficiencies hiding in plain sight.Pelu shares powerful personal stories that drive his mission, unpacks the real obstacles to AI adoption in hospitals, and explains how Ferrum’s platform is helping health systems safely deploy and manage hundreds of AI tools at once. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone who cares about healthcare innovation, patient safety, or the future of human-centered AI.00:00 – Intro: A personal story that fuels the mission01:30 – Why hospitals struggle with AI adoption04:50 – What Ferrum Health actually does07:00 – The startup mindset that actually works09:00 – How AI can prevent burnout in doctors and nurses11:20 – Missed diagnoses, late follow-ups, and the real cost of inefficiency13:45 – What needs to change in the U.S. healthcare system16:00 – Will AI replace jobs—or reduce drudgery?18:30 – What a utopian, AI-powered health system could look like23:00 – Why practical AI matters more than flashy tools27:00 – Are we in a hype cycle—or just underestimating AI again?30:00 – Hallucinations, error rates, and the real risks of AI in medicine33:00 – Bias in AI vs. bias in current healthcare34:00 – What gives Pelu hope about the future of medicine🌐 Learn more about Ferrum Health: https://www.ferrumhealth.com💼 Connect with Pelu Tran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pelutran/Follow Cheryl:🌐 Website: https://findgood.tech📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/findgood.tech💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgoodman/

In this episode of Mind the Machine Podcast, Cheryl sits down with Kristi Martindale, Chief Commercialization Officer at Palladyne AI, to explore the real future of robotics in our daily lives. From exoskeletons and cobots to AI-powered manufacturing and low-code robot training, Kristi shares a hopeful and informed vision of how physical AI can reduce human risk, eliminate repetitive labor, and unlock new opportunities.They talk through Kristi’s journey from Qualcomm to Sarcos to Palladyne, the myths that dominate headlines, and why fear shouldn’t define our response to emerging tech. With clarity and compassion, Kristi unpacks what it means to be human in the loop, why resilience matters, and how anyone—from students to solopreneurs—can start building a better future with AI.00:00 – Intro: What would you do if you weren’t afraid?01:20 – Meet Kristi Martindale: Qualcomm roots and robotics future03:00 – Building Sarcos and the vision for Palladyne AI07:00 – What is physical AI? Smarter software for real-world machines09:30 – Dangerous jobs, chicken tenders, and automation that helps12:30 – Low-code robot programming and new workforce opportunities15:45 – Why AI is a tool—not a threat17:40 – AI in agriculture, healthcare, and drug discovery21:30 – The cost of fear-based headlines and the need for hope26:10 – How students and job seekers can thrive with AI31:45 – Using AI as an assist (not a shortcut)34:50 – Human authenticity in a world of generated content38:00 – Kristi on resilience, respect, and bold leadership41:00 – Final thoughts: Hope, humility, and building forward🔗 Learn more about Palladyne AI: https://www.palladyneai.com💼 Follow Kristi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristimartindaleFollow Cheryl:Website: https://findgood.techInstagram: @findgood.techLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ckgoodman

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl sits down with Nathan Pettyjohn—founder of the Applied AI Association and AR/VR Association—to ask a bold question: Could AI help us move to a two-day workweek? Nathan shares how AI is reshaping work, entrepreneurship, and daily life, and why he believes the key to thriving in an automated world is not fear—but adaptation, purpose, and community.They explore the rise of the solopreneur, what’s missing in the AI conversation, and why “productive happiness” might be the ultimate metric. Nathan also talks about his upcoming book, how kids are interacting with AI as companions, and how smart agents and humanoid robots may impact healthcare, aging, and the future of labor. From back-end processes to value alignment, this episode is a wide-ranging and hopeful look at what’s possible when we apply AI thoughtfully.00:00 – Intro: Can AI unlock a two-day workweek?02:05 – Meet Nathan: Entrepreneur, author, community builder05:10 – The origin of the AR/VR Association and Applied AI Association08:40 – Productivity gains vs. universal basic income11:20 – Are hallucinations holding us back—or just a phase?15:00 – Values, trust, and how AI reflects our human flaws18:20 – How kids, creators, and coders are using AI differently21:40 – The future of wearables and voice-first interaction25:00 – Generative AI meets robotics: When hardware and software combine30:20 – Healthcare, aging, and where robots fit in36:00 – The hype and promise of generative AI in the back office40:30 – Nathan’s book, workshops, and AI-powered micro-vacations45:15 – Solopreneurs, legacy systems, and the need for mindset shifts50:00 – Teaching the next generation to thrive with AI55:00 – Final thoughts: What blocks participation, and how to take the first step🌐 Learn more about Nathan: https://nathanpettyjohn.com🤖 Applied AI Association: https://appliedaiassociation.org📲 Follow Nathan on LinkedIn: Nathan PettyjohnFollow Cheryl:Website: https://findgood.techInstagram: @findgood.techLinkedIn: ckgoodman

In this solo episode of Mind the Machine, host Cheryl Goodman delivers her keynote on what it truly means to be AI fluent. Drawing on two decades of tech industry leadership—from mp3.com to Qualcomm to Sony—Cheryl breaks down how businesses and individuals can confidently adopt AI without the fear or hype. This talk, given at industry events and universities alike, is part roadmap, part rally cry, and packed with practical insights for navigating today’s AI-powered world.She covers the real cost of AI, the dangers of shadow usage, and how companies can create smart policies, training, and workflows to thrive. Cheryl also shares powerful analogies (ever trained a child using only the internet?) and reveals how voice tools like ElevenLabs and strategic prompting can transform productivity. Whether you’re a business leader, student, or just curious about where AI is headed, this episode will leave you informed and inspired—with your fear turned into hope.00:00 – Intro: Why fear stops learning—and how to flip it00:50 – Cheryl’s keynote: From CBS journalist to AI strategist03:20 – A crash course in AI fluency for business06:00 – Why AI is not magic—or hype08:45 – The megatrend no one’s forecasting well11:20 – Understanding compute, tokens, and the real costs of AI14:25 – How to create an AI-forward company: policy, training, and workflow19:00 – Why fear around AI is rising, not falling23:15 – Three business paths: Off-the-shelf, custom build, or full integration28:00 – Hallucinations, explained (and how to reduce them)32:00 – AI agents: What they are, what they can do, and what they can’t36:00 – Smart vs. wise: The human edge in the AI era39:30 – How interns and older workers are navigating the same disruption42:00 – Hackathons, vibe coding, and building community45:00 – Advanced prompting and voice cloning with ElevenLabs48:00 – Final thoughts: Keep learning, stay in community, and lead with hopeHave a story of Hope in AI? Tell it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjftrMTuiJlYzbzJtYPssFckibT5FGIBPitRpXTX_Ll2f4iA/viewform✨ Learn more and sign up for Cheryl’s newsletter: https://findgood.techFollow Cheryl:Website: https://findgood.techInstagram: @findgood.techLinkedIn: ckgoodman

Reza Rassool is the CEO of Kwaai (kwaai.ai), a nonprofit AI lab and movement focused on building open-source, distributed, and sustainable AI infrastructure for the common good. With a background that includes 75 patents, Oscar-winning technology, and an exit to Google, Reza now leads Kwaai with the goal of democratizing AI and restoring individual agency.

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Reza and Cheryl dive into the urgent need for personal AI that works for people—not against them. They explore Kwaai’s innovative platform, discuss the ethical and environmental consequences of centralized AI, and unpack why he believes we’re heading toward a “game over” moment unless we change course. Reza also shares his origin story, growing up in apartheid South Africa and how that shaped his activist mindset. This conversation is a masterclass in AI for humanity—actionable, radical, and full of hope.

00:00 – Intro: From lucky breaks to ethical breakthroughs

03:24 – Reza’s origin story: Activism, apartheid, and a sense of duty

09:15 – What is Kwaai AI? Building open-source, peer-to-peer AI infrastructure

14:30 – The 3 pillars of ethical AI: Agency, monopoly, sustainability

21:02 – How personal AI can serve you (not monetize you)

25:40 – A decentralized AI network powered by everyday machines

30:48 – Why your data is more valuable than you think

36:10 – Volunteers, developers, donors: How to get involved

42:30 – PIOS: A personal AI operating system explained

47:55 – Why open source is AI’s best hope for the future

53:40 – Weekly calls, how to join the movement, final thoughts

Learn more and get involved: https://www.kwaai.ai

Follow Cheryl:

Website: https://findgood.tech

Instagram: https://instagram.com/findgood.tech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgoodman/

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl sits down with Patrick Leung, CTO of Faro Health and former engineering lead at Google Duplex. Patrick shares how his team is using AI to transform clinical trial design, dramatically reducing patient burden, trial costs, and delays. He reflects on lessons from building early conversational AI at Google, why clinical trials still operate like it’s the 1990s, and how Faro’s agentic AI systems are reshaping the future of drug development. They explore the real challenges of applying AI in regulated industries, how to earn trust in life sciences, why true AGI is farther away than headlines suggest, and why the future belongs to adaptable builders—not fearful bystanders.

00:10 – Welcome to Mind the Machine

02:04 – Meet Patrick: From Google to Clinical Trials

04:54 – Why Clinical Trial Design Is Still Broken

08:12 – A Better Way Than Word Docs: Faro’s AI-Powered System

11:04 – Large Language Models for Clinical Writing

13:20 – What Are AI Agents, Really?

16:08 – Privacy Concerns and “Double Agents” in Pharma

19:57 – The Real Stakes of AI in Regulated Industries

23:17 – Why Domain-Specific AI Still Wins

25:20 – Pharma’s AI FOMO and the Pressure to Innovate

30:06 – Why This Is a Golden Era for AI Entrepreneurs

33:02 – Making AI Accessible to Non-Tech Experts

35:06 – The Rise of the Three-Person Startup

37:16 – Using AI for Meditation Retreats and Daily Life

40:04 – Patrick’s Hope for AI and Human Potential

41:53 – Open Source vs. Closed Models: What’s Best for Humanity?

44:06 – Are We Actually Close to AGI?

52:47 – Who Would Patrick Invite to Dinner?

55:16 – Where to Find Patrick and Faro Health

Where to find Patrick Lund and Faro Health:

Website: https://farohealth.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/puiwah/

Follow Cheryl:

Website: https://findgood.tech

Instagram: instagram.com/findgood.tech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgoodman/

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl sits down with Andy Ballester, co-founder of GoFundMe and now the founder of EyePop.ai, a platform bringing computer vision to the edge. Andy shares the origin story of GoFundMe, the startup lessons that still hold true, and how his latest venture is solving real-world problems—from underwater infrastructure inspections to medical courier QA—using AI-powered vision models. They explore the mindset needed to build enduring companies in fast-moving tech spaces, how to stay grounded amid the chaos of AI innovation, and why asking for help is one of the hardest—and most human—things we can do.

00:00 – Welcome to Mind the Machine

00:34 – The Origin of GoFundMe

05:00 – Lessons in Startup Longevity

08:24 – Pivoting During Crises Like COVID

12:05 – Building iPop: Making Computer Vision Accessible

16:02 – Why Edge AI Matters (Privacy, Speed, and Cost)

21:00 – Collaborating with Qualcomm’s AI Hub

25:01 – Staying Grounded in the AI Hype Cycle

29:44 – Real-World Use Cases: Water Mains, Lab Samples, and Logistics

36:35 – How AI Can Help People Ask for Help

43:39 – Training the Next Generation in an AI-Powered World

48:12 – What Founders Need Most in 2025

51:20 – Final Reflections from Andy: “What Should We Build Today?”

Where to find Andy Ballester and iPop AI:

🌐 Website: https://eyepop.ai

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewballester/

Follow Cheryl:

🌍 Website: https://findgood.tech

📱 Instagram: / findgood.tech

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgoodman/

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl sits down with Josh Shuttleworth, founder of Cram Study—a fast-growing edtech platform helping students take better notes and study smarter using AI. Josh shares how he built the app from scratch, why he’s on a mission to support students with ADHD and learning challenges, and what the future of education looks like when powered by AI. They also discuss Gen Z’s relationship with technology, the rise of solopreneurs, and how AI is reshaping how we learn, build, and work.

Where to find Josh Shuttleworth and Cram Study:

🌍 Website: https://www.cramstudy.com

📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cramstudy

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cramstudy

Follow Cheryl:

🌍 Website: https://findgood.tech

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findgood.tech

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl sits down with Christine Sterk, Chief Business Officer at Pulsifi, to discuss how AI is transforming workforce planning and eliminating bias in hiring. Pulsifi is pioneering AI-driven talent intelligence, helping companies match people to roles based on skills, mindset, and potential—not resumes or degrees. Christine shares how AI can help companies reduce hiring bias, improve team performance, and future-proof their workforce. They also explore why 80% of digital transformation projects fail, the future of HR in an AI-driven world, and why skills—not job titles—will define careers in the next decade.00:10 – Introduction to AI-Powered Hiring02:34 – How Pulsifi Uses AI to Match People to Roles06:48 – Why Resumes & GPA Don’t Predict Success10:12 – The Real Reason 80% of Digital Transformations Fail14:26 – Future Skills & Workforce Planning with AI18:44 – Eliminating Hiring Bias: The Role of AI in Diversity & Inclusion24:17 – How AI Can Identify & Retain High-Potential Employees30:12 – AI in Education: Mapping Students to Future Careers36:08 – The Future of HR: Will AI Replace Human Recruiters?41:45 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn MoreWhere to Find Christine Sterk & Pulsifi:🌍 Website: https://www.pulsifi.me💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinesterkBrought to you by:🔹 AskTuring AI – Private, secure data solutions for the mortgage industry: https://asturing.aiFollow Cheryl & Mind the Machine🌍 Website: https://findgood.tech📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@findgood.techProduction and Marketing:🎧 Modry Media – Full-service podcast production & marketing: https://www.modry.usFor sponsorship inquiries, contact: [email protected]