Mind the Machine

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]

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl sits down with Philippe Poggianti, a longtime tech executive and founder of Poggianti Insights. Fresh from the AI Action Summit in Paris, Philippe shares insights on the future of AI startups, the evolving landscape of hybrid AI, and the impact of agentic AI on business growth. They also explore the common pitfalls AI startups face, strategies for scaling, and the role of telecom operators in the AI revolution.00:00:03 – Welcome to Mind the Machine
00:00:26 – Guest Introduction: Philippe Poggianti
00:00:44 – AI Action Summit Insights & Startup Growth
00:02:34 – Philippe’s Background & AI Industry Experience
00:05:45 – Biggest Pitfalls for AI Startups
00:08:06 – The Challenge of Product-Market Fit
00:11:20 – The AI Startup Paradox: Speed vs. Strategy
00:14:35 – AI Economy: Who Will Win the Gold Rush
00:17:08 – Hybrid AI and Multimodal AI Explained
00:23:16 – Agentic AI: The Future of Automation
00:28:33 – AI as Automation: The Real Opportunity
00:34:15 – AI, Clean Energy, and Infrastructure
00:41:41 – The Meaning Behind Mind the Machine
00:45:41 – Mobile World Congress: Key AI Trends
00:52:09 – Balancing AI Speed and Ethical Concerns
00:56:14 – Where to Find Philippe & His FrameworkWhere to find Philippe Poggianti and Poggianti Insights:🌍 Website: https://poggianti-insights.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippepoggiantiBrought to you by:🔹 AskTuring AI – Streamlining complex workflows in mortgage & legal industries: https://askturing.ai🔹 Perplexity AI – Advanced AI-powered research & reasoning: https://www.perplexity.aiFollow Cheryl:🌍 Website: https://findgood.tech📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@findgood.techProduction:🎧 Modry Media – Full-service podcast production: https://www.modry.usFor sponsorship inquiries, contact: [email protected]

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl sits down with Craig Martin, co-founder and CSO of Parsley360, to explore a revolutionary AI-driven coaching platform designed to enhance workplace performance, emotional intelligence, and productivity. They dive deep into AI-driven reasoning, empathy in enterprise solutions, and the future of small, privacy-focused language models.

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl explores cutting-edge accessibility technologies showcased at CES 2025. From AI-driven hearing aids to augmented reality glasses for speech-to-text, discover how innovators are enhancing lives through advanced robotics and cognitive tools. Guests include leaders like Ron Ganot from Tuned, who discusses self-fitting AI-powered hearing aids, and Alex Westner from Xander, who introduces AR smart glasses designed to empower those with severe hearing loss. Cheryl also speaks with Nick White from Thinkie, whose brain-sensor technology offers a groundbreaking approach to cognitive rejuvenation and stress management.

00:10 – Introduction to Accessibility Tech

01:33 – Tuned’s Self-Fitting Hearing Aids

03:52 – AI Audiologist Innovation

06:09 – Hearing Loss Market Insights

07:13 – Xander’s Captioning Smart Glasses

09:33 – Generative AI and AR Advancements

11:56 – Accessibility Tech Inspiration

14:08 – Thinkie: Brain Sensor for Cognitive Health

19:03 – Exercises to Reduce Brain Age

23:41 – Real-Time Stress Reduction Tools

24:34 – Closing Thoughts and Future Ideas

Whether you're interested in the transformative potential of AI, the future of accessibility, or innovations in brain health, this episode is packed with game-changing ideas and technologies shaping the way we live, work, and connect.

Where to find the guests and companies featured in this episode:

- Tuned (AI-powered self-fitting hearing aids): https://www.tuned.in/

- Xander (AR smart glasses for hearing accessibility): https://www.xanderglasses.com

- Thinkie (Brain training and cognitive improvement): https://www.thinkiesystem.com/

Brought to you by:

- AskTuring AI: https://askturing.ai

Follow Cheryl:

https://findgood.tech/

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

Production and Marketing:

Modry Media: https://www.modry.us

For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast:

Email [email protected]

Dr. Daniela Braga is a trailblazer in the AI industry, best known as the founder and CEO of Defined.ai , a company revolutionizing how AI models are trained and deployed. From raising $50 million in Series B funding (currently $85million) to creating a global marketplace for AI training data, Dr. Braga has been at the forefront of enabling ethical, effective, and domain-specific AI solutions. In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl and Dr. Braga explore:

00:05 - Introduction and Sponsorship

01:13 - Dr. Braga’s Journey with Defined AI Since 2020

03:27 - Challenges of Open Source AI and Data Integrity

05:40 - Risks of Biased Training Data and Copyright Infringement

08:02 - Optimizing AI Models for a Better Future

10:19 - The Shift Towards Smaller, Domain-Specific Models

12:46 - Innovations in Data Protection and Misinformation Detection

Dr. Braga shares why businesses need to look beyond flashy AI solutions and focus on selecting models tailored to their unique needs, ensuring ethical and effective AI implementation. She also highlights the increasing importance of regulation and innovation in tackling challenges like copyright infringement and biased training data.

Where to Find Dr. Daniela Braga:

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