Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast. This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads, The Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neurolink. I'm your host, Will Walden. What makes Elon Musk's Colossus the most powerful AI supercomputer in the world? And why was Memphis, TN chosen as its home base? How is this system changing the landscape of AI research? Let's break it all down and uncover the details behind this
project. So in a nondescript industrial park southwest of Memphis, TN, on the banks of the Mississippi River, lies a facility that houses the largest AI training supercomputer on Earth. Dubbed Colossus by its creator Elon Musk, this massive computing powerhouse was constructed by XAI, Musk's artificial intelligence startup. Built within a repurposed Electrolux manufacturing facility, Colossus stands as a testament to Musk's vision pushing the boundaries of AI development.
Now, why Memphis, would you ask? Well, choosing Memphis for this technological feat might seem unconventional, especially when Austin, TX has emerged as a hub of innovation for Elon Musk's companies. However, the decision boiled down to practicality. The location offered the right building with enough space and infrastructure to launch Colossus in record time. Musk's team completed construction in an astonishing 122 days. Now urgency and scale were at their peak during the
construction. Now inside the industrial facility, Colossus hosts over 100,000 NVIDIA HGX H100 GPU's interconnected through an ultrafast fiber optic network. These GPU's, considered the current state-of-the-art for AI training, are supported by exabytes of data storage. This level of computational power allows for unparalleled capabilities, setting Colossus apart as the most advanced AI
system in existence. Jensen Wang, CEO of NVIDIA, described Colossus as easily the fastest supercomputer on the planet. While other supercomputers may take years to assemble, Colossus's swift development ensures it remains at the cutting edge of AI research. Now they used A3 tiered approach for this. Colossus uses a raised floor data hall design that splits its infrastructure into three different levels.
The power systems are housed above, the GPU clusters occupy the middle, and the cooling mechanisms are below. This three tiered structure enables efficient maintenance and operation, crucial for a machine of this scale. The facility contains four data halls, each equipped with 25,000 GPU's. These are paired with storage units and a high speed network to facilitate data exchange. And every GPU cabinet has its own independent cooling and monitoring systems, ensuring minimal downtime.
Technicians can service individual units without disrupting the entire cluster, a feature unique to XAIS design. Now, cooling such a large scale computing system is no small feat though. Colossus employs an advanced liquid cooling system, using water to regulate the temperature of the GPU's. A network of pipes circulates water through the facility, drawing heat away from the hardware, and the water is then sent to chillers outside. Worst temperature is reduced before being recirculated.
The system doesn't really add cold water. As long as the water is cooler than the GPU's, it effectively absorbs the heat. And each GPU rack is equipped with its own cooling system, complete with colored lights for monitoring. A blue light indicates normal operation, while red light signals a malfunction, allowing for quick and precise maintenance. Now, each rack in Colossus houses 8 NVIDIA H1 GPU's paired with 16 CPUs to manage data and run the operating system.
The GPUs handle the heavy lifting of AI training, while CPUs prepare the data in managed system operations. The setup ensures seamless processing of the exabytes of data stored within the facility. Now a system with this magnitude demands immense power though. To ensure stable energy delivery, XAI uses Tesla Megapack battery units. The batteries act as intermediaries, drawing power from the grid and discharging it into the supercomputer.
This setup eliminates millisecond variations in grid power that could disrupt the training, providing a consistent energy that's needed for optimal performance. Now, Elon Musk has very ambitious plans for classes, aiming to double his GPU count to 200,000 in a few months. Such an expansion would solidify its position as the most powerful AI system on the planet, potentially outpacing competitors like Open AI and Google's Gemini.
A report suggests that Open AI CEO Sam Altman has already expressed concerns about Musk's increased access to computational resources. A building colossus isn't cheap, though. XAI recently raised $6 billion in venture capital, bringing its valuation to $24 billion. Being that's only one year old, and Musk is now reportedly seeking additional funding to elevate XA Is valuation to 40 billion, positioning it as a major player in AI. Now, at the heart of XA is endeavors is Crock.
Crock is an AI model designed to evolve far beyond a chatbot. Recently, Crock was updated to include vision capabilities, allowing it to analyze images alongside text. Feature is now integrated into X, giving premium users the ability to query images for detailed analysis and context.
Now, Musk envisions Grok is a stepping stone toward artificial general intelligence, which is a concept that involves creating AI systems capable of performing any intelligence task that humans can do. Colossus is designed to train and refine such a system, utilizing its immense computational power to advance AI capabilities, and Musk has described AGI as a tool to unlock the mysteries of the universe and the very nature of our own existence.
However, he has also acknowledged the potential risks, emphasizing the need for safeguards to prevent AI from going rogue. Artificial General Intelligence represents a long held ambition in the field of artificial intelligence, creating machines that match or exceed human cognitive abilities. Now, unlike current AI systems which are designed to do specific tasks like language processing or image recognition, AGI aims to replicate the versatility and adaptability of the human mind.
For Elon Musk and XAI, Colossus is not just a tool to train AI models, it's a foundational step toward achieving AGI. And the potential of AGI lies in its ability to perform any intellectual task with the same competence as a human or even surpass human capabilities. This includes creative pursuits like writing music or inventing new technologies, analytical tasks such as solving complex equations, and problem solving
abilities across diverse fields. Elon envisions AGI as a transformative force capable of unraveling fundamental questions about the universe in advancing humanity's understanding of our own existence, and Colossus plays a central role in that journey. It's unparalleled computational power allows for the training of advanced models like Grok, which XAI hopes to evolve into AGI over time.
Current EI systems, including Grok, rely on large scale data sets of text, images, and video to learn patterns, generate outputs. The sheer scale of Colossus enables these systems to process and synthesize vast amounts of data, a crucial step towards creating machines with generalized reasoning capabilities. And the recent upgrade to Croc, which introduced the vision capabilities, is a huge milestone in the path to AGI.
By integrating the image analysis with text processing, it's developing systems that can handle multimodal inputs, an important feature of generalized intelligence. For instance, a human can seemingly combine visual and textual information to draw conclusions, and Grok is now moving closer to mimicking this ability. And despite his promise, though, the development of AGI is fraught with challenges and ethical considerations.
Musk has been vocal about the potential dangers of advanced AI, warning that unchecked systems could act against human interests. To mitigate these risks, X AI is reportedly exploring safeguards to maintain control over the technology as it evolves. For AGI to become a reality, systems like Colossus must continue to scale, both in terms of hardware and sophistication of the AI models they train.
The next steps involve increasing the models capability to adapt, learn independently in generalized knowledge across different domains, which is a goal that requires an unprecedented level of innovation and collaboration. Ultimately, though, achieving AGI would mark a paradigm shift in human machine interactions, transforming industries, scientific research, and the way society functions.
However, as Musk points out, the journey toward AGI is much about ensuring humanity, safety and benefit it as it is about technological progress. Artificial General intelligence holds the potential to revolutionize scientific research by significantly accelerating discovery, solving long standing mysteries, and enabling breakthroughs across
disciplines. Now, unlike narrow AI, which excels at specific tasks but lacks versatility, AGI could apply its cognitive abilities to a wide array of scientific challenges, adapting dynamically to new programs and problems, and generating insights that might elude even the most skilled human researchers. Modern scientific research often involves analyzing massive data sets, which can be time consuming and error prone for human researchers.
AGI could process and interpret these data states at unparalleled speeds, identifying patterns, correlations, and anomalies with extraordinary precision. For instance, in genomics, AGI could analyze the vast complexity of DNA sequences to uncover genetic markers for diseases, identifying potential drug targets, and predict how generic variations affect human health, all in a fraction of the
time it takes today. And one of the most transformative features of AGI in scientific research would be its ability to autonomously generate hypotheses, design experiments, and also test them. And by trying on its extensive knowledge base and reasoning capabilities, AGI could propose innovative approaches to unresolved questions.
And, for example, in physics, AGI might identify new principles or interactions within quantum mechanics, offering pathways toward the elusive unifications of quantum theory in general relativity. Now, this ability to hypothesize an experiment could dramatically increase the pace of discovery, as AGI systems would operate continuously without the limitations of human fatigue or cognitive bias.
They can also refine their hypotheses in real time, adapting their models based on experimental outcomes. And AG is ability to access and synthesize knowledge across disciplines would be particularly valuable for interdisciplinary research. Many of the world's most pressing scientific challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and sustainable energy, require expertise.
This spans multiple fields, and AGI system could integrate findings from biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science to propose holistic solutions. For example, it could model complex climate systems to develop strategies for mitigating global warming while considering ecological, economic, and social impacts.
The application of AGI to drug discovery in healthcare could redefine the Medical Sciences. AGI systems could simulate the behavior of molecules and predict their interactions with human biology, streamlining the identification of potential therapies. And in the case of diseases like cancer or Alzheimer's, AGI could explore treatment options by analyzing vast amounts of biomedical data, identifying previously overlooked mechanisms, and suggesting novel
therapeutic approaches. Moreover, AGI could personalize medicine by analyzing individual patients, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data to tailor treatments with unprecedented precision. This could lead to earlier diagnosis, more effective therapies, and better health outcomes. And also, AGI could tackle fundamental questions that remain unanswered in science.
For example, in astronomy, it could analyze vast amounts of data from telescopes to detect patterns in cosmic phenomena, aiding the search for extraterrestrial life or unraveling the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. In mathematics, AGI might solve problems like a rhyman hypothesis, which has implications across many areas of science and engineering. But while AG is potential in science, research is immense. It also raises ethical
considerations. Decisions about how AGI prioritizes research objectives, shares discoveries, and interacts with human researchers will shape its impact. Collaboration between AGI and human scientists is likely to define the early stages of its integration into research, with AGI serving as an advanced tool rather than an independent agent. Now AG is contributions to science and research could lead to a new area of exploration and
understanding. And by accelerating data analysis, automating hypothesis testing, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanding the limits of human knowledge, AGI promises to transform how science is conducted. And as it evolves, AGI may become not just a tool for discovery, but a partner in humanity's quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe. And Grok is at the forefront of this.
Can the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, identify $2 trillion in federal budget savings? How realistic is Elon Musk's revised goal of cutting a trillion dollars? And what obstacles does DOGE face in addressing inefficiencies and waste? These questions are at the heart of Elon Musk's project overhaul
government spending. Back in October, during a rally for president-elect Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, Elon Musk made a bold claim his new advisory committee, DOGE, could recommend federal budget cuts of at least $2 trillion. This figure, representing nearly 1/3 of the federal budget, raised eyebrows across the political and economic spectrum. Budget analysts quickly dismissed the target as very unrealistic, given that the entire discretionary budget is
only $1.7 trillion now. Musk doubled down, suggesting DOGE would focus on cutting waste and inefficiencies across government agencies. However, during a live interview on X with political strategist Mark Penn on Wednesday, Musk walk back the $2 trillion projection, admitting that the figure was more of a best case outcome. Speaking candidly with Penn, Musk said DOGE has a good shot and identifying a trillion dollars in cuts while acknowledging the challenges Musk framed.
This reduced target is a significant accomplishment, he said. If we try for two trillion, we've got a good shot at getting one. Musk argue that such reductions, combined with freeing up the economy to grow, could stabilize inflation. He said if we can drop the budget deficit from 2 trillion to one trillion and free up the economy to have additional growth such that the output of goods and services keeps pace with the increase in the money supply, then there will be no
inflation. So that I think would be an epic outcome. Now Doge is Co led by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, and it lacks the formal authority to actually enact budget cuts or regulatory changes. Instead, it's tasked with making recommendations to the White House after Trump assumes office for the second term. Despite its limited powers, DOGE has garnered attention largely due to Musk's reputation as a billionaire innovator with a track record of disrupting industries.
Now, the committee's mission aligns with Trump's broader pledge to streamline federal operations, reduce waste and rein in spending. However, the feasibility of achieving even Musk's revised goal remains uncertain. Critics argue that meaningful savings would require cuts to mandatory programs like Medicaid, a politically sensitive move that could provoke widespread backlash. Now, budget experts have been critical of Musk's initial $2 trillion claim, calling it disconnected from fiscal
reliabilities. In the federal budget, which totals approximately $6.8 trillion, includes a substantial portion allocated to mandatory spending programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and interest on the national debt. These programs are largely untouchable without significant legislative changes. Now, to achieve savings of a trillion dollars, DOGE would likely need to target discretionary spending and implement systemic reforms.
However, Musk offered few specifics during his interview, instead describing the government as a target rich environment for cost cutting. It's like being in a room full of targets, like you could close your eyes and you can't miss, he said. Now, Musk also expressed frustration with the entrenched inefficiencies within the government. He said it's very, very hard for people to care about spending someone else's money.
Musk noted that even well-intentioned government officials face systemic obstacles that hinder their ability to manage funds effectively. He said the system prevents them from doing so now. Addressing these challenges will require more than identifying areas of waste. It'll demand structural reforms to ensure greater accountability and efficiency in federal
operations. Musk has pointed to excessive regulations as a key area for improvement, arguing that outdated and overly complex rules impede progress and inflate costs. Now, if you're on a podcast platform that allows you to comment, please let me know what you think about this. Some people think that Elon Musk is using DOGE is kind of a cover up to get deals for his companies or pave the road so to speak, for new Tesla models or for SpaceX to launch the Rockets with less regulation.
I don't know, what do you what do you think? Let me know in the comments down below. But also, Musk criticized the regulatory environment, which he claims has made large scale projects essentially illegal. He highlighted the inefficiencies caused by extensive paperwork and delays. I know this for a fact. They they were delaying Spacex's Starship in Boca Chica, Texas from launching for a long time due to the environment and
environmental causes. The EPA. And he asserted that DOGE would prioritize eliminating regulations where the harm is worse than the good. Now, while this approach may resonate with proponents of smaller government, it risks sparking opposition from those who view regulations as essential safeguards. The prospect of massive budget cuts has drawn mixed reactions
from lawmakers. While many congressional Republicans have voiced support for Doge's goals, some Democrats have expressed concerns about the potential impact on public services and social programs. Zach Nunn, who's a Republican from Iowa, advocated for reducing federal overage but stop short of endorsing specific cuts. Now, Trump transition team has yet to comment on Musk's revised estimate, and it remains unclear how closely the administration will align with Dojo's recommendations.
For now, the committee operates independently, with its findings expected to inform broader policy decisions. Now, Musk remains very optimistic about Dojo's potential despite the scale back expectations. He described the committee's work as a critical step toward restoring fiscal discipline and fostering economic growth. However, the success of this initiative will depend on his ability to navigate political opposition, bureaucratic inertia, and the complexities of federal budgeting.
Now, let me know in the comments what you think would happen if Elon Musk cut $2 trillion. Also, keep the conversation alive on our Discord. There's going to be a link in the show notes or description for you. Hey everybody. Welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast. This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads, The Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neurolink. I'm your host, Will Walden. This episode contains some sensitive subject matter, so
please be advised. So what drives a decorated soldier to turn against the country he once served? And how did a rented Tesla cyber truck become the stage for a fiery spectacle outside a Las Vegas hotel? Now, what personal writings of Matthew Ellen Livolsberger reveal about his state of mind in the days leading up to the
explosion. These are the questions that were piercing together following the New Year's event at the Trump International Hotel. Now, on January 1st, a Tesla cyber truck erupted in flames at the entrance of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, killing its driver, 37 year old Army veteran Matthew Livolsberger. Assistant Sheriff Dory Corin of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Livolsberger had left behind a digital diary on his phone
offering insight into his motivations and his mental state. Now, according to Kren, the ratings were stark and critical of US leadership, describing the country as terminally ill and headed toward collapse. In one of the letters found on his phone, Livolsberger addressed Americans directly, urging them to wake up and accusing the nation's leaders of self-serving behavior. He said this was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake up call.
He justified the explosion as a necessary quote stunt with fireworks and explosives to capture attention, claiming that Americans only respond to dramatic events. He also reflected on personal burdens, including the deaths of fellow soldiers and his own role in combat now. Corinne emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing, with authorities still combing through the evidence on
Livolsberger's phone. However, investigators have yet to access a second phone found in the vehicle, which may contain further details. So we have Spencer Evans, who's a special agent in charge of the FB is Las Vegas division, saying that Livolsberger likely suffered from PTSD, Post traumatic Stress Disorder, compounded by personal grievances and also family issues.
Evans stressed that while Livolsberger's writings were alarming, there was no evidence of animosity toward president-elect Donald Trump, whose hotel became the scene of the explosion. Libelsberger's deteriorating mental health and sense of disillusionment appeared to have reached a breaking point. Despite his decorated military service, which included deployments of Afghanistan, Ukraine and Africa, those close to him revealed signs of
struggle. Alicia Aaron, a former girlfriend, described him as a proud soldier who battled chronic pain and concealed his struggles from superiors. Authorities confirmed Libelsburg's identity through a combination of DNA analysis and tattoo recognition. The tattoos, including a recently added triple Crescent symbol near his elbow, were instrumental in identifying his body, which had been badly burned in the explosion.
The Clark County Coroner determined that Livelsberger died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, indicating he may have planned his actions as a final statement. Livelsberger was on approved military leave at the time of the incident. He rented the cyber truck in Colorado, drove it to Vegas, loading the vehicle with fireworks and gasoline that ultimately caused the explosion.
Now, while the Las Vegas explosion drew immediate attention, authorities have ruled out connections to a separate attack in New Orleans on the same day that killed 14 people on Bourbon Street. Evans stated that any similarities between the incidents, such as both suspects renting vehicles from the same company, were just a coincidence. Now Levels Burger social media activity painted a picture of a man deeply engaged in political
discourse. Fellow soldiers described his post as patriotic and pro military, but noted that his views sometimes cause friction within his ranks. Said it posted a lot of political messages on social media that made some of us uncomfortable, 1 soldier remarked. And despite his strong opinions, Livelsberger was remembered as a dedicated teammate and a
patriotic soldier. Two soldiers who served with him in recent years expressed shock at his actions, describing him as someone who was not prone to violence. Now, Livosberger's nearly two decade military career included service in the National Guard, Army Reserve and active duty
army. He deployed to several conflict zones, including Afghanistan, where he completed multiple tours between 2017 and 2019. He also served in Ukraine and the Republic of the Congo, and he has a varied but demanding career because of it. His personal life, though, appeared tumultuous. Public records reveal a divorce in 2018 and a marriage in 2022. In a recent years, the Wolsberger welcomed a new child, as evidenced by social media photos of him and his partner cradling a newborn.
Now outside of his military service, Libelsberger's unlike presence was sparse but revealing. He documented travels to destinations like Thailand, Italy and Puerto Rico, contributing photos and reviews on platform like TripAdvisor and Google Maps. These glimpses into his personal life contrast sharply with the violent act that marked his final days. And as investigators continue to unravel motives behind his actions, his writings offer a troubling insight into his state
of mind. His call for Americans to pay attention through violence raises uncomfortable questions about how society addresses mental health, especially amongst veterans. Louisville Stories Louisville's Burger's story is a complex tapestry of patriotism, disillusionment, and unresolved pain for those who serve alongside him and those left behind to grapple with his actions. The shock waves of his final act are likely to linger long after the physical damage has been
repaired. What do Elon Musk, raging wildfires, and the LA Fire Department hiring policies have in common? Well, this is a question that's been sparking debate across social media, as critics like Musk blame the city's diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts for a perceived decline in firefighting efficiency. But is there evidence linking these initiatives to the spread of the flames? Or is it all just social media
speculation? As wildfires swept through Los Angeles, Elon Musk and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman took to social media, particularly X, to criticize LA Fire Department's DEI efforts. Musk amplified claims tying the department's focus on diversity to a failure to prevent and control fires, Sharing a post that read DEI means People D i.e. However, neither Musk nor Ackman presented evidence directly connecting DEI to the fire departments operational capacity now.
The controversy also spotlighted LA Fire Department Chief Kristen Crowley, who became the fire departments first female and LGBTQ leader when she was sworn in in 2022, and that same year the department established a dedicated DEI Bureau. Critics have questions whether these developments contributed to wildfire challenges, though no direct link between Crowley's relationship of leadership or DEI efforts and the severity of the wildfires has been established now.
On her podcast, Megyn Kelly harshly criticized Crowley, claiming she prioritized diversity efforts over operational firefighting measures. She said she has made not filling the fire hydrants top priority, but diversity. Kelly said in a now viral clip that Musk and Ackman shared. However, multiple reports clarified that responsibility for maintaining water supplies, including fire hydrants, falls to the city's Department of Water and Power, not the fire department.
Actually Now, the right wing social media account Libs of Tiktok also targeted Crowley, posting content about her participation in LGBTQ pride events and criticizing her leadership. Now, these posts gain millions of views. Further fueling the criticism, Libs of TikTok, which has faced prior suspensions for accusations of hate speech, asserted that their posts were factual despite the platform's policy violations.
Now, commenters like Matt Walsh echoed similar sentiments, claiming the LAFD deliberately excluded white men from
firefighting roles. Walsh offered no evidence to support his But though the fire department has indeed voiced a commitment to hiring and retaining a more diverse workforce now, some social media users pointed to a decades old claim by radio host Adam Corolla, who testified before Congress in 2017, that he was denied a firefighting job in LA in the 80s for not being, quote, black, Hispanic or a woman.
Now, Corolla's anecdote predated both Crowley's tenure and the formation of the DEI Bureau by decades, rendering it irrelevant to current LA Fire Department practices. LA debate even spilled into televised political discussions. And during the CNN segment, Jasmine Crockett, representative Democrat for Texas, pushed back against conservative commentator Scott Jennings, who criticized the LA Fire Department's
diversity efforts. Crockett expressed frustration over the persistent blame placed on DEI, she said. I am so tired of people acting as if white men are the only ones capable. CNN anchor Abby Phillip pressed Jennings further, questioning the connection between DEI and the department's ongoing battle with what was described as a historic fire. Now, despite the criticisms, there's no indication that Crowley neglected fire prevention efforts in favor of diversity initiatives.
Upon her appointment, Crowley told the LA City News, Science or Service that her first priority would be strengthening communication with her command staff. The LA Fire Department's 2023 to 2026 Strategic plan listed department's primary goals is maintaining operational readiness, enhancing firefighter safety and well-being in improving workplace conditions, while promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in That's another goal and it ranks 3rd on
the list now. Crowley emphasized the importance of emergency response, stating her commitment to delivering exceptional public safety and emergency services. The department's focus also includes leveraging technological advancements and fostering collaboration. Now, in March of 2023, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved policies aimed at increasing workforce diversity at the LAFD. Chair Janice Hahn described the measures as a road map for how we are going to hire more women
and people of color. And these policies included adopting an entrance exam grounded in equity research, forming ADEI committee to guide hiring practices in conducting diversity surveys and exit interviews. Now, if you're on a podcast platform that allows you to comment, I would strongly urge you to let me know what you think about this and also share this episode so you can get other people's opinions on this because it's important that we
have this discussion now. According to the department's strategic plan, though, Crowley's diversity goals include providing DEI training to employees, expanding recruitment in underserved communities, and offering test preparation workshops. However, these initiatives were framed as complementary to, not substitutes for, the department's primary mission of firefighting and emergency
response. So, no, some social media posts labeled Crowley ADEI Hire, implying she was appointed solely based on her identity rather than our qualifications. However, Crowley's extensive career with the LAFD spans 22 years, during which she held roles as firefighter, paramedic, firefighter, a paramedic, fire inspector, captain and deputy chief before becoming the department's leader. Hey, thank you so much for listening today. I really do appreciate your support.
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