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The Neuron: AI Explained

The Neurontheneuron.ai
The Neuron is a daily newsletter with 700,000+ readers that covers the latest AI developments, trends and research; this is our podcast, hosted by Grant Harvey and Corey Noles. We aim to create digestible, informative and authoritative takes on AI that get you up to speed and help you become an authority in your own circles. Available Wednesdays and Sundays on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.theneurondaily.com/subscribe
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Episodes

Illia Polosukhin: Fixing the Broken System He Helped Create

Ilya Polosukhin, co-author of "Attention Is All You Need," discusses the broken state of centralized AI and advocates for user-owned AI, focusing on privacy, verifiability, and user alignment over corporate interests. He introduces NEAR Protocol's decentralized confidential machine learning, enabling secure model monetization and autonomous AI agents. The episode explores the vision for a peer-to-peer AI ecosystem, addressing challenges in training, data context, and explainability.

Sep 12, 202558 minSeason 1Ep. 13

How Thomson Reuters Built AI Agents That Think Like Lawyers

Thomson Reuters just launched Deep Research—an AI system that doesn't just search legal databases, but plans and strategizes like an experienced attorney. In this episode, we explore how one of the world's largest legal research companies is using AI agents to transform how lawyers work, the challenges of building AI for high-stakes legal decisions, and what this means for the future of knowledge work. CTO Joel Hron shares insights from testing with 1,200+ customers, tackling hallucination risks...

Sep 03, 202559 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Google AI Studio Deep Dive: From Vibe Coding to AGI with Logan Kilpatrick

Today we go deeper on Google's AI stack with Logan Kilpatrick: what AI Studio is great at, how it fits with Firebase/Colab/Gemini CLI/Jules, and where "thinking" models make sense. We cover real-world workflows—from game prototyping and screen-share assistance to legal/privacy basics and on-device micro-apps. Logan shares his insights on vibe coding, the future of AI development, and Google's open-source strategy with Gemma models. Resources mentioned: Google AI Studio: https://aistudio.google.c...

Aug 29, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 11

How ZoomInfo's CEO Rewired a 3,500-Person Company to Be AI-First with Henry Schuck

What does it take to steer a 3,500-person company into the age of generative AI? ZoomInfo founder and CEO Henry Schuck joins us to unpack the company's journey from data powerhouse to AI-first GTM platform, the cultural shifts that enabled it, and the hard-won lessons any leader can borrow. We explore how they reduced teams from 26 to 2 people using AI agents, why 2/3 of employees now use AI daily, and the critical role of data infrastructure in AI success. Subscribe to The Neuron newsletter: ht...

Aug 24, 202546 minSeason 1Ep. 10

AI Governance Unpacked: Credo CEO Navrina Singh on Building Trust in AI Models

What does "AI governance" really entail, and why does it matter right now? Credo AI founder Navrina Singh joins The Neuron to unpack risk buckets, Model Trust Scores, and the regulatory zig-zag between the EU and the U.S.—so you can move fast without crashing the car. We dive into open source safety, agent governance, and test OpenAI's brand new open source model live. Learn more about AI governance: https://credo.ai/resources Subscribe to The Neuron newsletter: https://theneuron.ai...

Aug 19, 20251 hr 18 minSeason 1Ep. 9

How to use AI: Prompts vs. Projects vs. Agents

A lot of people aren't sure whether they should just chat with an AI model, craft a structured prompt, spin up a project, or unleash a full-blown agent. In this episode, we break down the differences between these approaches and share a practical decision-making framework. We'll show how simple prompts excel for quick, isolated tasks, why structured prompts improve clarity and focus, when a project (workflow) is better for predictable, repeatable processes, and where autonomous agents shine for ...

Aug 15, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Live DEMO: We Build 3 AI Apps (In Under An Hour!)

In this hands-on episode, Corey and Grant attempt to build three different AI apps in one hour using Google AI Studio - with zero coding experience required. They create an Inbox Zero email organizer, a meme generator that roasts their photos, and a spontaneous adventure planner with interactive maps. Watch as they navigate errors, discover workarounds, and prove that anyone can build functional AI apps without being a developer. Subscribe to The Neuron newsletter: https://theneuron.ai Original ...

Aug 01, 20251 hr 28 minSeason 1Ep. 7

We Go Hands-On with OpenAI's New ChatGPT Agent LIVE

OpenAI just dropped ChatGPT Agent, and we test it LIVE for the first time. Watch as we put this "true" AI agent through its paces - from finding the perfect Gibson Les Paul to building competitive intelligence reports. We explore what makes this different from Zapier-style automation, demonstrate real-world use cases, and discuss why this might be the beginning of America's first super app. Plus: can it actually convince Corey's wife he needs a new guitar? Subscribe to The Neuron newsletter: htt...

Jul 24, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 6

How AI Could Solve Education (Instead of Breaking It)

Headlines scream that AI is "breaking the classroom," but is the story that simple? In this episode we explore the real cracks in today's education system, how AI sometimes widens them, and—more importantly—how the same technology could personalize learning, free teachers to teach, and shift schools from rote memorization to true mastery. We discuss the UCLA "CheatGPT" controversy, MIT's brain study, Alpha School's 2-hour learning model, and OpenAI's new $10M teacher training initiative. Subscri...

Jul 16, 20251 hr 25 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Will AI Supercharge Our Output or Sink Our Standards?

Will AI turbocharge our output—or erode our standards in the rush to automate? In this episode, strategist Andreas Welsch (ex-SAP, author of The AI Leadership Handbook) joins Corey Noles and Grant Harvey to weigh the promise of higher productivity against the peril of slipping quality. Expect plain-language insights on agentic AI, governance that scales, and the human skills and metrics that reveal whether AI is lifting the bar—or lowering it. Guest: Andreas Welsch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin...

Jul 10, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Can Your Laptop Handle DeepSeek, or Do You Need A Supercomputer?

In Ep 3 we explore DeepSeek's open-source R-series models that claim GPT-4-level performance at a fraction of the cost. We unpack whether you can realistically run DeepSeek on a laptop, where it beats (and lags) OpenAI, and the serious security implications of using Chinese AI services. Listeners will learn the economics, hardware realities, and safe alternatives for using these powerful open-source models. How to pick the best AI for what you actually need: https://www.theneuron.ai/newsletter/h...

Jul 03, 202539 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Panic or Progress? Reading Between the Lines of AI Safety Tests

In Ep 2 we ask: "Panic or Progress? Reading Between the Lines of AI Safety Tests." We unpack the recent Claude Opus 4 "blackmail" test result, OpenAI's new transparency pledge, and why safety evaluations sometimes sound scarier than they are. Listeners will leave with a clear framework for interpreting headline-grabbing safety reports—and practical advice on when to worry, when to wait, and how to separate red flags from red herrings.

Jun 26, 20251 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Microsoft Shares Its Playbook for Surviving the AI Jobquake

Will AI really erase half of all white-collar jobs, as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warns? We unpack the numbers, the hype, and the hidden opportunities, then hand the mic to Microsoft's Alexia Cambon for fresh research on how to thrive in an AI-saturated workday. Listeners will learn how roles are shifting, which skills stay scarce, and concrete moves to keep their careers future-proof.

Jun 18, 20251 hr 21 min

Apple’s AI Announcements, Apple Intelligence, The Real Personal AI Assistant

After a long wait, Apple is finally in the game with AI. They’re launching Apple Intelligence with MacOS Sequoia and iOS 18. Pete breaks down some top features and how our devices will change moving forward. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠ https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Listen to The Neuron: https://lnk.to/theneuron Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

Jun 11, 202413 min

US Government Cranks Up the Heat, FTC vs. Big Tech, Microsoft’s Inflection Deal

The US government is opening up antitrust inquiries into the likes of Nvidia, OpenAI and Microsoft. Who's leading the charge, and what could they be looking at? Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠https://theneurondaily.com ⁠Listen to The Neuron: https://lnk.to/theneuron Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai

Jun 08, 202414 min

“Artificial General Intelligence Is Coming”, Ex-OpenAI Leopold Aschenbrenner, Situational Awareness

Former OpenAI researcher Leopold Aschenbrenner has released a series of essays talking about how he sees AI playing out and what we should all do about it. Pete digs into his extremely impressive background and his arguments around why we’re about to get AGI. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠ https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Listen to The Neuron: https://lnk.to/theneuron Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

Jun 06, 202415 min

Nvidia is Taking Over, Data Centers and Intelligence Factories

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has announced their next line of products called Rubin as Nvidia races to build what he calls “intelligence factories”. Pete breaks down the big picture and what it all means for us. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠ https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Listen to The Neuron: https://lnk.to/theneuron Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

Jun 04, 202414 min

Anthropic’s “Brain Surgery” Research, Clarity into Black Boxes, What’s Next

Anthropic did something no other AI lab has done: cracked the code on what’s happening while an AI model is working. Pete breaks down the latest research and what it means for steering AI models. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠ https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Listen to The Neuron: https://lnk.to/theneuron Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

May 23, 202412 min

Secret Microsoft Launch Event, Microsoft Copilot+ PCs, Eyes on Apple

Microsoft’s launch event for Copilot+ PCs was only available to press and content creators. Pete’s taking you through the launch, what stands out and what to look for next. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠ https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Listen to The Neuron: https://lnk.to/theneuron Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

May 21, 202414 min

Political Battles at OpenAI, Safety vs. Capability in AI, Superalignment’s Death

OpenAI Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever and Head of Alignment Jan Leike have left the company, with the latter citing concerns around OpenAI’s approach to building safe AI systems. Pete gives you the 101 on the debate at hand, the history of this debate at OpenAI and what to expect moving forward. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠ https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Listen to The Neuron: https://lnk.to/theneuron Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://...

May 18, 202415 min

Google I/O 2024 Launches, Unpacking Google vs. OpenAI, Project Astra

Google I/O 2024 was a laundry list of AI launches, with Google trying their best to position themselves as the leading company in AI. Pete breaks down the key parts of their long keynotes and how to understand Google’s approach to AI moving forward. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠ https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Listen to The Neuron: https://lnk.to/theneuron Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

May 16, 202416 min

OpenAI Drops GPT-4 Omni, New ChatGPT Free Plan, New ChatGPT Desktop App

In a surprise launch, OpenAI dropped GPT-4 Omni, their new leading model. They also made a bunch of paid features in ChatGPT free and announced a new desktop app. Pete breaks down what you should know and what this says about AI. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠ https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Listen to The Neuron: https://lnk.to/theneuron Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

May 14, 202418 min

OpenAI's New Model Spec, Gen Z Loves AI Customer Support, OpenAI's Media Deals Revealed

OpenAI releases its Model Spec, which tries to define how AI models should behave. Some highlights and examples, along with some more existential questions. Next, you know what Gen Z ought to really love about AI? Customer support. The patterns in their behavior and some unexpected ways that AI is impacting the field. Finally, we’ve heard so many times that OpenAI is partnering with media companies. Now, we finally know what’s behind those deals. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ S...

May 11, 202418 min

AI Hospital Simulation Produces AI Doctors!?

Researchers designed AI agents that simulated doctors and patients, and they found surprisingly good results from the experiment. Pete breaks down how we got here and what it all means. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠ https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

May 09, 202415 min

OpenAI’s New Competitor?, MAI-1 and Synthetic Data, Mustafa Suleyman

Microsoft is opening up new competition with MAI-1, it’s large language model effort that will compete with OpenAI, Meta and Google. It’s led by Mustafa Suleyman. Pete found some spicy quotes about him. Transcripts: ⁠https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast⁠ Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: ⁠https://theneurondaily.com⁠ Watch The Neuron on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

May 07, 202416 min

New ChatGPT Search Engine, Google's Weakness, Perplexity vs. ChatGPT Search

ChatGPT Search is expected to launch May 9th. Pete breaks down how we know it's happening, the big moment of weakness for Google and what startups like Perplexity and You.com need to win. Transcripts: https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: https://theneurondaily.com Watch The Neuron on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

May 04, 202416 min

“Is this GPT-5?!”, Inside Microsoft’s $10B Deal with OpenAI, California Bill 1047

A mysterious new chatbot hit the market, blew everyone away, then disappeared. I unpack some of the leading hypotheses behind it. An email surfaced in court uncovering the motivation behind Microsoft’s deal with OpenAI. I unpack the scene at the time and what happened. Tech folks are up in arms about a new AI bill in the California State Senate. I show you Bill 1047 and what people are saying about it. Transcripts: https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: https://...

May 02, 202416 min

Apple’s OpenAI Plans, How Meta’s Llama 3 Will Make Money, Verge’s AI Survey

Apple is talking with OpenAI about powering AI features in iOS. The story to-date with Apple and AI and what type of new features we could see in the new iOS. Meta has been releasing AI models for free. I break down a simple question: how do you make money by doing that? Finally, there’s a new AI survey. What people are saying about AI and what I think is missing. Transcripts: https://www.theneuron.ai/podcast Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: https://theneurondaily.com Watch The Neuron on ...

Apr 30, 202417 min

Elon Musk’s xAI Raising $6B, Worldcoin and OpenAI, Synthesia Expressive Avatars

Elon’s raising $6 billion for his AI lab. I dig into how much of this is Elon hype versus banking on real potential. Worldcoin and OpenAI. What this eyeball-scanning, crypto fever dream has to do with the leading AI company. Synthesia’s new expressive avatars. The new upgrades are soon to dominate work. But will they break into our personal lives? Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: https://theneurondaily.com Watch The Neuron on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

Apr 27, 202418 min

Rabbit R1’s launch, ChatGPT memory, Perplexity and Devin’s crazy fundraising

The launch of Rabbit R1. After a disastrous launch by their competitor Humane, how is Rabbit faring in the public eye? Next, ChatGPT now has memory. How does it work, and does this direction make sense for ChatGPT? Finally, Perplexity and Devin are now worth billions of dollars. Is this some get rich quick scheme by AI engineers or what’s actually happening? Subscribe to the best newsletter on AI: https://theneurondaily.com Watch The Neuron on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theneuronai...

Apr 25, 202420 min
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