Socially Conscious AI (Valencio Cardoso and Roman Bercot)

In this enlightening episode of Socially Conscious AI, hosts Valencio Cardoso and Roman Bercot discuss AI ethics with Dr. Kevin LaGrandeur, Director of Research for the Global AI Ethics Institute. Dr. LaGrandeur discusses the dangers of overhyping AI technologies, the essential precepts for responsible AI use, and the vital role of government regulation. With a rich academic background spanning multiple disciplines, Dr. Dr. LaGrandeur provides insights into how AI is both a promising and perilous tool. Tune in to learn about AI's impacts on jobs, ethical considerations in AI development, and potential future innovations. 00:00 The Hype and Risks of AI Adoption 00:45 Introduction to Socially Conscious AI 01:06 Meet Dr. Kevin Lagrande 02:04 Kevin's Journey into AI Ethics 05:44 The Role of AI Ethics in Business 08:19 The Impact of ChatGPT and AI Regulation 23:19 Positive Applications of AI 28:04 The Future of AI and Job Creation 36:26 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects 41:06 Conclusion and Farewell —- To learn more about about Dr. Kevin LaGrandeur and the Global AI Ethics Institute, visit https://globalethics.ai/ or follow Kevin on LinkedIn. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps others find the show.

Valencio Cardoso and Roman Bercot are joined by Di Le, an AI ethicist renowned for her work in responsible AI development. Di shares her journey from UX design in video games to conducting impactful research in robotics and AI ethics. She discusses the importance of human-centered AI, how to bridge the technological divide, and the pragmatic approach of responsible AI. They dive into the controversy around Adobe's terms of service and the role of AI in shaping future job landscapes. Stay tuned to learn how organizations and individuals can better prepare for the evolving AI-driven world and gain insights on skills crucial for the future. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with someone who could benefit from this insightful conversation! 00:00 Balancing Automation and Autonomy w/ Di Le, AI Ethicist 00:46 Meet Di Le: AI Ethicist and Innovator 02:04 Di Le's Journey into Responsible AI 04:33 Understanding Ethical, Responsible, and Human-Centered AI 07:07 Current Challenges in AI: Adobe's Controversial Terms 10:21 The Technological Divide and Accessibility 11:53 AI's Impact on Jobs and the Future Workforce 22:23 Balancing Human Workers and AI Automation 26:42 Closing Thoughts and Resources To learn more about Di Le and her work, visit her personal website or follow Di on LinkedIn. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps others find the show. Di's helpful resource links: • Getting started in AI: ◦ AI for Everyone ◦ Generative AI for Everyone Even if you're well-versed in AI, these 7-8 hour courses are valuable for understanding how to communicate AI concepts to a general audience. • Google’s Quickstart Guide to Prompting: ◦ Download the Guide • AI Papers & Reports: ◦ Microsoft Report on AI and Productivity (Pt 2) ◦ Pt 1: AI at Work ◦ Practices for Governing Agentic AI Systems ◦ Should Agentic Conversational AI Change How We Think About Ethics? • AI Governance: ◦ Summary of the EU AI Act ◦ Summary of the White House Executive Order on AI • Favorites: ◦ Nooscope: A Topographical Analysis of Machine Learning ◦ MAD 2024 AI Landscape A visual landscape of AI’s growth, published annually since 2018.

Matthew Yip, head of Product and Engineering at Benetech, explains how Benetech is revolutionizing accessible education through AI-powered tools like the Bookshare app. Explore the challenges and opportunities in developing inclusive educational technology, the role of digital textbooks, and customization to cater to diverse learning needs. Gain insights on the future of EdTech and the balance between rapid innovation and reliable accessibility solutions, driven by a passion for social impact. Subscribe for more conversations on AI trends and their social benefits. 00:00 Inclusive Education Through AI: A New Era for Students w/ Matthew Yip, VP of Product, Benetech 00:24 Welcome to Socially Conscious AI 00:43 Meet Matthew Yip from Benetech 01:10 Benetech's Mission and Impact 03:13 Innovating with AI in Nonprofits 04:50 Bookshare Plus Initiative 06:58 Challenges and Opportunities with AI 09:22 AI in Education and Accessibility 13:16 Features for Diverse Learning Styles 14:37 Making Content More Useful for Students 15:04 Personalizing Learning with AI 17:10 Challenges in Developing Socially Impactful Technologies 18:12 Impact Quantification in Nonprofits 20:18 Funding and Support for Bookshare 21:11 Exciting Projects and Future Plans 22:47 Improving Accessibility of Legacy Materials 24:38 Leveraging Large Language Models for Accessibility 26:03 Bookshare's Availability and Future Vision 26:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts To learn more about about Matthew Yip and Benetech, visit Benetech.org or follow Matthew on LinkedIn. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the show!

In this retrospective episode of 'Socially Conscious AI,' we wrap up Season 1 by revisiting the invaluable insights from our amazing guests. This season, we've discussed the transformative potential of AI in ethics, mental health, education, and the environment. Join us as we reflect on the conversations, share our biggest takeaways, and explore themes like accessibility, sustainability, and the importance of ethical AI. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, this episode is filled with thought-provoking discussions and ideas that have challenged and inspired us. Don't miss out on this comprehensive summary of our journey through Season 1, and get a glimpse of what's coming in Season 2! 00:00 Reflecting on Season 1 of Socially Conscious AI: Valencio Cardoso and Roman Bercot 01:00 Origins of Socially Conscious AI 03:17 Emerging Themes: Accessibility and Sustainability 04:36 User Experience and Regulation 08:50 Guest Highlights and Key Takeaways 13:08 Reflections and Lessons Learned 20:49 Looking Ahead to Season Two 24:52 Audience Feedback and Closing Remarks —- Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the show!

Valencio Cardoso and Roman Bercot interview James Veraldi, CEO, and co-founder of Scenario. James discusses the growing problem of social isolation exacerbated by technology and how Scenario aims to address this by using AI and clinical visualization techniques for role-playing real-life challenges. With a career spanning roles at TikTok, Snapchat, and more, James shares insights into the ethical applications of AI in mental health, the importance of having reliable sounding boards, and his vision for utilizing technology for social good. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the future of AI in tackling everyday and complex challenges. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:42 Understanding Scenario: AI for Real-Life Role-Playing 01:58 Creating and Visualizing Scenarios 02:25 The Importance of Suggested Goals 06:17 The Problem of Modern Isolation 08:29 How Scenario Works: Visualization and Role-Playing 12:36 James Veraldi's Personal Journey 14:41 The Impact of Social Media and Technology 21:27 The Birth of Scenario: From Concept to Reality 28:13 Navigating Ethical Boundaries in AI 33:52 User Feedback and Future Vision 35:55 The Role of Memory in Personalized Companions 36:48 The Isolation Effect of Consumer Technology 37:21 The Evolution of the App's Design 40:25 AI's Role in Mental Health 40:41 The Future of AI in Mental Health 41:00 Challenges in the Mental Health Space 45:51 The Impact of AI on Global Warming and Biodiversity 46:30 The Importance of Communication in Climate Change 47:57 Optimism in the Mental Health Sector 48:55 The Dystopian View of Silicon Valley 53:01 Examples of Positive Tech Innovations 58:04 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs To learn more about about James Veraldi and Scenario, visit https://www.getscenario.ai/ or follow James on LinkedIn. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the show!

In this episode of Socially Conscious AI, hosts Valencio Cardoso and Roman Bercot interview Amy Brown, the founder and CEO of Authenticx. Amy discusses how Authenticx leverages AI-driven conversational intelligence to help healthcare organizations understand and act on patient voices at scale. She shares the innovative approach of 'listening AI' in structuring unstructured data from customer interactions. Amy also touches on the ethical considerations, organizational advice for implementing AI, and how Authenticx is making a significant impact on healthcare outcomes and patient care. Tune in to learn how AI can connect and humanize healthcare systems. 00:00 From Social Work to AI Leadership w/ Amy Brown, founder and CEO of Authenticx 00:43 Meet Amy Brown: Visionary in Healthcare Technology 01:37 The Mission of Authenticx 04:45 Amy Brown's Journey to Founding Authenticx 08:17 Leveraging AI for Conversational Intelligence 11:44 The Eddy Effect: Identifying Customer Friction 16:20 Ethical Considerations in AI 21:33 Social and Business Determinants of Health 28:31 Real-Life Impact Stories 30:59 Advice for Implementing AI in Healthcare 35:06 Conclusion and How to Learn More —- To learn more about about Amy Brown and Authenticx, visit Authenticx’s website or follow Amy on LinkedIn. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps others find the show.

In this episode of Socially Conscious AI, hosts Valencio Cardoso and Roman Bercot welcome Andy Spezzatti, an entrepreneur, AI engineer, and CTO at Taltrics. Andy discusses his extensive experience with the AI for Good Foundation, which supports sustainable and social goals using advanced technologies. He highlights key projects like the SDG Data Catalog and the SDG Trend Scanner, detailing their impact on sustainability research and monitoring. The conversation covers the potential and challenges of AI in accelerating progress towards the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizes the importance of ethical AI practices. Tune in to learn how AI is being harnessed for humanitarian purposes and the collaborative efforts involved in making a global impact. 00:00 AI and the Future of Global Sustainability w/ Andy Spezzatti, CTO of Taltrics 00:27 Introduction to Socially Conscious AI 00:47 Meet Andy Spezzatti: AI Engineer and Entrepreneur 01:51 Overview of the AI for Good Foundation 03:18 Key Values Driving the AI for Good Foundation 04:56 Evolution and Global Footprint of the AI for Good Foundation 06:54 Balancing Roles: CTO at Taltrics and AI for Good 13:57 Highlighting Impactful Projects: SDG Data Catalog 18:38 Understanding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 23:31 AI in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 24:23 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Development 26:44 Collaboration and Team Building in Non-Profits 32:46 Exciting Future Projects and Ethical AI 34:19 Outro and Final Thoughts —- To learn more about Andy Spezzatti and the AI for Good Foundation, visit AI4good.org or follow Andy on LinkedIn. Learn about the Mozart sound clip Andy mentioned in the episode here, and listen to a music sample from it: with GPT and with LSTM. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps others find the show.

Dr. Caleb Sponheim, a user experience specialist at Nielsen Norman Group and former computational neuroscientist, discusses the potential for AI to redistribute power and address social inequalities. He shares insights from his background in neuroscience and quantitative research, and how they apply to his current work in UX. The conversation explores the current state of AI applications in design workflows, the challenges and opportunities of AI tools, and the future of open-source AI models. Listeners will gain practical tips for integrating AI into their workflows and the importance of staying updated in this rapidly evolving field. 00:00 Introduction to Socially Conscious AI 01:02 Meet Dr. Caleb Sponheim 01:41 Caleb's Background in Computational Neuroscience 02:58 From Neuroscience to AI 04:48 The Evolution of Neural Networks 07:39 The UX Perspective on AI 08:20 Brain-Computer Interfaces and UX Challenges 18:26 Practical AI Applications in UX 21:48 Current State of AI in UX Design 24:07 AI Tools in Design: General Applications 24:57 Challenges with Current AI Design Tools 27:00 Evaluating AI's Fit in Workflows 28:42 Personal Experiences with AI in Design 35:39 Goblin Tools: A Handy AI Resource 39:01 Teaching AI in UX Design 44:34 Future of AI in Design and Beyond 49:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts —- To learn more about about Caleb and Nielsen Norman Group, visit nngroup.com or follow Caleb on LinkedIn. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the show!

Roman Bercot and Valencio Cardoso interview Duncan Mundell, the Head of Invent at AltaML. With over 25 years of experience in business technology and consulting, Duncan shares his journey from selling computers and dial-up internet to leading innovations in AI at AltaML. The conversation delves into responsible AI practices, the Coastal Resiliency Project, the importance of starting small with AI projects, and utilizing AI for impactful outcomes like disaster response and healthcare advancements. The episode highlights the ethical and inclusive approaches of AltaML and the significance of aligning AI projects with core values and business goals. 00:00 Driving AI Innovation with Duncan Mundell, Head of Invent, AltaML 00:18 Introduction to Socially Conscious AI 00:36 Meet Duncan Mundell 01:18 Duncan's Journey to AltaML 02:50 AltaML and Its Unique Approach 03:54 AI for Social Good: Coastal Resiliency Project 07:55 Challenges and Innovations in AI Modeling 12:44 Responsible AI: Principles and Practices 20:41 Advising Clients on AI Implementation 30:57 Future Projects and Opportunities at AltaML 33:58 Conclusion and Contact Information —- To learn more about about Duncan Mundell and AltaML, visit AltaML.com or follow Duncan on LinkedIn. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the show!

Laurie Smith, Head of Foresight Research at Nesta, explores the profound impact of emerging AI technologies on society. This episode revolves around Nesta's mission to leverage innovative solutions for health, childhood equality, and sustainable futures. Hosts Valencio Cardoso and Roman Bercot discuss the multidisciplinary approaches—such as data science and strategic foresight—used by Nesta's Discovery Team to identify technology trends. Examples include AI applications in early childhood education and sustainable home heating in the UK. The discussion critically examines essential ethical considerations, including AI's impact on employment, privacy, and the arts. Laurie also shares his personal journey in foresight research, highlighting notable projects and strategies for responsible AI innovation. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Socially Conscious AI 00:40 Meet Laurie Smith: Foresight Research at Nesta 01:58 Understanding Nesta's Mission and Impact 05:54 Laurie's Journey into Foresight Research 08:25 Strategic Foresight and Emerging Technologies 15:52 AI for Good: Opportunities and Challenges 19:17 Interactive Tools for Early Childhood Education 20:02 AI Applications Beyond Early Childhood 21:08 Generative AI in Education 23:28 AI's Role in Workforce Enhancement 30:12 Ethical Considerations in AI Deployment 35:43 Future Directions and Innovations at Nesta 38:04 Conclusion and Contact Information To learn more about Laurie Smith and Nesta, visit nesta.org.uk, or follow Laurie on LinkedIn. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the show!