Episode 8: Rationality vs. Reality: Human Decisions & AI's Role

Episode 14: AI Gets the Greenlight

AI IRL: Real Talk with Real Experts Welcome back to AI In Real Life, the podcast from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making! In this solo episode, host Ariel Huang digs into one of the biggest structural stories in entertainment right now and what it reveals about AI, creative industries, and who gets to make decisions in an age of rapidly shifting information. Two horror films-Backrooms and Obsession-opened on the same weekend in May. The first cost $10 million. The second cost $750,000. Together they grossed over half a billion dollars. Then Google's DeepMind unit wrote A24 a $75 million check, and the internet lost its mind. In this episode, Ariel breaks down what actually happened, what the DeepMind deal is and isn't, and why the AI story inside of it is more interesting than any of the hot takes suggested. She covers: The End of the Greenlight: What the Hollywood greenlight really was-not a creative filter, but an information system-and why it's losing its grip. What YouTube Actually Changed: It wasn't just distribution. It was epistemics. Taste became observable before institutions had to commit. That changes everything. The DeepMind x A24 Deal: What $75M is actually buying, what it isn't, and why the fear that AI is coming for independent filmmaking gets the story exactly backwards. Winners, Losers, and the Squeezed Middle: Disney, Netflix, Lionsgate, AMC — who is actually well-positioned in a world where AI is compressing the cost of production at every budget tier simultaneously. The Bigger Question: When institutions lose their information advantage, decisions don't stop being made. Someone still decides. The question is who, by what process, and with what accountability. Whether you're a movie buff, a student thinking about creative careers, or just someone trying to understand what AI is actually doing to industries in real time, this episode offers a framework for thinking about power, information, and what changes when the gatekeepers can no longer see the gate. Get involved! We want to hear from you! Submit your questions for future episodes through the link below:  🔗 https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html [https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html] ----- Listen on your favorite podcasting platform! * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-in-real-life-real-talk-with-real-experts/id1736863200] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CcOFAtPMMMj3E4YzVpwhb] * YouTube Music [https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCkI4QzpHgVABudTIK44IILw?si=0LmOwhvx2EisXg0f] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmWXAqX2cuw7BuuTP5SYfbxIl0YspQfim] Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ai-sdm?sub_confirmation=1] Click here to follow AI-SDM on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-sdm/] https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/ [https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/]

Episode 13: Applied Data Science in the Age of AI

AI IRL: Real Talk with Real Experts Welcome back to AI In Real Life, the podcast from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making! In this episode, host Ariel Huang sits down with Jamie McGovern, Program Director of Carnegie Mellon University's Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) program. With a background spanning consulting, data science, and higher education, Jamie has spent years helping organizations make better decisions through data while preparing the next generation of data scientists for an increasingly AI-driven world. As AI transforms everything from data analysis and software development to hiring and workplace productivity, the role of the data scientist is evolving faster than ever. Jamie shares his perspective on what applied data science really is, what students should focus on as AI becomes a standard part of professional workflows, and so much more. They explore: Applied Data Science: Jamie explains what separates applied data science from academic research and why connecting technical work to real-world business and organizational outcomes is essential. The MADS Program: Ariel and Jamie discuss Carnegie Mellon’s Master of Applied Data Science program, its industry-focused curriculum, and how it prepares students to solve practical problems using data. Human Skills in an AI World: Drawing on his consulting experience, Jamie explores the enduring value of judgment, communication, trust, and relationship-building, and whether these qualities can ever be replicated by AI systems (they can't). AI, Hiring, and Career Development: They discuss how hiring practices are evolving, what students can do to remain competitive, and why adaptability may be one of the most important skills for future careers. Lessons from the Intersection of Data, People, and Organizations: Jamie shares insights from his career and discusses how his own views on AI have evolved as the technology has matured. Whether you're a student considering a career in data science, a professional navigating AI-driven changes in the workplace, or simply curious about how organizations are adapting to emerging technologies, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of work and the skills that will matter most. Get involved! We want to hear from you! Get your questions answered on future episodes by submitting them through the link below or on our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html ----- Listen on your favorite podcasting platform! * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-in-real-life-real-talk-with-real-experts/id1736863200] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CcOFAtPMMMj3E4YzVpwhb] * YouTube Music [https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCkI4QzpHgVABudTIK44IILw?si=0LmOwhvx2EisXg0f] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmWXAqX2cuw7BuuTP5SYfbxIl0YspQfim] Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ai-sdm?sub_confirmation=1] Click here to follow AI-SDM on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-sdm/] https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/ [https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/]

Episode 12: A 21st Century Erdos Problem

Welcome back to AI In Real Life, the podcast from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making! In our first ever solo episode, host Ariel explores a question that sits at the heart of many conversations about generative AI: what does it mean to be find and what does it mean to create? Beginning with the viral claim that AI had “solved” an Erdős problem as a starting point, this episode discusses the distinction between discovering something new and retrieving something forgotten. What initially looked like a breakthrough in machine originality goes a little deeper into a deeper inquiry about how ideas are found, connected, and brought into visibility. In this episode, we dive into the realms of retrieval, inspiration, and innovation, challenging the traditional notion of creativity as a singular “aha” moment and reframing creativity as a layered, iterative process: one that has always involved recombination, repetition, and influence, long before AI entered the picture. In this episode, we explore: Retrieval vs. creation: Ariel examines how AI’s ability to surface buried knowledge at scale complicates our understanding of originality, asking whether making something visible can itself be a creative act. The myth of the “Eureka” moment: From science to art, Ariel breaks down how ideas actually emerge through accumulation, iteration, and exposure rather than sudden flashes of genius. Scale as the defining shift: While humans have always built on existing ideas, AI accelerates this process dramatically, reshaping what feels like discovery by changing what’s accessible. Human meaning vs. machine output: Ariel reflects on what remains uniquely human in the creative process, arguing that while AI can rearrange information, humans assign meaning, stakes, and value. Whether you’re a student, creator, or simply curious, this episode offers valuable insight into how AI is reshaping definitions for words that were previously much more stable in our dictionaries. Get involved! We want to hear from you. Get your questions answered on future episodes by submitting at the link below or through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/index.html ----- Listen on your favorite podcasting platform! * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-in-real-life-real-talk-with-real-experts/id1736863200] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CcOFAtPMMMj3E4YzVpwhb] * YouTube Music [https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCkI4QzpHgVABudTIK44IILw?si=0LmOwhvx2EisXg0f] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmWXAqX2cuw7BuuTP5SYfbxIl0YspQfim] Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ai-sdm?sub_confirmation=1] Click here to follow AI-SDM on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-sdm/] https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/ [https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/]

Episode 11: ChatGPT in the Classroom

Welcome back to AI In Real Life, the podcast from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making! In this episode, host Ariel talks with Professor Kun Zhang, professor in the CMU philosophy department and an affiliate faculty member in the machine learning department. His research interests lie in causality, and he develops methods for automated causal discovery, investigates learning problems, and studies philosophical foundations of machine learning. They dive into the fascinating intersection between AI and higher education, using real-world cases of AI-assisted cheating and university responses as a springboard for a deeper conversation about learning, independence, and what the ultimate goal of education is. They explore:  Current climate: Ariel explores how students are already using tools like ChatGPT, why traditional notions of “cheating” are being challenged, and how universities across America are responding True learning vs. short-term results: Kun emphasizes education as a long-term process of self-improvement rather than assignment completion, arguing that AI can either undermine or strengthen learning depending on how it’s used. Causality (what Kun is doing a lot of research on right now!): Kun introduces causality as a core concept missing from many AI systems today, explaining why understanding the why for occurrences is essential for reasoning, decision-making, and societal impact. Going into the black box of LLMs: Kun breaks down tokens, next-token prediction, and the illusion of fluency. Education reform and the future of learning: They discuss why education systems may need structural change, as well as why boredom and reflection are still essential for creativity and innovation. Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping learning and human thought, this episode offers valuable insight into how AI is changing the academic landscape!  Get involved! We want to hear from you! Get your questions answered on future episodes by submitting at the link below or through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html ----- Listen on your favorite podcasting platform! * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-in-real-life-real-talk-with-real-experts/id1736863200] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CcOFAtPMMMj3E4YzVpwhb] * YouTube Music [https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCkI4QzpHgVABudTIK44IILw?si=0LmOwhvx2EisXg0f] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmWXAqX2cuw7BuuTP5SYfbxIl0YspQfim] Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ai-sdm?sub_confirmation=1] Click here to follow AI-SDM on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-sdm/] https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/ [https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/]

Episode 10: Creative AI and the Ethics of Art

Welcome back to AI In Real Life, the podcast from the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making! In this episode, host Katy talks with Professor Eunsu Kang, a visiting professor and instructor of Art and Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University. Eunsu is also a renowned media artist whose interactive installations and AI-generated artworks have been exhibited worldwide. They dive into the fascinating world of AI and creativity, discussing: * What is Creative AI?: Eunsu explains how AI becomes a collaborator in the artistic process and how the definition of creativity is evolving. * The Nature of Creativity: They explore the difference between human and machine creativity, and how AI can generate "non-stereotypical" ideas that push human artists in new directions. * The Dilemma of AI Art Tools: Eunsu shares her perspective on popular tools like Midjourney and DALL-E, explaining how while they democratize art, they can also limit creative exploration and raise serious ethical questions. * Ethical Considerations: Eunsu addresses common misconceptions about AI-generated art, and shares her thoughts on authorship, data ownership, and the ethical boundaries that artists navigate. She highlights the serious copyright issues stemming from a "greediness of companies making AI models" and their data collection practices. * The Future of Art: They look ahead to the future of AI and art, focusing on the potential for collaboration and accessibility. Eunsu also provides a first step for beginners interested in getting involved. Whether you're an artist, a technologist, or just curious about how AI is pushing the boundaries of imagination, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving relationship between art and artificial intelligence. Get involved! Submit your questions for future episodes through our website: https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/podcast/form-submission/index.html ----- Listen on your favorite podcasting platform! * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-in-real-life-real-talk-with-real-experts/id1736863200] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CcOFAtPMMMj3E4YzVpwhb] * YouTube Music [https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCkI4QzpHgVABudTIK44IILw?si=0LmOwhvx2EisXg0f] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmWXAqX2cuw7BuuTP5SYfbxIl0YspQfim] Click here to subscribe to the AI-SDM YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ai-sdm?sub_confirmation=1] Click here to follow AI-SDM on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-sdm/] https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/ [https://www.cmu.edu/ai-sdm/]