Between the Lines: Recognizing the Rhetoric of Generative AI

Between the Lines: Recognizing the Rhetoric of Generative AI

In this episode, Mary talks with rhetoric scholars Katheryn A. Broyles and Markus Gottschling of the RhetAI coalition about how generative tools persuade us through prompts, tone, and interface design—and what real “rhetorical literacy” looks like. They trace the stakes across politics, education, and mental‑health use, and share practical guardrails for telling persuasion from manipulation.

Help, Unlocked: Mapping the Social-Service Maze with AI

Civic-tech trailblazers David Botos and Skyler Young fight data silos so families can find food, housing, or mental-health support in seconds—not weeks. Wins, warnings, and a bold vision for human-centered assistance.

Love in the Time of AI: The Cost of Agreement

Philosophers Justin Tiehen and Ariela Tubert sit down with Mary to discuss their Recent paper, Authentic Artificial Love, and we explore the costs of forming attachments with a bot that can't disagree with you. What is the value in value misalignment?

Professors, Students, and the AI Learning Curve

Professors Chris Randles and ZhongZhou Chen, along with student researcher Jana Ibrahim, join Mary to unpack the rapid rise of AI in academia—from awkward first prompts to ethical dilemmas, grading transparency, and what students are really think about ChatGPT. A candid conversation full of humor, insight, and real classroom stories and some surprising wins. Featuring: Chris Randles, Professor of Chemistry Education and Research Guru, University of Central Florida Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida leading the Randles Research Group, focused on chemistry education research. His work spans problem-solving assessment, student mental health monitoring, and AI-assisted academic advising. With a Ph.D. from the University of Hull, he's developing threshold competencies frameworks for K-16 curriculum and enhancing GTA training through reflective practice.   ZhongZhou Chen, Professor of Physics Education and STEM Education Innovator, University of Central Florida Education technology specialist working to transform STEM higher education since 2008. His research combines cognitive learning theories with cutting-edge technology to reimagine teaching, learning, and assessment. Current projects include developing adaptive learning environments, creating equitable assessment systems using NLP, and breaking down barriers to technology adoption in education.   Jana Ibrahim, Undergraduate Student Researcher, University of Central Florida Undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida researching AI in education. As a Research Assistant, she focuses on enhancing student experiences with AI academic advising tools and investigating stakeholder priorities in university AI implementation. She collaborates with industry partners to develop innovative educational solutions

Getting smart about AI in education

AI doesn't need to be perfect to be useful. In this episode, Mary talks with Sid Abhinav and Behrang Mohajer about building educational tools that use AI not as a replacement for teachers, but as a support system. When used in the right context—with humans in the loop—imperfection becomes a learning opportunity, not a liability.   Featuring Sid Abhinav, Founder, AskLeap. Managing Partner, MoonChuck Sid is a physicist turned machine learning engineer . He earned his Ph.D. in Physics in 2019 before pivoting from academia to industry , driven by a passion for applying tech to education. He's now the founder of AskLeap, and he's on a mission to personalize education at scale using AI. AskLeap [http://AskLeap]   Behrang Mohajer, Founder, LabOnWeb. PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto Behrang is an engineer, educator, and entrepreneur with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering . He co-founded LabOnWeb and serves as its COO. Behrang has spent years as a teaching assistant and lecturer, so he's seen firsthand how students struggle with abstract concepts. LabOnWeb was born from his drive to bridge technology and education – it develops AI-driven science simulations that make learning interactive. LabOnWeb [https://labonweb.com/] LabOnWeb - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/lab-on-web/posts/?feedView=all]