Robots and Red Tape

AI is transforming our world, but is its infrastructure secure? In this Robots and Red Tape episode, host Nick Schutt sits down with Matt Wesmiller, a counterintelligence veteran, to explore the unseen risks in critical infrastructure security. Matt reveals the complexity of supply chains, from adversary-controlled rare earth minerals to data poisoning threats in AI models. “The human is always the weakest link,” he warns, citing insider threats like Robert Hanssen. From intellectual property theft to fragile water systems, Matt emphasizes proactive counterintelligence to protect national security. Essential listening for those invested in AI’s risks and rewards. Tune in to uncover strategies to safeguard our tech-driven future. Subscribe for more tech-driven insights: / @RobotsandRedTapeAI

How should parents navigate the AI era? In this Robots and Red Tape episode, host Nick Schutt joins Dr. Lauren Westerberg, a developmental psychologist, and Josh Thiel, a tech innovator and former Special Ops commander, to explore raising AI-savvy kids. They discuss balancing AI tools with foundational skills like critical thinking: “Teach kids to question, not just accept AI answers,” Lauren urges. From introducing STEM in preschool for long-term academic success to combating misinformation through source evaluation, they share strategies to foster curiosity and resilience. They also tackles equitable tech access, advocating for universal device and internet availability to prepare kids for a tech-driven workforce. Perfect for parents and educators shaping the next generation.

Can AI transform education? 🎓In this Robots and Red Tape episode, host Nick Schutt sits down with Page Durham, a 23-year music teacher turned instructional designer, to explore AI’s game-changing role in classrooms. From launching her AI-focused business inspired by tools like ChatGPT to rethinking standardized testing’s failures, Page shares how AI personalizes learning (think baseball-themed math!) and boosts critical thinking. Learn why banning AI is like banning calculators and how teachers can use it to save time and engage students. A must-listen for educators, parents, and tech fans!

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt interviews Anoop Mehendale, an entrepreneur and AI innovator with extensive experience in healthcare and data analytics, to explore AI’s transformative potential in revolutionizing healthcare through unified medical records and data-driven solutions. Anoop shares his journey from building an R&D center for Daimler Chrysler in India to launching an AI-driven healthcare startup that went IPO in 2022. He discusses how AI can address healthcare’s data fragmentation, streamline administrative inefficiencies, and enhance patient care, drawing from his work at Highmark, Optum, and Aetna. Reflecting on the White House’s CMS-led initiative for unified medical records, Anoop notes, “With AI, you can do a lot more with a massive dataset” (53:24), emphasizing its potential to boost research and personalize medicine while addressing challenges like standardization and privacy concerns. He delves into the need for industry-specific AI benchmarks and a convenor role for CMS to align data standards, advocating for AI as a collaborative tool that complements human oversight. Tune in for insights on how AI can reshape healthcare, from improving patient outcomes to advancing public health research. Subscribe for more insights on AI.

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt interviews Derry Goberdhansingh, a versatile technologist and entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning AI, blockchain, hardware development, and data analytics, to explore how a broad skillset fuels innovation in AI and beyond. Derry shares his journey from pulling cables and managing logistics to building IoT-enabled cameras for drones and helicopters, fixing a global bug in Samsung phones, and pioneering blockchain analytics before it became mainstream. He discusses how his “desire to learn” drives him to master new fields, from AI 11 years ago to electromagnetic spectrum applications for satellite technology. Derry emphasizes the power of a generalist’s perspective, recounting how his knowledge of physical sciences transformed a complex AI data analysis project, achieving 99% model accuracy in days instead of months by reframing the problem space. The conversation dives into the balance between specialization and generalization in AI development, with Derry advocating for a holistic approach to problem-solving: “You can be very right and extremely wrong at the same time”. He highlights the importance of understanding interconnected systems, anticipating unintended consequences, and fostering human-centric AI solutions that respect the workforce. From quantum computing’s potential to the societal impacts of automation, Derry offers insights on preparing for technological shifts while ensuring opportunities for reskilling. Tune in for a dynamic discussion on how diverse knowledge drives AI innovation and the human challenges of technological change. Subscribe for more insights on AI: https://www.youtube.com/@RobotsandRedTapeAI

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt interviews Michal Augustini, a lifestyle photographer and AI educator, to explore the transformative impact of AI on photography.Michal discusses how tools like MidJourney, ChatGPT, and Adobe Lightroom streamline retouching, mood board creation, and administrative tasks, allowing creatives to focus on their craft. He delves into the balance between AI-generated and human-assisted art, emphasizing AI as a collaborative assistant:“I tend to look at AI as a collaborator… it’s your assistant.” Offering practical advice for aspiring photographers, Michal highlights finding a niche and leveraging AI to enhance, not replace, human creativity.Tune in for insights on AI’s role in creative industries and the enduring value of human connection.Subscribe for more insights on AI: https://www.youtube.com/@RobotsandRedTapeAI

Join host Nick Schutt on Robots and Red Tape for an insightful chat with Lucas Petty, founder of AI Daddy, on harnessing AI for business success. Lucas shares his pivot from marketing ops to AI strategy, revealing how AI drives 50% revenue growth in marketing without new hires. Explore the 5-day AI adoption plan, horizontal vs. vertical use cases, and why nonprofits are ripe for AI disruption—plus warnings on privacy risks like unprotected therapy chats. A must-watch for leaders integrating AI ethically.Subscribe for more AI and tech discussions! Listen on your favorite platform.

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt welcomes back Matt Kilbane, AI engineer and governance expert, to discuss groundbreaking projects like Project Merit—a quarterly pulse survey for real-time economic data on AI impacts. Matt explores global AI trends: Europe's lead in innovation with €200B funding, China's robotics dominance, India's biomed research edge, and the US's focus on defense tech amid brain drain concerns. Delve into agentic AI's potential to collapse business processes, the need for digital sovereignty, and reimagining society—from UBI debates to ethical regulation. A must-watch for tech leaders and policymakers on building a utopian AI future.Subscribe for more on AI ethics and innovation! #AI #AIGovernance #TechInnovation

Join host Nick Schutt on Robots and Red Tape for a fascinating dive into AI with Gissele Gajate Garrido, a PhD economist and analytics leader at EY with over 20 years of experience. From global impact evaluations to optimizing pricing at Nestlé and leading AI-driven analytics at EY, Gissele demystifies how AI works—breaking down transformer models that turn words into multi-dimensional math, not magic.Discover why AI lacks morals, risks biases from data sources like Reddit, and ignores externalities unless explicitly programmed, with real-world implications for fields like pharmaceuticals. Gissele shares her passion for responsible AI, emphasizing human oversight, retraining to avoid hallucinations, and simple, practical tools—like her game-changing recruiting optimizer.Key takeaways: AI thrives in volatile times but needs education and accountability to avoid catastrophic errors; it’s about creating more “pies” for everyone, not just slicing them differently. Perfect for leaders, tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about AI’s potential and pitfalls.🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on tech and efficiency! #AI #ResponsibleAI #DataScience #TechInnovation #RobotsAndRedTape

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt speaks with Tom Bendien, founder of a private AI platform, GT Edge AI, focused on education, cybersecurity, and defense. With a background in enterprise IT at companies like Cisco and Oracle, Tom discusses building secure, data-private AI systems to address compliance needs like FERPA. Explore how AI enhances teaching through grading, lesson planning, and personalized tutoring, while fostering critical thinking over rote memorization. Hear real-world results, including a 25-30% test score improvement in one week, and advice on grassroots AI adoption amid regulatory challenges. This conversation highlights the urgency of preparing students for an AI-powered workforce.

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt chats with Peter Dudka, Founder and CEO of Dual Logic, about AI adoption for small and midsize businesses (SMBs). From edtech product leadership to launching an AI consulting firm for SaaS, nonprofits, and professional services, Peter shares insights on overcoming barriers and leveraging AI effectively.The conversation covers:From Edtech to AI: Peter’s journey from early ChatGPT experiments to founding Dual Logic.SMB AI Challenges: Why SMBs lag in AI adoption and how to bridge the gap.AI Strengths and Limits: LLMs excel at content creation and summarization but struggle with complex reasoning.Interoperability Trend: Connecting AI to tools like HubSpot streamlines workflows.Compliance and Literacy: Navigating data privacy and boosting AI literacy to combat risks like misinformation.AI-Ready Culture: Identifying champions and aligning AI with organizational values.Advice for Leaders: Start small with tools like Copilot to drive innovation.Peter emphasizes thoughtful AI integration to enhance productivity while preserving human connection. Tune in for practical tips to help SMBs thrive in the AI era.To learn more about Dual Logic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/duallogic/

Join host Nick Schutt as he talks with Josh Thiel, a former Special Operations commander and AI consultant, about the escalating threat of intellectual property (IP) theft. They explore how nations like China use industrial espionage to siphon U.S. technological and economic power, the risks posed by generative AI in exposing sensitive data, and vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Josh shares insights from his diverse career, offering solutions to safeguard innovation and national security. Don’t miss this deep dive into the intersection of tech, defense, and global competition. Hit subscribe and tune in weekly for more Robots and Red Tape. .

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt sits down with Chris Grobbel, a seasoned attorney with nearly a decade of experience at the SEC, to explore the transformative role of AI in financial markets. They dive into key themes, including AI’s use in customer communications, compliance, and data analytics, as well as its regulatory challenges, such as digital engagement practices and AI washing. Chris shares insights on how firms can adopt AI responsibly while navigating bureaucratic hurdles. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and defense professionals, this episode unpacks the intersection of innovation and regulation.

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt welcomes Bruce Olson and Josh Paul from Colvin Run Networks to explore how AI is transforming business development and defense innovation. Bruce, Vice President of Growth and Operations, and Josh, a recent Air Force veteran, share their journey from military service to building an AI-native BD team. They dive into streamlining the Authority to Operate (ATO) process for the Space Force, tackling bureaucratic inefficiencies, and developing alternate positioning, navigation, and timing solutions for hypersonic missiles. The conversation also touches on the promises and pitfalls of AI, from enhancing productivity to navigating hallucinations, and the future of technology in defense contracting. Tune in for a deep dive into how AI is reshaping the intersection of technology and red tape.

Join host Nick Schutt on Robots & Red Tape as he sits down with Christopher Teixeira, Principal Data Scientist at MITRE, to explore the critical role of data quality in powering AI-driven decisions for public health and human welfare.Dive into the complexities of building reliable AI models in high-stakes environments, where data integrity can mean the difference between success and unintended consequences. In this thoughtful conversation, discover:How MITRE leverages high-quality data to support agencies like the CDC and CMS, driving impactful public health outcomes.Real-world lessons from Chris’s career, including how strategic data selection can optimize AI performance without sacrificing accuracy.The importance of diverse teams and continuous model evaluation to ensure ethical, effective AI applications.Strategies for balancing AI’s potential with human oversight to address challenges in child welfare and beyond.Ideal for data scientists, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts eager to understand how AI and data can shape a better future when guided by rigor and responsibility.#AI #DataScience #PublicHealth #ChildWelfare #MITRE #RobotsAndRedTape #TechForGood #DataQuality #EthicalAI #GovTech #Innovation #TechnologyPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #Podcast #GovernmentInnovation #AIEthics #DataDriven #PublicSector #NextGenAI

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt sits down with Daniel Schmidt, an AI practitioner at Thomson Reuters Special Services, to unpack how to stay relevant in the lightning-fast world of artificial intelligence. With a background spanning math, physics, and computer science, Daniel shares his journey—from mastering reinforcement learning to serving in the Israeli military developing AI algorithms, and now working on cutting-edge multi-agent frameworks for government applications. With 13 years in data science and machine learning across security, healthcare, and more, Daniel offers a deep dive into the skills and habits needed to keep pace with AI’s evolution.The conversation explores:From Academia to AI: Daniel’s shift from quantum mechanics to machine learning, sparked by a passion for solving real-world problems with reinforcement learning and NLP.Staying Current as a Practitioner: Practical strategies for tracking state-of-the-art AI methods, leveraging tools like Hugging Face, Papers with Code, and GitHub to filter noise and focus on what works.Prompt Engineering Power: Why mastering prompts—through structured code or iterative techniques—unlocks better LLM performance for users and developers alike.AI for Executives and End Users: How non-technical leaders can harness AI by understanding trends like the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and using simplified tools to drive value.Code vs. Creativity: The role of coding fundamentals in an era of AI-assisted programming, and why system design remains a human stronghold.Data Privacy Pitfalls: Navigating the risks of sensitive data in public LLMs, with tips on vendor selection and avoiding foreign-hosted systems for secure applications.Under appreciated Breakthrough: Why Stanford’s DSPy project, which optimizes prompts through code, is a game-changer for reliable AI integration.Habits for Relevance: Daniel’s advice on dedicating weekly time to experimentation, forming learning groups, and treating AI learning like a mental workout to stay ahead.Daniel emphasizes that AI’s rapid pace demands curiosity, discipline, and a balance of technical and practical skills—whether you’re building systems or using them. Tune in for an insightful, actionable discussion on thriving in the AI revolution, with tips for practitioners, executives, and curious users alike.To connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-schmidt-574482b8/Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXwPTHJC1XETo learn more about Thomson Reuters Special Services: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/government-solutions.html#ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #PromptEngineering #AIInnovation #DataScience #TechSkills #AIPractitioner #GovernmentTech #RobotsAndRedTape #TechTrends #AIRevolution #Podcast #Interview

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt sits down with Clint Alanis, co-founder of Smack Technologies and a former Marine Corps officer, to explore how AI can reshape military decision-making in an era of rapid technological change. Clint shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in South Texas and attending a military college on a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship, to serving as an infantryman, special operations officer, and diplomat across 20 years, including five years abroad. After leaving the Marine Corps as a commanding officer, Clint transitioned into the tech world, driven by a mission to ensure the U.S. remains prepared for future conflicts.The conversation delves into:From Marine to Tech Founder: Clint’s transition from military service to co-founding Smack Technologies, sparked by a desire to address strategic gaps with cutting-edge AI solutions.Smack’s Mission: How Smack Technologies aims to help warfighters make faster, smarter decisions in complex, high-stakes environments—reducing cognitive overload and enhancing lethality.AI as a Cognitive Offset: Using predictive analytics and real-time options to support commanders, from tactical edges to strategic levels, without replacing human judgment.Gaps in U.S. Military Strategy: Clint’s perspective on the loss of focus on lethality, the need for efficiency with limited resources, and the importance of decentralizing decision-making.The Defense Industrial Base: Why current manufacturing capacity may falter in a high-intensity conflict, and the necessity of coalition-based strategies with allies.Human-in-the-Loop Debate: Balancing AI autonomy with human oversight, addressing fears of misuse, and ensuring ethical application in warfare.Advice for Veterans: Encouraging transitioning military professionals to embrace risk, leverage their expertise, and join the tech space to strengthen national resilience.Clint underscores that war remains a human endeavor rooted in lethality, and AI is a tool—not a replacement—for enhancing warfighter effectiveness. Tune in for a candid, thought-provoking look at how technology can bridge yesterday’s tactics with tomorrow’s battles, plus practical advice for veterans eyeing entrepreneurship.To learn more about Smack Technologies: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smack-technologies-inc/To connect with Clint on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintalanis/#ArtificialIntelligence #MilitaryTech #DefenseInnovation #WarfighterSupport #VeteranEntrepreneur #TechTransition #CognitiveOffset #MilitaryStrategy #RobotsAndRedTape #Innovation #FutureOfWarfare #TechForGood #Podcast #Interview

In this compelling episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt welcomes Richard Threlkeld, CEO of Valiant AI, to dive into the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and organ transplantation. Richard, a systems engineering and AI expert with a background spanning the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin, General Electric Research, and Georgia Tech, shares his inspiring journey—from surviving thyroid cancer to founding Valiant AI. His mission? To tackle the inefficiencies in kidney allocation and save lives using AI-driven solutions.The conversation explores:The Complexity of Kidney Allocation: An overview of the U.S. organ transplant system, managed by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), and why 34% of kidneys go unused despite a waiting list of 100,000.AI as a Game-Changer: How Valiant AI uses historical data and algorithms to identify at-risk kidneys, match them with suitable recipients, and reduce waste—all while offering the tool for free to save lives.Key Inefficiencies: From logistical hurdles (like shipping kidneys on commercial flights) to mismatched incentives between organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and transplant centers, and the lack of real-time data tools.Impact So Far: Richard reveals how Valiant AI has saved 40-50 lives in just six months by finding homes for marginal kidneys, with potential to rescue thousands more nationwide.Data Challenges: The urgent need for secure, real-time data sharing (think APIs, not Excel) to unlock AI’s full potential in healthcare, despite regulatory hesitations.The Human Element: Balancing fairness, medical urgency, and patient choice in allocation, while addressing the staggering reality of 17 deaths daily on the kidney waiting list.Future Vision: How the organ transplant space could evolve over the next 5-10 years with better infrastructure, data modernization, and broader AI adoption.Richard emphasizes that AI is just math—powered by historical data—and not a sci-fi threat, advocating for transparency and education to overcome resistance. Tune in for a powerful discussion on how technology can bridge gaps, reduce waste, and save lives in a system where every second counts.To learn more, check out Valiant AI: https://valiantai.coTo connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-threlkeld/#ArtificialIntelligence #OrganTransplant #HealthcareInnovation #KidneyAllocation #AImpact #DataDriven #HealthcareTech #SystemsEngineering #RobotsAndRedTape #LifeSavingTech #Innovation #FutureOfHealth #TechForGood #Podcast #Interview

In this insightful episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt is joined by experts Jon Conradt and Elena Agaragimova, co-founders of Shiftwell.ai, to discuss the evolving landscape of AI talent and workforce development. Elena, a seasoned professional in talent development and people operations, shares her experience creating effective talent pipelines, training programs, and strategic talent solutions. Jon, a technology veteran and former Principal AI Researcher at Amazon, brings a wealth of practical AI insights from his work with Google's Chrome browser and beyond.The conversation explores:Defining the modern AI workforce and how businesses are integrating AI technologies.Common misconceptions around AI talent needs and the reality of hiring in this space.The critical roles of data engineers, software engineers, and AI researchers, and where companies should prioritize investment.Strategies for addressing the significant talent gaps in AI, including upskilling, reskilling, and innovative recruitment approaches.Importance of soft skills such as problem-solving, curiosity, adaptability, and effective communication for technical roles.How leaders can effectively recognize AI-solvable problems and avoid pitfalls when investing in AI solutions.Practical advice for leadership to foster transparency, reduce fear, and build a collaborative environment during AI-driven transformation.Jon and Elena emphasize the importance of balancing technical capabilities with soft skills, advocating for curiosity, effective communication, and adaptability as essential attributes for success in the AI era. Tune in for actionable insights to build robust, resilient, and innovative AI talent pipelines and retain skilled teams in an increasingly competitive marketplace.To learn more, you can check out https://www.shiftwell.ai/ To connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ To connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonconradt/#ArtificialIntelligence #AITalent #WorkforceDevelopment #TalentAcquisition #Upskilling #Reskilling #SoftSkills #Leadership #DataEngineering #SoftwareEngineering #TalentPipeline #RobotsAndRedTape #Innovation #FutureOfWork #TechTalent #podcast #interview

Join host Nick Schutt on Robots & Red Tape as he sits down with Aaron St Clair and Jonathan Rendon from Omni Consulting Solutions to discuss how cutting-edge AI technology is revolutionizing procurement processes. Dive into VisionX, their innovative platform designed to automate and dramatically streamline government and private-sector procurement tasks—reducing time spent from days to minutes. In this insightful conversation, discover: How VisionX uses explainable AI and advanced automation to manage high-volume proposal evaluations rapidly and accurately. Real-world case studies demonstrating significant efficiency gains in compliance checks, evaluation assignments, and procurement workflows. Discussions on how explainable AI can reduce procurement delays, including handling protests effectively. The evolution of VisionX and its adaptability for both high-volume proposals and traditional federal procurement. Ideal for procurement professionals, government contractors, and tech enthusiasts looking to understand the future of AI in procurement. #govcon #ai #visionx #ProcurementAutomation #federalcontracting #innovation #govtech #explainableai #govtech #efficiency #RobotsAndRedTape #technologypodcast #innovation #AIProcurement #contractmanagement #OmniConsulting #governmentinnovation #governmentefficiency #aiinnovation #artificialintelligence #podcast #nextgenai #agenticai