The Generative AI Meetup Podcast

Hosted by Mark and Shashank, software engineers and organizers in Silicon Valley. Get their grounded perspective each week as they explore the generative AI landscape through news analysis, tech discussions, hands-on experiments, and clear explanations. Dive into the latest language models, AI agent capabilities, and RAG techniques. Understand the hardware race, key research, startup trends, benchmarks, and the real-world impact of AI across industries like healthcare, robotics, and creative work. We also test AI limits, explain core concepts, discuss ethics, and interview builders shaping the field. For engineers, developers, researchers, and anyone seeking a practical understanding of AI’s rapid evolution and its applications.

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Episodes

Friday Apr 19, 2024

We couldn't record an episode this week, but instead, here's a discussion we had a few weeks ago after watching the AI startups in the 500 Startups accelerator's latest batch pitch their products and services at preview day. Dive into the diverse applications of AI across various sectors, including educational technology, legal automation, and emotional learning enhancements. We explore how these startups are harnessing AI to improve learning experiences, optimize legal workflows, and personalize educational content. This episode offers insights into the dynamic ways AI is fueling innovation and transforming industries, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of tech-driven solutions.

Thursday Apr 11, 2024


In this episode we look at broader industry trends and speculate on the future. The conversation covers a variety of topics, from witnessing a total solar eclipse to the potential of decentralized large language models. They also delve into AI's role in weather prediction, celestial mechanics as seen in "The Three-Body Problem," and the impact of AI on hardware innovation, exemplified by the X Real AR glasses. This episode provides insights into the practical applications of AI and explores emerging technologies shaping the field.
Here are some of the hardware companies we discussed in the episode:
Humane AI pin with a camera & projector https://humane.com/ 
Open source wearable with a camera https://github.com/BasedHardware/Whomane 
Rabbit R1 device with a camera & screen https://www.rabbit.tech/
Open Interpreter pebble like voice interaction device without a screen or camera https://www.openinterpreter.com/ 
AR sunglasses https://www.xreal.com/ 

Thursday Apr 04, 2024

This episode of the Generative AI podcast features Mark from Couchbase, a company with a long history in database technology, focusing on its latest advancements in edge computing capabilities. Mark, the director of product marketing, discusses the significance of Couchbase's move into on-device vector storage. This development represents a significant leap in enabling AI applications directly on mobile and IoT devices without compromising on performance or resource efficiency.
Throughout the conversation, Mark highlights how this technology is set to change the landscape of data processing by allowing for more personalized and context-aware applications across various sectors, including gaming and healthcare. The discussion also covers the technical aspects of Couchbase's approach to embedding databases in devices, synchronization techniques, and the potential use cases enabled by this innovation.
Listen to this episode for a detailed exploration of Couchbase's contributions to edge computing and the broader implications of on-device vector storage for the future of AI and database technology. Whether you're involved in software development, interested in the technicalities of edge computing, or looking into the future of AI applications, this episode provides a clear understanding of Couchbase's latest technological breakthroughs.

Anthropic dunks on Open AI

Thursday Mar 28, 2024

Thursday Mar 28, 2024


Dive into an electrifying episode of the leading generative AI meetup podcast, where hosts Mark and Shashank engage in a spirited discussion about the latest milestone in the AI race. This episode zeroes in on the momentous occasion where Anthropic's Claude Opus model has overtaken OpenAI's GPT-4, redefining the pecking order in the AI universe. The narrative explores the fierce competition within the AI sector, likening it to a high-stakes race where innovation is relentless, and being surpassed is just a blink away. The hosts delve into the repercussions of Claude Opus's ascendancy, stirring up the AI community and setting new benchmarks on the leaderboards that have become the battlegrounds for AI supremacy. They also ponder the future landscape with GPT-5 on the horizon, discussing how these cyclical overtake events fuel a never-ending quest for excellence. Beyond the race, the episode broadens its lens to cover the influence of open-source AI models and the critical role of platforms that provide a stage for these technological titans to showcase their prowess. As Shashank and his co-host unravel the complexities of this AI odyssey, listeners are treated to insights on how such advancements could revolutionize industries, from tech to healthcare, hinting at a future where AI's potential is boundless. Tune in for a captivating exploration of the AI race, where surpassing the old guard is not just celebrated but seen as a catalyst for the next wave of innovation.

Thursday Mar 21, 2024


In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the rapid advancements in technology as highlighted by Nvidia's recent GTC conference. Our hosts unravel the complexities and innovations behind Nvidia's latest announcements, focusing on the groundbreaking Blackwell chip and the significant strides in GPU technology. They demystify the technical jargon, offering a clearer understanding of how these developments are propelling computing power forward at an unprecedented pace, far beyond Moore's Law's predictions.
The discussion also explores Nvidia's venture into robotics with Project GR00T, illustrating how software advancements are enabling humanoid robots to learn and perform tasks by observing the real world. This episode sheds light on the fascinating intersection of hardware enhancements and software ingenuity, painting a picture of a future where technology's potential seems limitless. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on how these technological leaps are shaping the future of computing, artificial intelligence, and robotics, making what once seemed like science fiction increasingly a part of our reality.

Thursday Mar 14, 2024

In this episode, we delve into the practical applications and implications of Devin AI, described as the first AI software engineer, and Figure AI's robot, which utilizes ChatGPT for task execution. We examine how Devin AI aims to automate aspects of coding, potentially changing the software development landscape, and how Figure AI's robot represents a step towards integrating AI more deeply into everyday tasks and environments. Through discussions on the capabilities, limitations, and future prospects of these technologies, we aim to provide a balanced view of their impact on the tech industry, the evolving role of human-AI collaboration, and what these developments mean for the future of work and daily life. Join us for a grounded conversation on the current state and future possibilities of AI in shaping our world.
 
Mark's GPT Engineer: https://github.com/kuczmama/gpt-engineer
Devin AI: https://www.cognition-labs.com/blog
Figure AI: https://www.figure.ai 

Thursday Mar 07, 2024

In this captivating episode, join Shashank and Mark as they delve into the dynamic realm of Generative AI, spotlighting the formidable contenders challenging GPT-4's dominance. Discover the latest breakthroughs with models like Claude 3, Mistral, and Gemini, each bringing unique strengths to the forefront of AI development. The discussion doesn't stop at software; our hosts guide you through the complex ecosystem that enables these AI marvels, including the critical roles of chip manufacturing giants like TSMC and innovative companies like ASML. From exploring the intricate relationships between AI advancements, hardware innovation, and semiconductor manufacturing to speculating on the future of artificial general intelligence (AGI), this episode demystifies the layers of technology that fuel today's AI revolution.

Thursday Feb 29, 2024

In this episode , we sit down with Roger Rappoport, a pivotal figure in the Startup community in the SF Peninsula, who has been instrumental in shaping the success of our Generative AI Meetup group. He's helped us host monthly events at the Procopio Law offices in Palo Alto. Roger brings a wealth of experience from his journey as a recovering entrepreneur to becoming a leading legal expert, guiding startups from inception through to acquisition. We delve into Roger's transition from entrepreneurship to law, his pivotal role in the Silicon Valley bubble, and the evolution of the startup ecosystem. Roger shares invaluable advice on the importance of early legal guidance for startups, insights into funding trends, and the transformative impact of Generative AI on businesses and the legal profession. Join us as we explore the intersections of technology, law, and entrepreneurship with one of Silicon Valley's most influential legal advisors.
https://www.procopio.com/people/roger-c-rappoport/
https://accesssiliconvalley.net/ 

Thursday Feb 22, 2024

Join us as we dive deep into the latest developments in artificial intelligence and technology. From groundbreaking algorithms like Stable Diffusion Three to the emergence of Gemma in the open-source community, they explore the implications for industries ranging from filmmaking to software development. With candid discussions on the future of AI and its impact on various professions, this podcast offers insights into the ever-evolving landscape of technology and its role in shaping our world.
 
Gemma Open source models: https://blog.google/technology/developers/gemma-open-models/
Stable Diffusion 3: https://stability.ai/news/stable-diffusion-3
Andrej Karpathy's GPT Tokenizer class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zduSFxRajkE 

Thursday Feb 15, 2024

This episode dives into a trio of significant developments shaking the foundations of artificial intelligence. First, we explore OpenAI's unveiling of Sora, a cutting-edge model that transforms text prompts into stunning video content, heralding a new era of creative possibilities. Next, we turn our attention to Google's Gemini 1.5 Pro, which boasts a one million token context window, vastly expanding AI's understanding and memory capabilities. This monumental upgrade from GPT-4's limitations opens up new frontiers for research and application. Lastly, we discuss Andrej Karpathy's departure from OpenAI, reflecting on his contributions and speculating on his future endeavors that continue to shape the AI landscape. Join us for insightful discussions on these breakthroughs and their profound implications on technology, creativity, and the future of AI innovation.

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