Responsible AI from The AI Forum

This week we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and human identity with Rabbi David Wolpe, offering a unique perspective on the ethical and spiritual challenges we face. Drawing on Jewish legends, he compares AI to the Golem, a creation that "both threatens you, but also, does unbelievable service to you that nothing normal could do."
As the conversation unfolds, Rabbi Wolpe addresses the pursuit of life extension and the preservation of knowledge, questioning whether these advancements align with the natural cycle of life. He suggests that "dying is part of life, and it's part of making way for other people and other creations to come along," prompting a reflection on the balance between innovation and nature.
We also engage with the deeper questions of how AI influences our internal lives and communities. Rabbi Wolpe warns, "We're losing the value and priority of the internal life because so much of our lives are lived on display." This episode offers a compelling exploration of how technology reshapes our world and challenges us to redefine what it means to be human.

Chapters
01:10 Exploring the Golem: AI in Jewish Legend
03:40 The Existential Threat of AI
07:22 AI in Personal and Spiritual Contexts
10:31 The Tower of Babel: Competing AI Models
13:54 Humanity as Designers: The God Analogy
17:18 The Paradox of Life Extension
19:43 The Obsession with Recording Life
23:01 Discovering Identity in a Digital Age
25:43 The Role of Prayer in Introspection
27:54 Kabbalah, Mysticism, and Chatbots
32:49 Learning from Stories and Human Experience

In this episode of the Responsible AI Podcast, journalist Austin Jenkins reveals how state legislatures are outpacing Congress in the race to regulate AI. As Jenkins notes, "State legislators are very motivated to pass laws because this is what they were elected to do."
From California's chatbot laws to Illinois' anti-discrimination efforts, states are taking bold steps to address AI's societal impacts. Discover how these local initiatives are setting the stage for national policy and what it means for the future of technology governance. Tune in to explore the dynamic interplay between state innovation and federal inaction.

Highlights
This is the third year of state AI regulation—what’s happening now and why it matters.
California’s SB 243 and the deepfake drama.
Why industry keeps pushing back and how states are still ahead of Washington (and the feds).
The European EU AI Act vs. the US politics of innovation—who’s winning the race?
Can journalism survive in the age of AI—should young reporters learn coding or storytelling?
What’s next? Predictions for the AI legal landscape over the next five years—spoiler: more local laws, fewer big ones.

Chapters
01:09 Austin Jenkins: A Journalist's Journey
03:36 The State of AI Regulation
07:11 Chatbot Regulation and Child Safety
09:34 State vs. Federal Regulation Dynamics
12:57 Industry Influence on AI Legislation
16:20 Deepfakes and Political Advertising
18:01 Children's Safety and Social Media Regulation
20:14 Algorithmic Discrimination and Employment
23:46 Private Right of Action in AI Regulation
26:16 Comparing US and EU AI Regulation
29:16 The Future of AI Regulation
32:40 The Role of AI in Journalism

Most people think AI governance is a debate for sci-fi fans and politicians. Historian and futurist Nils Gilman shows why that’s a mistake. In this conversation with Alex Alben, Nils breaks down why AI chatbots should carry legal privileges similar to therapists—and why laws like California’s new AI regulations are just the beginning.
He shares how AI companies might actually welcome regulation because it creates barriers for newcomers and explains why the global internet of tomorrow might look more like a messy patchwork of siloed nations—unless we embrace a planetary governance model.
You'll discover:
The reasons why AI chatbots could soon have the same privacy protections as doctors or lawyers.
How current laws are shaping (or missing) the future of responsible AI, with real-world examples like California’s 2026 law.
The concept of Planetary Subsidiarity—an innovative framework for managing global environmental and tech challenges across borders.
And how Silicon Valley’s “organic intellectuals” are shaping the narrative around AI—without much regulation or oversight.
With our world on the edge of a Balkanized internet, and AI’s potential to transform every job from law to medicine, this episode peels back the layers of AI’s impact on society.
Plus, Nils reminds us that creating the future isn’t about prediction—it’s about intentional action, imagination, and maybe a little science fiction. Ready to think past the headlines? Hit play.

Chapters
01:31 Nils Gilman: Historian and Futurist
02:22 The Privacy Rights of AI Users
04:18 California's Companion Chatbot Law
8:44 The Intersection of Virtual Reality and AI
10:50 Governance of Technology: Who Should Lead?
13:11 Planetary Subsidiarity and Governance Models
17:35 The Role of Technocrats in Governance
19:51 The Optimism-Pessimism Divide in AI
23:11 Finding Hope in Dark Times
24:26 Is AI General Purpose Technology?
31:06 Gramsci and Organic Intellectuals in Silicon Valley
35:13 The Regulatory Landscape
37:26 Futurism and Science Fiction
40:45 Creating a Better Future Through Vision

This week we examine the transformative world of education and technology with Jennifer Schwab, President of Learning Source. As a pioneer in the edtech space, Jennifer shares her insights on how AI is reshaping the educational landscape, offering new opportunities for students and educators alike. From personalized learning experiences to the integration of AI in curriculum development, Jennifer's vision is both inspiring and forward-thinking.
Jennifer discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with the rapid adoption of AI in education. She highlights the importance of skills development over traditional degrees, emphasizing the need for students to acquire competencies that align with the demands of the modern job market. With her extensive experience in platform learning, Jennifer provides a unique perspective on how technology can be leveraged to create more equitable and effective educational systems.

Chapters
01:50 The Crisis in American Higher Education
05:07 Shifting Focus: Competency Over Degrees
07:49 The Role of AI in Education
10:48 Networking and Mentoring in the AI Era
13:00 AI's Impact on Job Markets
16:00 The Future of Work and AI Integration
19:03 Navigating AI Adoption in Education
21:39 Disruption in the Legal Profession
23:16 The Business Model Shift in Education
25:56 Personalized Learning Through AI
28:23 The Flattening Effect of AI
29:50 Inspiring the Next Generation
32:07 Final Thoughts on Education and Technology

In the latest episode of the Responsible AI podcast, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Oumou Ly, a senior fellow at UC Berkeley's Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity. Oumou shares her invaluable insights from her time working on President Biden's Executive Order on AI, a landmark initiative aimed at addressing the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Her experience highlights the complexities involved in crafting policies that can keep pace with the swift evolution of technology. As Oumou aptly notes, "The pace of regulation just sort of moves much slower than the pace of innovation," underscoring the challenges faced by policymakers in this dynamic field.
The conversation delves into the intricacies of integrating "security by design" into programming, a concept that emphasizes the importance of embedding security measures into the development process from the outset. Oumou discusses the hurdles that developers encounter when trying to balance innovation with security, a task that requires a deep understanding of both technical and socio-technical systems. This approach is crucial in mitigating risks and ensuring that AI technologies are developed responsibly and safely, protecting users and society at large.
Oumou also sheds light on the ongoing battle against ransomware, a pervasive threat in the digital age. She explores the dilemmas faced by organizations when dealing with ransomware attacks, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and robust cybersecurity practices. Her insights provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in AI regulation and cybersecurity, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of these critical areas. Tune in to the Responsible AI podcast for an enlightening discussion that navigates the complexities of AI policy, security, and innovation.

Chapters
02:09 The Executive Order on AI: Process and Development
07:30 Major Accomplishments of the Executive Order
10:02 Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration in AI Policy
13:09 Challenges in Legislative Regulation of AI
16:19 Incentives and Interests in AI Regulation
17:01 Socio-Technical Factors in AI and Cybersecurity Risks
19:47 Security by Design in AI Development
21:18 Navigating AI Risk Management
22:21 Ransomware: Strategies and Metrics
24:47 The Ransomware Dilemma: To Pay or Not to Pay?
26:36 Secure by Design: A Holistic Approach
27:10 Cultivating a Culture of Cybersecurity
30:20 Oumou’s work on the Blue Sky Social Network
33:08 Investor Influence on Cybersecurity Practices
36:37 Accountability in AI: Who's Responsible?
38:37 The Importance of Digital Literacy