Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. (The podcast started as EdTech Examined in July 2020 with the goal of helping educators transition to online education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
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June 3, 202645 min
97: Soroush Sabbaghan
In this episode, Erik and Kris Interview Soroush Sabbaghan an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary's Weklund School of Education. The interview centres around Soroush's interest in AI and how it can be ethically and appropriately used in education.
Soroush's website: https://soroushsabbaghan.com/
Soroush's profile at UofC: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/soroush-sabbaghan
CONTACT
Website: examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
May 7, 202653 min
96: Goblins in the Cloud
In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss Apple’s MacBook Neo and what it may mean for the future of the iPad. They also look at OpenAI’s GPT-5.5 release, including benchmark results, agentic coding, AI in medical triage, and the strange story of ChatGPT’s “goblin” habit. Finally, they revisit the ongoing question of AI and jobs, from Jensen Huang’s advice to study engineering to a Chinese court ruling on replacing workers with AI.
SHOW NOTES
MacBook Neo and Future of the iPad
MacBook Neo’s Product Fit – Inc: Apple’s low-cost MacBook Neo appears aimed at first-time Mac buyers, students, and people who need an affordable computer more than a high-end Mac. https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/after-45-days-i-figured-out-exactly-who-the-macbook-neo-is-for/91336235
Apple’s iPad Phaseout Has Begun – Macworld: Macworld argues that the MacBook Neo, touchscreen MacBooks, and a future iPhone Fold could put pressure on the iPad from multiple directions. https://www.macworld.com/article/3109565/ipad-demise-touchscreen-macbook-pro-neo-iphone-fold.html
ChatGPT 5.5
Introducing GPT-5.5 – OpenAI: OpenAI positions GPT-5.5 as a stronger model for agentic coding, computer use, knowledge work, and scientific research. https://openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-5-5/
GPT-5.5 Benchmarks – VentureBeat: VentureBeat reports that GPT-5.5 narrowly beat Anthropic’s Claude Mythos Preview on Terminal-Bench 2.0, while noting that model competition remains tight across benchmarks. https://venturebeat.com/ai/openais-gpt-5-5-is-here-and-its-no-potato-narrowly-beats-anthropics-claude-mythos-preview-on-terminal-bench-2-0
Where the Goblins Came From – OpenAI: OpenAI explains how a “nerdy” personality training pattern led ChatGPT to overuse goblin and gremlin metaphors. https://openai.com/index/where-the-goblins-came-from/
ChatGPT’s Goblin Obsession – Engadget: Engadget summarizes OpenAI’s explanation of the goblin issue and why personality tuning can have unexpected side effects. https://www.engadget.com/2161234/chatgpt-developed-a-goblin-obsession-after-openai-tried-to-make-it-nerdy/
AI and Emergency Triage – The Guardian: A Harvard study found that AI outperformed doctors in some emergency triage diagnosis tasks, while researchers warned that AI should be treated as a clinical support tool, not a doctor replacement. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/apr/30/ai-outperforms-doctors-in-harvard-trial-of-emergency-triage-diagnoses
Latest on AI Taking Our Jobs
Jensen Huang on AI and Careers – Inc: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang argues that engineering remains one of the safest career bets because it teaches first-principles problem-solving. https://www.inc.com/leila-sheridan/jensen-huang-engineering-jobs-ai/91337609
AI Layoffs in China – Gizmodo: A Chinese court found that employers cannot use AI automation as a pretext to unilaterally demote or terminate workers. https://gizmodo.com/its-illegal-in-china-to-lay-someone-off-to-replace-them-with-ai-court-finds-2000753791
CONTACT
Website: examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:21) - MacBook Neo retrospective(00:16:48) - ChatGPT 5.5 and Goblins(00:48:13) - Careers safe from AI
April 22, 202635 min
95: Focus on the Product
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss the announcement that Tim Cook will be stepping down as Apple's CEO and turning over the role to John Ternus. Could this be a signal that Apple is returning to products with a hardware engineer at the helm? They discuss what it means for a tech industry focused on subscriptions. The co-hosts also discuss Anthropic's new Mythos model and how it has discovered many major software vulnerabilities. For the tip section, Kris and Erik discuss their experience using NotebookLM for learning new topics and keeping up to date with industry news.
SHOW NOTESApple Newsroom: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/tim-cook-to-become-apple-executive-chairman-john-ternus-to-become-apple-ceo/Macrumors: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/20/tim-cook-stepping-down/PCWorld: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2816617/microsofts-copilot-gamble-is-a-bustbut-ai-pcs-still-feel-inevitable.htm Anthropic - Project Glasswing: https://www.anthropic.com/glasswing
Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-mythos-and-why-are-experts-worried-about-anthropics-ai-model/
CONTACT
Website: examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.ca
April 9, 202656 min
94: Hadi Fariborzi
In this episode, Kris and Erik interview Dr. Hadi Fariborzi, an Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Mount Royal University. His research is situated at the intersection of international entrepreneurship. Dr. Fariborzi co-founded Hub Meta — an AI powered tool for conducting systematic reviews.
SHOW NOTES
Dr. Hadi Fariborzi
Hub Meta
Google Scholar
CONTACT
Website: examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.ca
April 1, 20261 hr 4 min
93: Ross ‘MEMPHIS’ Pambrun
In this episode, Erik and Kris chat with Ross "Memphis" Pambrun about his unique path across healthcare, firefighting, technology, music, and media. They discuss how Ross built a career that spans public service, AI and cyber innovation through The Memphis Group, storytelling through Red River Gold, and performing with his band, Memphis and The Grande.
SHOW NOTES
Ross Pambrun
The Memphis Group
Memphis and The Grande
Red River Gold
CONTACT
Website: examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.ca
March 28, 20261 hr 7 min
92: Walk It Back
In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss how trust keeps becoming the real story in tech. They look at Paul Thurrott’s skepticism about Microsoft’s latest promises to improve Windows, Anthropic’s massive global interview project on what people actually want from AI, OpenAI’s plan to nearly double its workforce as it pushes further into enterprise adoption, and the gamer backlash to Nvidia’s DLSS 5.
SHOW NOTES
Trust But Verify: https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-11/334053/trust-but-verify-2
What 81,000 people want from AI: https://www.anthropic.com/81k-interviews
OpenAI to nearly double workforce to 8,000 by end-2026, FT report: https://www.reuters.com/business/openai-nearly-double-workforce-8000-by-end-2026-ft-reports-2026-03-21/
Gamers react with overwhelming disgust to DLSS 5’s generative AI glow-ups: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/03/gamers-react-with-overwhelming-disgust-to-dlss-5s-generative-ai-glow-ups/
The hidden advantage of being over 50 in the age of AI: https://www.inc.com/joel-comm/the-hidden-advantage-of-being-over-50-in-the-age-of-ai/91312602
CONTACT
Website: examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca
March 18, 202654 min
91: Is Neo the One?
In this episode, Erik and Kris explore the growing gap between AI adoption and AI literacy, highlighting how institutions, governments, and workplaces are struggling to keep up. They discuss practical frameworks for using AI responsibly, the risks of poorly implemented automation, and the opportunity for skilled professionals to stand out.
They also break down Apple’s March 2026 product lineup, with a deep dive into the MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop that signals a major shift in Apple’s strategy and could redefine entry-level computing.
SHOW NOTES
MRU Library: Generative AI Applications Guide: https://library.mtroyal.ca/ai/applications
Alberta AI Academy: https://albertaaiacademy.com/
Maclean’s: AI Has Entered the Cubicle: https://macleans.ca/longforms/ai-has-entered-the-cubicle/
New Apple hardware
Apple: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/macbook-neo-iphone-17e-ipad-air-with-m4-and-more-are-now-available/
MacBook Neo reviews
https://daringfireball.net/2026/03/the_macbook_neo
https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/10/macbook-neo-review/
https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/macbooks/apple-macbook-neo-a18-pro-review
https://www.macworld.com/article/3081612/macbook-neo-a18-pro-review.html
CONTACT
Website:examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca
March 4, 202633 min
90: Sasha Ivanov - Maple Scan
Kris and Erik speak with Sasha Ivanov, creator of Maple Scan, a mobile app that helps Canadians identify products made in Canada while shopping. Sasha explains the motivation behind the project, how the app works, and what it reveals about Canadian manufacturing and supply chains.
Maple Scan: https://maplescan.app/
CONTACT
Website:examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca
February 11, 202647 min
89: AI Frenemies
In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss the ongoing saga between Apple and Google, including the $20 billion deal that made Google the default search engine on Apple devices and the recent DOJ review of their partnership. Additionally, they explore how AI is changing the game for search behaviors and user expectations, citing a study from the NN Group. The co-hosts also share their personal experiences with using AI (over the long term) to boost productivity and reduce research friction.
SHOW NOTES
Google's Deal with Apple: Google paid $20 billion to become the default search engine on Apple devices in 2022 https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/05/02/google-paid-apple-20-billion-to-be-default-search-engine-in-2022
DOJ Re-Reviews Google-Apple Search Deal: The US Department of Justice has appealed and re-reviewed Google's deal with Apple, putting it back under scrutiny https://www.macobserver.com/news/google-and-apple-search-deal-back-under-review-after-doj-appeal/
Alphabet's Silence on AI Deal: Despite investor pressure, Alphabet (Google's parent company) remains tight-lipped about its AI agreement with Apple https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/04/alphabet-wont-talk-about-the-google-apple-ai-deal-even-to-investors/
The Future of Search: A recent report highlights how AI is changing search behaviors and user expectations https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ai-changing-search-behaviors/
CONTACT
Website:examining.ca
Twitter: @ExaminingPod
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca
Website: krishans.ca
February 6, 20261 hr 34 min
88: Rewind - AI Soap Opera & Velcro Hacks
*This episode was originally published on December 8, 2023
In this episode, Erik and Kris tackle the unfolding drama at OpenAI and its implications. Kris discusses his recent AI panel discussion at MRU, while Erik offers an overview of his latest home organization project. Both hosts will share their holiday gift guide tips, perfect for the tech-savvy and the organized.
SHOW NOTES
AI Soap Opera
OpenAI Announces Leadership Transition (OpenAI Blog): OpenAI announces significant changes in its leadership structure.
Sam Altman Returns as CEO of OpenAI (The Verge): Sam Altman reclaims the CEO position at OpenAI, marking a new chapter for the company.
AI Panel Discussion Highlights:
Context of AI in Research: Discussing the evolving role of AI in academic and professional research settings.
Panelist Introductions: Each panelist shares their background and how AI intersects with their research.
Diverse Perspectives on AI: Highlighting unique insights from each panelist, providing a broad view of AI's role in different research areas.
Practical Applications of AI: Exploring how panelists currently use AI in their work, including specific tools and methodologies.
Successes and Challenges: Discussing what has worked well in AI-driven research and addressing the limitations and issues faced.
The Future of AI in Research: Debating whether AI is a permanent fixture in research and the value of investing in AI knowledge and tools.
AI as Collaborator or Competitor: Examining views on whether AI is augmenting human research capabilities or posing a threat to traditional research roles.
Human Skills vs. AI Capabilities: Delving into which human skills might remain irreplaceable by AI and what research aspects can be effectively outsourced to AI technologies.
Impact on Research Quality: Analyzing how AI tools influence the quality and rigor of research and their implications for academic integrity.
Ethical Considerations in AI Research: Addressing the pressing ethical concerns in integrating AI into research and discussing potential norms for ethical AI use.
AI, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Exploring the implications of AI on inclusivity in research, especially between well-funded and under-funded programs, and discussing measures for fair representation.
Organizational Guide:
Cable Management: Emphasize the importance of Velcro ties for efficient cable organization.
Labeling Essentials: Discuss the use of label tape and whiteout pens for clear labeling, even without a label maker.
Consistent Systems: Stress the importance of grouping related items and maintaining a consistent organizational system.
Space Utilization: Highlight the use of 3M Command hooks for maximizing space, especially inside cupboards.
Document Organization: Recommend accordion folders for essential document storage, such as receipts and manuals.
Life Consolidation: Encourage listeners to avoid having multiples of items and to refrain from collecting unnecessary tools (e.g., notebooks, notes apps, to-do lists).
Digitization and Decluttering: Advice on using a scanner app to digitize important papers, followed by shredding the physical copies, except for sentimental items like children's artwork or per...
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