The Boring AI Show

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Sep 2026

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Dive into AI's real impact on biz with "The Boring AI Show"! 🎙️ Honest chats, humor & insights on tech, change, and human collaboration.

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26 recent

September 16, 2026Episode 1545 min

AI Guardrails

In this episode... Tim and Tally take on a packed week in AI, where questions about safety, governance, regulation, and rapidly advancing models are getting harder to separate from the hype. The conversation starts with a lesson carried forward from the Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference: organizations rarely get unlimited time to prepare for new technology expectations. Whether the pressure comes from legislation, leadership, customers, or the market, the groundwork for responsible AI adoption often has to begin before the mandate arrives. From there, Tim and Tally explore some of the biggest conversations unfolding across the AI industry, including new warnings from researchers working at the frontier, renewed debate around AI safety, and the arrival of increasingly capable models being described in terms of artificial general intelligence. Rather than trying to predict exactly where AI is headed, the episode focuses on the questions organizations can act on now: What guardrails should be in place? Who should be responsible for them? How should businesses evaluate increasingly powerful technology? And how do you separate meaningful progress from an increasingly noisy hype cycle? Topics Covered AI guardrails and responsible adoption Preparing for technology mandates before they arrive Medicaid technology modernization H.R. 1 and organizational readiness Data quality and data infrastructure AI governance AI safety and oversight The pace of frontier AI development Competition between AI companies AI regulation and public policy National and global AI governance Artificial general intelligence, or AGI GPT-6 Astra Defining AGI and what it means for businesses AI hype cycles and technology marketing The economics of AI adoption Computer-use AI systems Cybersecurity considerations for AI agents Human oversight and organizational controls Vendor and technology risk Aligning technology partners with organizational values On-device AI and privacy Consumer and organizational influence over technology companies Quantum computing and technological competition Resources AI News and Commentary Mentioned Nicholas Thompson on the Anthropic AI Safety Discussion OpenAI Anthropic GPT-6 Astra Events and Government Resources Mentioned Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicaid.gov U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Organizations and Companies Mentioned Mind Over Machines OpenAI Anthropic Apple Tools and Technologies Mentioned ChatGPT Claude Blender GPT-6 Astra Artificial general intelligence, or AGI AI agents Computer use Large language models On-device AI AI governance AI safety Data governance Cybersecurity Quantum computing Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !

August 27, 2026Episode 1441 min

MESC Recap

In this special edition... Tim is joined by Tally, Sandra Warner, and Sam Hopkins for a recap of the Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference. After a week on the conference floor in Portland, the team brings Tim up to speed on what they heard from Medicaid leaders, federal partners, vendors, and public servants working through the next wave of Medicaid technology modernization. The conversation gives listeners a practical look at the themes shaping the Medicaid enterprise space, from data readiness and procurement to AI, governance, change management, and the importance of keeping people at the center of transformation. Throughout the episode, one theme keeps resurfacing: successful technology work starts with a clear mission. Before jumping into tools or solutions, organizations need to understand the problem, align around the people they serve, and build the foundation needed for meaningful, sustainable change. Topics Covered Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference recap Medicaid technology modernization Why strategy should come before technology State Medicaid agency differences and shared challenges Procurement and financial stewardship Data maturity, data cleansing, and reliable data foundations AI governance and responsible implementation Human-in-the-loop AI Change management and workforce development Vendor alignment around a shared mission AI use cases for Medicaid agencies IVR and AI-assisted call center routing AI as a second set of eyes for data review Supporting smaller or shrinking workforces with AI Quantum computing as a future readiness topic Resources Events and Resources Mentioned Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference 2026 MESC 2026 Event Page Mind Over Machines at MESC 2026 Using AI to Ensure Vendor Harmony with RFPs Organizations Mentioned Mind Over Machines Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicaid.gov Oregon Convention Center Powell’s Books TennCare Oak Ridge National Laboratory Tools and Technologies Mentioned ChatGPT Claude Microsoft Copilot ElevenLabs Twilio Interactive Voice Response, or IVR AI agents Voice-to-text Data governance AI governance Quantum computing Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !

August 19, 2026Episode 1318 min

MESC Midweek Update

In this midweek update... The Boring AI Show checks in live from MESC 2026 for a quick real-time recap from the conference floor. Tally is joined by Ken Lawrence and Sandra Warner from Mind Over Machines to share a few early themes emerging across the Medicaid technology space, from modernization and data strategy to change management, procurement, and the human side of transformation. Rather than a full conference wrap-up, this episode offers a quick pulse check on what the team is hearing, what conversations are standing out, and why practical implementation matters just as much as big technology ideas. Throughout the episode, one theme comes through clearly: successful Medicaid technology work depends on strong data, thoughtful change management, and keeping people involved from the very beginning. Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !

August 13, 2026Episode 1238 min

Choosing The Right Work For Humans And Machines

In this episode... Tim and Tally explore a deceptively simple question: What work is best suited for people, and what work should be handled by AI? Rather than treating the decision as a competition between humans and machines, they consider how the two can work together—and why the right balance may look different across organizations, teams, and individual tasks. The conversation examines how culture, risk, responsibility, and the intended experience all influence where AI belongs in a process. A tool may be capable of performing a task, but that does not automatically mean an organization should delegate it. From customer service and employee onboarding to document review and decision support, Tim and Tally discuss the questions teams should ask before deciding how much responsibility to give a machine. They also break down the differences between AI assistants, autonomous systems, and agents, along with the oversight each requires. The discussion moves beyond simply adding AI to an existing workflow and considers how organizations can thoughtfully redesign work around the strengths of both people and technology. Throughout the episode, Tim and Tally return to the idea that human and AI involvement is better understood as a slider than a switch. Finding the right position requires more than choosing a tool—it requires clarity about the task, the desired outcome, the acceptable risks, and where human judgment still matters most. Topics Covered Human and AI collaboration versus human-versus-machine thinking Determining which work should remain human-led AI-led work with human oversight Human-led work with AI assistance Tasks that may not be appropriate for AI Organizational culture and acceptable AI use Customer and employee experience HR onboarding and AI-assisted hiring Human bias and algorithmic bias Resume screening and compensating controls Human review, quality checks, and accountability AI hallucinations and realistic expectations Using AI for sensitive or high-stakes decisions AI summarization and document review Reengineering processes around AI capabilities The human–AI slider at the task level AI assistants, autonomous systems, and agents Audit logs and oversight for automated workflows Role-based access to advanced AI capabilities Using AI to prioritize work and reduce context switching Creating fictional companies and sample data for workshops Using AI-generated content to make learning more immersive Resources Research and References Mentioned Do You Mind if I Ask You a Personal Question? How AI Service Agents Alter Consumer Self-Disclosure NIST Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework Waymo Arrives in Denver to Prepare for Future Autonomous Service Microsoft Northwind Sample Database Microsoft Contoso Regional Sales Sample Organizations Mentioned Mind Over Machines Microsoft OpenAI Anthropic Adobe ElevenLabs Waymo ServiceNow Miro National Institute of Standards and Technology REI Co-op Costco Tools and Technologies Mentioned ChatGPT Claude Microsoft 365 Copilot Microsoft Power Automate Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Read Aloud ServiceNow AI Agents Miro Adobe Firefly Boards ElevenReader ElevenLabs Agents Waymo Driver Robotic Process Automation AI assistants Autonomous AI systems AI agents Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !

July 16, 2026Episode 1147 min

Starting Your AI Governance Program

In this episode... Tim and Tally sit down to tackle one of the most requested topics on The Boring AI Show: AI governance. While governance may sound like a dry policy conversation, the episode quickly turns into a practical discussion about trust, risk, responsibility, and what it really takes to bring AI into an organization without creating avoidable surprises. The episode starts with AI news stories that set up the broader theme. From AI literacy efforts in education to a brand mishap involving AI-generated marketing, Tim and Tally explore why organizations need more than enthusiasm when adopting AI. They need shared rules, clear expectations, and a thoughtful understanding of where AI fits into their culture, values, and daily work. The conversation covers what AI governance actually means, why it should not be treated as only an IT or legal issue, and how companies can begin building guardrails that are realistic for where they are today. Tim and Tally also discuss the risks of moving too fast, from reputational damage and workforce mistrust to shadow AI, data exposure, and tools evolving faster than policies can keep up. Throughout the episode, one theme keeps resurfacing: good AI governance is not about slowing innovation down. It is about helping people use AI with more confidence, more clarity, and more accountability, so organizations can move forward without losing sight of quality, trust, and human judgment. Topics Covered What AI governance means in practical terms Why governance is more than policy AI guardrails and avoiding bad surprises AI literacy for students, teachers, parents, and communities Human review for AI-generated marketing and public content Reputational risk, legal risk, financial risk, and workforce trust Shadow AI and tools already being used inside organizations Building an AI-forward team or steering committee Starting small with governance instead of overbuilding too early Model inventories and approved AI tool lists Data classification and acceptable use Policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines Use case intake and review workflows AI wearables, recording, consent, and workplace expectations Using AI for creative work, slide generation, and brainstorming Resources Articles and News Mentioned AI Literacy Framework for Primary and Secondary Education REI got roasted for a nonsensical Instagram ad featuring a bike with 2 sets of handlebars and blamed a Meta AI tool EU AI Act Gamestorming: 7Ps Framework TechCrunch: Humane’s AI Pin is dead, as HP buys startup’s assets for $116M Organizations Mentioned Mind Over Machines OECD European Commission Code.org REI Co-op Meta Microsoft Anthropic OpenAI Google Adobe ElevenLabs Higgsfield AI Humane HP Tools and Technologies Mentioned Meta AI Microsoft Copilot Copilot in PowerPoint PowerPoint Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot ChatGPT Claude Adobe Firefly Higgsfield AI ElevenLabs Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses Google Maps Google Street View Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !

July 10, 2026Episode 1029 min

Mini-Series: AI for Good Day 4

In this mini episode... Tim and Tally wrap up The Boring AI Show’s AI for Good Global Summit mini-series with one final recap from the week. The conversation gives listeners a taste of the summit’s closing themes, from education and human connection to global governance, authenticity, and the long-term choices organizations face as AI continues to evolve. Rather than covering every session, Tim and Tally reflect on the ideas that felt most useful for business leaders, teams, and everyday AI users trying to make sense of where this technology is heading. Throughout the episode, one theme comes through clearly: the future of AI will be shaped not only by what the tools can do, but by the values, questions, and people guiding how they are used. Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !

July 9, 2026Episode 923 min

Mini-Series: AI for Good Day 3

In this mini episode... Tim and Tally return for another AI for Good Global Summit recap, this time reflecting on a day that brought a slightly different tone to the global AI conversation. The episode gives listeners a quick look at some of the themes emerging from the summit, including creativity, trust, responsibility, and the relationship between AI and human expression. Rather than trying to cover every session, Tim and Tally focus on the ideas that felt most relevant for organizations, creators, and everyday AI users trying to understand where this technology is headed. Throughout the episode, one theme keeps resurfacing: AI is not just changing what people can make. It is also pushing us to think more carefully about ownership, consent, creativity, and the human role behind the work. Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !

July 8, 2026Episode 826 min

Mini-Series: AI for Good Day 2

In this mini episode... Tim and Tally kick off The Boring AI Show’s AI for Good Global Summit mini-series with a quick first recap from the event. The conversation gives listeners a taste of the major themes emerging from the summit, from responsible AI and global collaboration to trust, values, and the role people play in shaping what comes next. Rather than trying to cover everything, Tim and Tally highlight the ideas that stood out most and connect them back to the practical questions organizations should be asking as AI continues to evolve. Throughout the episode, one theme comes through clearly: the future of AI is not just about better technology. It is about the choices people, communities, and organizations make together. Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !

July 2, 2026Episode 71 min

Special Announcement: AI For Good Global Summit - Mini-Series

In this special announcement... The Boring AI Show is interrupting its regularly scheduled programming for something a little different: a mini-series covering the AI for Good Global Summit. Next week, Tim and Tally will be following the summit virtually each day and bringing listeners quick, practical recaps of the biggest themes, takeaways, and conversations. The summit brings together global voices around one big question: how can AI be developed and used responsibly to help solve real-world challenges? This mini-series will break down the major ideas coming out of the event, from responsible AI and sustainable development to policy, governance, and what organizations should be paying attention to next. Tune in next week as The Boring AI Show does what it does best: taking a huge, important AI topic and making it useful, approachable, and a little less boring. Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !

June 18, 2026Episode 647 min

Next Generation Workforce

In this episode... Tally is joined by Nicholas Detorie and Jared Jones from Mind Over Machines to explore what it means to start a software development career in the age of AI. With Tim out for this episode, the conversation focuses on the next generation of workers: AI can make learning, building, and experimenting more accessible, but it does not replace fundamentals, judgment, or accountability. The episode starts with a few AI news stories that set up a broader discussion about trust, risk, and real-world adoption. From there, Nicholas and Jared join Tally to talk about how AI is changing the way developers learn, work, and think through problems, especially for people entering technical fields today. The conversation covers the benefits and risks of AI-assisted learning, why strong fundamentals still matter, and how managers can support newer workers who are already used to having AI in the workflow. Along the way, the group shares practical examples of AI as a coding partner, learning tool, coach, and reviewer. Throughout the episode, one theme keeps resurfacing: AI can help people move faster and try things they might not have attempted before, but the strongest results still come from pairing AI with human judgment, clear quality standards, and the willingness to learn what is happening underneath the output. Topics Covered Starting a software development career in the age of AI How AI changes the learning curve for new developers Why AI can lower barriers to entry for technical work The difference between using AI to learn and using AI as a crutch Why programming fundamentals still matter Stack Overflow, GeeksforGeeks, and how developers learned before AI Developer trust and distrust in AI coding tools Why AI-generated code still needs human review Human-in-the-loop workflows for developers and AI tools Vibe coding and the risk of hidden technical debt Inflated confidence when AI helps with unfamiliar skills Knowing when to involve an expert AI safety, jailbreaks, and model governance Export controls and dependency on frontier AI models Business continuity risks when an AI model is suddenly unavailable AI in agriculture, including robotic milking and laser weeding Using AI as a coach, thought partner, and reviewer How managers can support AI-native junior workers Balancing speed, quality, mentorship, and accountability Using AI to maintain consistency across client-facing project materials Building an e-ink AI news dashboard with RSS feeds and LLM ranking Using ChatGPT for soccer tactics and formation planning Resources Articles and News Mentioned Anthropic pulls Claude Mythos 5 and Claude Fable 5 following US government directive Inside the whirlwind 24 hours that led the White House to slap export controls on Anthropic Forbes: Anthropic Pulls Fable, Mythos After Government Issues Emergency Export Control Order New York Times: From Cow-Milking Robots to Weed-Zapping Lasers, Farmers Are Embracing A.I. Stack Overflow 2025 Developer Survey: AI Stack Overflow Blog: Developers remain willing but reluctant to use AI MDN: RSS FIFA World Cup 2026 Organizations Mentioned Mind Over Machines Anthropic Amazon Stack Overflow The New York Times Seeed Studio GeeksforGeeks FIFA Tools and Technologies Mentioned Claude Claude Fable 5 Claude Mythos 5 ChatGPT Stack Overflow GeeksforGeeks Seeed Studio reTerminal E1001 Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Visit us at @mindovermachines.com to learn more about us! Want to stay up to date on our latest AI insights? Subscribe to our newsletter here !