E56: Brian Chau on Spreading Informed AI Optimism

This week on Upstream, Nathan Labenz of The Cognitive Revolution podcast and Brian Chau, a machine learning engineer who recently founded the Alliance for the Future, talk about Brian's efforts in Washington, D.C. to influence AI policy based on informed AI optimism. After their conversation, Nathan and Erik chat about the AI landscape. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

The AI Daily Brief If you’re looking for an edge to stay up to date on everything AI, subscribe to Nathaniel Whittemore's AI Daily Brief which delivers tight episodes covering all things AI from legislation to new technologies to the philosophical debates around generalized intelligence.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gKwwMLFLc6RmjmRpbMtEO

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-daily-brief-formerly-the-ai-breakdown/id1680633614

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SQUAD

Head to beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.

💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,

Spotify

Apple

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro

(00:42) Unpacking AI Optimism and Policy Perspectives

(01:22) Exploring the Breadth of AI and Its Economic Implications

(05:23) Debunking AI Doomsday Predictions

(14:56) Sponsors: BeeHiiv | Squad

(25:53) Navigating the Near-Term AI Landscape and Government Modernization

(41:30) Exploring AI Regulation and Executive Orders

(43:55) The Impact of AI on Startups and Economic Viability

(45:36) AI Development and Regulatory Challenges