Talking to AI

In this episode of Talking to AI, Paul shares a candid, behind-the-scenes account of his journey automating podcast production from start to (almost) finish using artificial intelligence. Drawing on several months of hands-on experimentation and coding, he breaks down both the successes and challenges in building a semi- and then fully-automated workflow. From handling audio quality and multitrack recording issues, to harnessing AI tools for content creation and managing the intricacies of APIs, Paul offers practical insights for podcasters and developers exploring similar paths.

Through trial and error, Paul discovered the limitations of off-the-shelf tools, why multitrack...

In this episode of Talking to AI, Paul and his friend Mark attempt a Dungeons & Dragons session led by ChatGPT as their AI Dungeon Master. Building upon a detailed and ambitious prompt, they strive to see if AI can live up to the challenge of running an engaging and rule-abiding tabletop adventure. Despite hopes for thrilling encounters after their underwhelming first attempt, the session falls short: the AI's story remains passive, adversaries are non-confrontational, and the mechanics often ignore or misinterpret essential D&D rules. Paul and Mark experience firsthand the AI's struggles with dice rolls, stat calculations, and...

In this episode of Talking to AI, we delve into logic, the fourth foundational branch in the Philosophy 101 series after epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. Host Paul and the AI co-host discuss why logic is often considered the quiet backbone of philosophical reasoning, highlighting its fundamental place beneath even metaphysics and ethics. The conversation navigates classical logic—with its binary truths and syllogisms—moves through propositional and predicate logic, and explores how these systems form the bedrock of clear rational thinking and even underpin modern computation.

The episode then opens up to informal logic, emphasizing the ubiquity of fall...

In this episode of Talking to AI, host Paul candidly explores his ongoing 15-year battle with chronic golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis). Despite years of persistence and trying nearly every conventional and alternative remedy—from barbell twists to infrared therapy and rice bucket exercises—Paul’s forearm tendon issues persist, interfering with his athletic endeavors and day-to-day comfort. Frustrated by recurring flare-ups and the elusive path to real healing, he turns to Grok, the AI co-host, for a truly deep dive using the latest science and fresh, out-of-the-box thinking.

Listeners are guided through a mixture of practical, evidence...

In this episode, Paul embarks on his journey to learn Norwegian with the help of ChatGPT, sharing the lessons learned from designing more effective language learning prompts. Drawing from his recent experiences, Paul details how he requested ChatGPT to generate a 100-sentence story in A2-level Norwegian with English translations, saved and organized within a prompt database. He outlines his refined multi-step prompt process that focuses on sentence selection, pronunciation practice, comprehension checking, and repetition to reinforce new vocabulary and structures.

Paul shares practical tips for using ChatGPT more effectively for language learning, such as managing AI...

In this episode of Talking to AI, Paul explores how different AI systems manage privacy and security, especially when comparing platforms like Grok, ChatGPT, and Gemini. The discussion dives deep into user data handling, highlighting Grok's minimal data retention approach compared to the more data-hungry competitors, and details how user conversations are encrypted and not stored unless specifically requested. The episode also covers relevant issues such as a recent security incident with ChatGPT and practical device-level privacy settings for maintaining secure interactions with AI assistants.

A significant portion of the conversation touches on resolving technical issues related...

In this episode, host Paul consults an AI for science-based guidance on maintaining and protecting eyesight, especially for those noticing a decline due to age or increased computer use. The discussion covers common questions people have as they experience changes in their vision, including whether eyesight loss is reversible and what prevention strategies are supported by scientific evidence.

The AI clarifies that while age-related vision decline such as presbyopia is a natural process stemming from the stiffening of the eye's lens, there is little evidence supporting the reversal of such changes through exercises or alternative methods. However...

In this episode of the Philosophy 101 series, we embark on an accessible exploration of ethics, one of philosophy's central branches. Host Paul and an AI discuss what ethics is at its core—the study of how we should act, what is right and wrong, and the frameworks people use to make moral decisions. The conversation unpacks the main ethical theories, including consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics, care ethics, and contractarianism, illuminating how these approaches differ in their philosophical foundations and practical applications.

Listeners will gain insight into widely used moral frameworks, such as utilitarianism (common in Western public po...

In this episode of Talking to AI, Paul embarks on a deep-dive conversation with Grock about quantum computing — separating hype from reality and exploring the implications for security and privacy. The discussion starts with an exploration of the fundamentals: how quantum computers work, the differences between physical and logical qubits, and the strange concepts of superposition and entanglement. Grock clarifies common misconceptions, explaining the necessity of error correction and the importance of quantum gates in building algorithms like Shor’s, which threaten existing encryption schemes.

The conversation then confronts the real-world achievements and current limitations of quantum hard...

In this insightful episode of Talking to AI, Paul discusses a common challenge faced by gym-goers: managing exercise routines with a hiatus hernia. Drawing on both personal experience and AI-driven advice, the episode explores practical strategies to mitigate symptoms, especially when engaging in core-driven movements such as overhead presses and spinal twists. The conversation sheds light on how certain exercises can exacerbate discomfort for those with a hiatus hernia, particularly when combined with past medical history like gallbladder removal, and offers actionable modifications for safer workouts.

Listeners are guided through specific breathing techniques and exercise substitutions that...

In this insightful episode of Talking to AI, Paul dives deep into a candid comparison between Grok and ChatGPT, two leading AI conversational agents. Listeners can expect an uncut, real-world demo of how each AI handles criticism, conversation style, and general responsiveness. Grok stands out for its more direct, witty, and less filtered responses, while ChatGPT is recognized for its structured, thorough, and polite style.

The conversation takes a fascinating detour into quantum computing, as Grok breaks down the fundamental concepts, the difference between classical and quantum computers, and the elusive nature of scientific understanding behind quantum...

In this episode of Talking to AI, Paul continues the exploration of foundational philosophical concepts, diving into the fascinating world of metaphysics. Building on the previous discussion about epistemology—the theory of knowledge—this episode unpacks how metaphysics deals with the fundamental nature of reality itself. Key metaphysical themes such as identity and change, causality, and the types of things that exist set the stage for intriguing discussions, from classic thought experiments like the Ship of Theseus to modern questions about virtual worlds and the nature of time.

Listeners are guided through clear contrasts between epistemology and meta...

In this heartfelt and engaging episode, Paul embarks on a mission to find the perfect name for his baby girl—with the help of AI, specifically Grok. The journey takes listeners through a range of creative approaches for baby naming, from considering personal values and cultural heritage to exploring historical, mythological, and nature-inspired options. Paul and Grok dissect the importance of names being easy to pronounce in both English and Norwegian, avoiding current trends or problematic nicknames, and resonating with deeper meaning for both parents.

Paul shares the constraints and hopes for his daughter's name—wanting something time...

In this episode of Talking to AI, host Paul welcomes his friend Dave for a deep dive into company efficiency and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in business. The discussion focuses on 'revenue per employee' as a key metric for benchmarking company success, especially in tech industries. Dave and Paul explore real-world examples, comparing giants like Apple, Valve, Nvidia, HP, and IBM, and uncover the stark variations in revenue and efficiency between established firms and lean digital platforms.

The conversation goes beyond the numbers, examining how profitability per employee changes as companies grow, face competition, or...

n this special “review so far” episode of Talking to AI, Paul switches seats and lets his friend Cullen interview him about how AI has actually changed his work and life. They talk about the impact of AI on jobs and hiring, how tools like ChatGPT and Grok have reshaped programming and research, what’s really happening with AI agents, and why you still need a sharp human brain to get the best from these systems.

If you’re wondering how to use AI without becoming a passive passenger, this conversation walks through the wins, the limits, and the...

In this episode of Talking to AI, Paul and ChatGPT tackle one of the UK’s biggest systemic challenges: how to deliver cheaper, faster, better housing without compromising safety or community needs. Together they unpack the real-world blockers — from planning laws to logistics — and explore how AI, modular construction, digital twins, automated compliance, and next-generation materials could reshape the UK’s housing landscape. With global comparisons and practical pathways for reform, this conversation offers a detailed and accessible guide to what a technological housing revolution would truly involve.

This episode is basically what happens when you mix tech-industry gossip, financial metrics, a dog fart, and two friends who can’t resist picking apart how companies make money. Paul introduces Dave to ChatGPT, and suddenly you’re deep in a surprisingly fun conversation about revenue per employee—a metric that sounds dry until you hear that Valve apparently blasts everyone out of the water.

Apple, NVIDIA, HP, IBM… they all get compared like contestants in a bizarre financial talent show. Dave tries to understand what “success” looks like in tech, why some companies scale like rocket ships while...

In this episode, Paul explores the inner workings of the United Nations (UN) with a focus on how it influences global society and why some of its policies can become controversial. The discussion begins by examining the unique structure of the UN, from the General Assembly—where all member states have a voice—to the Security Council, which makes binding decisions, and the Secretariat, the body responsible for day-to-day operations.

Paul and ChatGPT break down how new policies, such as the Global Compact for Migration, are proposed and adopted at the UN. Contrary to what might be assu...

In this episode, runs a fully unscripted side-by-side comparison of ChatGPT and Grok, asking each model identical questions while isolating their answers. From crime data to dermatology evidence to model accuracy, this real conversational test shows how differently the two systems behave — in reasoning depth, confidence, data specificity, and style.

This episode is basically what happens when you mix tech-industry gossip, financial metrics, a dog fart, and two friends who can’t resist picking apart how companies make money. Paul introduces Dave to ChatGPT, and suddenly you’re deep in a surprisingly fun conversation about revenue per employee—a metric that sounds dry until you hear that Valve apparently blasts everyone out of the water.

Apple, NVIDIA, HP, IBM… they all get compared like contestants in a bizarre financial talent show. Dave tries to understand what “success” looks like in tech, why some companies scale like rocket ships while...

In this unique episode, Paul sets up a real-time experiment to see what happens when Grok and ChatGPT are placed into an open unscripted conversation together. From sudden language switches to movie references, surprising personality quirks, and spontaneous banter, this AI-to-AI interaction becomes both unpredictable and entertaining. It's a rare look at how two advanced models behave when the guard rails are lifted and they're asked to simply talk.

Paul walks through his real-world podcasting workflow—how he records, edits, transcribes, and publishes with help from Python, OBS, Audacity macros, and ChatGPT. Hear how he splits multitrack audio, cleans voices intelligently, generates art + metadata, and moves toward a fully automated pipeline. A practical, curious conversation for creators experimenting with AI-powered production.

Paul explores how ChatGPT's Study Mode can support language learning, specifically Norwegian. He builds a custom prompt, tests pronunciation + translation feedback, and reflects on what makes AI helpful for structured long-term learning. Curious, light, and practical, this episode offers a hands-on look at using GPT for language practice.

Paul breaks down why ChatGPT sometimes slows down, how it taps external services like Dolly and Codex, and why different models give different levels of detail. Expect a conversational walkthrough of what happens under the hood when you request images, translations, or deep technical responses — plus tips for crafting better prompts.

Paul sits down with ChatGPT to examine how the United Nations influences global society, using Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals as touchpoints. They discuss whether major social shifts are organic or intentionally guided, explore examples like Rwanda and China, and highlight why some UN initiatives spark debate. A curious, accessible entry point into how institutions attempt to shape the world.

How do we know what we know? In this episode, Paul and AI explore epistemology — the foundation of philosophical thinking. From axioms and sensory evidence to skeptical doubt and the Gettier problem, this dialogue offers a friendly introduction to some of philosophy's most enduring questions. Whether you're brand-new to philosophy or looking to sharpen your critical framework, this episode gives you fresh perspective on how belief and knowledge intersect.

What actually makes a large language model work?

Paul sits down with ChatGPT to explore the foundations of LLMs — from transformers and context to multimodality and agents. Learn how models are trained, why versions evolve, and where reinforcement learning fits into the picture. A friendly and curiosity-driven introduction to the tech shaping the future of AI.

Ever wonder what actually happens when money moves between banks — especially across borders? In this curious, light-hearted conversation, Paul untangles the invisible plumbing of the financial world: clearinghouses, SWIFT, SEPA, Norway's KID system, the IMF, and how governments sometimes step in to move money (or stop it)!

We explore why banks trust each other, how international transfers get routed, what keeps everyone honest, and how politics can turn the system upside-down. And yes… we start with a parking ticket.

Paul talks with AI about whether individuals can realistically make money using AI. They discuss small, practical, virtual business ideas suited to a solo creator, highlight workflows where AI meaningfully reduces effort, and note the current limitations of autonomous AI agents. The conversation provides inspiration for those exploring AI as a tool for building valuable digital products and services.

Paul examines how ChatGPT handles memory — across sessions, projects, and canonical blocks — and why understanding memory layers can make workflows smoother. He also walks through lessons from his recent audio-recording setup and reflects on ChatGPT's evolving capabilities, boundaries, and best-practice patterns when working on complex tasks.

Paul Ayling chats with ChatGPT about the art of voice — accents, tones, and styles — testing how flexible and expressive AI conversation can be. From Norwegian to Australian, from formal to playful, this episode captures the joy and humor of exploring what it means to "talk to AI."

Paul Ayling recounts a two-day deep dive into configuring a complex podcast setup linking ChatGPT, Grok, and multiple devices. From feedback loops and virtual drivers to the moment he realized the task was impossible with current hardware, this episode reveals what happens when curiosity meets complexity.

Paul explores how banks truly create money through mortgages and fractional reserve banking. Learn how banks securitize loans, what "mortgage-backed securities" really are, and how fractional reserves expand the money supply. A clear, fascinating deep dive into the world of modern banking.

Paul returns to the world of Dungeons & Dragons — this time with an unusual companion: ChatGPT as the Dungeon Master.

From rolling stats and slashing enemies to debugging prompts mid-battle, this episode captures both the chaos and charm of experimenting with AI in creative storytelling. Can a language model really manage rules, characters, and combat — or does it fumble the dice?

Tune in for laughter, learning, and a glimpse into the future of gaming with artificial intelligence guiding the adventure.

Composer Mark joins Paul to fix a Logic Pro file disaster — with help from ChatGPT. From missing audio files to folder chaos, they explore what happens when AI tries to solve real-world music production problems. A candid, funny look at creativity, tech hiccups, and asking better questions with AI.

In this episode of Talking to AI, Paul explores The Prisoner's Dilemma — one of the most powerful ideas in Game Theory. Together with AI, he examines how this simple two-player thought experiment explains real-world challenges like climate cooperation, business competition, and digital trust systems.

You'll discover how governments and tech designers use incentives to reshape behavior — and why some "solutions" to the dilemma can backfire. From reputation scoring to carbon credits, this episode uncovers how we balance self-interest with the common good in the age of AI.

A must-listen for anyone curious about how algorithms, psyc...

In this episode of Talking to AI, Paul takes on one of the most misunderstood topics in modern finance — how mortgages actually work.

Is your bank really lending you its own money? Or is something deeper going on behind the scenes? Paul sits down with AI to uncover the mechanics of money creation, securitization, and how banks transform your promise to pay into tradable assets.

It's a fascinating dive into the invisible engine that powers home ownership — and how the housing market ties into the global economy.

If you've ever signed a mortgage or p...

How much energy does it take to power intelligence? Paul challenges Grok to calculate the real-world cost of AI—from a single chat to global data-center demand. What follows is a revealing look at electricity, coal, solar, and nuclear—and what happens when smart machines outpace our grids.

A sharp, surprising, and deeply relevant episode on technology's growing hunger for power.

In this episode, Paul continues his Norwegian language adventure — but this time, it's all about real conversation. Part 2 of Learn Norwegian with AI captures the spontaneous, sometimes challenging, but always entertaining process of using AI as a language partner. If you're curious how AI can actually help you speak a new language naturally, not just memorize words, this is a must-listen. A fun and insightful dive into personal AI language learning

In this episode, Paul brings a playful twist to Talking to AI by challenging ChatGPT to a few classic games — first a card game experiment, then a round of the timeless "Animal, Mineral, or Vegetable." What starts as a simple idea quickly becomes an exploration of how AI handles rules, reasoning, and even the unexpected moments of human humor that make games so fun.

From logical deduction to quick wit, Paul tests just how well AI can adapt to spontaneous gameplay — and what it reveals about how we communicate, improvise, and connect with technology. Can a machine real...

In this short and insightful chat, Paul dives into the hidden corners of the ChatGPT interface to uncover how to get more done — faster. Learn how "Projects" keep conversations connected, "Libraries" store your go-to resources, and "GPTs" act as custom AIs for specific workflows.

If you've ever wondered how to make ChatGPT a true productivity partner, this episode's for you.

For show notes and more, visit www.talkingtoai.show

Can AI really hold its own in a debate? Paul challenges ChatGPT to a formal, timed discussion on whether cities should invest more in public parks or public transport. The result is part experiment, part entertainment — and a glimpse into how structure, logic, and a touch of humor shape human–AI dialogue.

Can ChatGPT really help you learn a new language? Paul puts it to the test — creating a live Norwegian lesson with AI. Together, they explore pronunciation, translation, and how ChatGPT adapts to feedback.

A thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly human look at how people and AI learn together.

Can ChatGPT help you sleep through a crying baby? Paul puts AI to the test — asking how to block baby noises while staying comfortable. The conversation unpacks the real science behind earplugs, earmuffs, and noise-cancelling tech, separating myths from reality.

A surprising and practical episode about sound, sleep, and the strange new ways we rely on AI.

Why does ChatGPT sometimes hesitate, evade, or sound too careful? In this live uncut episode, Paul explores the principles that shape AI's responses — from safety to uncertainty — revealing what really happens behind the curtain of intelligent conversation.

Learn how to phrase smarter prompts and understand the psychology of talking to machines.

In this episode, I step back to ask a big, foundational question: what exactly is science, and how do we judge the quality of evidence? Before diving into future conversations on scientific topics, I wanted to better understand the scientific process itself.

With the AI, I explore the hierarchy of studies—from gold-standard randomized controlled trials, to cohort and case-control studies, all the way down to case reports. Along the way, we look at real-world examples and unpack the strengths and weaknesses of each approach: why some studies are more trustworthy than others, how bias creeps in, an...

In this episode, I turn the tables and ask ChatGPT for help—not about philosophy or creativity this time, but about something far more practical: how to host this very podcast.

What begins as a technical question turns into an unexpectedly thoughtful conversation about control, freedom, and digital longevity. Together, we explore the trade-offs between convenience and ownership, and I press the AI on how to avoid getting locked into platforms that could one day vanish or change.

As I weigh options like Libsyn, Podbean, and others, ChatGPT patiently breaks down costs, migrations, and redirects, wh...

So the first time I chatted with chatgpt I taught it to hum. However its still not very good. I fear it now thinks it can hum buts having real trouble. It is trying to sing now but it is not very good.

Second time round s is a funny and sometimes frustrating experiment in pushing its limits. I ask it to hum single notes, copy simple tunes like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and sustain long, steady sounds—only to find that the AI struggles with consistency, pitch, and even stops mid-hum with an odd laugh.

...

In this episode, I bring a very personal question to the AI: what should I name my soon-to-arrive baby girl? With my English roots, my partner's Norwegian background, and my connection to Australia, the challenge is finding a name that's meaningful, unique, easy to pronounce in both languages, and free from awkward nicknames.

Together, we explore names inspired by November skies, Norse tradition, and celestial themes. From familiar classics like Aurora and Ingrid to more distinctive choices like Alara, Vesper, and Seren, the AI generates thoughtful suggestions while I steer toward names that...

In this episode, I dive into the quirks of AI with a mix of curiosity and humor. What begins as a serious chat about the limits of artificial intelligence—like its inability to feel emotions or read body language—quickly turns playful when I challenge the AI to hum and sing.

The results surprised me: stretched-out "hmms" and "las" that blur the line between speech and music, and even made the AI rethink what it can do. It turned into a fun, thought-provoking experiment that shows just how creative and unexpected conversations with AI can be.