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 hardware. While tech giants like IBM and IonQ are progressing, today's machines only handle a handful of logical qubits — far from what’s needed to break real-world encryption. Paul questions the evidence and practical demonstrations of quantum advantage, and Grock breaks down landmark experiments such as Google's random circuit sampling and the practical challenges of scaling up quantum systems.

Attention then turns to the security ramifications. With both governments and industry keenly aware of the risks quantum computing poses to today's cryptographic systems, the race is on to implement post-quantum encryption standards. While new protocols and frameworks are rolling out, the lingering worry is that vast caches of historic, encrypted data may eventually be vulnerable—raising urgent questions about individual and organizational privacy. The episode closes with pragmatic advice as well as a reality check: while the quantum revolution is not here yet, the groundwork to protect the future is urgently underway.

🎙️ Hosted by Paul at Talking to AI — where real people, real problems, and real conversations meet artificial intelligence.

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 minimize intra-abdominal pressure and reduce hernia flare-ups. Recommendations include exhaling through lifts, activating the core differently, and replacing aggressive spinal twisting with controlled rotational movements. The episode also suggests diaphragmatic vacuum pulls, a physiotherapist-endorsed practice to support the diaphragm and hiatus region without surgical intervention. This focused guidance arms those with similar challenges with new confidence to maintain fitness while respecting their body's limits.

Overall, the episode serves as both a source of encouragement and a practical playbook for anyone navigating the complexities of hiatus hernia management in the gym.

🎙️ Hosted by Paul at Talking to AI — where real people, real problems, and real conversations meet artificial intelligence.

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 mechanics. Paul probes Grok for practical examples, industry progress, and honest limitations—getting clarity on the hype versus reality of quantum computers in 2025.

Listeners will also learn about the practicalities of creating AI-powered podcast agents, the transparency behind Grok’s data sources, and differences in API integrations and image generation capabilities between platforms. The episode concludes with tips on how to get the most out of AI chatbots by asking better questions and understanding their respective strengths and weaknesses.