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.

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 metaphysics, helping clarify how philosophers progress from asking how we know things to questioning what actually exists. Everyday examples, such as replacing parts in a smartphone or observing cause and effect in dominoes (and even the puzzling notions of quantum randomness), make these big topics approachable. There’s also an emphasis on underlying philosophical tools, such as axioms and how metaphysical 'sliders' combine with assumptions to shape different worldviews.

The episode wraps up by broadening the scope, touching on further metaphysical puzzles, including the nature of time, free will, and the mind-body problem. Metaphysics is shown as a playground for deep questions, encouraging listeners to embrace the journey rather than expecting definitive answers.

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

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 restructure to stay agile. Dave shares insights from building in the Atlassian and Monday.com ecosystems, highlighting the importance of context when evaluating metrics and illuminating the operational challenges of legacy companies adapting to an AI-driven future. The duo also tackles the topic of technological adoption—questioning whether corporate claims about AI investment reflect real transformation or just clever PR.

By considering debt, future growth, IT infrastructure, and cultural readiness for technical change, Paul and Dave offer listeners practical frameworks for spotting genuinely efficient companies in an era where AI is touted as the solution to productivity woes. Whether you’re benchmarking your own business or assessing market prospects, this candid discussion provides real-world perspective on what separates sustainable innovation from the hype.

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

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 surprises from Paul’s first months of running the podcast.

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.