Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying mathematical concepts that power modern machine learning, to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives–even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…
Meaning exists below the surface, and by utilizing well-crafted questions, Craig and Alex dive as deeply as possible, exploring the spiritual import that underpins our daily lives. In a world that seems chaotic and frantic, would exploring the calmness below the surface be a terrible idea?
Meaning exists below the surface, and by utilizing well-crafted questions, Craig and Alex dive as deeply as possible, exploring the spiritual import that underpins our daily lives. In a world that seems chaotic and frantic, would exploring the calmness below the surface be a terrible idea?
Craig and Alex explore what it means to love someone for their soul, rather than merely for their thoughts, emotions, or decisions: an approach that surpasses the typical focus of most personal relationships.
Craig and Alex discuss the spiritual implications of the impending AI revolution, and examine what underlying assumptions and promises have been motivating people to do and become more.
Craig and Alex explore Acts 8:9-25, the story of Simon the Magician, and reflect on what it means to surrender our version of "good" for His ultimate "Good."
Craig sits down with Pastor Doc Jacobs to discuss "everywhere ministry," true courage, and how even pastors must constantly reset on prioritizing Jesus, family, and community.
Craig and Alex sit down with Vincent Dioguardi to hear his "God Story." From near death experiences, to overcoming addiction and homelessness, Vincent attributes his miraculous life to the one who loved him when nobody else would.
Craig poses the question: What if the reward or payoff of something is scary, or isn't something we actually want? Surface Tension is brought to you by https://www.goministryinternational.org
Craig and Alex, upon returning from a weekend men's retreat, discuss seeing God, themselves, and others through a new lens. The challenge for us is not only recognizing God's reality, but how to consistently walk in it. Finding our true purpose and living it out is contingent on having an accurate view of God, knowing how he sees us, and knowing how he sees others.…
Craig and Alex discuss the 20 "hidden idols of the heart" as outlined by Tim Keller. The 20 idols are as follows: “Life only has meaning/I only have worth if… 1. I have power and influence over others.” (Power Idolatry) 2. I am loved and respected by _____.” (Approval Idolatry) 3. I have this kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of life.” (Comfort idolatry) 4. I am able to get mastery over my life in the area of _____.” (Control idolatry) 5. people are dependent on me and need me.” (Helping Idolatry) 6. someone is there to protect me and keep me safe.” (Dependence idolatry) 7. I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to take care of someone.” (Independence idolatry) 8. I am highly productive and getting a lot done.” (Work idolatry) 9. I am being recognized for my accomplishments, and I am excelling in my work.” (Achievement idolatry) 10. I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom, and very nice possessions.” (Materialism idolatry) 11. I am adhering to my religion’s moral codes and accomplished in its activities.” (Religion idolatry) 12. This one person is in my life and happy to be there, and/or happy with me.” (Individual person idolatry) 13. I feel I am totally independent of organized religion and am living by a self-made morality.” (Irreligion idolatry) 14. My race and culture is ascendant and recognized as superior.” (Racial/cultural idolatry) 15. A particular social grouping or professional grouping or other group lets me in.” (Inner ring idolatry) 16. My children and/or my parents are happy and happy with me.” (Family idolatry) 17. Mr. or Ms. “Right” is in love with me.” (Relationship Idolatry) 18. I am hurting, in a problem; only then do I feel worthy of love or able to deal with guilt.” (Suffering idolatry) 19. my political or social cause is making progress and ascending in influence or power.” (Ideology idolatry) 20. I have a particular kind of look or body image.” (Image idolatry)…
Craig and Alex sit down with Jenna Nelson to hear about what it looks like to create emotional safety with God. In a world that doesn’t feel particularly easy to navigate as a young person, Jenna shares her God story, giving both hope and insight for followers of Jesus, young and old, alike.
Craig and Alex sit down with Dan Roberts, a faith giant, to discuss his God story. Dan, a proud father of four and great nephew of Oral Roberts, has worked in both ministry and industry. In addition to owning technology, background screening, and insurance companies, he founded a staffing agency, Premier Staffing, which was later re-branded as “HireCall,” with the intentional play on words of answering God's “higher call.” Dan recounts multiple near death experiences, reminding us that God is alive and working.…