The FTC just knocked on the doors of seven AI giants, including OpenAI, Meta, and Snap (amongst many others) with legally binding orders, and they’re not here for small talk. In this episode, host Emily Laird breaks down why regulators suddenly care if your teenager is whispering secrets to an anime chatbot at 2 a.m., what the investigation means for “AI companions,” and how this could be the beginning of a much bigger reckoning. Think Section 6(b) orders, Section 5 fines, and questions regulators should’ve been asking years ago. From shady promises to teenage dopamine loops, this one’s about safety, truth, and the awkward puberty phase of AI oversight.
Join the AI Weekly Meetups
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about the FTC vs The Algorithm.
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn
--------
9:28
--------
9:28
a16z 5th Edition Pt. 4: No-Code, Just Vibes & the Top of the Class
Forget Python. The new software builders are riding high on vibes, drag, drop, done. In this episode, host Emily Laird breaks down “vibe coding,” the sticky magic of user retention, and the AI All‑Stars dominating the charts like it’s 2001 TRL. From ChatGPT to Cutout Pro, and yes, even JanitorAI (don’t ask), these are the tools you’ll be using even if you don’t know how they work.
Join the AI Weekly Meetups
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about a16z's top GenAI apps, the August 2025 edition.
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn
--------
10:54
--------
10:54
a16z 5th Edition Pt.3: China's AI Multiverse
China’s not just building AI, it’s building a whole other version of the internet to run it on. In this episode, host Emily Laird take a sneaking step past the Great Firewall to explore China’s booming generative AI scene, where Quark, Doubao, and Kimi (not a band, but they should be) dominate with tools that make Western platforms look slow and sleepy. We break down why Chinese AI evolves faster, how VPN users are basically undercover agents, and why your favorite AI selfie app might just be a ByteDance export.
Join the AI Weekly Meetups
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about a16z's top GenAI apps, the August 2025 edition.
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn
--------
9:22
--------
9:22
a16z 5th Edition Pt.2: Googlezilla
The AI hype machine is cooling off, fewer shiny new toys, more serious contenders. In this episode, hostess with the mostest (of something) Emily Laird breaks down the latest a16z rankings, why the product flood slowed down, and how Google’s been quietly building an AI empire under everyone’s nose. Gemini’s rising, Grok’s flirting in anime, and Meta’s assistant accidentally aired its dirty laundry. We’re talking metrics, mobile surges, and the slow death of sketchy chatbot apps. Think of it as AI market analysis with a side of sarcasm and, as always, zero buzzwords.
Join the AI Weekly Meetups
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about a16z's top GenAI apps, the August 2025 edition.
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn
--------
10:40
--------
10:40
The Nerd Billboard 100: a16z’s AI Hit Parade
Venture capital powerhouse Andreessen Horowitz, aka a16z, because vowels are apparently optional in Silicon Valley, has been quietly shaping the generative AI boom with its biannual “Top 100” ranking of AI-first apps. In this episode, host Emily Laird breaks down how a16z went from a $300 million moonshot to a $46 billion kingmaker, why they’re tracking AI startups like it’s the Billboard charts, and what wildcards like DeepSeek are doing to dethrone the usual suspects. If you’ve ever wondered who’s really calling the shots in AI, spoiler: it’s the folks with the money, and they’ve got a list.
Join the AI Weekly Meetups
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about a16z's top GenAI apps, the August 2025 edition.
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn
Welcome to Generative AI 101, your go-to podcast for learning the basics of generative artificial intelligence in easy-to-understand, bite-sized episodes. Join host Emily Laird, AI Integration Technologist and AI lecturer, to explore key concepts, applications, and ethical considerations, making AI accessible for everyone.
UK