In this episode of Wild Ducks, Jerry reconnects with his first programming teacher, Brent Hailpern, to explore how a simple course on Karel the Robot sparked a lifelong passion for software. They reflect on the early days at IBM’s TJ Watson Research Center, the art of programming, and today’s rise of AI code assistants. Join them for a thoughtful and lively discussion on how the tools may change, but the core discipline of coding endures.

In part two of this conversation, host Jerry Cuomo continues his discussion with Ken Kocienda, creator of iPhone’s autocorrect and author of Creative Selection. Ken reflects on his post-Apple career, including roles at Postmates, Airbnb, and co-founding his AI company, Infactory. He explores making AI-powered tools more transparent and enterprise-ready while sharing his vision for the future of human-computer interaction.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI’s next frontier lies in enterprise applications beyond consumer chatbots.
2. Transparent AI models can improve reliability and decision-making.
3. The future includes seamless, conversational interfaces for businesses and individuals alike.

In part one of this two-part conversation, host Jerry Cuomo talks with Ken Kocienda, former Apple software engineer and author of Creative Selection: Inside Apple's Design Process During the Golden Age of Steve Jobs. Ken shares the backstory of creating the iPhone’s autocorrect feature and working closely with Steve Jobs. He reflects on the significance of blending design and technology to shape user experiences, offering insights into Apple’s innovation culture that still resonates in today’s tech landscape.

Key Takeaways:

1. Creating iPhone autocorrect required blending design with tech for seamless typing.
2. Apple’s innovation culture emphasized decisive, user-focused development.
3. Working with Steve Jobs meant delivering fast, clear, and impactful solutions.

In this episode, host Jerry Cuomo sits down with Elizabeth Bieniek to discuss practical ways to spark innovation in corporate environments. Elizabeth shares insights from her book, Cake on Tuesday, and talks about the importance of curiosity, asking the right questions, and overcoming fears to drive meaningful change.

Key takeaways include:

• Innovation starts with action—take the first step, even if it’s imperfect, to build momentum.
• Identifying and questioning fears can reveal they’re often assumptions, not real barriers to progress.
• Authenticity and openness from leaders encourage genuine collaboration and spark great ideas within teams.

Enjoy!

In this episode, Kathryn Harrison, CEO of Magpie Collectibles, joins host Jerry Cuomo to explore how technology is transforming the collectibles industry. They discuss innovations like secure digital signatures to protect collectibles from counterfeits, leveraging AI and image recognition to streamline inventory management, and the growing role of interactive digital experiences. Kathryn shares her vision of a future where physical and digital collectibles coexist seamlessly, creating exciting new opportunities for collectors. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of collectibles!

Introducing "Wild Ducks," a tech podcast hosted by Jerry Cuomo. In this bonus episode, Jerry unveils the new podcast format and his latest book, "Think Artificial Intelligence." While AI remains a core focus, the podcast now explores a broader range of tech topics, featuring expert interviews and lighthearted, fictional guests. Episodes are concise, perfect for quick listens. Additionally, Jerry discusses "Think AI," a book designed to demystify AI and highlight its practical applications. Tune in to "Wild Ducks" for insightful tech discussions and grab your copy of "Think Artificial Intelligence" to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In this special bonus episode, Jerry Cuomo's AI-generated avatar shares insights on the power of knowledge and the importance of building a strong social network. Learn how combining "what you know" with "who you know" can enhance personal growth and lead to a successful career. This message, created for Duke University's incoming students, emphasizes that knowledge is a team sport, and a healthy network is key to long-term success.

In this episode, Jerry Cuomo chats with IBM Fellow Aaron Baughman about the intersections of AI, sports, and technology. Aaron shares insights on AI’s role in predicting match outcomes, enhancing fan engagement, and the challenges of AI-generated content. Learn how technologies like IBM’s wastonx AI, are being applied to re-imagine how you experience sports. After you listen, be sure not to miss the US Open and ESPN Fantasy Sports to see some of these technologies in action!

Takeaways:

1. AI is transforming sports by predicting match outcomes and boosting fan engagement.
2. IBM's AI technology is overcoming challenges with content accuracy and trustworthiness.
3. AI's impact is evident in major events like the US Open and ESPN Fantasy Sports.