Deacs.AI

Welcome to Deacs.AI podcast, where Wake Forest innovators unpack the real-world magic of artificial intelligence through candid conversations. Join IS colleagues Michael Ferrari and Ryan Scholl as they explore how AI is transforming work across campus, one fascinating story at a time. Get ready to discover the human side of technological innovation.
Review Deacs.AI episodes below, and contact our team with a Deacs.AI episode idea using our form, below.
Episodes
- Quick Dive: The Podcast So Far RecapRyan and Michael reflect on the journey so far, revisiting key conversations and insights from past episodes. They dive into what they’ve learned through their ongoing discussions about AI—and how those insights are shaping their perspectives.
- I Learned How to Use AI by CheatingAmy Slack partners with artificial intelligence for just about everything these days. From meal planning and care giving and research and shopping to personalized tutoring and course design and information synthesis. She brainstorms ideas and crafts emails and critiques documentation and plans projects and even solves problems. If you’re ready to discover practical applications of AI that can simplify your life and boost your productivity, talk to Amy … or listen to this episode … or (pro tip!) do both.
- The Painter’s House Needs to be PaintedAI is changing everything, including cybersecurity. Information Security expert Jeff Teague breaks down how artificial intelligence helps protect campus systems, why you need to be smart about data privacy when using these tools, and how to navigate the complex security frontier safely.
- Quick Dive: The Gem Rush – Mining for Custom AIThis episode is a real gem. Forget mass-produced jewelry; we’re talking about hand-cut luxury: Gemini Gems. These tiny powerhouses are your own custom artificial intelligence experts. Learn how to build a personalized AI army so versatile it can streamline tedious work tasks, help with complex project management, personalize your nutrition plan, or coach you to clean up at the poker table. Ready to polish your own digital diamonds? Tune in and start building your AI superpower today!
- Blown Away: An Educator’s AI AwakeningHow is AI really changing the academic landscape? Education Professor Adam Friedman discusses its impact inside and outside the classroom, learning from his kids, navigating student use, faculty adaptation, and the future of teaching in the age of artificial intelligence.
- Quick Dive: From Code to Composition – How AI is Assisting CreatorsDive into the practical side of generative AI with Ryan and Michael as they reveal insightful uses for these tools, from developing a new AI-focused website and generating placeholder code, to exploring creative music generation. Learn how these technologies can assist in real-world projects, boost productivity, and offer new avenues for creative expression.
- Glue on PizzaIs Generative AI the next Industrial Revolution, or something far more disruptive? Explore the duality of AI: the mind-bending potential and the profound concerns. This episode tackles the tough questions. We discuss the creative (and sometimes hilarious) outputs of ChatGPT against the ethical implications of AI trained on scraped data, the potential for loss of human connection, inherent biases, and the comparison to world-changing technologies. Join us as we marvel at its capabilities and take a critical look at the societal risks and the urgent need for thoughtful regulation.
- Quick Dive: Come Vibe Code with MeAmy is playing in the sand again – the AI sandbox, that is. Join her tour of Google’s experimental playground, AI Studio. Have you ever wanted to turn the dials and pull the levers of the magical AI machine? Then this is the episode for you. From controlling prompt structure to explaining complex topics with tiny cats, Amy will introduce you to AI Studio.
- Six Fingered Zombie SantaCan Artificial Intelligence and the Arts co-exist? Theatre professor Kevin Frazier rifts on how AI tools are opening doors to new forms of creativity and collaboration. We’ll explore how artists and educators are harnessing AI to push the boundaries of design and theater, and what roles humans still play. It’s a journey into the future where technology and art intertwine to create the extraordinary.
- Quick Dive: Making of Tales from the AI FrontierWatch out Pixar! Go behind the pixels with Michael, creator of Wake Forest’s “Tales from the AI Frontier” video series. He pulls back the curtain on using AI image generators, large language models, and other tools to build animated explainers, design his custom AI avatar, and streamline the entire production process. Learn how AI can help you conquer technical hurdles and bring your video ideas to life!
- The First Inning of the Artificial Intelligence BallgameStepping up to the plate, John Montana provides insight on how higher education can leverage its unique position to lead the conversation, foster critical engagement, and ensure that future graduates are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the skills to navigate a rapidly changing pedogogical landscape. How is higher ed grappling with AI’s transformative evolution? We discuss strategic approaches to building AI fluency and why redesigning the learning experience is essential to prepare students for the complex world ahead.
- Real Life Jack RyanJack Ryan dives into the world of Artificial Intelligence. Beyond the campus, AI is a major player in international relations. Tom Brister brings his classroom and national security expertise to the discussion, touching on everything from scholarly assignments to AI’s role in modern warfare, from innovative teaching methods to the potential for a new kind of arms race. Hear his journey from skeptical observer to everyday user and why understanding this technology is vital for navigating future global affairs.
- Real World AI for Productivity: Insights from Greg CollinsCan AI really write better emails, take smarter meeting notes, AND plan your dinner? Wake Forest tech leader Greg Collins shares his real-world experiences using tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Zoom AI Companion, cutting through the hype to find what actually works at the office and home.
- Welcome to Deacs.AI: Our Origin StoryDo you want to know how Wake Foresters are using AI? Join Ryan and Michael as they introduce the DEACS.AI podcast series. They’ll explore artificial intelligence through real-world stories – from writing emails and learning to DIY projects and lasagna recipes. Discover practical ways AI can change your work and life.
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