AI in Action: Solving Real-World Problems from Plate to Power Grid

2025-05-28

Episode Summary In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the systems we rely on most—our food supply, energy infrastructure, human behavior, and local economies. From predicting protein structures to powering small-town storefronts, AI is moving beyond the lab and into everyday life. You’ll hear how researchers, startups, and enterprises are applying smart tech to fix broken systems—and the surprising social frictions that emerge along the way. 📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the systems we rely on most—our food supply, energy infrastructure, human behavior, and local economies. From predicting protein structures to powering small-town storefronts, AI is moving beyond the lab and into everyday life. You’ll hear how researchers, startups, and enterprises are applying smart tech to fix broken systems—and the surprising social frictions that emerge along the way.

📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How AI is being used to create sustainable, animal-free food alternatives and speed up food innovation.
How Clear Current’s virtual energy manager is changing the game for enterprise energy efficiency through real-time automation and analytics.
Why people still don’t trust AI in social interactions, even when it’s acting on behalf of other humans.
How AI agents are helping small, hyperlocal businesses grow revenue and reach customers, closing the digital gap for Main Street entrepreneurs.

💬 Key Quotes from the Episode

“AI won’t fix food on its own—but it can be a powerful creative partner if we make it open and collaborative.”
— Ellen Kuhl, Stanford Professor

“Clear Current’s AI doesn’t just analyze energy use—it becomes an extension of your energy team, running 24/7.”
— Clear Current leadership team

“People trust each other more than machines, even when the machine is acting in someone’s interest. That’s algorithm aversion at work.”
— Fabian Dvorak, PNAS Nexus researcher

“We built Zoca to bring cutting-edge AI to florists, salons, and local services. These businesses deserve the same tools as big tech.”
— Ashish Verma, Zoca Co-founder

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