Breaking Down AI Hype with Ian Cook: LLMs, AGI Skepticism, and Real-World Tools

Описание: In this episode of The Web Talk Show, Armando sits down with Ian Palmer-Cook, SVP of AI at Qloo, a New York-based startup specializing in predictive customer and cultural intelligence.

Ian brings over 15 years of experience in machine learning, data science, and building AI-powered products across industries from healthcare to consumer goods.

Together, they unpack some of the biggest questions in AI right now:
How do LLMs actually work? Ian explains it with a brilliantly simple peanut butter analogy that anyone can understand.
Why can't AI do basic math? The answer reveals a lot about what these models are really doing under the hood.
Is AGI coming soon? Ian shares his skeptical take and why the hype might be doing more harm than good.
The addictive psychology of building with AI and why developers keep chasing the "honeymoon" feeling of shipping fast.
Skills, agents, and security: the promise and the risks of tools like OpenClaw, Claude Code, and MCP integrations.
Why every city needs a community like Pittsburgh's AI Org, where professionals share real-world AI use cases.
How small businesses like electricians and plumbers can benefit from AI scheduling and automation today.

Ian also shares how he uses AI agents daily for email, calendar, and project management, and why he believes learning to code is still essential even in the age of AI-assisted development.

Connect with Ian:
Website: https://fiercehighways.ai/
LinkedIn:   / ianpcook  
AI Org Pittsburgh: aiorgpgh.com

Connect with Armando:
Website: https://perezcarreno.com
LinkedIn:   / armandoperezcarreno