Rob May (Neurometric) and Anna Kirk (Thread AI) close out Season 1 of the AI and NYC podcast with announcements: Ryan Eppley is stepping down as a regular host, Rob’s book on investing in AI releases in September, and producer Madi Donlan joins on camera to interview them as they take a month off to plan next season. They discuss their working dynamic and friendship, surprising personal interests (including Anna’s harp and Rob’s recent deep dive into topology), and memorable or underrated episodes and guests. They review audience comments and clips touching on politics, campaign funding, ethics education for technologists, and AI-driven dilemmas like sex robots, then share favorite NYC hangouts. They tease Season 2 ideas including more audience response, a possible live show with call-ins, and covering topics based on top comments.
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:21 Season Updates and Announcements
01:23 Meet Producer Madi
02:19 How Rob and Anna Met
03:12 Three Words to Describe Each Other
04:35 Friendship Dynamics and Age Gap
05:41 Escape Room Adventures
07:04 Lessons Learned and Harp Bet
08:08 Offbeat Hobbies Topology Deep Dive
10:06 Work Styles and Hosting Chemistry
11:41 Surprising Guest Moments
12:37 Underrated Episodes and NYC vs Valley
16:04 Why New York Wins for Applied AI
16:54 Season One Reflections
17:49 Guests And Format Debate
19:00 Spotlighting New Voices
19:48 Reading Audience Comments
20:12 Politics And Pragmatism
22:20 Money Media And Elections
24:36 Can Ethics Be Taught
30:07 Sex Robots And Morality
33:09 Favorite New York Spots
34:02 Season Two Plans And Farewell
