AI for Lifelong Learners Podcasts

• Dr. Justin Traxler on functional strength training and the right role for AI (for now)

  Welcome to another AI for Lifelong Learners podcast. Your companion in exploring the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its real-world impact on our continuous journey of growth and understanding of ourselves, life, and others.In this featured episode, we step aside from my usual format to bring you an insightful conversation led by yours truly, Tom Parish. My wife, Donna, and I share a candid and relatable journey into the world of fitness and health as older adults. We recount our experiences navigating a sea of online opinions and advice, the challenges of finding what truly works, and our eventual success through personalized human coaching. The episode culminates in an interview with our coach, Dr. Justin Traxler, a physical therapist who specializes in strength training for adults.You may be wondering, how does a deep dive into exercise for seniors and physical therapy connect with "AI for Lifelong Learners"?This show is powerfully relevant. Dr. Traxler provides a fascinating, on-the-ground perspective on how AI is (and isn't) currently used in his practice. He discusses the potential of AI for generating workout programs but underscores its significant limitations in accounting for crucial individual factors: age, previous injuries, fear, specific health conditions, and the nuanced goals of a patient. His insights perfectly encapsulate a core theme of this newsletter: discerning where AI offers genuine utility versus where personalized, human expertise and connection remain irreplaceable.Dr. Traxler's professional viewpoint on AI in healthcare and fitness provides a critical lens on the technology's current capabilities and ethical considerations, reminding us that while AI can be a powerful tool for information and efficiency but it's not yet a substitute for tailored, empathetic, and context-aware human guidance in complex, personal domains.Join us for this important discussion that illuminates the practical realities of AI and the enduring value of human-centered learning and support.What you will learn in this show:Limited current use of AI in practice (for now)His practice uses AI primarily for administrative tasks like generating social media hashtags and captions, not for patient encounters or creating exercise programs, mainly due to liability, HIPAA (patient information privacy), and the current limitations of AI.AI for personalized workout programs – a cautious viewWhile acknowledging people and some trainers use AI (like ChatGPT) to create workout programs, he sees a significant con: AI cannot yet account for the multitude of crucial factors essential for safe and effective programming. These include age, previous injuries, specific goals (e.g., an Olympian's needs vs. a beginner's), fear of movement, and other individual nuances.Human expertise is key for nuanceHe believes AI, in its current state, lacks the ability to handle the complexity and personalization required for effective and safe exercise prescription, especially when dealing with individual limitations or medical histories.On functional strength training, especially for older adults:Definition of "older adult"Generally considered this 65+, but emphasizes it's more about an individual's activity history; active individuals are "older adults" much later in life.Importance of functional trainingThis type of training mimics daily life tasks (e.g., lifting a child, carrying groceries, handling luggage) and builds capacity to perform them without injury, as opposed to purely aesthetic training like bodybuilding."Use it or lose it"Stressed that as people age, they lose muscle mass faster. Strength training is crucial to combat this, maintain bone density, and limit comorbidities. It's never too late to start.Power is crucial for preventing fallsHighlighted that "power" (the ability to stimulate the nervous system quickly, e.g., to catch oneself during a stumble) is more critical for older adults than just strength alone, and walking doesn't sufficiently build this.Mindset shift & empowermentA big part of his work is educating older adults, empowering them to understand they can lift things, that it improves bone density and muscle mass, and that it's not "too late."Addressing misconceptionsMany older adults fear getting "bulky" or think it's too late. He clarifies that getting bulky requires intense, specific effort, and the benefits of strength training far outweigh not doing it.Osteoarthritis and movementEmphasized "motion is lotion." Movement and exercise increase blood flow and synovial fluid, often reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis, rather than exacerbating it. Lifting helps build muscle around joints to protect them.On training principles and coaching:Proper form and warm-ups are crucialWarm-ups (5–10 minutes) increase body temperature and lubricate joints. Proper form is essential to prevent injury.Start with bodyweightMaster bodyweight movements (e.g., air squats, push-ups, proper hinging) before adding external load to ensure safety and effectiveness.Minimum recommended exerciseThe general guideline is 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, though many don't achieve this. He advises starting small (1–2 times a week) and building up.The "marginal decade"Referenced Peter Attia's concept – the last decade of life, where physical and cognitive decline can accelerate. The goal is to "train for your marginal decade" to maintain a high quality of life for as long as possible ("live long, die fast").Remote coaching benefitsEffective for accountability and progressing individuals safely once they have good movement fundamentals. Apps like TrueCoach allow for feedback, video analysis, and program tracking. In-person is ideal initially.Realistic expectations & dialing it inFor older adults, starting strength training will, at a minimum, maintain current muscle mass and bone density, but usually leads to gains. The focus isn't on competitive lifting but on functional improvement.Balancing pushing limits and safetyStart with an "underdose" to build tolerance and confidence. Introduce "deload weeks" (intentionally reducing intensity for a week after 3–6 weeks of harder training) to allow recovery and prevent joint stress. Listen for "dull, deep, achy, throbby" joint pain as a warning.Individualized programmingTraining programs must account for individual limitations, medical history (cardiac conditions, osteoporosis, previous surgeries), and goals. Progress is gradual, especially if conditions like osteopenia are present.Final key advice:Just start movingIf doing nothing, begin with a simple walking program.Strength training is safe and crucialIt's incredibly important and safe when done with supervision, especially initially.It's never too lateAge should not be a barrier to starting strength training.Strength training isn't about competition (for most)It's about improving functional ability, health, and quality of life, not necessarily lifting maximal weights.Thank you for your contribution of time and attention as a reader. I’ve received many lovely notes and thoughtful insights. A special thank you to those who have so generously contributed financially to AI for Lifelong Learners. What you do makes a difference and keeps me inspired.Have a question? Remember to post a Substack note or drop a comment → here anonymously. Your thoughts are my inspirations. Get full access to AI for Lifelong Learners at aiforlifelonglearners.substack.com/subscribe

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• Where human physiology meets AI

  Welcome to the next lifelong learners Podcast! Today's episode explores territory rarely covered in tech discussions - the relationship between our stress physiology and our ability to thrive alongside artificial intelligence. My guest Bethlyn Gerard brings decades of experience in systems thinking and team performance, offering a fresh perspective on what it truly means to be human in an age where machines are handling more of our thinking.To wet your appetite, here are some quotes from the interview that I think help set the stage and resonated with me:* "K plus E equals W, which is, it takes knowledge plus experience to mature into wisdom." Shared by Bethlyn Gerard* "We need to hone larger, intuitive, sensing, right-brain skills, because the machine's gonna do the rest of it." Bethlyn Gerard* "The level of human physiology dysregulation and the need for skills that take coherent regulation [are in] an inverse relationship." Bethlyn Gerard* "There's no excuse for less safe work to save a human job... There's no excuse to compromise the quality of care because we don't want AI to do it better for us." Bethlyn Gerard* "One of the principles of AI for lifelong learning is that you need to be what the machines can't be." Podcast HostAbout this episode:In this thought-provoking conversation, Bethlyn shares insights from her recent experience in Vietnam, where she leveraged AI tools to rapidly develop and cross-reference 38 lesson plans in just hours. Work that would have traditionally taken days. However, this episode goes far beyond efficiency gains to explore a critical question: as AI increasingly handles analytical and computational tasks, how must humans evolve their uniquely human capabilities?Why this matters for Lifelong Learners:This discussion connects directly to the core principle of AI for Lifelong Learning and you’ve heard me say this often, “what’s on offer now in life is for you to be more human”. We’re discovering that our lived experiences make us uniquely human—something machines can never replicate. Bethlyn makes a compelling case that as AI handles more routine cognitive tasks, our focus must shift toward strengthening our physiological foundations for expanded intuition, sensing, and right-brain skills. She explains why understanding stress regulation is as fundamental as learning photosynthesis, especially when our dysregulated physiology directly conflicts with the coherent regulation needed for the enhanced critical thinking our AI-assisted world demands.Join me now in this inspiring and enlightening conversation with Bethlyn Gerad.About Bethlyn Gerard:Bethlyn Gerard is the Founder and Principal of Generativity Solutions, where she has spent over two decades strengthening organizations across various growth stages from startups to large health systems. As an innovative strategist and proven leader in healthcare models, Bethlyn specializes in outcomes assessment, protocol design, and turning complex data into high-value insights. Her expertise lies at the intersection of systems thinking, stress physiology, and team wellness, making her uniquely qualified to discuss how our rapidly changing technological landscape impacts human performance.Bethlyn Gerad can be reached at https://www.generativity.solutions or on Linkedin. Get full access to AI for Lifelong Learners at aiforlifelonglearners.substack.com/subscribe

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• The human element: Sam Lipman on what AI can and cannot bring to music

  Welcome to AI for Lifelong Learners. Today we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming our creative and professional lives. I'm your host, Tom.In the studio with me is Sam Lipman, a highly innovative composer and educator at the University of Texas who recently made waves with his concerto for trumpet and orchestra performed by the Austin Symphony, featuring the brilliant Ephraim Owens and the amazing Gifton Jelen from New York City.What caught my attention during the pre-concert lecture questions were not just about Sam's innovative composition, the audience had many questions about the impact of AI – that is something I'd never witnessed at a classical music event. It speaks volumes about how AI has permeated every creative field, even those steeped in tradition. Sam brings a unique perspective as both a composer and a professor at the Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies at UT, where he recently pioneered a groundbreaking course on AI in music production. In Austin's forward-thinking culture that is known for embracing innovation, Sam is helping shape how the next generation of artists will engage with AI technologies.Today, we'll explore Sam's experiences teaching this experimental course, the ethical questions his students grappled with, and how he envisions AI transforming music creation and production.Interview summary* Developed for UT Austin's AET department for students not fitting traditional career tracks* Rebranded traditional music theory as "AI in music" to appeal to the administration* The curriculum covers AI foundations, history, copyright issues, and applications* Balances theoretical discussions with hands-on music creationEthics and legal aspects* Strong emphasis on copyright issues through mock trials* Students argued whether AI companies should use copyrighted training material* Highlighted disparity: traditional media pays for music while AI companies use it freely* Prediction: AI companies will eventually pay for copyrighted training materialsAI music tools and applications* Students presented various AI music tools to classmates* Covered composition tools, production tools (GAWs), and post-production tools* Used free tools to avoid additional student costs* Revealed limitations in AI music generation (predominantly 4/4 time with predictable progressions)AI's creative limitations* AI cannot predict music trends or create truly innovative music* Inherent "lag" in relevance due to training in older music* Cannot replicate the "ridiculous accidents" driving musical innovation* Students discovered gaps between creative vision and AI capabilitiesPersonal AI usage* Primarily used for administrative tasks rather than creative work* Helpful for structuring plans, writing professional emails, reviewing contracts* Generated background music for client project using Suno* Used for marketing campaigns and promotional materials* Compensates for personal skill gaps in administration and planningAs background:Composer Sam Lipman and trumpeter Ephraim Owens sit down with Dianne Donovan on KMFA to talk about the Austin jazz scene, where classical and jazz blend, and Sam and Ephraim's upcoming performance with the Austin Symphony Orchestra. February 2025. Get full access to AI for Lifelong Learners at aiforlifelonglearners.substack.com/subscribe

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• The DeepSeek paradox

  In the audio version in this post and add some commentary. Picture this: It's the 1980s, and giants like Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and Wang Laboratories rule the computing world with their massive, expensive machines. These companies couldn't imagine a future where small, personal computers would matter. Their machines cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and surely, these toy-like PCs could never compete.They were wrong. Catastrophically wrong.One by one, these titans fell. DEC, once a colossus of computing, was sold to Compaq. In 1992, Wang Laboratories went bankrupt. Prime Computer stopped selling new computers that same year. Data General was swallowed by EMC in 1999. Even IBM, who helped create the PC revolution, stumbled badly as they underestimated how quickly things would change.Today, in 2025, we're watching this same story unfold in artificial intelligence. The disruption has a name: DeepSeek.The DeepSeek earthquake Last week, a Chinese company called DeepSeek released something that has Silicon Valley in a panic. They demonstrated an AI model that matches or exceeds the capabilities of OpenAI's latest technology - but at a fraction of the cost. We're not talking about small savings here. DeepSeek claims they built their system for $5.6 million, compared to the half-billion dollars or more that U.S. companies spend on similar systems.Just like the PC makers of the 1980s who figured out how to build powerful computers cheaply, DeepSeek reimagined how AI systems could work. They use clever mathematical tricks to do more with less - like using 8-bit numbers instead of 32-bit numbers, which dramatically reduces the computing power needed.The results are stunning. Users around the world are downloading DeepSeek's models and running them on personal computers. Some are processing hundreds of thousands of AI queries for mere pennies. It's like watching the personal computer revolution happen all over again, but at AI speed.Market tremors and the NVIDIA questionWhen markets opened after DeepSeek's announcement, NVIDIA - the company that makes the expensive chips used for AI - lost nearly a trillion dollars in market value. Some people ask: "Why does this matter? It's just stock prices going up and down."But this misses the bigger picture. The trillion-dollar drop reflects a fundamental shift in how we think about AI's future. Just as the PC revolution showed we didn't need million-dollar mainframes to do powerful computing, DeepSeek is showing we might not need massive arrays of expensive chips to do powerful AI.This isn't just about NVIDIA. The entire AI industry has been building on the assumption that more expensive hardware equals better AI. DeepSeek just proved that assumption wrong.The pattern of creative destructionHere's where we see a deeper pattern emerge. Every major technological revolution follows this path: First, something is expensive and exclusive. Then, someone figures out how to make it cheaper and more accessible. The established players panic, claiming the cheaper version can't possibly be as good. But if it is good enough, it changes everything.We saw it with mainframes giving way to PCs. We saw it with expensive software being replaced by apps. Now we're seeing it with AI.But here's the twist that many are missing: When technology gets cheaper, we don't use less of it - we use more. Economists call this Jevons Paradox. When personal computers got cheap, we didn't buy fewer computers - suddenly everyone needed one. When cloud storage got cheap, we didn't store less data - we started storing everything.Tomorrow's AI landscapeThis brings us to what happens next. Just as the PC revolution didn't kill computing - it exploded it into something far bigger - DeepSeek's breakthrough won't kill AI. Instead, it will likely transform AI from something that only big tech companies can afford into something that becomes part of everyday life.Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella captured this perfectly when he tweeted about Jevons Paradox in response to DeepSeek. As AI becomes more efficient and accessible, its use will skyrocket. The pie isn't shrinking - it's growing dramatically.This could be an opportunity for the tech giants who can adapt. Amazon's cloud services could offer cheaper AI to millions of customers. Apple's devices could run powerful AI locally. Meta could embed AI throughout its services at a fraction of the current cost.But for those who can't adapt - who cling to the old, expensive way of doing things - well, just ask the executives of DEC how that worked out in the 1990s.The lesson is clear: in technology, the future belongs not to those who build the most expensive systems, but to those who figure out how to make powerful technology accessible to everyone. Deep Seek just showed us that future is coming faster than anyone expected.And just like the PC revolution before it, this will create both winners and losers. The winners will be those who embrace the change and figure out how to use cheaper, more accessible AI to solve real problems. The losers will be those who refuse to believe the world is changing until it's too late.History doesn't repeat, but it rhymes. And right now, it's rhyming pretty loudly.It's like when a new student joins your class who's really good at something. They might seem like competition at first, but often they end up raising everyone's game and making the whole class better. That's how progress often works - through challenge and response, push and pull, each side making the other stronger.What fascinates me most about this story is how it shows that big breakthroughs often come not from doing things bigger and more expensively, but from finding clever new ways to balance different approaches. It's kind of like finding out you don't need an expensive gym membership to get fit - sometimes a creative approach with simpler tools can work just as well or better.The Relational Paradigm: challenges and opportunitiesThe DeepSeek breakthrough isn't just a story of disruption—it's a perfect example of how major changes create both challenges AND opportunities. Those who focus solely on the potential downfall of established players like NVIDIA or the threat to American tech dominance are missing half the picture. This is where the relational paradigm comes into play, teaching us that we need to examine both sides and how they interact to truly grasp the situation.Think back to high school once again. You had the popular kids and the quiet kids. Neither group was inherently "better"—they balanced each other out, each contributing to the school community in their unique ways. The same principle applies here with American and Chinese AI developments. They're not locked in a zero-sum game, but rather pushing each other to improve in different ways.This story is particularly fascinating because it highlights how quick people are to jump to extremes. Some cry, "This changes everything!" while others lament, "This ruins everything!" The reality, as is often the case, lies somewhere in the middle. It involves both positive and negative aspects that need to be understood in relation to each other.Yes, DeepSeek's breakthrough might disrupt the current AI industry giants. But it also opens up new possibilities for AI integration in everyday life, potentially spurring innovation we can't yet imagine. It might challenge American tech dominance, but it could also lead to more robust international collaboration and competition, ultimately benefiting global AI development.The key is to resist the urge to see this development in black and white terms. Instead, we need to embrace the complexity, understanding that the true impact of Deep Seek's innovation will be a tapestry of interrelated effects, some challenging, some opportune, all part of the ever-evolving landscape of technological progress.As we move forward, the winners in this new AI paradigm won't just be those who can build the cheapest or most powerful systems. They'll be the ones who can navigate this complex relational landscape, understanding how different factors interact and finding opportunities in the balance between disruption and continuity, challenge and opportunity, East and West.tpAddendum: An understandable perspective on what is DeepSeek and what it means and doesn’t mean - well, so far … Get full access to AI for Lifelong Learners at aiforlifelonglearners.substack.com/subscribe

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• Are the mirrors of our age revealing truth or spinning enchantment?

  Pixabay.comRegardless of what side of the political spectrum you align with, I can't help but wonder if we're all feeling like Dorothy in L. Frank Baum's Land of Oz – thrust into a world that's both wondrous and unsettling. The current AI revolution swirls around me, appearing to want to transform every aspect of my life. Just this morning, a chatbot scheduled my doctor's appointment with eerie efficiency, while an algorithm curated the very news stories I was reading. It was as if I'd stepped into a realm where technology and magic were one and the same.AI for Lifelong Learners is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, you may become a free or paid subscriber. Your engagement as a reader inspires me to write more.I'll admit, part of me is thrilled by the possibilities. The idea that AI could solve problems we've grappled with for centuries is exhilarating. It's what we all dreamed about in the earlier days of AI research. And to be fair, I know there are people who carry the same passion. But there's also this nagging worry in the pit of my stomach, like the homesickness Dorothy felt in Oz. I ask myself, are we losing something essential in this rush towards a hyper-efficient, AI-driven future? What about the quirky, imperfect, beautifully-human parts of our world?As I grapple with these conflicting emotions, I'm reminded of an old parable about two mirror makers. Their story, much like the contrasting characters in Oz, speaks to this push and pull between embracing change and holding onto what's constant. In a world where AI sometimes feels like an all-powerful Wizard behind the curtain, this tale offers a perspective that feels particularly relevant.So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your thing) and join me on this moment of reflection. I think you'll see why this story has been on my mind lately, and maybe it'll give us both a new way to navigate the emerald cities and dark forests of our AI-filled present.Form and Flow in the Art of TruthIn a quiet village, nestled between rolling hills, lived two craftsmen who made mirrors. Each had inherited a piece of ancient, polished silver from their ancestors, and each claimed that their mirror revealed the truest reflection.The first craftsman, Serra, framed her mirror in straight, dark wood. It stood on a rigid stand that never wavered. "This is how we see what truly is," Serra explained to visitors. "The frame keeps everything aligned, and the stand ensures nothing shifts." Those who gazed into Serra's mirror often noticed how serious and solemn they appeared, as though every line on their face had been etched by time's unyielding hand.The second craftsman, Rivera, crafted a mirror unlike any other. Its frame spiraled and curved like a river, and its stand swayed gently, as if breathing. "This is how we see what could be," Rivera would say. "The frame reminds us that everything flows, and the stand shows us that all things move in harmony." Visitors who looked into Rivera's mirror saw their reflections ripple and shift—sometimes smiling, sometimes laughing, sometimes wearing expressions they didn't know they had.For many years, the villagers debated which mirror showed the truth. Was it Serra's, with its steadfast clarity? Or Rivera's, with its shifting possibilities? They argued endlessly, but neither side could convince the other.One day, a young mathematician named Ada arrived in the village. She had spent years studying the patterns of constancy and change, the delicate balance between what remains and what transforms. Curious about the two mirrors, she decided to visit both craftsmen.First, she went to Serra's workshop and gazed into the unyielding mirror. Her reflection was crisp and sharp, every detail perfectly in place. "Your mirror shows the world as it appears," Ada remarked. Serra nodded, pleased.Then, Ada visited Rivera's workshop and peered into his flowing mirror. Her reflection shimmered and morphed, her features blending and shifting as though caught in a current. "Your mirror shows the world as it could be," Ada said. Rivera smiled.But Ada wasn't satisfied. She had a hunch that the full truth lay somewhere between the two. So she asked Serra and Rivera to bring their mirrors to the village square.She positioned the mirrors so they faced each other, with a space in between. When the villagers gathered around, something extraordinary happened. The infinite reflections that appeared between the mirrors weren't simple repetitions. Instead, they seemed alive. A frown in one reflection melted into a smile in the next, which grew into a laugh in another, only to become a tear moments later. Every possible expression unfolded in the endless cascade of reflections, as if the mirrors were revealing not just how things were or how they could be, but everything in between."Ada said, 'You see,' as she turned to the astonished craftsmen. 'Neither mirror tells the whole story on its own. Serra's mirror shows us form—what seems to stay constant. Rivera's mirror shows us process—how things change and flow. But the truth is bigger than either one. It's found in the relationship between them. Every reflection is shaped by both what remains and what transforms.'"The craftsmen were silent, thinking deeply. Finally, Serra asked, "But which mirror is right?"Ada smiled. "You're asking the wrong question. The truth isn't about choosing one over the other. It's about understanding how they work together. Just as a river needs both its steady banks and its flowing water to exist, truth needs both constancy and change. Your mirrors don't oppose each other—they complete each other."Inspired, Serra and Rivera decided to work together. They built a special room where their mirrors could be placed side by side, facing inward. Visitors who stood between two mirrors would see themselves from every angle—not just as they were, but as they might become.The villagers quickly came to love the room of mirrors. Some who entered came seeking affirmation and left with clarity. Others came with questions and left with unexpected insights. Those who sought to confirm what they already believed found comfort in Serra's mirror, while those open to possibility found wonder in Rivera's. But those who stood in the middle, open to the infinite reflections between the two, discovered something even greater: that their lives were not fixed or fluid, but a symphony of both.Over time, the village came to understand that wisdom wasn't about choosing between what stays the same and what changes. Wisdom was seeing how the two intertwined. And in that dance, they discovered the very nature of reality itself.tpAI for Lifelong Learners is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, you may become a free or paid subscriber. Your engagement as a reader inspires me to write more. Get full access to AI for Lifelong Learners at aiforlifelonglearners.substack.com/subscribe

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