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Send us a text What happens when the lights go out? For most of us, it’s just an inconvenience. But for millions of households and small businesses, outages mean life-saving medicine spoils, work grinds to a halt, and daily life becomes uncertain. This week on Things Have Changed, we’re joined by Cole Ashman, founder of Pila Energy, who is on a mission to make backup power accessible to everyone. From growing up in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina to working on cutting-edge energy products, Cole has seen firsthand how fragile the grid can be — and how urgently we need solutions that work for all people, not just homeowners with deep pockets. With Pila, Cole and his team are building portable, modular, and intelligent batteries that can protect what matters most — whether that’s a fridge, a CPAP machine, or your home office. In this episode, we explore: Why today’s grid challenges (aging infrastructure, AI-driven demand, climate disasters) make resilience more urgent than everThe problem with traditional backup power and who gets left behindHow distributed, plug-and-play batteries can scale faster than big infrastructure projectsWhy resilience should be a right, not a privilege🎧 If you care about technology, climate, or the future of energy, this conversation will change the way you think about power — and what it means to stay resilient. Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text When Fatigue Becomes Fatal: Voice AI and the Future of Worker Safety Fatigue isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a $400 billion problem. In this episode of Things Have Changed, we sit down with Yujie Wang, founder of Vocadian, to talk about a silent workplace epidemic that affects doctors, truckers, miners, and factory workers alike: occupational fatigue. Yujie draws from his time at MIT and Harvard to share how cutting-edge voice-AI and circadian science can detect fatigue before disaster strikes. After a near-eyeball-loss accident involving a fatigued driver, Yujie dove into research, developing a non-intrusive, voice-based biometric that can flag impairment in just 30 seconds—no wearables needed. We explore: How shifting sleep-wake cycles and cognitive weariness impact high-risk professions.The creative ways Vocadian integrates voice screening into pre-shift checklists, sometimes alongside mining booths or safety training modules.Why multimodal data—including environmental factors and scheduling—is critical for accurate insights.The ecosystem around worker safety: companies, insurers, unions, and regulators all play a part in making this tech useful and accepted.From the rumble of highways to the flattened hospital corridors, you’ll hear stories of close calls—and how voice might just be the early warning we desperately need. Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text Today, more than ever, industries are turning to tech to address inefficiencies that plague day-to-day operations. The legal industry, often viewed as one of the most traditional and slow-moving professions, is undergoing a silent revolution. Lawyers, known for their meticulous review processes and reliance on institutional knowledge, are increasingly overburdened by repetitive tasks like document review and answering the same questions multiple times. Ruli AI, co-founded by Bryan Lee, is at the forefront of this shift, leveraging artificial intelligence to redefine how lawyers work. On Things Have Changed, we recently hosted Bryan Lee, co-founder and CEO of Ruli AI, to discuss how AI could tremendously boost efficiencies within the legal space while giving lawyers the tools they need to focus on strategic, high-value work. Ruli AI: The AI Partner for Lawyers Bryan’s career journey is far from the typical one - going from big law to launching an AI startup. After spending years juggling the demands of capital markets law, in-house legal counsel, and AI development at Google and Meta, Bryan observed a universal pain point: lawyers spending countless hours on tasks that could be automated. “Imagine if lawyers had an AI partner that could handle repetitive tasks, like summarizing contracts, reviewing for inconsistencies, or even answering basic questions,” Bryan explained. “That’s where Ruli AI steps in.” Ruli AI offers a legal platform with two primary components: Legal Hub: Automates intake processes, answers FAQs, and centralizes organizational knowledge for seamless collaboration.Copilot: A personal assistant for lawyers, capable of summarizing documents, conducting research, and providing clear, actionable insights.This dual approach makes Ruli AI a trusted partner that helps lawyers focus on what they do best: solving complex legal challenges. The Legal Profession’s Efficiency Problem At the heart of Ruli AI’s mission is the drive to solve a problem that plagues the entire legal industry: inefficiency! The numbers are staggering. In a typical in-house legal team, a single lawyer might support 100 or more employees, resulting in a backlog of unanswered questions, delayed document reviews, and unproductive hours spent on repetitive tasks. Lawyers and AI are an Ideal Fit Ruli AI shows that AI & Law is a perfect fit. There is growing consensus that at least in the Legal field, AI is being viewed more as an Aid, and not a Replacement. By automating routine tasks, AI can empower lawyers to spend more time on complex cases, strategic thinking, and client relations. This technological shift allows legal teams to work more efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining high-quality services. Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text In this episode of Things Have Changed Podcast, we sit down with Sélim Benayat, co-founder of Bento and now Director of Product at Linktree, to explore the shifting landscape of the creator economy and how Bento is helping creators showcase their work in a whole new way. Sélim shares the story behind Bento’s creation, their journey through Sequoia’s Arc program, and how they scaled their vision into a platform now empowering creators worldwide to curate their digital identities effortlessly. Creators, from engineers and designers to artists, have always had a hard time trying to visually showcase their work when it's scattered across different platforms. Sélim and his co-founder, Mugeeb recognized this problem and built Bento, a slick and visually stunning platform that lets you pull in all your creative projects into one central hub, making it easier to keep your work & portfolio organized and presentable. Tune in as we dive deep into Bento’s acquisition by Linktree, the lessons learned from building a startup, and where Sélim sees the future of the creator economy headed.  If you're a creator, entrepreneur, or just curious about the evolving digital space, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Be sure to subscribe to Things Have Changed Podcast and share this episode with fellow creators and visionaries. Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text Have you ever stumbled upon an article or a piece of content online and wondered, "Did someone actually write this, or is it the work of ChatGPT?" In today’s world, where content is produced at an incredible pace, it's becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference.. and that’s a problem in the age of misinformation. Think about it: people are getting their news on social media, X, Youtube or Facebook! With the advancements of AI, it’s hard to tell how something online can be truly authentic. With latest studies showing >12% of Google's search results being AI-generated, it's critical to ensure the integrity of the digital content we consume and create.   That's where Originality AI comes in! We’re thrilled to host Jon Gillham, founder and CEO on Things Have Changed. as he shares how his team are tackling these issues head-on by developing cutting-edge tech to detect AI-generated content. In a short span of time, Originality AI have achieved remarkable results, and is the most accurate AI Detector in the market for ChatGPT, GPT-4o, Gemini Pro, Claude 3, Llama 3 etc. So today on Things Have Changed, we'll dive deep into how Originality AI works, its impact on various industries, and why ensuring content authenticity is more important than ever. Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text Revolutionizing Battery Recycling: The Future of Sustainable Energy Management As the world embraces the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, with 1.3 million EVs sold in 2023 alone—a 40% increase from the previous year—the issue of battery disposal and recycling is becoming increasingly critical. The demand for lithium-ion batteries, essential for EVs and other electronics, has skyrocketed, yet the challenge of managing these batteries at the end of their life remains largely unaddressed. The Circular Economy and Battery Recycling The concept of a circular economy, where products are reused, recycled, and remade into new products, is gaining traction as a sustainable solution to the growing battery waste problem. Traditional fossil fuels are consumed and discarded, but batteries, composed of valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, present an opportunity for continuous reuse. This shift from a linear to a circular model could significantly reduce the environmental impact of battery disposal. Cling Systems: Pioneering Circularity William Bergh, the Founder and CEO of Cling Systems, is at the forefront of this transformation. Cling Systems aims to revolutionize the battery supply chain through closed-loop recycling, ensuring that used batteries are efficiently reclaimed and repurposed. This approach not only reduces landfill waste but also conserves valuable raw materials, contributing to a more sustainable energy future. Bergh's vision extends beyond recycling. He advocates for urban mining, a process where waste batteries are harvested for their raw materials, effectively replacing traditional mining. This method capitalizes on the fact that batteries, unlike fossil fuels, are not consumed but stored, making their materials available for repeated use. Challenges and Innovations in Battery Recycling Despite its potential, the battery recycling industry faces significant hurdles. One major challenge is the lack of standardization in battery design, which complicates the recycling process. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which are standardized and widely recycled, lithium-ion batteries vary greatly in their composition and design. This variability makes it difficult to develop efficient recycling processes that can handle the diverse range of batteries in use today. Additionally, the supply of end-of-life batteries is highly fragmented. Batteries reach the end of their life in various locations, often ending up in drawers or being exported to different countries. This dispersed supply chain complicates the logistics of collecting and recycling batteries. Cling Systems addresses this challenge by creating a comprehensive database of battery types and conditions, enabling more efficient tracking and management of used batteries. The Future of Battery Recycling Looking ahead, the future of battery recycling hinges on continued innovation and collaboration. The industry must scale up recycling processes, standardize battery designs, and develop more efficient logistics systems. As urban mining becomes more prevalent, the reliance on traditional mining for battery materials could diminish, leading to a more sustainable and self-sufficient supply chain. Bergh envisions a world where the environmental and commercial value of batteries is maximized through seamless recycling and repurposing processes. By removing the costs and complexities of circulating batteries, companies like Cling Systems are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. The shift towards a circular economy in battery management not only addresses the immediate waste problem but also suppo Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text The Power of PR: Navigating Today’s Media Landscape with Sneha Saigal In our hyper-connected world, the stakes for corporate reputation are incredibly high. Remember Cristiano Ronaldo's simple gesture that caused a $5 billion drop in Coca-Cola's market value? Or the backlash against Pepsi's Kendall Jenner ad? These moments remind us how quickly public sentiment can shift. Today on the "Things Have Changed Podcast," we welcome Sneha Saigal, founder and CEO of Geeks&Experts, who has pioneered PR solutions that empower startups to turn crisis into opportunity. Her innovative approach helps startups navigate these volatile waters by providing scalable PR expertise, crucial for maintaining a positive public image. Join us as Sneha shares her invaluable insights into the vital role of PR in shaping public perception and brand integrity. We'll explore how effective PR strategies can help startups not just manage crises but also build enduring relationships and a robust corporate identity. Stay tuned as Sneha reveals the transformative potential of PR in the digital age and how it can make or break a company's reputation overnight. Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text Bringing Coding to the Masses with AI. Can programming become accessible to all? This week on Things Have Changed podcast we have Filip C. Kozera (CEO) and Robert Chandler (CTO) from Wordware AI,  a startup that's simplifying app creation and making it more user-friendly for both experienced programmers and complete beginners! AI is the hottest topic in tech right now, and for good reason. Filip and Robert break down how they see the software landscape changing – moving away from traditional coding toward simply using plain English instructions with advanced technology. Imagine you have the next million-dollar app idea – and you're going to build it yourself! But instead of writing complex code, you're simply using...English. That's the vision driving the Wordware team, who are developing these impressive capabilities in a seamless, easy-to-use interface. Today's episode dives into topics like the rise of "prompt engineering" as a vital new skill, the wide-ranging impacts of easily accessible AI development, and a future where creativity and clear communication are more valued than traditional programming languages. Don't miss this fascinating look into making software development more intuitive and user-friendly! 00:00 The Dawn of AI in Software Development 00:46 The Evolution of Programming: From Code to English 01:50 The Impact of AI on the Software Industry 05:02 Exploring the Future of AI and Software with WordWare 05:18 The Challenges and Innovations in AI Development 07:48 WordWare: Revolutionizing Programming with AI 09:33 The Expanding Role of AI in Various Industries 10:02 The Future of Work: AI Engineers and Domain Experts 12:31 Unlocking Creativity and Efficiency with AI 18:49 WordWare: A New Paradigm for AI Development 25:05 Empowering the Next Generation of Developers and Creatives 30:09 WordWare's Vision: Making AI Accessible to All 36:26 Closing Thoughts and Opportunities with WordWare Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text When ChatGPT was launched in December 2022, few could have predicted the rapid transformation the world would undergo in the following months. It emerged as the fastest-growing consumer technology in history, catching many by surprise.  In the year since its launch, ChatGPT has revolutionized nearly every aspect of the tech industry. It enables computers to create articles, finish homework assignments, and generate art, fundamentally altering our understanding of work, creativity, and the very notion of 'search' As companies explore advanced AI, they often struggle with managing the necessary infrastructure, including the specialized chips that power these technologies, which can slow their progress. Brev, led by Nader Khalil offers a strategic solution that simplifies the complex landscape for companies striving to leverage AI. Brev’s platform is designed to allow companies to focus on leveraging AI for innovation without the overhead of managing hardware, ensuring they can harness these powerful technologies efficiently. In the midst of this GPU capacity shortage, the need for more efficient resource management is highlighted. The lack of GPUs or the GPU availabilities out there in the world is not only affecting the largest customers in the world, but also startups and midsize companies that really need access to it. Today, on Things Have Changed Podcast, we're diving deep with Nader Khalil, Co-Founder and CEO of Brev into how they support the generative AI boom, ensuring that businesses can innovate freely with AI, reducing the trouble of managing high demand GPUs like A100, H100 and others. Here are some helpful links: Nama Ventures InvestmentInfrastructure as a Service (IAAS) Article on BrevDevGenerative AI StatisticsSupport the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text Tech companies today are building bigger and bigger campuses. Think about Google's sprawling complex in Mountain View, Facebook's expansive headquarters in Menlo Park, and Amazon's new HQ2 in Arlington, VA. These are not just workplaces; they are mini-cities, pulsating with thousands of employees every day. Just trying to get around campus becomes a rather daunting task and that’s a problem that Jeral Poskey, founder of Swyft Cities, thinks about a lot: Swyft Cities was founded in 2019 by some Google Alums, behind the real estate and transportation programs for Google Campuses! The problem they were trying to solve? How do you move massive amounts of people in an increasingly growing campus? Jeral envisions a future where getting around tech campuses and cityscapes is as seamless as hopping on a ski lift, but with the urban flair of downtown gondola rides. Swift Cities isn't just about easing commutes; it's about transforming how we interact with our urban environments, making them more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable. As Jeral puts it, it's about creating a 'Goldilocks density' of urban living, where communities thrive without the clutter and pollution of cars. Helpful links: Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-35-why-swim-when-you-can-fly/id1687567073?i=1000645351345TechCrunch Win & Pitchhttps://www.holmessolutions.com/whoosh/https://www.businessinsider.com/america-parking-lot-spaces-addiction-economy-housing-costs-inflation-2023-4Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text Picture this: You're kicking back, watching one of those jaw-dropping SpaceX rockets launch into the cosmos, carrying astronauts or top-secret cargo to the space station. Yeah, that's the same SpaceX we're talking about today on Things Have Changed. They've been lighting up the skies and our feeds with a whopping 96 launches last year alone. Impressive, right? But here's the kicker: even with all that rocket-fueled spectacle, we're left wondering, does all this bankroll Elon Musk's dream of an inter-planetary human? Enter the game-changer: Starlink. Imagine thousands of tiny satellites zooming above us, bringing high-speed internet across the globe. In just a blink (A few years), Starlink's morphed into a giant slice of SpaceX's revenue, raking in nearly 40%. And let's face it, in a world where the internet's as essential as the air we breathe, Starlink's looking to shake things up big time. So join us on Things Have Changed Podcast as we dive deep into the Starlink saga. It's more than just a tech tale; it's about connecting corners of the Earth that have been left in the digital shadows.  Here are some helpful links: How Much Money Will Starlink Make?How Elon Musk’s Starlink Is Bringing In Billions For SpaceXMore than 14M households across the US don’t have internetDesign Flaw - 100 SatellitesStarlink SatellitesStarlinks Rapid GrowthBroadband Gaps Dirty Secret - redlining in Digital FormStarlink Subsidy DenialMilitary ImportanceSupport the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text We've all been there: mid-conversation or deep into a work session, only for our digital lifeline to suddenly drop, leaving us stranded in a sea of silence. It's these moments of unexpected disconnection that highlight a pervasive gap in our modern, connected lives. Well, Today on Things Have Changed Podcast, we're joined by Damien Garot, CEO, and Hassan Aouisse, CTO of Stellar, a deep tech startup on a mission to perfect internet while on the move.  Through their innovative blend of cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite technologies, they're tackling the universal challenge of reliable connectivity, promising a future where digital accessibility knows no bounds. Join us as we delve into the journey of Stellar, uncovering the inspirations, challenges, and breakthroughs that mark their path towards a seamlessly connected world. This episode is more than just a peek into the future of technology; it's a conversation about how bridging the digital divide can reshape our daily lives, making every moment of connection count. So stay curious, and let's explore together how Stellar is lighting up the dark spots on our digital maps, ensuring that no call, no message, and no byte of data is ever lost in transit again. Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text Ever wondered how startups grow by buying other companies?   Today on Things Have Changed, we're delighted to host returning guest, Dylan Terrill, Chief Business Officer of Asaak, as he discusses his company's remarkable expansion, now spanning two continents.  Asaak, founded in 2016, is a fintech company offering loans for motorcycles and smartphones to people who couldn't get traditional bank loans. This approach not only addressed a critical financial gap but also spurred economic empowerment in Uganda. Now they've set their sights on to Mexico, through a strategic acquisition of FlexClub Mexico. With over 300,000 active Uber drivers and a smartphone penetration of 93%, yet with less than half the adult population banked, Mexico presents a fertile ground for Asaak's mission-driven approach.  This move raises several questions: How will Asaak's experience in Uganda's unique market translate to Mexico's diverse economy? With Mexico's significant unbanked population, what new opportunities and challenges will Asaak encounter? Join us on Things Have Changed for a deep dive into Asaak's groundbreaking journey and the visionary leadership steering it into new frontiers. Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text Palmer Luckey, once synonymous with the virtual reality revolution through the Oculus Rift, catapulted into tech stardom when Facebook acquired Oculus for an astonishing $2 billion. This pivotal moment not only validated VR's potential as the next major computing platform but also marked a turning point in Luckey's career. His journey from crafting immersive digital worlds to influencing tangible, real-world outcomes began here, setting the stage for an unexpected pivot towards a sector far removed from gaming and entertainment: defense. Transitioning from virtual reality to the defense industry, Luckey embarked on a new venture, founding Anduril Industries. This shift was motivated by a desire to innovate within a sector known for its resistance to change, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address modern security challenges. Anduril's inception represented a bold move into a domain dominated by longstanding giants, with Luckey aiming to infuse the agility and innovation of Silicon Valley into the traditionally conservative defense industry. Anduril Industries stands as a testament to this vision, actively dismantling the traditional cost-plus model that has long governed defense procurement. By adopting a tech-driven approach, Anduril is navigating the "Valley of Death" – the daunting gap between prototype development and full-scale production that many defense startups face. Through strategic investments in autonomous systems and AI, Anduril is not just surviving this transitional phase but thriving, offering scalable, efficient solutions that promise to reshape the landscape of global defense, signaling a new era where technology drives strategy, and innovation ensures security. Support the show Things Have Changed

Send us a text In the past two decades, technology has dramatically reshaped numerous industries, from newspapers to travel agencies. Once thriving sectors have been disrupted, evidenced by the decline of traditional newspapers, which lost $6 billion in ad revenue to Craigslist alone between 2000 and 2006. Similarly, the rise of platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Airbnb reflects a significant shift in consumer behavior. Now, this wave of technological disruption is poised to redefine the defense industry, a sector traditionally characterized by unique procurement practices and significant government contracts. 📰📱 The defense sector, once dominated by a handful of major players following a wave of consolidation in the 1990s, is now facing a new challenge: tech-driven transformation. The industry's "cost-plus" methodology, which often leads to inefficiencies and misaligned incentives, is now being scrutinized by tech companies. These new entrants see an opportunity to leverage their expertise in optimizing processes and margins. As tech companies bring their innovative approaches to defense, they're catalyzing a shift towards more efficient and cost-effective solutions. 🚀 Yet, the integration of tech into defense is not without its challenges. Traditional defense contractors are deeply entrenched, familiar with the intricacies of government contracts and regulations. However, companies like SpaceX and Palantir are advocating for more accessible pathways for smaller contractors, potentially leading to greater innovation and competition in the sector. This evolution in the defense industry mirrors the broader impact of tech across various markets, raising questions about the future of defense technology and its implications. 🌐🛰️ Support the show Things Have Changed