Shows
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 25: Opal - Google's Card to the Automation MarketHello everyone. What’s up? Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday. In this episode, we discuss the potential benefits of a new tool called Opal. Opal is an agentic solution for creating mini AI-powered apps and automation. Let’s dive in and explore how to use this tool effectively, as well as what the future might hold.If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button so you never miss our next deep dive into the tech shaping tomorrow. This podcast grows with your support, so we would love it if you could share it with a fr...2025-08-0413 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 24: Understanding how Manus AI worksHello everyone. What’s up? Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday. In this episode, we discuss the potential benefits of a new tool called Manus AI. Manus AI is an agentic solution compared to ChatGPT, Claude, or any other chatbot out there. Manus AI originates from China and gained traction upon its launch in the US. Let’s dive in and explore how to use this tool effectively, as well as what to avoid.Invitation link to receive extra free credits when you join Manus: https://manus.im/invitation/N6FA99JNUUQUIf you enjo...2025-07-2507 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 23 [Bonus]: Virtual Human EconomyHello everyone. What’s up? Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday. This is a bonus episode, and today we're discussing a topic that may sound dystopian to many of you. Imagine waking up tomorrow to find that your digital twin has been working all night, answering customer questions for three different companies, teaching Spanish to students in Brazil, and even negotiating a brand partnership deal. This isn't science fiction anymore, it's the Virtual Human Economy, and it's starting right now.If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button so you never miss our next deep di...2025-07-2319 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 22: Design with Google Stitch - From design to appHello everyone. Welcome back to another Episode of Tech Break by Friday. Did you love Stitch as a kid? He was one of my favorite characters. No, Google didn't release him to the public. At least not yet. Today, we’re diving into Google Stitch—Google’s brand new AI-powered design tool that’s changing how we build websites and apps. Let’s dive in.If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button so you never miss our next deep dive into the tech shaping tomorrow. This podcast grows with your support, so we would love it if you...2025-07-1810 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 21: Developer Friendly #1 - Beginner's Guide to Gemini CLIIn this episode of Tech Break by Friday, we introduce the Gemini CLI, a powerful, open-source AI agent that brings Gemini’s capabilities straight to your terminal. Whether you’re a developer, builder, or just curious about AI tools, you’ll learn how Gemini CLI can streamline your workflow, automate documentation, and boost productivity.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with someone who’s going to love it. Thanks again for reading. I’ll see you next Friday, where we’ll continue to discover new topics and ideas.Full Te...2025-07-1110 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 20: AI Demystified #4 - What is Natural Language Processing (NLP)?Ever wondered how a chatbot understands your frustration about a delayed order? This week on Tech Break by Friday, we're diving deep into the magic behind the screen!Ever typed a question into a chatbot and marveled at how it just gets you? Or have you ever wondered how companies seem to know exactly how their customers feel about a new product based on thousands of online reviews? The secret lies in the fascinating world of Natural Language Processing (NLP), and precisely this episode, we're breaking it all down.In this episode, we explore:2025-07-0409 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 19: Building Your First AI Project – Beginner Tools, Demos & GuidanceWelcome back to Tech Break by Friday, where we make big tech topics feel small and doable. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the story of how I joined a hackathon, used a tool called Lovable, and built an AI-powered research assistant — all in under 48 hours.Even though I have a background in AI, I wanted to test how beginner-friendly vibe-coding really is. Using just natural language prompts (and no manual coding), I created a working MVP that connects with Zotero, fetches academic papers, and allows users to chat with their research library.This episod...2025-06-2709 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 18: Is Your AI Fair? Let’s Talk Bias & EthicsIn this episode of Tech Break by Friday, Paraskevi Kivroglou dives into the foundational question: What is ethical AI? Ethical AI means building and deploying artificial intelligence that aligns with core human values—fairness, accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. While the concept sounds straightforward, its real-world application is complex due to the risk of embedding and amplifying biases present in data and design.I hope you like this episode. If you do, please leave a review or comment on any platform that you are listening to and share it with anyone you think might like th...2025-06-2107 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 17: AI Deepfakes - What’s Real Anymore?In this episode of Tech Break by Friday, Paraskevi Kivroglou discusses a really important topic regarding our protection in the AI era. You’ll learn what AI Deepfakes are and how to protect yourself and your community. We will also discuss the ethics of this topic and why it is dangerous not to recognize them.In a world of noise and misinformation, we can learn to protect ourselves by using critical thinking and evaluation. I hope you like this episode. If you do, please leave a review or comment on any platform that you are listening to an...2025-06-1312 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 16: AI Demystified #3 Neural Networks ExplainedIn this episode of Tech Break by Friday’s “AI Demystified” series, Paraskevi Kivroglou breaks down the mysteries behind one of AI’s most powerful tools. You’ll learn how the brain inspires neural networks (but aren’t brains!), how data travels through layers like beans turning into espresso, and how these models actually “learn” from their mistakes.We’ll also spotlight real-world game-changers—from Tesla’s Autopilot to cancer-detecting algorithms—and clear up some of the biggest myths about neural networks. Whether you’re new to AI or just want a clearer picture, this episode will leave you feeling informed...2025-06-0609 min
Tech Break by FridayBonus Episode: A Brief History of AIHi there. Welcome back to another episode of Tech Break by Friday. I was inspired to release this bonus episode after hearing people say how “new AI” is. It sparked an idea: why not do a quick dive into the fascinating history of Artificial Intelligence, and explore how this incredible field actually began? So, that’s what we’re doing today – a mini time-travel adventure!Before we jump in, if you enjoy what we do here at Tech Break by Friday, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to rate the podcast on whatever pla...2025-06-0109 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 15: AI Demystified #2 - What is AI vs. ML vs. Reinforcement Learning?Hey there! Welcome back to another episode of Tech Break by Friday. Today, we have another episode of the series AI Demystified. Our topic: What’s the real difference between Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Reinforcement Learning? Spoiler: they’re not all the same thing, and understanding the difference will help you spot the hype from the real deal. (Source: Created with ChatGPT)Let’s remember what AI means from our last episode. AI is an algorithm that recognises patterns based on data that it has already seen. The period that AI learns from data is cal...2025-05-3007 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 14: Inside Video Generation's Game ChangerHi, there. Welcome back to another episode of Tech Break by Friday. Today’s topic is creating videos for short-form content using an AI creative platform, Runway. If you ever wanted to experiment with making videos without being a professional videographer, please stay for this episode’s sweet spots. Today’s episode aims to help students, AI enthusiasts (who like to experiment with AI tools), small business owners or marketers who are looking for an easy way to create engaging short videos to market their products or services. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave a revi...2025-05-2314 min
Tech Break by Friday[Bonus] Episode #1: Harvard Research Study on AI is surprising (HBR Research Visuals, 2025)Hello everyone, and welcome back to a bonus episode of Tech Break by Friday. This morning, while eating my breakfast and reading through Substack, I came across an interesting article about AI use cases in 2025. Some of them surprised me, so I decided to share them with you. Thanks for listening to or reading Tech Break by Friday! You can subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.I am surprised by the first-place use case: Therapy and Companionship. The data from Marc Zao-Sanders, co-founder...2025-05-1808 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 13: AI Demystified - Foundational Concepts for All #1Welcome to the first episode of ‘AI Demystified’—a mini-series in which we break down what artificial intelligence really is, how it works, and why it matters to you. Whether you're curious, cautious, or confused about AI, this series is here to help you understand the essentials in plain English.I’m Paraskevi Kivroglou, a software developer and AI researcher who’s passionate about making tech accessible to everyone. Today, we’re starting at the beginning: What actually is AI, and why do so many people think it’s magic?If you’re interested in learning more fr...2025-05-1608 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 12: Beautiful Presentations with AIHey there, and welcome back to Tech Break by Friday, where we break down AI and technology terms to use step-by-step strategies for our business. I’m your host, Paraskevi Kivroglou—software developer, AI researcher, and here to help you stay one step ahead in the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence.Today’s topic is going to save you hours and will instantly level up how you communicate ideas—AI presentation tools.Why use AI for presentations?If you are like me, building presentations can be a time-consuming process. You spend hours tweaking slides...2025-05-0908 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 11: AI makes a social media marketing planHey there, and welcome back to Tech Break by Friday, where we break down AI and technology terms to use step-by-step strategies for our business. I am an AI and Software Engineer with a passion to share technology as simply as possible for everyone. In today’s episode, I want to show you how to use 2 of my go-to tools this week for decision making. As an example, we will ask Perplexity and ChatGPT to guide us in creating a marketing plan. The idea is to create a plan that you can execute for your business in a...2025-05-0210 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 10: Try This Viral ChatGPT PromptHello everyone. Welcome to another episode of Tech Break by Friday. Some exciting news came up this week. ChatGPT has a new feature called Memory. Memory allows ChatGPT to remember your preferences, your name, and other details from previous conversations. So, I came up with some prompts that a few people tried and posted on X on how to use ChatGPT to learn more about yourself—things that you might not even realize that you do. This worked amazingly, and the results went viral. (Source: Screenshot from writing the prompt, mentioned)The excellent pr...2025-04-2508 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 9: The powerful Google Notebook LMYou want to save notes, create mind maps, and record podcasts to increase your productivity, and this is the tool you've been waiting for. In today’s episode, I will share one of my favorite tools for learning a new topic. Notebook LM was released by Google a year ago as an experiment. You can view it under your Google account products or by searching for it. So, what is special about this product?Personal Notebook LM Screenshot.You can create a notebook that will hold information from various sources. For example, let‘s cr...2025-04-1405 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 8: This week's AI news is insane...Meta released Llama 4.What is different compared to their previous models?From Meta’s website:Meta's Llama 4 models are cutting-edge multimodal AI systems designed to handle both text and image inputs seamlessly. They employ a mixture-of-experts (MoE) architecture, which activates only a subset of parameters for each input, enhancing efficiency and scalability.Basically, what this means is that only a smaller set of the model’s parameters are activated at a single request. The activated parameters represent one or more experts. These experts to be activated are chosen from an internal router. This is s...2025-04-0615 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 7: AI is making logos now...I don’t know if all of you know how much I love to talk about business or side hustles since this podcast does not focus on these topics.I would love to talk to you today about how you can use AI to create a logo. I am not good with design, but I tend to have a good eye for aesthetics. Since the advancement of AI in our era, there are multiple tools infused with AI to create cool and creative logos with your prompts.The tool I have used for my own lo...2025-04-0404 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 6: How does AI become agentic?Hi everyone, this is another episode of Tech Break by Friday. Where does the term Agentic AI come from? What are AI agents, and why use them instead of foundation models?Psychologist Albert Bandura introduced the concept of agency. Agency in individuals is described as the ability to act in full or partial autonomy. So, AI agents are AI systems that can perform a certain number of tasks autonomously.How does an AI Agent System problem solve:* Perceive: The system gathers information from its environment. In this stage, it will try to find...2025-03-2707 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 5: Do you vibe-coding?I came around the term vibe-coding by a post from Andrej Karpathy on X:There's a new kind of coding I call "vibe coding", where you fully give in to the vibes, embrace exponentials, and forget that the code even exists. It's possible because the LLMs (e.g., Cursor Composer w Sonnet) are getting too good. Also I just talk to Composer with SuperWhisper so I barely even touch the keyboard. I ask for the dumbest things like "decrease the padding on the sidebar by half" because I'm too lazy to find it. I "Accept All" always...2025-03-1706 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 4:Let's talk LORAHave you heard people talk about AI, LLMs, and LORA? Now you can find out what it is. LoRA stands out for Low-Rank Adaptation, and it is a clever technique that makes training AI models much more accessible and efficient.Imagine you have a massive, pre-trained AI model that's already good at generating images or text. Instead of trying to modify the entire model (which would be like repainting a whole house), LoRA lets you make minor, targeted adjustments (like just touching up a few walls).Why LoRA is Amazing for Beginners2025-03-1006 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 3: What does LLM mean?Welcome to another episode of Tech Break by Friday. I am Paraskevi, and I am a Software Engineer with expertise in AI. This week, I wanted to discuss what an LLM, or Large Language model, is.LLMs are artificial intelligence systems able to process and generate text in human language. You might have seen chatbots or language translation applications that use these models. A very famous model is ChatGPT from OpenAI.You can use LLMs from applications like perplexity. We discussed it in episode 2.There are some new LLMs released these couple of...2025-03-0303 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 2: My Productivity Tools Series Perplexity.aiHey there! So I am not sure how many of you are still using Google. I am not. Perplexity.ai is the new AI search engine tool I am using in my everyday life and it has saved me a huge amount of time. Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine launched in 2022 that combines large language models (LLMs) with real-time web searching capabilities 1 5. Founded by former engineers from OpenAI, Databricks, Meta, and Quora, it differentiates itself by providing cited sources within its responses 5.Key FeaturesSearch Capabilities* Uses multiple AI...2025-02-2407 min
Tech Break by FridayEpisode 1: Welcome to Tech Break by FridayEpisode 1: Welcome to Tech Break by FridayIn this debut episode, Paraskevi (meaning "Friday" in Greek) introduces her new tech and AI-focused podcast aimed at making technology more accessible and human-centric.Episode HighlightsIntroduction & MissionWelcome to a space where technology meets accessibilityBreaking down the barriers in the tech skills gapMaking complex tech concepts understandable for everyoneWhat to Expect from Future EpisodesPractical technology tips and solutionsAI concepts explained in simple termsProductivity enhancement strategies2025-02-1701 min