Shows
Silicon Valley Front RowASI Is Closer Than You Think | Here's Why We're UnpreparedIn this explosive interview with AI venture capitalist Samir, we explore the most critical questions facing humanity as we race toward Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI).
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: The ASI Question
2:15 - What is Superintelligence?
5:30 - The $100M Scientist Phenomenon
8:45 - Timeline: When Will ASI Arrive?
12:20 - Government Secrecy Concerns
15:10 - AI Implementation Advice for Startups
18:35 - The Energy Crisis Problem
22:50 - AI Safety & Alignment Issues
28:15 - Viewer Comment: The Matrix Scenario
35:40 - Wrap-up & Questions for V...
2026-01-0318 min
Bay Area Innovators37 Years as CEO: What Ray Zinn Learned About Leadership That Most MissIn this follow-up conversation, Silicon Valley pioneer Ray Zinn returns to expand on the leadership lessons, life experiences, and principles that guided his 37-year tenure as CEO at Micrel—the longest-serving CEO in Bay Area tech history.
Zinn reflects more deeply on resilience, faith, and purpose, sharing how he navigated personal loss, business pressure, and the challenges of leading while legally blind. He explains why humility, trust, and long-term thinking mattered more than growth at any cost—and what today’s leaders often get wrong.
We also explore succession, legacy, and the responsibility of passing wisdom...
2026-01-0244 min
Silicon Valley Front RowGodfather of AI Warns: AI Could Become UncontrollableIn this eye-opening episode of Silicon Valley Front Row, we dive deep into the dangers of artificial intelligence with insights from Geoffrey Hinton, widely known as the ""Godfather of AI"" and Nobel Prize winner.What We Cover:
Geoffrey Hinton's stark warnings about AI's existential threatsHow AI is being weaponized for mass surveillance (including the Cisco-CCP case)The rise of Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) and what it means for humanityShort-term risks: echo chambers, authoritarian surveillance, and cyber attacksLong-term threats: AI-created viruses and autonomous lethal weaponsWhy digital beings more...
2025-12-3112 min
Silicon Valley Front RowAI Profitability: 1999 Dot-Com Bubble, or Sustainable?The year is 2025, approaching 2026. Concerns loom over the profitability of ChatGPT, and artificial intelligence systems.Are the massive investments going to pay off? Can we compare the current AI market to the 1999-2000 dot-com and 2008 real estate bubbles?Samir Kumar, an investor, co-founder and general partner at Touring Capital, shares his insight.ChaptersIntroTrillions in spending into AI infrastructureSamir says ROI pattern differs from 90's dotcom fiber buildoutAI demand versus profitability and revenueIPOs, unicorns, decacorns, and 'triceratops'Part 2 to be continued.. on Super AIMore about Samir Kumar https://touringcapital.com/samir-kumar/=====Steve...
2025-12-2714 min
Bay Area InnovatorsEx-CIA Director Reflects on the Bin Laden Raid and MoreFormer U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, national security, and the moments that shaped modern American history.
Panetta reflects on his upbringing as the son of Italian immigrants in Monterey, his path into public service, and the values that guided his decades in government. He offers a firsthand account of the 2011 operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden, describing the intelligence work, risks involved, and weight of decision-making at the highest level.
The conversation also explores global threats, including those...
2025-12-2634 min
Silicon Valley Front RowMcDonald’s Netherlands Used AI in Its Christmas Ad. It’s Now Taken Down.Christmas is a time of giving, authenticity, and warmth. McDonald's Netherlands recently shared a holiday ad, created through AI. The company took it down after the public didn't warm up to the video.
ChaptersIntroThe McDonald's Christmas adAnalysis of the adComments from our viewersMerry Christmas to you and your family!
Link to the ad:https://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/34728882/its-the-most-terrible-time-of-the-year/mcdonalds
=====Steve Ispas and David Lam on Silicon Valley Front Row (SVFR)#Christmas #mcdonalds #artificialintelligence
Silicon...
2025-12-2408 min
Bay Area InnovatorsFrom Ranch Life to Tech Legend: Longest-Serving CEO in Silicon Valley Tells His StoryIn today's episode, Ray Zinn joins us to share his extraordinary journey from ranch cowboy to becoming the longest-serving CEO in Silicon Valley history. For 37 years, Zinn led Micrel—a company he bootstrapped with very limited venture capital—and remained profitable every single year except one.
After becoming legally blind, Zinn continued leading Micrel for another 20 years, proving that physical limitations don't define leadership capability. He shares how losing his vision actually made him a better, more empathetic CEO, and how his company culture was so strong that employees going through divorce found their marriages saved after join...
2025-12-1934 min
Silicon Valley Front RowThe Privacy Breach Nobody's Talking About – Google Gemini #ainewsIs Google's Gemini AI reading our emails and private chats? This episode of Silicon Valley Front Row discusses a lawsuit against Gemini Google, alleging it reads private emails and chats, raising significant questions about data privacy and ai ethics. A tech journalist claims Gemini revealed personal information, including a childhood crush and character flaws, highlighting potential cybersecurity concerns.
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Steve Ispas and David Lam on Silicon Valley Front Row (SVFR)
#google #gemini #aiprivacy
Silicon Valley Front Row.
Join us as we talk tech from a dialectical lens. You...
2025-12-1710 min
Silicon Valley Front RowScientists Explore Star Trek Inspired Warp Drive ResearchAdvanced technology from Star Trek has inspired fans and scifi enthusiasts for decades. After more than 50 years since its inception, how close to reality are some of its futuristic technology?Samir Kumar, co-founder and general partner at Touring Capital (and Star Trek enthusiast!), shares how some Star Trek tech is starting to become possible.ChaptersIntroWarp drive, universal translator and Star Trek technologyQuanting computingThe holodeck and its feasabilityPioneering spirit and exploration, culturesInvesting perspective from a technology enthusiast Star Trek IV and...
2025-12-1319 min
Bay Area InnovatorsThe Advanced Technology of the Ancient World that We ForgotIn today’s episode, author Jack Bialik joins us to explore the mysteries of lost civilizations and forgotten knowledge behind his book Lost in Time. From ancient cataract surgery and Roman technology to vanished libraries and unexplained artifacts, Jack reveals how advanced knowledge has repeatedly appeared—and disappeared—throughout history.
In this conversation, Jack explains what inspired his decade-long research, how entire systems of engineering and science were lost after wars and disasters, and why modern society may be more fragile than we think when it comes to preserving knowledge. We also dive into the pyramids, ancient mathem...
2025-12-1231 min
Silicon Valley Front RowDead Internet Theory: 51% of Internet Traffic is Now BotsA shocking 2024 cybersecurity study revealed that 51% of internet traffic is now bot-generated, not human. That's right. More than half of all clicks, posts, and engagement online comes from AI and bots, not real people. Both Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and OpenAI's Sam Altman have raised alarms about this phenomenon.
What We Cover:
The 2024 Imperva study showing 51% of internet traffic is botsThe viral ""Pound Cake"" story: An obese cat's weight loss journey that devastated thousands of followers - only to be revealed as completely AI-generatedWhy Sam Altman (creator of ChatGPT) is...
2025-12-1014 min
Silicon Valley Front RowReal vs AI Voice - Testing ElevenLabs Celebrity Voice GeneratorWe test out the ElevenLabs AI voice technology by recreating our own podcast intro and exploring what this means for actors, filmmakers, and content creators. With celebrities like Michael Caine, Matthew McConaughey, Liza Minnelli, and Dr. Maya Angelou signing deals to have their voices used by AI, we ask the big question: Why are they doing this?
Topics covered:
Live demo of ElevenLabs AI voice generatorWhy celebrities like Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey are licensing their voicesThe cost and convenience of AI voices vs hiring real actorsSAG-AFTRA concerns about...
2025-12-0608 min
Bay Area InnovatorsNutrition Expert: The Hidden Cost of Ultra-Processed FoodsNutrition and functional medicine expert Terri Ward joins us to unpack the hidden forces shaping modern health care, from pharmaceutical influence to the rise of ultra-processed foods. Drawing from her book “God’s Prescription,” she explains how corporate interests, outdated medical models, and lifestyle patterns may be driving today’s chronic disease crisis.
In this conversation, Ward shares how stress and burnout during her career as an accountant led her to reclaim her own health through diet, functional medicine, and faith—ultimately changing her life’s direction. We dive into the history of modern medicine, the impact of the food...
2025-12-0425 min
Silicon Valley Front RowThe Surprising Truth About AI Investments! 95% of GenAI Pilots Failed in First Half of 2025MIT found that most generative AI projects didn't succeed as intended. This is due to zero return on investment, and resistance to 'friction.'
ChaptersIntro and haircutsAI hairstylist and barber?MIT study on GenAI pilot failureVerification taxPsychiatrist testimony on LLM'sFriction, time, and effortDavid's wooden board and 'barriers to entry'Comments from viewersQuestions for viewers
Link:https://mlq.ai/media/quarterly_decks/v0.1_State_of_AI_in_Business_2025_Report.pdf
=========David Lam and Steve Ispas...
2025-12-0317 min
Silicon Valley Front RowPyramid Dimensions: Does the Math Add Up?The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the seven wonders of the world. Its dimensions are mind-blowing and mysterious. Do we know how it was built exactly? Where was the tech? Does the math add up?ChaptersIntroFour points of the Great Pyramid of GizaPerimeter and π (pi)Location and speed of light432 Hz healing frequencyMystery of pyramid age and Pharaoh KhufuPeru's Nazca lines and the golden ratioQuestionsLinks:https://youtu.be/RyDi31IK5N4?si=e8cRpmxFN0WZ8H...
2025-11-2917 min
Bay Area InnovatorsCEO Tried AI in Drug Testing–Here's Why It FailedIn today’s episode, Dinkar Sindhu, CEO of Axis Clinicals, dives into the world of clinical research and the cautious integration of AI in drug development.
From testing groundbreaking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to navigating the complexities of FDA approvals, Dinkar reveals the meticulous process behind ensuring that new drugs are safe and effective.
“AI can help, but it must be traceable and reproducible,” he explains, sharing lessons from a pilot program where inconsistent AI outputs raised red flags.
Join us for an insightful look at how clinical trials shape the future of medici...
2025-11-2826 min
Silicon Valley Front RowCisco’s Hidden Powerpoint: Surveillance Tech for CCPA tech and human rights abuse case against Cisco from 2011 is brought back into the light. Lawmakers ask the Trump administration to support the case, holding the tech company liable for its Golden Shield project. It's alleged that Cisco's tool allows the Chinese Communist Party to monitor people, specifically Falun Gong practitioners.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:39 CCP persecutes Falun Gong community02:16 Why Falun Gong practitioners sued Cisco03:25 The return of the lawsuit, and Cisco's claims04:54 Cisco presentation to the CCP06:19 The Golden Shield project08:33 Pattern of spies stealing proprietary...
2025-11-2610 min
Bay Area InnovatorsAI’s Trillion-Dollar Circle: Inside Big Tech’s Power PlayIn today’s episode, Ahmed Banafa, artificial intelligence (AI) expert, author, and professor of engineering, returns to discuss the explosive AI landscape—from trillion-dollar investments in ‘Circular AI’ by OpenAI, Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom to the fierce war for talent reshaping Big Tech.
“AI is a train that left the station—now it’s about guiding the rails,” he says, exploring how OpenAI is challenging Google’s search dominance and the dark side of AI hallucinations that is leading to real-world harm.
From California’s SB 53 regulation efforts to the future of physical AI and ethical concerns, Ba...
2025-11-2138 min
Silicon Valley Front RowSilicon Valley, Communism, and MamdaniBillionaires invested millions against Zohran Mamdani when he ran in the NYC mayoral race. The 34-year-old is now the mayor-elect of New York city. He has experience as a state assemblyman and wants to run the city, but will the city thrive from the promises of free buses, childcare, and rent freeze?
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:05 Billionaires spent millions in mayoral race
01:49 Promises from Zohran Mamdani
02:29 Democratic socialist vs. communist
03:05 Steve's experience with communism
06:30 Free stuff and appeal?
09:01 Mamdani's thoughts on billionaires (Meet The Press)
2025-11-1912 min
Silicon Valley Front RowChatGPT Commands 81% of AI Chatbot MarketChatGPT controls more than 81% of the market of artificial intelligence chatbots, currently putting it ahead of the competition.Ahmed Banafa, the top tech voice on LinkedIn, joins us on Silicon Valley Front Row to discuss Sam Altman, AI, and how a chatbot got pushed to frustration while arguing with professor Banafa.============Source:https://gs.statcounter.com/ai-chatbot-market-share#chatgpt #chatbot #artificialintelligence
2025-11-1512 min
Bay Area InnovatorsHow 2 YouTubers Took on Global Fraud RingsIn today’s episode, Ashton and Art of Trilogy Media reveal how an accidental phone call with an IRS scammer launched a nine-year crusade against fraud.
“We never planned to bust scammers—it just happened,” Ashton says, recounting their pivot from filmmakers to full-time scam baiters.
From viral YouTube videos to their brand-new Fox Nation series, "Scammed: Getting Even," the duo breaks down the layers of tech-support scams, romance cons, and AI deepfakes that prey on the elderly.
They share the five-year journey that led to 25 arrests in a $65 million Chinese-Indian crime ring.
Jo...
2025-11-1436 min
Silicon Valley Front RowPowering AI: Water, Energy Use, EnvironmentEvery interaction with AI like Chat GPT has a hidden cost. The consumption of water for data is a concerning impact of AI. The discussion highlights the intersection of climate change and sustainability, urging a shift towards more eco-friendly practices.
2025-11-1212 min
Silicon Valley Front RowThe Dark Side of AI Deals You Don't Know AboutIs there a circular network of AI companies investing with one another? What would happen if one company, whether Nvidia, OpenAI, Oracle or another supplier, to fall out of the nework?
Ahmed Banafa, tech professor at San Jose State University and the top tech voice on LinkedIn, joins us on Silicon Valley Front Row.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:35 AI companies and chipmaker investing
03:16 Risk of circular AI deals
05:51 Lobbyists and tech race with China?
08:12 Questions for audience
Circular AI Investments? Nvidia, OpenAI, and more
2025-11-0808 min
Bay Area InnovatorsCan a Children’s Book Bring World Peace?In today’s episode, Tess Cacciatore, creator of "Yumi’s Universe: Garden of Peace," shares the moving story behind her children’s book and animated film.
Inspired by a friend’s hospital tea ceremony, Tess crafted Yumi, a character who travels the world spreading peace and friendship. “It’s about teaching kids we’re all connected, no matter our differences,” she says, reflecting on Yumi’s journey through Japan, South Africa, and beyond.
Tess also discusses her longtime humanitarian work, including raising awareness about human trafficking—a hidden, multi-billion-dollar crisis affecting children globally. Like her storytelling, her ad...
2025-11-0718 min
Silicon Valley Front RowIndie Filmmaker Thinks AI Diminishes Creativity, StorytellingA filmmaker survey from June 2025 found that almost 3/4 of respondents plan to use artificial intelligence in their films.
But another survey found that "52% of U.S. consumers over the age of 16 would rather watch a 7/10 rated movie created by humans than a 9/10 rated movie created entirely by AI."
Rudy Ruiz, an indie filmmaker in the Los Angeles area, joins Steve Ispas and David Lam on Silicon Valley Front Row to share his critical thoughts on AI in the filmmaking industry.
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Survey sources: https://www.documentary.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/%5...
2025-11-0513 min
Silicon Valley Front RowStarting a business with $5K - Interview with a serial entrepreneurThinking of starting a business? Jim Beach, founder of School For Startups, says $5,000 is enough to start a business. Jim joins Steve Ispas and David Lam on Silicon Valley Front Row to share his tips.Chapters00:00 Intro00:52 Steve started his first company02:42 Different types of entrepreneurship04:37 Spend no money if you don't have to05:40 Trend of AI in businesses06:11 Grit and perseverance08:10 Finding what works and 'doing it better'09:51 Passion vs. liking your business11:26 Family and faith11:43 Questions for the audienceInsights from...
2025-11-0112 min
Bay Area InnovatorsHow a Sunnyvale Kid Became Classical Music’s Biggest Comeback Story
In today’s episode, Jon Nakamatsu, celebrated pianist and 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist, shares his remarkable journey from a young musician in Sunnyvale, California, to a global classical music star.
Nakamatsu reflects on the pivotal role his first piano teacher played in his career, guiding him from his earliest scale exercises to the prestigious Van Cliburn stage.
“Winning the competition changed my life overnight,” he says, recounting the challenges of navigating fame, rejection, and the subjective nature of music competitions.
He also opens up about the profound connection he feels while performing, describing moments of divine inspiration that t...
2025-10-3140 min
Silicon Valley Front RowTilly Norwood, The Hollywood AI ActressAI actress Tilly Norwood debuted recently. Her creator says talent agencies showed interested in working with her.In this SVFR episode, we discuss the artificial intelligence actress and how Hollywood is reacting.Christina Corona, a journalist based in the Los Angeles-area, joins Steve Ispas and David Lam.Chapters00:00 Intro00:37 Diella, the AI government official00:59 Tilly Norwood01:38 Christina Corona joins us02:11 Creator of Tilly Norwood03:14 Christina explains reactions from tourists04:43 Video game actors strike against AI use06:57 Studying and dedication in acting08:21 Concerns of...
2025-10-2912 min
Bay Area InnovatorsWhat Do We Know About the World’s First Real Flying CarIn this episode, Jim Dukhovny, founder and CEO of Alef Aeronautics, unveils the science and vision behind the world’s first true flying car—a vehicle that could redefine how we travel. What began as a dream inspired by science fiction has evolved into a technological breakthrough, combining aerospace engineering, electric propulsion, and automotive design.
Jim explains what makes his creation different from drones or electric helicopters, how his team overcame key engineering and safety challenges, and why 2015—the same year the Back to the Future DeLorean was set to arrive—was the perfect time for this innovati...
2025-10-2350 min
Silicon Valley Front RowStop Hiring Humans' Tech Ads and Job LayoffsWe've seen the ads. Billboards and banners encouraging to 'stop hiring humans.' Are robots taking over human jobs? Is this a concern for people?Steve Ispas and David Lam talk about the following topics in this episode of Silicon Valley Front Row.00:00 Intro00:21 Guardrails on AI?02:38 Job loss from AI04:21 'Stop Hiring Humans' ad, human motivation07:10 AI comparison with communism-----------------------❔ Has your job been affected by AI?Are you worried about your profession or craft in the future?Please let us know in...
2025-10-2208 min
Bay Area InnovatorsFrom Billion-Dollar Startup to Rock Bottom–and Back: Cameron Chell’s Story
In today’s episode, Cameron Chell—tech entrepreneur and CEO of Draganfly—shares his extraordinary journey from building his first business at 14, to losing it all to addiction, to rebuilding his life through innovation and purpose.
Chell recounts his early rise in the dot-com boom, his downfall after 9/11, and the long road to recovery that reshaped his outlook on success. “Sometimes the worst thing that can happen is catching the success you were chasing,” he says.
Today, Chell leads Draganfly, one of the most successful drone companies in North America, developing cutting-edge technology used for humanitarian aid, border security, and public saf...
2025-10-1734 min
Bay Area InnovatorsFrom Teacher to Legend: How Esther Wojcicki Changed LearningIn today’s episode, Esther Wojcicki—an educator, journalist, and author often called the Godmother of Silicon Valley—shares her extraordinary journey reshaping how students learn and think.
Wojcicki recounts how she built the largest student-run media program in the United States at Palo Alto High School, grounded in her TRICK philosophy: trust, respect, independence, collaboration, and kindness. “The best way to teach students is to give them freedom—and then hold them accountable,” she explains.
She also reflects on the shortcomings of traditional education, how schools often stifle creativity, and why independence is critical for preparin...
2025-10-1037 min
California InsiderSecret Chinese Biolab With Viral Diseases in California Under Investigation | Steve Ispas | Kevin Kiley | Lear ZhouIn this special episode, we discuss an unlicensed Chinese biolab in California that was illegally researching viral diseases. Siyamak sits down with investigative reporters Steve Ispas and Lear Zhou from The Epoch Times. He also talked to Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), who, along with his colleagues in Congress, has been investigating this case.“There were 1,000 mice in there. These mice are genetically modified to contract COVID-19, hepatitis, and other dangerous pathogens that were in this lab,” Mr. Kiley said. “And I believe this company got a $360,000 tax credit from our state. So there are a ton of questi...
2024-01-1931 min