Shows
Rewiring the American EdgeEpisode 20 | Oct 15, 2025 - The Chinese AI and Robotics SurgeSummaryIn this episode, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the urgent need for the U.S. to keep pace with advancements in robotics and AI, particularly in light of China's rapid progress. They explore the implications of cultural distrust and political paralysis in the U.S. that hinder innovation, while also emphasizing the importance of building trust in technology. The dialogue highlights the need for a strategic approach to AI and robotics in the U.S. to ensure competitiveness and ethical standards in the face of global challenges.TakeawaysThe U.S...
2025-10-1629 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 19 | Sept 23, 2025 - AVs & the Visual Vernacular of StreetsIn this episode, Billy Riggs explores the intersection of autonomous vehicles and urban design, questioning whether these vehicles should be context-sensitive to their environments. As he says: "What if AVs weren’t just about moving people, but about placemaking? What if their design reflected the neighborhoods they serve and became part of the visual DNA of cities?" He discusses the current state of autonomous vehicle technology, the challenges of achieving level five autonomy, and the implications of Tesla's ambitions in robotics. Riggs emphasizes the importance of visual identity in urban transportation and reflects on historical examples, such as the st...
2025-09-2327 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 18 | Sept 16, 2025 - Designing Tomorrow: AI & Architecture w/ Stefan AlIn this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, host Billy Riggs talks with architect and professor Stefan Al about the intersection of artificial intelligence and architectural design. They explore how the biggest current use case for AI in architecture is conceptual visualization, and "how just one text prompt can replace hours of modeling and rendering." Riggs and AI talk about how AI has the potential to democratize architecture, and the implications for creativity and sustainability, and also about how it requires a human-in-the-loop. Their conversation touches on the risks associated with AI in design, emphasizing the need for human o...
2025-09-1634 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 17 | Sept 11, 2025 - Rewiring the Edge So Far: Reflections, Themes & Turning PointsIn this reflective episode, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas review the key themes and insights from their first 16 episodes of 'Rewiring the American Edge.' They discuss the importance of American cities as economic engines, the impact of automation and AI on labor, the concept of universal basic infrastructure, and the need for cities to adapt to global challenges. The conversation highlights the necessity for innovation and governance in maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.TakeawaysAmerican cities are crucial for national competitiveness.The American edge is defined by global influences.Automation and AI can...
2025-09-1118 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 16 | Sep 2, 2025 - From Blockchain to Mars w/ Justin HollanderIn this episode, the Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the intersection of blockchain technology and urban planning with expert Justin Hollander. They discuss how blockchain can enhance community engagement, streamline public processes, and even influence future city planning on Mars. The conversation delves into the challenges of governance in space communities and makes bold predictions about the future of blockchain in urban design.TakeawaysBlockchain can revolutionize urban planning by enhancing community engagement.Current public participation methods in planning are often ineffective.Decentralization in blockchain allows for more transparent community input.Smart contracts can automate...
2025-09-0239 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 15 | Aug 26, 2025 – Building a Smarter Workforce, From Classrooms to CodeThis conversation explores the evolving landscape of education and the necessity of lifelong learning in the context of rapid technological advancements and changing workforce demands. Co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the importance of aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, the potential for decentralization in the workforce, and the challenges faced by existing educational institutions in adapting to these changes. They emphasize the urgency of addressing these issues to maintain global competitiveness and the role of micro-credentials in modern education.TakeawaysLifelong learning is essential for career success.The future of work requires alignment between...
2025-08-2628 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 14 | Aug 23, 2025 – Rideshare, Robotaxi and Biz Models w/ Henriette CornetIn this conversation Henriette Cornet joins co-hosts William Riggs and Vipul Vyas to dive deeper into the evolving autonomous vehicles (AVs) and ride-sharing landscape, focusing on the technological advancements, infrastructure needs, and the importance of public-private partnerships. The experts discuss the shift from personal vehicle ownership to mobility as a service, technological advances, the challenges of integrating AVs into existing transit systems, and the necessity for collaboration among various stakeholders in the industry. They also dissect different business models from Tesla and Waymo that include various operational and technology stack strategies. The dialogue emphasizes the need for innovative solutions...
2025-08-2339 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 13 | Aug 4, 2025 - Inside a Midwest Factory with Parker HuncilmanIn this conversation, co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with Parker Huncilman from Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication / Nix Industrial about the evolution of Midwestern manufacturing. Parker discusses, the challenges of the capital environment and how chose to merge with another family business rather than accept a private equity buy-out in a recent leadership transition of his 5th generation family business. The hosts talk about design and fabrication challenges, competition, impact of automation and AI on the industry, and the importance of cultivating a strong workplace culture. They explore the challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing sector in America...
2025-08-0532 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 12 | July 29, 2025 - AI in Policy with Marci HarrisIn this episode co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas engage in a conversation with Marci Harris, CEO of POPVOX, discussing the intersection of AI and legislation, emphasizing the importance of civic tech in enhancing policy development. She reflects on the evolution of POPVOX, the challenges of keeping democratic institutions aligned with rapidly advancing technology, and the potential of AI to improve policy-making processes. The discussion also discusses best practice in places like San Jose where Mayor Matt Mahan is experimenting with AI in government, and highlights the need for transparency, citizen engagement, and innovative tools to support legislative staff...
2025-07-2933 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 11 | Jul 22, 2025 - Tariffs & Competing for the AI FutureIn this episode co-hosts Dr. Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the complex dynamics of global shifts, focusing on tariffs, trade, and the impact of US policies on innovation and talent. They discuss the implications of isolationism, the role of Europe and China in shaping the future of automation, and the political dysfunction that hinders progress in the US. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a new understanding of global cooperation and the importance of maintaining leverage in a multipolar world. Takeaways- The US is facing a potential isolation due to its t...
2025-07-2230 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 10 | July 15, 2025 - Climate and Community with John GilderbloomIn this episode, host Billy Riggs talks with Dr. John (Hans) Gilderbloom who shares his personal journey and insights on housing policy, community engagement, and the health impacts of pollution, along with his wife Carla Snyder who talks about their forthcoming documentary Climate of Hope. The conversation explores the intersection of climate change, urbanism, and social justice, emphasizing the role of technology in addressing environmental challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of creating sustainable solutions that consider the needs of underserved communities and the potential of technology to drive change.Takeaways - AI and innovation c...
2025-07-1533 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 9 | July 8, 2025 - Outpacing the ChaosIn this episode, the hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk shop with special guest Lee Riggs and discuss the intersection of innovation, automation, and education in the context of the American economy. They explore the challenges posed by uncertainty and chaos, the role of technology in education, and the need for cities to remain competitive. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparing for inevitable changes and the potential of crises to spur innovation. The hosts also highlight the need for long-term thinking in governance and the evolving landscape of jobs in the face of automation. Takeaways
2025-07-0826 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 8 | July 3, 2025 - Land Use and the CurbIn this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the intersection of automation, urban policy, and the future of cities. They discuss the intrinsic value of streets and urban spaces, the need for transformative land use, and the challenges facing public transportation systems. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological changes while ensuring inclusivity and community engagement in urban planning.#automation #urban policy #streets #publictransportation #landuse #economicimpacts #AI #urbanplanning #mobility #infrastructureTakeaways-Automation and innovation can reshape urban spaces.-Streets should be viewed as critical infrastructure with economic value.-Zoning...
2025-07-0442 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 7 | Jun 30, 2025 - Automation AcceleratesIn this episode hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with Dr. Henriette Cornet (Autonomous Vehicles & the City co-director and founder of Urban Innovate) about autonomous vehicles and sustainability, highlighting the importance of innovation in public transport. The discussion covers the differences between the US and Europe in terms of investment and development in autonomous vehicle technology, the role of public infrastructure, and insights from the UITP Summit in Hamburg. Dr. Cornet discusses Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs), and players such as HOLON with Hamberger Hochbahn and MOIA conduting interesting AV experiments in the European marketplace. The...
2025-07-0446 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 6 | Jun 9, 2025 - Workforce EvolutionIn this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with special guest Ruth Whittaker Director of Civic Innovation Policy at the Chamber of Program discussing the future of labor in the context of automation and autonomous vehicles. They explore the potential for job creation, the importance of middle-skilled labor, and the need for workforce development. The conversation also touches on the shift from vehicle ownership to car as a service, the impact of AVs on urban planning, and the regulatory challenges facing innovation in the U.S. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need...
2025-06-1747 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 5 | Jun 3, 2025 - Guarding the GatesIn this conversation, Vipul Vyas and Billy Riggs discuss the erosion of trust in global institutions, particularly focusing on the implications of foreign affiliations and national security concerns. They explore the challenges faced by U.S. institutions like Harvard in navigating these issues, the impact of foreign student policies on academic freedom, and the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring security. The discussion also highlights the role of technology in enhancing trust and the need for institutions to be mindful of geopolitical tensions.TakeawaysTrust in global institutions is eroding, impacting national security.The concept of...
2025-06-0431 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 4 | May 28, 2025 - Are Cities Future Ready?In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the future of cities in the context of automation and innovation. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the importance of education and critical thinking, and the need for bold leadership to prepare for a rapidly changing world. Special guest Seneca Scott shares insights on community organizing and the cultural readiness of cities to embrace technological advancements. The conversation emphasizes the need for universal basic infrastructure and the importance of fostering a culture of experimentation and aspiration in urban development.
2025-05-291h 06Rewiring the American EdgeEpisode 3 | May 20, 2025 - Redundancy and ResilienceIn this conversation, Billy Riggs discusses the impact of automation on the economy, emphasizing the importance of redundancy in technology for resilience. He explores the concept of coopetition among tech companies and highlights the challenges and opportunities in public transportation, particularly regarding last mile solutions.TakeawaysAutomation and innovation are reshaping the economy.Redundancy in tech stacks can lead to greater resilience.Economic challenges are expected in the coming years.Coopetition can help companies achieve shared goals.Public transportation must adapt to the rise of rideshare.Level five autonomous vehicles may never exist.Companies need...
2025-05-2015 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 2 | May 6, 2025 - Unpacking LaborIn this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore various themes related to management strategies, the importance of having clear goals in leadership, the impact of automation and innovation on society, and the future of work. Billy also forgets the show name and calls it "Reimagining the American Dream". They discuss the need for infrastructure investment, the implications of trade policies, and the balance between decentralization and vertical integration in business. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of re-skilling the workforce to adapt to changing job markets and the role of human intervention in an increasingly automated world....
2025-05-0634 minRewiring the American EdgeEpisode 1 | May 1, 2025 - The Great RewiringIn this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the new economy. They discuss the need for urban innovation, the importance of setting clear goals, and the role of competition in driving progress. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of rewiring our thinking and strategies to adapt to rapid changes in the global landscape, while also learning from successful examples around the world.
2025-05-0233 min