AI Researcher Michelle Yi on Watson, World Models, and Why AI Should Be for Everyone

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Matt Stauffer is joined by Michelle Yi — co-founder of Generationship, board member of Women in Data, and AI Researcher at Basis Research Institute — who shares her 20-year journey across AI research, industry, and startups.

Michelle traces the evolution of AI from her early days working on IBM Watson through to modern language models, reflecting on what's changed, what's been lost, and what's finally becoming possible. She and Matt dig into the importance of democratizing AI and making it genuinely useful beyond big tech.

The conversation closes on Michelle's vision for a more equitable and responsible AI future — one being built through initiatives like Generationship and Basis Research Institute, and powered by people who choose to engage with AI rather than sit it out.


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Editing and transcription sponsored by Tighten.

Creators and Guests

Matt Stauffer
Host
Matt Stauffer
CEO of Tighten, where we write Laravel and more w/some of the best devs alive. "Worst twerker ever, best Dad ever" –My daughter
Michelle Yi
Guest
Michelle Yi
Co-founder of Generationship, Board Member of Women in Data, and Development at Basis Research Institute
AI Researcher Michelle Yi on Watson, World Models, and Why AI Should Be for Everyone
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