Building AI Boston

What happens when AI becomes more than a tool and starts becoming part of the creative process itself? On this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Michael Gilday, Founder, CEO, and Executive Creative Director of Deep Vibe, to explore the evolving relationship between human imagination and artificial intelligence. Michael’s career has crossed television, radio, advertising, technology, and creative leadership, including early production work on ABC’s Lost and leadership roles at companies including Pegasystems and DataRobot. Today, he and his team at Deep Vibe are exploring an entirely new kind of storytelling through Taste Networks, The...

Boston has no shortage of people building ambitious AI products. The harder part is turning those ideas into companies and technologies that can actually work, scale, and succeed inside an enterprise. That’s where the The Open Accelerator comes in. The new Massachusetts initiative is designed to help early-stage AI companies bridge the gap between promising prototypes and real-world adoption. Our guest, Stefanie Chiras, brings an unusually deep perspective to that challenge. She began her career working on the materials and technology inside silicon chips, moved progressively up the technology stack, and eventually led major businesses and ecosystem work at...

What does it take to build an AI ecosystem that starts in one place but reaches far beyond it? That’s the idea behind Boston AI Week, the community-driven festival Judah Phillips created to connect companies, academics, investors, government, cultural institutions, job seekers, students, and people who are simply curious about AI. Judah is Chief AI and Product Officer at Market Holdings and has been building AI communities in Boston for years. This year, Boston AI Week includes more than 500 participating organizations and more than 150 events, with visitors and delegations coming from 23 countries. Boston is th...

In this exciting episode of Building AI Boston, hosts Anna and Chris sit down with AI marketing strategist, speaker, and entrepreneur Molly Mahoney to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses connect, communicate, and grow. Known as “The Prepared Performer,” Molly has helped thousands of entrepreneurs leverage AI, content creation, and authentic storytelling to build profitable businesses while staying true to their unique voice. Her viral content has generated millions of views, and she has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., and major marketing conferences around the world. During this conversation, Molly shares: • How to use AI withou...

AI is really good at coming up with plans. It's not always great at executing them. David Wong thinks that gap is the whole story for legal AI right now, and it's why Thomson Reuters has been building the way they have. David is Chief Product Officer at Thomson Reuters, which has been around for over a hundred years and is one of the most established names in legal information. He leads CoCounsel, their AI platform, which recently hit 1 million users across 107 countries. He also just published a widely read Fortune piece laying out his framework for where legal...

Traditional conferences put everyone in one venue and hand them a ticket. Tech Week flips it: hundreds of events across a city, hosted by whoever wants to host, all on a single calendar. Rose Johnson thinks this format gives the power back to creators, and Boston is about to find out what that looks like. Rose is a marketing partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where she leads Tech Week, a16z's decentralized conference series that started in LA in 2022 and has expanded to four cities. Boston is the newest. They set an internal goal of 500 events for the debut. They...

Most AI conversations start with the technology. Bryan Reimer thinks that's exactly the problem. A research scientist at MIT and global expert on AI, human behavior, mobility, and public policy, Bryan joins us to talk about his new book, How to Make AI Useful, and the thesis that cuts through the noise: the technology was never the point. We are. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we get into autonomous vehicles as a live case study in what happens when deployment outpaces policy, trust, and common sense — and what that tells us about where generative AI is headed ne...

What does it mean to build AI that actually works? Not just technically, but for the people it touches. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Cansu Canca, philosopher, Founder and Director of the AI Ethics Lab, and Director of Responsible AI Practice at Northeastern University, to talk about why getting AI ethics right is less about adding a policy at the end and more about how you build from the start. Cansu came to AI ethics through philosophy, public health, and law — fields where the stakes are high and the time to decide is sh...

What happens when we introduce powerful new technology into a system that was already failing the people it was built to serve? That is the question at the heart of this conversation. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Sheila Phicil, social change futurist, founder of Phicil-itate Change™, and author of the forthcoming book Remembering How to Care: Reimagining Healthcare in the Age of AI, to explore what it will truly take to redesign healthcare from the bottom up. Sheila's journey began in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where a volunteer medical mission taught her that ev...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Andie Dovgan, Chief Growth Officer at Creatio, a Boston-based unicorn CRM and workflow automation company, to explore what happens when AI moves beyond pilots and hype and starts reshaping real business workflows. Andie breaks down the difference between AI as an assistant and agentic AI — autonomous systems capable of executing entire workflows — and why the future of work depends on how well organizations combine digital talent with human judgment. We dive into: • Why AI is an economic shift, not just a technology trend<...

At the heart of every revolution is an idea that expands who gets to participate. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Sandy K. Lacey, the founding executive director of the Howe Innovation Center at Perkins School for the Blind, to explore how accessibility, AI, and Boston’s innovation ecosystem are converging to reshape what inclusive technology can look like. For nearly 200 years, Perkins has been inventing solutions that open doors for people with disabilities — from the iconic Perkins Brailler to global education programs that reach more than a million children and families. Sandy’s work c...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Raquel Ronzone, Associate Director of Strategy & Partnerships at the Howe Innovation Center at Perkins School for the Blind. Raquel shares her powerful story of being born four months premature with Retinopathy of Prematurity and how that experience fuels her work connecting the disability community with the innovation community. We talk about why accessibility is everyone’s business, why disability is the only group anyone can join at any time, and how many of the “everyday” technologies we rely on—from touchscreens to audiobooks—actually began as disability tech. Raquel als...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, co-hosts Anna Devere and Kara Peterson sit down with Jenn Azar, CEO of Stellix, a visionary leader helping accelerate innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and human ingenuity. They explore how AI, digital transformation, and Industry 5.0 are reshaping the future of life sciences and drug discovery—from advanced manufacturing to personalized medicine—and how leaders can guide teams through change with empathy, humor, and purpose. Highlights: • How Industry 5.0 is bridging discovery and delivery in life sciences • The digital acceleration of drug discovery and biomanufacturing • Building adaptive, curious teams in a rapidly changing w...

🎙️ New Episode: Building Future Innovators In this episode of Building AI Boston, co-hosts Anna Devere and Kara Peterson sit down with Charlotte Duncan, Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation and Harvard-trained educator. They explore how AI is transforming the way students learn — and why empowering the next generation with ethical, creative, and hands-on AI experience matters more than ever.Highlights: • Learning vs. teaching — why students need both in the AI era • The next digital divide: empowered AI users vs. everyone else • How the Mark Cuban Foundation’s free AI bootcamps work (mentors, projects...

Live from Suffolk University during Boston Startup AI Week!In this special episode of Building AI Boston, co-host Kara Peterson sits down with Parag Shah of CarGurus, a leader in applying AI and data science to bring more trust and transparency to car buying and selling.CarGurus is harnessing the power of AI to transform the car-shopping experience—empowering consumers with greater personalization, richer vehicle data, and smarter deal ratings, while helping dealers connect with customers more effectively and make data-driven decisions that support their business. In this conversation, Parag Shah shares insights on:* How...

Recorded live at Suffolk University during Boston Startup Week, this special episode of Building AI Boston brings together innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of AI. Our guest, Brendan Witcher, a leading analyst and visionary on customer experience and digital strategy, shares powerful insights on how artificial intelligence is transforming businesses, reshaping consumer expectations, and influencing the startup ecosystem. In this episode, you’ll discover: How startups can leverage AI to accelerate growth and scale smarter The biggest challenges and opportunities AI presents for entrepreneurs Why Boston is becoming a global hub for AI innovation Brendan’s perspective on the next...

n this episode of Building AI Boston, hosts Anna Devere and Kara Peterson sits down with Brendan Witcher, a leading voice on digital strategy and innovation, to break down what businesses really need in their Smarter AI Playbook. Brendan shares practical insights into how organizations can successfully adopt AI without getting lost in the hype. From aligning AI initiatives with customer experience to overcoming the cultural and operational roadblocks, this conversation is all about turning AI into real business outcomes. 🔹 Topics we cover include: Why most AI initiatives fail—and how to fix it ...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we are honored to welcome Dr. Ami Bhatt, a nationally recognized leader in cardiology, digital health innovation, and AI-driven patient care. Dr. Bhatt, Chief Innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology and Chair of the inaugural Digital Health Advisory Committee at the FDA, shares how Boston is at the forefront of reimagining healthcare through AI and technology. Learn how Dr. Bhatt is transforming patient experiences and leading the next generation of healthcare innovation. Connect with Dr. Ami Bhatt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramibhatt/ American College of Cardiology...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we are honored to welcome Dr. Ami Bhatt, a nationally recognized leader in cardiology, digital health innovation, and AI-driven patient care. Dr. Bhatt, Chief Innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology and Chair of the inaugural Digital Health Advisory Committee at the FDA, shares how Boston is at the forefront of reimagining healthcare through AI and technology. Join us as we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, telehealth, predictive analytics, and the future of cardiovascular care. 🏥 Learn how Dr. Bha...

🎙️ Just dropped: A new Building AI Boston episode with Stephanie Roulic, Founder & CEO of Startup Boston! Get the inside story on Boston’s startup ecosystem—and how AI is changing the game for founders and innovators. Stephanie shares her journey building Startup Boston, the power of community-driven innovation, and how today’s AI tools are making entrepreneurship more accessible than ever. Don’t miss this episode—and don’t miss your chance to join Startup Boston Week, the region’s biggest (and most welcoming) event for founders, operators, and the startup-curious. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s your ticket to new idea...

Welcome to Building AI Boston — where we explore the people and ideas shaping our AI future. In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Baier, CEO of GAI Insights and Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, to talk about what it really means to get AI-ready — as individuals, teams, and entire regions. From founding the AI Blueprint for Massachusetts to launching Boston AI Week and the wildly popular “AI Woodstock,” Paul shares what it takes to build a thriving, inclusive tech ecosystem. We cover: • The danger of “ostriching” — ignoring the AI wave instead of preparing for it • How Boston is uniquely position...

Welcome to Building AI Boston! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Malinow, PhD, founder of Hey Junior — a cutting-edge AI tool designed to help job seekers land interviews faster by automating personalized engagement on LinkedIn. About Andrew: Andrew is a data scientist and humanitarian whose own experience navigating unemployment inspired him to create Hey Junior. His solution? A GPT-powered “Junior” that: • Comments thoughtfully on posts related to your skills and interests • Integrates with scheduling tools like Calendly • Initiates real conversations with hiring teams before you even step in We cover:</p...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Catherine Brownstein, a leading force in pediatric genomics and rare disease research at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Brownstein shares how AI is revolutionizing how we diagnose and treat rare diseases, her collaboration with OpenAI, and why Boston is a global hub for medical innovation. With over 15 years of experience in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology, she walks us through groundbreaking AI projects that are changing lives—especially for children with conditions that once defied diagnosis. Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, or the future...

Join us for an inspiring episode of Building AI Boston as we sit down with Onur Yüce Gün, Director of Computational Design at New Balance and a trailblazer at the intersection of architecture, AI, and product innovation. In this episode, Onur shares his journey from academia to architecture, and how his passion for parametric design, generative systems, and computation led him to revolutionize footwear design at New Balance. Discover how AI is driving creative exploration, performance optimization, and storytelling in product development, and why the future of design is more human because of it. Connect with Onur Yü...

Join Allison Byers, founder and CEO of Scroobious, as she delves into the challenges and solutions surrounding equitable access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Drawing from her extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, Allison discusses the systemic barriers that diverse founders face and how innovative platforms like Scroobious are working to bridge the funding gap. In this insightful conversation, Allison shares: Her personal journey from leading a medical device startup to becoming a passionate advocate for funding equity. The inspiration behind Scroobious and its mission to democratize access to early-stage capital. Practical advice for founders navigating the fundraising landscape. ...

Join us for an inspiring episode of Building AI Boston as we sit down with Onur Yüce Gün, Director of Computational Design at New Balance and a trailblazer at the intersection of architecture, AI, and product innovation. In this episode, Onur shares his journey from academia to architecture, and how his passion for parametric design, generative systems, and computation led him to revolutionize footwear design at New Balance. Discover how AI is driving creative exploration, performance optimization, and storytelling in product development, and why the future of design is more human because of it. Connect with Onur Yü...

Can you really launch an AI-driven product in a few hours with no code? Karen Kelly says yes — and she’s on a mission to prove it. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we dive deep with Karen Kelly, a 3x founder, TEDx speaker, and marketing visionary whose career has spanned healthcare, media, and technology. With over 20 years of experience and a passion for imagination, connection, and compassion, Karen is helping non-technical founders build real, scalable products with her newest venture: Launch by Lunch. From being named one of Boston’s “50 on Fire” startups to speaking at Startup Boston and...

Can you really launch an AI-driven product in a few hours with no code? Karen Kelly says yes — and she’s on a mission to prove it. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we dive deep with Karen Kelly, a 3x founder, TEDx speaker, and marketing visionary whose career has spanned healthcare, media, and technology. With over 20 years of experience and a passion for imagination, connection, and compassion, Karen is helping non-technical founders build real, scalable products with her newest venture: Launch by Lunch. From being named one of Boston’s “50 on Fire” startups to speaking at...

In this episode, we sit down with visionary creator Jason Parks, CEO of ROTU Entertainment & Media, Ltd., to explore how art, empathy, and AI are shaping the future of immersive experiences. From the creation of narrative-driven virtual worlds to pioneering AI in game development and storytelling, Jason reveals how ROTU is pushing the boundaries of tech, culture, and consciousness. 🌐 Learn more about ROTU: https://www.rotu.com 🔗 Follow Jason Parks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonparksrotu 👾 Whether you're fascinated by the metaverse, XR/VR, AI-enhanced storytelling, or how Boston continues to lead the way in innovation, this is a conv...

In this episode, we sit down with visionary creator Jason Parks, CEO of ROTU Entertainment & Media, Ltd., to explore how art, empathy, and AI are shaping the future of immersive experiences. From the creation of narrative-driven virtual worlds to pioneering AI in game development and storytelling, Jason reveals how ROTU is pushing the boundaries of tech, culture, and consciousness. 🌐 Learn more about ROTU: https://www.rotu.com 🔗 Follow Jason Parks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonparksrotu 👾 Whether you're fascinated by the metaverse, XR/VR, AI-enhanced storytelling, or how Boston continues to lead the way in innovation, this is a conv...

Can robots really understand us? Dr. Tom Williams believes they must.In this cutting-edge episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Dr. Tom Williams, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Colorado School of Mines and director of the MIRROR Lab (Mines Interactive Robotics Research in Human-Robot Teaming). His groundbreaking work explores how robots interpret human communication—and how that shapes our trust in AI.From the ethics of autonomous agents to real-world applications of cognitive robotics, Dr. Williams offers a visionary look into how we can bu...

AI Avenger: Exploring Creativity and Innovation with King WilloniusIn this episode titled "AI Avenger," we delve into the multifaceted world of King Willonius—comedian, filmmaker, technologist, and the creative mind behind the viral AI-generated song "BBL Drizzy." Recognized as one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in AI, King Willonius shares his journey at the crossroads of comedy, technology, and cultural storytelling.Key Highlights:• The Genesis of "BBL Drizzy": Discover how King Willonius crafted the first AI-collaborated song that became a cultural phenomenon.•...

In this episode, we sit down with the visionary Amanda Dorenberg, President of Billboard Canada and a powerhouse in AI, data innovation, and digital transformation. From shaping smart cities to reinventing how we experience advertising and media, Amanda is at the forefront of merging artificial intelligence with real-world impact.🚀 Discover how she’s leveraging AI to reimagine out-of-home advertising, empower urban development, and champion diversity in tech leadership.🔍 Topics we cover: Data-driven innovation in public spaces Women in tech and leadership How Amanda is turning data into dynamic storytelling The future of cities, media...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet a true Boston Gamechanger, Bobbie Carlton, founder of Carlton PR & Marketing, Innovation Nights and Innovation Women.What You’ll Discover in This Episode: An overview of Innovation Women and how it overcomes the gender bias in the high-tech community Bobbie’s approach to ethical AI as a PR and Marketing Professional Why being a creative human is still important An inspiring conversation around succeeding in male-dominated fields This episode represents the spirit of a Boston legend who’s soft spot for th...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet Boston’s own Chris AngiolilloWhat You’ll Discover in This Episode:How a local business owner “clones himself” with AI to better show up for his customersSequence automation for hiring and other process efficiencyHow AI augments a Boston born franchise and how Dunkin stays on top of its gameNavigating the dangers of the hyper-efficient digital ageJoin us for a view inside what makes this fra...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet Boston’s Mike GrandinettiWhat You’ll Discover in This Episode:• Inside the World Economic Forum event at Davos, Switzerland• Key takeaways from Imagination in Action AI Day and its impressive lineup• Boston’s unique AI ecosystem and its impact on the world• The role of creativity and innovation and why a human-centric approach matters in the era of • AI Agents and other disrupting trendsJoin us for an insider view of the Boston AI...

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:How art and tech shaped a kid from Ohio into an award-winning, Harlem-based architectThe use of AI in blending history and a futuristic visionThe significance of cultural architecture in American history Join us for an unexpected interview from beyond the Bay State and enjoy the artistic side of AI from a rising star who is now representing the United States at the 19th annual Biennale Architettura 2025. This prestigious award and the work featured at the United St...

Welcome to a special episode of Building AI Boston, where we bring you exclusive coverage from the AI Powered Women Summit at MIT! 🌟This episode highlights inspiring discussions with AI experts, industry leaders, moderators, and attendees who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence. We dive into the impact of women in AI, the challenges they face, and the breakthroughs that are paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative industry.🎤 Featured Guests & Topics:✅ Insights from top AI experts and innovators✅ Stories from women leading in...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet Jordan HarveyWhat You’ll Discover in This Episode: How a tech leader and futurist defines “Artificial Intelligence” CES highlights from an Innovation Judge Key takeaways from Jordan’s Insight Report about emerging trends The upside of AI and how it can solve complex problems on a global scale Join us for a fun insider view of the world’s largest Computer Electronics Show. Jordan is not only an Innovation Judge, he is also a leading creative force who has worked...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet Dr. Felicia Newhouse, founder of Business to Human and a pioneer in the integration of artificial intelligence and human-centered business practices. With more than twenty years of experience as a tech executive in Boston's dynamic startup ecosystem, Dr. Newhouse knows what makes our region special. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: What women need to be a part of the AI conversation today. How we can encourage a more inclusive conversation around AI right now. Her vision for human-centered AI...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we’re thrilled to feature Joanna Peña-Bickley, a visionary in AI and design. Known as the “Mother of Cognitive Experience Design,” Joanna shares insights into her groundbreaking work, her journey in blending creativity with technology, and the future of AI in human-centered design. From her work with global companies to her passion for innovation, Joanna inspires with every word.Key Points: • Why the world needs wisdom more than ever in this age of data. • How her dyslexia helped shape her vision for everything she has created...

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we’re thrilled to feature Joanna Peña-Bickley, a visionary in AI and design. Known as the “Mother of Cognitive Experience Design,” Joanna shares insights into her groundbreaking work, her journey in blending creativity with technology, and the future of AI in human-centered design. From her work with global companies to her passion for innovation, Joanna inspires with every word.📌 Learn more about Joanna Peña-Bickley🌐 Joanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannapenabickley/🌐 Joanna’s Website:https://joannapenabickley.com👉 Don't for...

In this compelling premiere episode of Building AI Boston, we dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming access to justice. Our guest is Kara Peterson, co-founder of Descrybe.ai, an award-winning startup leveraging AI to make legal research more accessible and equitable for everyone.🔍 What You’ll Discover in This Episode:Kara’s inspiring journey to founding Descrybe.ai and her vision for how AI can help close the justice gap. How Descrybe.ai uses AI to create groundbreaking solutions for underserved communities. Thought-provoking insights on the intersection of AI, justice, and inclusi...