Generative AI 101
Welcome to Generative AI 101, your go-to podcast for learning the basics of generative artificial intelligence in easy-to-understand, bite-sized episodes. Join host Emily Laird, AI Integration Technologist and AI lecturer, to explore key concepts, applications, and ethical considerations, making AI accessible for everyone.
Episodes

Monday Sep 16, 2024
What is NightCafe?
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
In this episode, we explore NightCafe, an AI art studio where anyone can turn their text prompts into visual masterpieces using models like Stable Diffusion, DALL-E 3, MidJourney, and so many more. Whether you're creating a "cyberpunk sunset over Tokyo" or a "cat in a tuxedo riding a unicycle in space," NightCafe makes it easy and fun, with features like Depth-to-Image, Selfie Generators, and even art challenges. We’ll explore the platform’s social side, where artists can compete, collaborate, and remix each other’s work, as well as the pros and cons, including its user-friendly design and affordable pricing.
Explore NightCafe
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about NightCafe than you did before!
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Thursday Sep 12, 2024
What is Stable Diffusion?
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
In this episode of Generative AI 101, we venture into the world of Stable Diffusion, a groundbreaking AI model that’s democratizing image creation. Released in 2022, this accessible tool allows anyone with a decent GPU to generate stunning visuals, from sci-fi cityscapes to touch-ups on old photos. We’ll break down how it works, exploring the “diffusion” process that adds noise to images before cleaning them up, and how latent space and text conditioning make it efficient.Access Stable Diffusion Models
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about Stable Diffusion than you did before!
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
What is DALL-E?
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore DALL·E, OpenAI’s innovative image generator that merges artistic imagination with advanced AI. Explore how DALL·E transforms text prompts into vivid images using a diffusion model, bypassing earlier GAN technology for greater precision and versatility. From Victorian cats in cafés to creative product mockups, DALL·E shines in its ability to visualize the fantastical.
DALL·E can be accessed through OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about DALL-E than you did before!
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
What is Midjourney?
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore MidJourney, an AI tool revolutionizing the world of digital art by transforming simple text prompts into stunning, high-quality visuals. Using a blend of Diffusion Models and GANs, MidJourney pushes the boundaries of creativity, allowing users to generate everything from futuristic cityscapes to surreal dream-like images that look straight out of an artist's imagination. We’ll break down how this powerful AI works, why it stands out from other text-to-image generators, and how it’s reshaping the way designers and creatives approach their craft.
Oh, here's Pope Francis in a puffer jacket a la Pablo Xavier by Midjourney:
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about the Generative AI for image generation than you did before!
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Monday Sep 09, 2024
Generative AI for Image Generation
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re exploring the artistic world of generative AI image generation. Ever imagined describing a scene—like a cat lounging on a floating island—and watching AI bring it to life in seconds? That’s the magic of text-to-image generators. From GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) to Diffusion Models, we’ll break down how these digital artists work, their quirks, and what sets them apart. Whether you’re into photorealistic creations or abstract wonders, AI offers something for everyone.
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about the Generative AI for image generation than you did before!
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Bonus Episode: Stop Sounding Like ChatGPT
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
In this bonus episode of Generative AI 101, we’re looking at a growing concern - sounding too much like ChatGPT. Ever been told you write like a machine? That’s what we’re unpacking today. We’ll explore how AI, particularly ChatGPT, has started to influence our writing with overused phrases and predictable language. It’s like seasoning your food with the same spice over and over—reliable but eventually bland. We explore how this “linguistic drift” is making our writing a bit robotic and what you can do to bring back some flavor.
Articles and research you should explore to stop sounding like ChatGPT (or a machine, for that matter):
The 10 Most Common AI Phrases500 ChatGPT Overused Words
Research Paper: Delving into ChatGPT
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about the Elo Rating System than you did before!
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
What is the Elo Rating System?
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
In this episode of Generative AI 101, we discover the origins and workings of the Elo Rating System—a clever, adaptable method originally designed to rank chess players but now influencing everything from online gaming to, most importantly for us, AI models. We’ll explore how this simple yet effective system predicts match outcomes, adjusts rankings, and even finds parallels in areas like online dating. Whether you’re a game developer, an AI enthusiast, or just curious about how algorithms shape the digital world, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the impact of Elo’s genius.
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about the Elo Rating System than you did before!
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
LMSYS Org & Chatbot Arena
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re exploring the need-to-know LMSYS Org and their innovative Chatbot Arena. LMSYS Org, a collaboration between top minds at UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and Carnegie Melon University, is breaking new ground by making powerful AI models accessible to everyone. They’re not just creating AI—they’re building a community where anyone can contribute and evaluate top LLMs.
We also explore the Chatbot Arena, where AI models face off in real-time, with human users like you deciding which one comes out on top. It’s more than just a contest; it’s a dynamic tool for developers to gain real-world feedback and see how their models perform under pressure. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, developer, or just curious, this episode will show you how LMSYS Org is democratizing AI and inviting everyone to be part of the action.
LMSYS Org
LMSYS Chat Arena Leaderboard
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about the LYMSYS Org and Chatbot Arena than you did before!
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Monday Sep 02, 2024
How do you evaluate Generative AI?
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore evaluating Generative AI large language models (LLMs). Just like finding the best restaurant in town means more than judging a single dish, evaluating AI models requires a comprehensive approach. We break down why assessing performance, comparing models, and building user trust are central to evaluation. From authenticity to speed, and fairness to cost, we cover the key factors that determine an AI's true potential.
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you now know more about LLM Evaluation than you did before!
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
What are AI Hallucinations?
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re tackling the curious case of AI hallucinations—when AI creates content that’s completely off the mark. We’ll explore how these digital daydreams happen, why humans aren’t immune to similar slip-ups, and the impact these hallucinations can have. Whether amusing or alarming, AI hallucinations are a phenomenon you’ll want to understand.
Check out this Paper: WildHallucinations: Evaluating Long-form Factuality in LLMs with Real-World Entity Queries
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode or have questions, reach out to Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of generative AI. And remember, you didn't hallucinate this episode, no, this actually happened.
Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn

Lecturer + Speaker
Transform your business with Emily Laird's captivating presentation on Generative AI. An AI expert and dynamic speaker, Emily breaks down complex concepts with ease and entertainment. Perfect for businesses and organizations eager to discover AI's potential.







