Robots and Red Tape: AI and the Federal Government

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt sits down with Daniel Schmidt, an AI practitioner at Thomson Reuters Special Services, to unpack how to stay relevant in the lightning-fast world of artificial intelligence. With a background spanning math, physics, and computer science, Daniel shares his journey—from mastering reinforcement learning to serving in the Israeli military developing AI algorithms, and now working on cutting-edge multi-agent frameworks for government applications. With 13 years in data science and machine learning across security, healthcare, and more, Daniel offers a deep dive into the skills and habits needed to keep pace with AI's evolution.The conversation explores:From Academia to AI: Daniel's shift from quantum mechanics to machine learning, sparked by a passion for solving real-world problems with reinforcement learning and NLP.Staying Current as a Practitioner: Practical strategies for tracking state-of-the-art AI methods, leveraging tools like Hugging Face, Papers with Code, and GitHub to filter noise and focus on what works.Prompt Engineering Power: Why mastering prompts—through structured code or iterative techniques—unlocks better LLM performance for users and developers alike.AI for Executives and End Users: How non-technical leaders can harness AI by understanding trends like the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and using simplified tools to drive value.Code vs. Creativity: The role of coding fundamentals in an era of AI-assisted programming, and why system design remains a human stronghold.Data Privacy Pitfalls: Navigating the risks of sensitive data in public LLMs, with tips on vendor selection and avoiding foreign-hosted systems for secure applications.Under appreciated Breakthrough: Why Stanford's DSPy project, which optimizes prompts through code, is a game-changer for reliable AI integration.Habits for Relevance: Daniel's advice on dedicating weekly time to experimentation, forming learning groups, and treating AI learning like a mental workout to stay ahead.Daniel emphasizes that AI's rapid pace demands curiosity, discipline, and a balance of technical and practical skills—whether you're building systems or using them. Tune in for an insightful, actionable discussion on thriving in the AI revolution, with tips for practitioners, executives, and curious users alike.To connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-schmidt-574482b8/Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXwPTHJC1XETo learn more about Thomson Reuters Special Services: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/government-solutions.html#ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #PromptEngineering #AIInnovation #DataScience #TechSkills #AIPractitioner #GovernmentTech #RobotsAndRedTape #TechTrends #AIRevolution #Podcast #Interview

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt sits down with Clint Alanis, co-founder of Smack Technologies and a former Marine Corps officer, to explore how AI can reshape military decision-making in an era of rapid technological change. Clint shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in South Texas and attending a military college on a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship, to serving as an infantryman, special operations officer, and diplomat across 20 years, including five years abroad. After leaving the Marine Corps as a commanding officer, Clint transitioned into the tech world, driven by a mission to ensure the U.S. remains prepared for future conflicts.The conversation delves into:From Marine to Tech Founder: Clint's transition from military service to co-founding Smack Technologies, sparked by a desire to address strategic gaps with cutting-edge AI solutions.Smack's Mission: How Smack Technologies aims to help warfighters make faster, smarter decisions in complex, high-stakes environments—reducing cognitive overload and enhancing lethality.AI as a Cognitive Offset: Using predictive analytics and real-time options to support commanders, from tactical edges to strategic levels, without replacing human judgment.Gaps in U.S. Military Strategy: Clint's perspective on the loss of focus on lethality, the need for efficiency with limited resources, and the importance of decentralizing decision-making.The Defense Industrial Base: Why current manufacturing capacity may falter in a high-intensity conflict, and the necessity of coalition-based strategies with allies.Human-in-the-Loop Debate: Balancing AI autonomy with human oversight, addressing fears of misuse, and ensuring ethical application in warfare.Advice for Veterans: Encouraging transitioning military professionals to embrace risk, leverage their expertise, and join the tech space to strengthen national resilience.Clint underscores that war remains a human endeavor rooted in lethality, and AI is a tool—not a replacement—for enhancing warfighter effectiveness. Tune in for a candid, thought-provoking look at how technology can bridge yesterday's tactics with tomorrow's battles, plus practical advice for veterans eyeing entrepreneurship.To learn more about Smack Technologies: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smack-technologies-inc/To connect with Clint on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintalanis/#ArtificialIntelligence #MilitaryTech #DefenseInnovation #WarfighterSupport #VeteranEntrepreneur #TechTransition #CognitiveOffset #MilitaryStrategy #RobotsAndRedTape #Innovation #FutureOfWarfare #TechForGood #Podcast #Interview

In this compelling episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt welcomes Richard Threlkeld, CEO of Valiant AI, to dive into the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and organ transplantation. Richard, a systems engineering and AI expert with a background spanning the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin, General Electric Research, and Georgia Tech, shares his inspiring journey—from surviving thyroid cancer to founding Valiant AI. His mission? To tackle the inefficiencies in kidney allocation and save lives using AI-driven solutions.The conversation explores:The Complexity of Kidney Allocation: An overview of the U.S. organ transplant system, managed by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), and why 34% of kidneys go unused despite a waiting list of 100,000.AI as a Game-Changer: How Valiant AI uses historical data and algorithms to identify at-risk kidneys, match them with suitable recipients, and reduce waste—all while offering the tool for free to save lives.Key Inefficiencies: From logistical hurdles (like shipping kidneys on commercial flights) to mismatched incentives between organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and transplant centers, and the lack of real-time data tools.Impact So Far: Richard reveals how Valiant AI has saved 40-50 lives in just six months by finding homes for marginal kidneys, with potential to rescue thousands more nationwide.Data Challenges: The urgent need for secure, real-time data sharing (think APIs, not Excel) to unlock AI's full potential in healthcare, despite regulatory hesitations.The Human Element: Balancing fairness, medical urgency, and patient choice in allocation, while addressing the staggering reality of 17 deaths daily on the kidney waiting list.Future Vision: How the organ transplant space could evolve over the next 5-10 years with better infrastructure, data modernization, and broader AI adoption.Richard emphasizes that AI is just math—powered by historical data—and not a sci-fi threat, advocating for transparency and education to overcome resistance. Tune in for a powerful discussion on how technology can bridge gaps, reduce waste, and save lives in a system where every second counts.To learn more, check out Valiant AI: https://valiantai.coTo connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-threlkeld/#ArtificialIntelligence #OrganTransplant #HealthcareInnovation #KidneyAllocation #AImpact #DataDriven #HealthcareTech #SystemsEngineering #RobotsAndRedTape #LifeSavingTech #Innovation #FutureOfHealth #TechForGood #Podcast #Interview

In this insightful episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt is joined by experts Jon Conradt and Elena Agaragimova, co-founders of Shiftwell.ai, to discuss the evolving landscape of AI talent and workforce development. Elena, a seasoned professional in talent development and people operations, shares her experience creating effective talent pipelines, training programs, and strategic talent solutions. Jon, a technology veteran and former Principal AI Researcher at Amazon, brings a wealth of practical AI insights from his work with Google's Chrome browser and beyond.The conversation explores:Defining the modern AI workforce and how businesses are integrating AI technologies.Common misconceptions around AI talent needs and the reality of hiring in this space.The critical roles of data engineers, software engineers, and AI researchers, and where companies should prioritize investment.Strategies for addressing the significant talent gaps in AI, including upskilling, reskilling, and innovative recruitment approaches.Importance of soft skills such as problem-solving, curiosity, adaptability, and effective communication for technical roles.How leaders can effectively recognize AI-solvable problems and avoid pitfalls when investing in AI solutions.Practical advice for leadership to foster transparency, reduce fear, and build a collaborative environment during AI-driven transformation.Jon and Elena emphasize the importance of balancing technical capabilities with soft skills, advocating for curiosity, effective communication, and adaptability as essential attributes for success in the AI era. Tune in for actionable insights to build robust, resilient, and innovative AI talent pipelines and retain skilled teams in an increasingly competitive marketplace.To learn more, you can check out https://www.shiftwell.ai/ To connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ To connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonconradt/#ArtificialIntelligence #AITalent #WorkforceDevelopment #TalentAcquisition #Upskilling #Reskilling #SoftSkills #Leadership #DataEngineering #SoftwareEngineering #TalentPipeline #RobotsAndRedTape #Innovation #FutureOfWork #TechTalent #podcast #interview

Join host Nick Schutt on Robots & Red Tape as he sits down with Aaron St Clair and Jonathan Rendon from Omni Consulting Solutions to discuss how cutting-edge AI technology is revolutionizing procurement processes. Dive into VisionX, their innovative platform designed to automate and dramatically streamline government and private-sector procurement tasks—reducing time spent from days to minutes. In this insightful conversation, discover: How VisionX uses explainable AI and advanced automation to manage high-volume proposal evaluations rapidly and accurately. Real-world case studies demonstrating significant efficiency gains in compliance checks, evaluation assignments, and procurement workflows. Discussions on how explainable AI can reduce procurement delays, including handling protests effectively. The evolution of VisionX and its adaptability for both high-volume proposals and traditional federal procurement. Ideal for procurement professionals, government contractors, and tech enthusiasts looking to understand the future of AI in procurement. #govcon #ai #visionx #ProcurementAutomation #federalcontracting #innovation #govtech #explainableai #govtech #efficiency #RobotsAndRedTape #technologypodcast #innovation #AIProcurement #contractmanagement #OmniConsulting #governmentinnovation #governmentefficiency #aiinnovation #artificialintelligence #podcast #nextgenai #agenticai

In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt sits down with entrepreneur and AI innovator Luke Einsel to discuss his incredible journey from the healthy beverage industry to the cutting edge of AI-powered legal defense. Luke shares how a David vs. Goliath legal battle against a multi-billion-dollar hedge fund led him to develop FileStory, an AI-driven investigative tool that leveled the playing field in his fight. We dive into how agentic AI is revolutionizing document review, eliminating hallucinations, and transforming industries like legal, compliance, finance, and government. Other topics we cover: ✅ The power of agentic AI vs. large language models ✅ How AI reduced 1,000 hours of legal document review to a few hours ✅ The importance of integrity, hiring top talent, and delegation in business ✅ Why AI will define the future of competitive advantage

Kamyar and I chat about the basics of quantum computing, working to answer: What is quantum computing? How does it differ from classical computing? Is it vaporware or the real deal? How will it affect our world?https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamyar-maserrat-6118908/ https://www.foley.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickschutt/ https://artemishcm.com/

Shree Taylor and Nick Schutt chat about how diverse teams create better end products in AI, ideal hiring processes and entrepreneurship in a wide ranging conversation! https://www.linkedin.com/in/shree-whitaker-taylor-phd/ https://www.elderresearch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickschutt/ https://artemishcm.com/

John Mark, Dave and Nick Schutt chat about the history of government efficiency efforts, lessons learned and how AI is a game changer! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmsuhy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-jefferson-6097802/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickschutt/ https://greystonesgroup.com/ https://artemishcm.com/

Dr Dolores Kuchina-Musina joins me for a conversation about how the federal government purchases emerging technology! https://rexota.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkuchinamusina/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickschutt/

Mike Todasco, Visiting Fellow at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at SDSU and PayPal veteran, and I have a wide ranging discussion about AI and some of the impacts it is and will continue to have on our daily lives! https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickschutt/ https://artemishcm.com/

Dan and I chat about his background and his experience in the legal cannabis industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-korpon/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickschutt/ www.artemishcm.com

Joe Blaty and I chat about the status of AI friends and the societal costs associated with these technologies. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-blaty/

Bill Pratt and I chat about the complexities of rolling out a new framework within a government agency, artificial intelligence, the difficulties of hiring/firing federal employees, federal procurement and what it's like to go through a presidential transition as a federal employee.

Jon Conradt and I chat about the benefits of automatic machine learning, AutoGluon and more! Connect with Jon! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonconradt/ https://auto.gluon.ai/stable/index.html Want to chat with Jon? https://calendly.com/jon-versionx/introduction

Dave Cook, founder of the Training Data Project, and I chat about the important of training data, how it affects our ability to create AI/ML models, entrepreneurship and more! https://trainingdataproject.org/

Sam Hart, founder of Hathr.AI, and I chat about HIPAA compliance, defense, healthcare and more! https://hathr.ai/

Dr Barry Leffew joins me to chat about his PhD, building trust in AI systems, technostress and more!

United States Navy Captain Jon Haase, Program manager of PMS 408 and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expert, joins me to discuss the state of EOD, how robotics and AI are influencing this field, military history, the power of mindsets and more! Happy Veterans Day!

Two Nicks are better than one! Checkout a great conversation with my friend, Nick Tabbal!

Chris and I chat about the different attitudes in civilian and defense sectors, AI, use cases, entrepreneurship and more!

Brian and I chat about the global state of human trafficking and how we can use AI to combat it.

Matt and I talk about AI and its impact on a Utopian vs. Dystopian Future.

Miguel and I chat about the streaming industry and AI's role in humanity's future!

James and I chat about FirstNet, 911 and how we can use AI to improve 911!

Rich and I have a wide ranging chat about AI and his new book!

Heather and I chat about AI in defense and culture!

Andy Desai and I chat about

Brian and I chat about AI, privacy concerns, vision headsets and the future of advertising.

Eric and I chat about AI implementations. What do you need to be successful?

Dave and I chat about the brain, AI, and how the studying the human mind can promote efficiency in AI systems.

Marty and I chat about her experience working with Congress and AI!

Dr Raymond Sheh and I discuss AI, public safety and more!

EVP and Chief of Staff of Rohirrim.ai, Erin Underwood, and I discuss her background, domain specific AI, good and bad use cases and more!

Debbie and I discuss post quantum cryptography!

Oliver Sadorra, CGO of Dark Wolf Solutions, and I chat about AI and Synthetic Media

Aaron and I chat about generative AI, the downsides of the current fascination with it and the potential consequences of not investing elsewhere as well.

Chris Steel and I chat about the dangers of store now, decrypt later, quantum computing and how actions taken or not taken now will have a massive impact as quantum computing becomes a reality.

Soon to be Dr E Veal and I chat about what is and is not Responsible AI!

I sit down with Matt Teschke, the CTO of Redhorse Corporation, for a wide ranging chat about AI, cybersecurity, its implications on the federal space, society and more!