Podcasts about Agtech

Join Christina Warren and Brett Terpstra as they navigate the freezing Minnesotan cold without running water, delve into the intersection of tech and political turmoil, and explore the latest in AI agents and multi-agent workflows. Dive into a whirlwind of emotions, tech tips, and political ranting, all while contemplating the ethics of open source funding and AI coding. From brutal weather updates to philosophical debates on modern fascism, this episode pulls no punches. Sponsor Copilot Money can help you take control of your finances. Get a fresh start with your money for 2026 with 2 months free when you visit try.copilot.money/overtired. Show Links Crimethinc: Being “Peaceful” and “Law-Abiding” Will Not Stop Authoritarianism Gas Town Apex OpenCode Backdrop Cindori Sensei Moltbot Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Host Updates 00:21 Brett’s Water Crisis 02:27 Political Climate and Media Suppression 06:32 Police Violence and Public Response 18:31 Social Media and Surveillance 22:15 Sponsor Break: Copilot Money 26:20 Tech Talk: Gas Town and AI Agents 31:58 Crypto Controversies 37:09 Ethics in Journalism and Personal Dilemmas 39:45 The Future of Open Source and Cryptocurrency 45:03 Apex 1.0? 48:25 Challenges and Innovations in Markdown Processing 01:02:16 AI in Coding and Personal Assistants 01:06:36 GrAPPtitude 01:14:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Plans Join the Conversation Merch Come chat on Discord! Twitter/ovrtrd Instagram/ovrtrd Youtube Get the Newsletter Thanks! You’re downloading today’s show from CacheFly’s network BackBeat Media Podcast Network Check out more episodes at overtiredpod.com and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Find Brett as @ttscoff, Christina as @film_girl, Jeff as @jsguntzel, and follow Overtired at @ovrtrd on Twitter. Transcript AI Agents and Political Chaos Introduction and Host Updates Christina: [00:00:00] Welcome back. You’re listening to Overtired. I’m Christina Warren. Joined as always by Brett Terpstra. Jeff Severns. Guntzel could not be with us this week, um, but uh, but Brett and I are here. So Brett, how are you? How’s the cold? Brett: The cold. Brett’s Water Crisis Brett: So I’m going on day four without running water. Um, I drove to my parents last night to shower and we’re, we’re driving loads of dishes to friends’ house to wash them. We have big buckets of melted snow in our bathtub that we use to flush the Toyland. Um, and we have like big jugs with a spout on them for drinking water. So we’re surviving, but it is highly inconvenient. Um, and we don’t know yet if it’s a frozen pipe. Or if we have [00:01:00] a bad pump on our, well, uh, hopefully we’ll find that out today. But no guarantees because all the plumbers are very busy right now with negative 30 degree weather. They tend to get a lot of calls, lots of stuff happens. Um, so yeah, but I’m, I’m staying warm. I got a fireplace, I got my heat’s working Christina: I mean, that’s the important thing. Brett: and that went out, that went out twice, in, twice already. This winter, our heat has gone out, um, which I’m thankful. We, we finally, we added glycol to our, so our heat pumps water through, like, it’s not radiators, it’s like baseboard heat, but it, it uses water and. Um, and though we were getting like frozen spots, not burst pipes, just enough that the water wouldn’t go through fast enough to heat anything. So we added glycol to that [00:02:00] system to bring the freeze point down to like zero degrees. So it’s not perfect, but we also hardwired the pump so that it always circulates water, um, even when the heat’s not running. So hopefully it’ll never freeze again. That’s the goal. Um, and if we replace the well pump, that should be good for another 20 years. So hopefully after this things will be smoother. Political Climate and Media Suppression Brett: Um, yeah, but that, that’s all in addition to, you know, my state being occupied by federal agents and even in my small town, we’ve got people being like, abducted. Things are escalating quickly at this point, and a lot of it doesn’t get talked about on mainstream media. Um, but yeah, things, I don’t know, man. I think we’re making progress because, um, apparently Binos [00:03:00] getting retired Christina: I was going to say, I, I, I, I heard, I heard that, and I don’t know if that’s good or if that’s bad. Um, I can’t, I can’t tell. Brett: it’s, it’s like, it’s like if Trump died, we wouldn’t know if that was good or bad because JD Vance as president, like maybe things get way worse. Who knows? Uh, none of these, none of these actual figureheads are the solution. Removing them isn’t the solution to removing the kinda maga philosophy behind it. But yeah, and that’s also Jeff is, you know, highly involved and I, I won’t, I won’t talk about that for him. I hope we can get him monsoon to talk about that. Christina: No, me, me, me too. Because I’ve, I’ve been thinking about, about him and about you and about your whole area, your communities, you know, from several thousand miles away. Like all, all we, all we see is either what people post online, which of course now is being suppressed. [00:04:00] Uh, thanks a lot. You know, like, like the, oh, TikTok was gonna be so terrible. Chi the, the Chinese are gonna take over our, uh, our algorithms. Right? No, Larry Ellison is, is actually going to completely, you know, fuck up the algorithms, um, and, and suppress anything. I, yeah. Yeah. They’re, they’re Brett: is TikTok? Well, ’cause Victor was telling me that, they were seeing videos. Uh, you would see one frame of the video and then it would black out. And it all seemed to be videos that were negative towards the administration and we weren’t sure. Is this a glitch? Is this coincidence? Christina: well, they claim it’s a glitch, but I don’t believe it. Brett: Yeah, it seems, it seems Christina: I, I mean, I mean, I mean, the thing is like, maybe it is, maybe it is a glitch and we’re overreacting. I don’t know. Um, all I know is that they’ve given us absolutely zero reason to trust them, and so I don’t, and so, um, uh, apparently the, the state of California, this is, [00:05:00] so we are recording this on Tuesday morning. Apparently the state of California has said that they are going to look into whether things are being, you know, suppressed or not, and if that’s violating California law, um, because now that, that, that TikTok is, is controlled by an American entity, um, even if it is, you know, owned by like a, you know, uh, evil, uh, billionaire, you know, uh, crony sto fuck you, Larry Ellison. Um, uh, I guess that means we won’t be getting an Oracle sponsorship. Sorry. Um, uh, Brett: take it anyway. Christina: I, I know you wouldn’t, I know you wouldn’t. That’s why I felt safe saying that. Um, but, uh, but even if, if, if that were the case, like I, you know, but apparently like now that it is like a, you know, kind of, you know, state based like US thing, like California could step in and potentially make things difficult for them. I mean, I think that’s probably a lot of bluster on Newsom’s part. I don’t think that he could really, honestly achieve any sort of change if they are doing things to the algorithm. Brett: Yeah. Uh, [00:06:00] if, if laws even matter anymore, it would be something that got tied up in court for a long time Christina: Right. Which effectively wouldn’t matter. Right. And, and then that opens up a lot of other interesting, um, things about like, okay, well, you know, should we, like what, what is the role? Like even for algorithmically determined things of the government to even step in or whatever, right now, obviously does, I think, become like more of a speech issue if it’s government speech that’s being suppressed, but regardless, it, it is just, it’s bad. So I’ve been, I’ve been thinking about you, I’ve been thinking about Jeff. Police Violence and Public Response Christina: Um, you know, we all saw what happened over the weekend and, and, you know, people be, people are being murdered in the streets and I mean that, that, that’s what’s happening. And, Brett: white people no less, Christina: Right. Well, I mean, that’s the thing, right? Like, is that like, but, but, but they keep moving the bar. They, they keep moving the goalpost, right? So first it’s a white woman and, oh, she, she was, she was running over. The, the officer [00:07:00] or the ice guy, and it’s like, no, she wasn’t, but, but, but that, that’s immediately where they go and, and she’s, you know, radical whatever and, and, and a terrorist and this and that. Okay. Then you have a literal veterans affair nurse, right? Like somebody who literally, like, you know, has, has worked with, with, with combat veterans and has done those things. Who, um, is stepping in to help someone who’s being pepper sprayed, you know, is, is just observing. And because he happens to have, um, a, a, a, a gun on him legally, which he’s allowed to do, um, they immediately used that as cover to execute him. But if he hadn’t had the gun, they would’ve, they would’ve come up with something else. Oh, we thought he had a gun, and they, you know what I mean? So like, they, they got lucky with that one because they removed the method, the, the, the weapon and then shot him 10 times. You know, they literally executed him in the street. But if he hadn’t had a gun, they still would’ve executed. Brett: Yeah, no, for sure. Um, it’s really frustrating that [00:08:00] they took the gun away. So he was disarmed and, and immobilized and then they shot him. Um, like so that’s just a straight up execution. And then to bring, like, to say that it, he, because he had a gun, he was dangerous, is such a, an affront to America has spent so long fighting against gun control and saying that we had the right to carry fucking assault rifles in the Christina: Kyle Rittenhouse. Kyle Rittenhouse was literally acquitted. Right? Brett: Yeah. And he killed people. Christina: and, and he killed people. He was literally walking around little fucking stogey, you know, little blubbering little bitch, like, you know, crying, you know, he’s like carrying around like Rambo a gun and literally snipe shooting people. That’s okay. Brett: They defended Christina: if you have a. They defended him. Of course they did. Right? Of course they did. Oh, well he has the right to carry and this and that, and Oh, you should be able to be armed in [00:09:00] these places. Oh, no, but, but if you’re, um, somebody that we don’t like Brett: Yeah, Christina: and you have a concealed carry permit, and I don’t even know if he was really concealed. Right. Because I think that if you have it on your holster, I don’t even think that counts as concealed to Brett: was supposedly in Christina: I, I, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t. Brett: like it Christina: Which I don’t think counts as concealed. I think. Brett: No. Christina: Right, right. So, so, so, so, so that, that, that wouldn’t be concealed. Be because you have someone in, in that situation, then all of a sudden, oh, no. Now, now the, the key, the goalpost, okay, well, it’s fine if it’s, you know, uh, police we don’t like, or, or other people. And, and, and if you’re going after protesters, then you can shoot and kill whoever you want, um, because you’ve perceived a threat and you can take actions into your, to your own hands. Um, but now if you are even a white person, um, even, you know, someone who’s, who’s worked in Veterans Affairs, whatever, if, if you have, uh, even if you’re like a, a, a, you know, a, a gun owner and, and have permits, um, now [00:10:00] if we don’t like you and you are anywhere in the vicinity of anybody associated with law enforcement, now they have the right to shoot you dead. Like that’s, that’s, that’s the argument, which is insanity. Brett: so I’m, I’m just gonna point out that as the third right came to power, they disarmed the Jews and they disarmed the anarchists and the socialists and they armed the rest of the population and it became, um, gun control for people they didn’t like. Um, and this is, it’s just straight up the same playbook. There’s no, there’s no differentiation anymore. Christina: No, it, it, it actively makes me angry that, um, I, I could be, because, ’cause what can we do? And, and what they’re counting on is the fact that we’re all tired and we’re all kind of, you know, like just, [00:11:00] you know, from, from what happened, you know, six years ago and, and, and what happened, you know, five years ago. Um, and, and, and various things. I think a lot of people are, are just. It kind of like Brett: Sure. Christina: done with, with, with being able to, to, to, right. But now the actual fascism is here, right? Like, like we, we, we saw a, a, you know, a whiff of this on, on, on January 6th, but now it’s actual fascism and they control every branch of government. Brett: Yeah. Christina: And, um, and, and, and I, and I don’t know what we’re supposed to do, right? Like, I mean it, because I mean, you know, uh, Philadelphia is, is, is begging for, for, for them to come. And I think that would be an interesting kind of standoff. Seattle is this, this is what a friend of mine said was like, you know, you know Philadelphia, Filch Philadelphia is begging them to come. Seattle is like scared. Um, that, that they’re going to come, um, because honestly, like we’re a bunch of little bitch babies and, um, [00:12:00] people think they’re like, oh, you know the WTO. I’m like, yeah, that was, that was 27 years ago. Um, uh, I, I don’t think that Seattle has the juice to hold that sort of line again. Um, but I also don’t wanna find out, right? Like, but, but, but this is, this is the attack thing. It’s like, okay, why are they in Minnesota? Right? They’re what, like 130,000, um, Brett: exactly Christina: um, immigrants in, in Minnesota. There are, there are however many million in Texas, however many million in Florida. We know exactly why, right? This isn’t about. Anything more than Brett: in any way. Christina: and opt. Right, right. It has nothing, it has nothing to do with, with, with immigration anyway. I mean, even, even the Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal who a, you know, ran an op-ed basically saying get out of Minnesota. They also, they also had like a, you know, a news story, which was not from the opinion board, which like broke down the, the, the footage showing, you know, that like the, the video footage doesn’t match the administration’s claims, but they also ran a story. Um, that [00:13:00] basically did the math, I guess, on like the number of, of criminals, um, or people with criminal records who have been deported. And at this point, like in, you know, and, and when things started out, like, I guess when the raid started out, the, the majority of the people that they were kind of going after were people who had criminal records. Now, whether they were really violent, the worst, the worst, I mean that’s, I’m, I’m not gonna get into that, but you could at least say like, they, they could at least say, oh, well these were people who had criminal records, whatever. Now some, some huge percentage, I think it’s close to 80% don’t have anything. And many of the people that do the, the criminal like thing that they would hold would be, you know, some sort of visa violation. Right. So it’s, it’s, it’s Brett: they deported a five-year-old kid after using him as bait to try to get the rest of his family. Christina: as bait. Brett: Yeah. And like it’s, it’s pretty deplorable. But I will say I am proud of Minnesota. Um, they have not backed [00:14:00] down. They have stood up in the face of increasing increasingly escalated attacks, and they have shown up in force thousands of people out in the streets. Like Conti, like last night they had a, um, well, yeah, I mean, it’s been ongoing, but, uh, what’s his name? Preddy Alex. Um, at the place where he was shot, they had a, like continuing kind of memorial protest, I guess, and there’s footage of like a thousand, a thousand mins surrounding about 50, um, ICE agents and. Like basically corralling them to the point where they were all backed into a corner and weren’t moving. And I don’t know what happened after that. Um, but thus far it hasn’t been violent on the part of protesters. It’s been very violent on the part of ice. I [00:15:00] personally, I don’t know where I stand on, like, I feel like the Democrats are urging pacifism because it affects their hold on power. And I don’t necessarily think that peace when they’re murdering us in the street. I don’t know if peace is the right response, but I don’t know. I’m not openly declaring that I support violence at this point, but. At the same time, do I not? I’m not sure. Like I keep going back and forth on is it time for a war or do we try to vote our way out of this? Christina: I mean, well, and the scary thing about voting our way out of this is will we even be able to have free elections, right? Be because they’re using any sort of anything, even the most benign sort of legal [00:16:00] protest, even if violence isn’t involved in all of a sudden, talks of the Insurrection Act come Brett: yeah. And Trump, Trump offered to pull out of Minnesota if Minnesota will turn over its voter database to the federal government. Like that’s just blatant, like that’s obviously the end goal is suppression. Christina: Right, right. And, and so to your point, I don’t know. Right. And I’m, I’m never somebody who would wanna advocate outwardly for violence, but I, I, I, I, I don’t know. I mean, they’re killing citizens in the streets. They’re assassinating people in cold blood. They’re executing people, right. That’s what they’re doing. They’re literally executing people in the streets and then covering it up in real time. Brett: if the argument is, if we are violent, it will cause them to kill us. They’re already killing Christina: already doing it. Right. So at, at this point, I mean, like, you know, I mean, like, w to your point, wars have been started for, for, for less, or for the exact same things. Brett: [00:17:00] Yeah. Christina: So, I don’t know. I don’t know. Um, I know that that’s a depressing way to probably do mental health corner and whatnot, but this is what’s happening in our world right now and in and in your community, and it’s, it’s terrifying. Brett: I’m going to link in the show notes an article from Crime Think that was written by, uh, people in Germany who have studied, um, both historical fascism and the current rise of the A FD, which will soon be the most powerful party in Germany, um, which is straight up a Nazi party. Um, and it, they offered, like their hope right now lies in America stopping fascism. Christina: Yeah. Brett: Like if we can, if we can stop fascism, then they believe the rest of Europe can stop fascism. Um, but like they, it, it’s a good article. It kind of, it kind of broaches the same questions I do about like, is it [00:18:00] time for violence? And they offer, like, we don’t, we’re not advocating for a civil war, but like Civil wars might. If you, if you, if you broach them as revolutions, it’s kind of, they’re kind of the same thing in cases like this. So anyway, I’ll, I’ll link that for anyone who wants to read kinda what’s going on in my head. I’m making a note to dig that up. I, uh, I love Crime Fake Oh and Blue Sky. Social Media and Surveillance Brett: Um, so I have not, up until very recently been an avid Blue Sky user. Um, I think I have like, I think I have maybe like 200 followers there and I follow like 50 people. But I’ve been expanding that and I am getting a ton of my news from Blue Sky and like to get stories from people on the ground, like news as it happens, unfiltered and Blue Sky has been [00:19:00] really good for that. Um, I, it’s. There’s not like an algorithm. I just get my stuff and like Macedon, I have a much larger following and I follow a lot more people, but it’s very tech, Christina: It’s very tech and, Brett: there for. Christina: well, and, and MAs on, um, understandably too is also European, um, in a lot of regards. And so it’s just, it’s not. Gonna have the same amount of, of people who are gonna be able to, at least for instances like this, like be on the ground and doing real-time stuff. It’s not, it doesn’t have like the more normy stuff. So, no, that makes sense. Um, no, that’s great. I think, yeah, blue Sky’s been been really good for, for these sorts of real-time events because again, they don’t have an algorithm. Like you can have one, like for a personalized kind of like for you feed or whatever, but in terms of what you see, you know, you see it naturally. You’re not seeing it being adjusted by anything, which can be good and bad. I, I think is good because nothing’s suppressing things and you see things in real time. It can be bad because sometimes you miss things, but I think on the whole, it’s better. [00:20:00] The only thing I will say, just to anyone listening and, and just to spread onto, you know, people in your communities too, from what I’ve observed from others, like, it does seem like the, the government and other sorts of, you know, uh, uh, the, you know, bodies like that are finally starting to pay more attention to blue sky in terms of monitoring things. And so that’s not to say don’t. You know, use it at all. But the same way, you don’t make threats on Twitter if you don’t want the Feds to show up at your house. Don’t make threats on Blue Sky, because it’s not just a little microcosm where, you know, no one will see it. People are, it, it’s still small, but it’s, it’s getting bigger to the point that like when people look at like where some of the, the, the fire hose, you know, things observable things are there, there seem to be more and more of them located in the Washington DC area, which could just be because data centers are there, who knows? But I’ve also just seen anecdotally, like people who have had, like other instances, it’s like, don’t, don’t think [00:21:00] that like, oh, okay, well, you know, no one’s monitoring this. Um, of course people are so just don’t be dumb, don’t, don’t say things that could potentially get you in trouble. Um. Brett: a political candidate in Florida. Um, had the cops show up at her house and read her one of her Facebook posts. I mean, this was local. This was local cops, but still, yeah, you Christina: right. Well, yeah, that’s the thing, right? No, totally. And, and my, my only point with that is we’ve known that they do that for Facebook and for, for, you know, Twitter and, and, uh, you know, Instagram and things like that, but they, but Blue Sky, like, I don’t know if it’s on background checks yet, but it, uh, like for, uh, for jobs and things like that, I, I, I don’t know if that’s happening, but it definitely is at that point where, um, I know that people are starting to monitor those things. So just, you know, uh, not even saying for you per se, but just for anybody out there, like, it’s awesome and I’m so glad that like, that’s where people can get information out, but don’t be like [00:22:00] lulled into this false sense of security. Like, oh, well they’re not gonna monitor this. They’re not Brett: Nobody’s watching me here. Christina: It is like, no, they are, they are. Um, so especially as it becomes, you know, more prominent. So I’m, I’m glad that that’s. That’s an option there too. Um, okay. Sponsor Break: Copilot Money Christina: This is like the worst possible segue ever, but should we go ahead and segue to our, our, our sponsor break? Brett: Let’s do it. Let’s, let’s talk about capitalism. Christina: All right. This episode is brought to you by copilot money. Copilot money is not just another finance app. It’s your personal finance partner designed to help you feel clear, calm, and in control of your money. Whether it’s tracking your spending, saving for specific goals, or simply getting the handle on your investments. Copilot money has you covered as we enter the new year. Clarity and control over our finances has never been more important with the recent shutdown of Mint and rising financial stress, for many consumers are looking for a modern, trustworthy tool to help navigate their financial journeys. That’s where copilot money comes in. [00:23:00] With this beautifully designed app, you can see all your bank accounts, spending, savings and goals and investments all in one place. Imagine easily tracking everything without the clutter of chaotic spreadsheets or outdated tools. It’s a practical way to start 2026 with a fresh financial outlook. And here’s the exciting part. As of December 15th, copilot money is now available on the web so you can manage your finances on any device that you choose. Plus, it offers a seamless experience that keeps your data secure with a privacy first approach, when you sign up using our link, you’ll get two months for free. So visit, try. Copilot money slash Overtired to get started with features like automatic subscription tracking so you never miss a renewal date and customizable savings goals to help you stay on track. Copilot money empowers you to take charge of your financial life with confidence. So why wait Start 2026 with clarity and purpose. Download copilot money on your devices or visit. Try copilot money slash [00:24:00] overti today to claim you’re two months free and embrace a more organized, stress-free approach to your finances. Try copilot.money/ Overtired. Brett: Awesome that I appreciate this segue. ’cause we, we, we could, we could be talking about other things. Um, like it’s, it feels so weird, like when I go on social media and I just want to post that like my water’s out. It feels out of place right now because there’s everything that’s going on feels so much more important than, Christina: Right. Brett: than anything else. Um, but there’s still a place for living our lives, um, Christina: there are a absolutely. I mean, and, and, and in a certain extent, like not to, I mean, maybe this is a little bit of a cope, but it’s like, if all we do is focus on the things that we can’t control at the expense of everything else, it’s like then they win. You know? Like, which, which isn’t, which, which isn’t even to [00:25:00] say, like, don’t talk about what’s happening. Don’t try to help, don’t try to speak out and, and, um, and do what we can do, but also. Like as individuals, there’s very little we can control about things. And being completely, you know, subsumed by that is, is not necessarily good either. Um, so yeah, there’s, there, there are other things going on and it’s important for us to get out of our heads. It’s important, especially for you, you know, being in the region, I think to be able to, to focus on other things and, and hopefully your water will be back soon. ’cause that sucks like that. I’ve been, I’ve been worried about you. I’m glad that you have heat. I’m glad you have internet. I’m glad you have power, but you know, the pipes being frozen and all that stuff is like, not Brett: it, the, the internet has also been down for up to six hours at a time. I don’t know why. There’s like an amplifier down on our street. Um, and that has sucked because I, out here, I live in a, I’m not gonna call it rural. Uh, we’re like five minutes from town, [00:26:00] but, um, we, we don’t. We have shitty internet. Like I pay for a gigabit and I get 500 megabits and it’s, and it’s up and down all the time and I hate it. But anyway. Tech Talk: Gas Town and AI Agents Brett: Let’s talk about, uh, let’s talk about Gas Town. What can you tell me about Gastown? Christina: Okay. So we’ve talked a lot about like AI agents and, um, kind of like, uh, coding, um, loops and, and things like that. And so Gastown, uh, which is available, um, at, I, it is not Gas Town. Let me find the URL, um, one second. It’s, it’s at a gas town. No, it’s not. Lemme find it. Um. Right. So this is a thing that, that Steve Yy, uh, has created, and [00:27:00] it is a multi-agent workspace manager. And so the idea is basically that you can be running like a lot of instances of, um, of, of Claude Code or, um, I guess you could use Codex. You could use, uh, uh, uh, co-pilot, um, SDK or CLI agent and whatnot. Um, and basically what it’s designed to do is to basically let you coordinate like multiple coding agents at one time so they can all be working on different tasks, but then instead of having, um, like the context get lost when agents restart, it creates like a, a persistent, um, like. Work state, which it uses with, with git on the backend, which is supposed to basically enable more multi-agent workflows. So, um, basically the idea would be like, you get, have multiple agents working at once, kind of talking to one another, handing things off, you know, each doing their own task and then coordinating the work with what the other ones are doing. But then you have like a persistent, um, uh, I guess kind of like, you know, layer in the backend so that if an agent has to restart or whatever, it’s not gonna lose the, [00:28:00] the context, um, that that’s happening. And you don’t have to manually, um, worry about things like, okay, you know, I’ve lost certain things in memory and, and I’ve, you know, don’t know how I’m, I’m managing all these things together. Um, there, there’s another project, uh, called Ralph, which is kind of based on this, this concept of like, what of Ralph Wickham was, you know, coding or, or was doing kind of a loop. And, and it’s, it’s, it’s a, it’s kind of a similar idea. Um, there’s also. Brett: my nose wouldn’t bleed so much if I just kept my finger out of there. Christina: Exactly, exactly. My cat’s breath smells like cat food. Um, and um, and so. Like there are ideas of like Ralph Loops and Gastown. And so these are a couple of like projects, um, that have really started to, uh, take over. So like, uh, Ralph is more of an autonomous AI agent loop that basically like it runs like over and over and over again until, uh, a task is done. Um, and, and a lot of people use, use Gastown and, [00:29:00] and, and Ralph together. Um, but yeah, no Ga gastown is is pretty cool. Um, we’ll we’re gonna talk about it more ’cause it’s my pick of the week. We’ll talk about Molt bot previously known as Claude Bot, which is, uses some, some similar ideas. But it’s really been interesting to see like how, like the, the multi-agent workflow, and by multi-agent, I mean like, people are running like 20 or 30 of them, you know, at a time. So it’s more than that, um, is really starting to become a thing that people can, uh, can do. Um, Brett: gets expensive though. Christina: I was, I was just about to say that’s the one thing, right? Most people who are using things like Gastown. Are using them with the Claude, um, code Max plans, which is $200 a month. And those plans do give you more value than like, what the, what it would be if you spent $200 in API credits, uh, but $200 a month. Like that’s not an expensive, that’s, you know, that, that’s, that, that, like, you know what I mean? Like, like that, that, that, that, that, that’s a lot of money to spend on these sorts of things. Um, but people [00:30:00] are getting good results out of it. It’s pretty cool. Um. There have been some open models, which of course, most people don’t have equipment that would be fast enough for them to, to run, uh, to be able to kind of do what they would want, um, reliably. But the, the AgTech stuff coming to some of the open models is better. And so if these things can continue, of course now we’re in a ram crisis and storage crisis and everything else, so who knows when the hardware will get good enough again, and we can, when we as consumers can even reasonably get things ourselves. But, but in, in theory, you know, if, if these sorts of things continue, I could see like a, a world where like, you know, some of the WAN models and some of the other things, uh, potentially, um, or Quinn models rather, um, could, uh. Be things that you could conceivably, like be running on your own equipment to run these sorts of nonstop ag agentic loops. But yeah, right now, like it’s really freaking cool and I’ve played around with it because I’m fortunate enough to have access to a lot of tokens. [00:31:00] Um, but yeah, I can get expensive real, real fast. Uh, but, but it’s still, it’s still pretty awesome. Brett: I do appreciate that. So, guest Town, the name is a reference to Mad Max and in the kind of, uh, vernacular that they built for things like background agents and I, uh, there’s a whole bunch, there are different levels of, of the interface that they kind of extrapolated on the gas town kind of metaphor for. Uh, I, it was, it, it, there were some interesting naming conventions and then they totally went in other directions with some of the names. It, they didn’t keep the theme very well, but, but still, uh, I appreciate Ralph Wig and Mad Max. That’s. It’s at the very least, it’s interesting. Christina: No, it definitely is. It definitely is. Crypto Controversies Christina: I will say that there’s been like a little bit [00:32:00] of a kerfuffle, uh, involved in both of those, uh, developers because, um, they’re both now promoting shit coins and, uh, and so that’s sort of an interesting thing. Um, basically there’s like this, this, this crypto company called bags that I guess apparently like if people want to, they will create crypto coins for popular open source projects, and then they will designate someone to, I guess get the, the gas fees, um, in, um, uh, a Solana parlance, uh, no pun intended, with the gas town, um, where basically like that’s, you know, like the, the, the fees that you spend to have the transaction work off of the blockchain, right? Like, especially if there’s. A lot of times that it would take, like, you pay a certain percentage of something and like those fees could be designated to an individual. And, um, in this case, like both of these guys were reached out to when basically they were like, Hey, this coin exists. You’ve got all this money just kind of sitting in a crypto wallet waiting for you. [00:33:00] Take the money, get, get the, the transaction fees, so to speak. And, uh, I mean, I think that, that, that’s, if you wanna take that money right, it’s, it’s there for you. I’m not gonna certainly judge anyone for that. What I will judge you for is if you then promote your shit coin to your community and basically kind of encourage everyone. To kind of buy into it. Maybe you put in the caveat, oh, this isn’t financial advice. Oh, this is all just for whatever. But, but you’re trying to do that and then you go one step beyond, which I think is actually pretty dumb, which is to be like, okay, well, ’cause like, here’s the thing, I’m not gonna judge anyone. If someone who’s like, Hey, here’s a wallet that we’re gonna give you, and it has real cash in it, and you can do whatever you want with it, and these are the transaction fees, so to speak, like, you know, the gas fees, whatever, you know what you do. You, even if you wanna let your audience know that you’ve done that, and maybe you’re promoting that, maybe some people will buy into it, like, people are adults. Fine. Where, where I do like side eye a little bit is if you are, then for whatever reason [00:34:00] going to be like, oh, I’m gonna take my fees and I’m gonna reinvest it in the coin. Like, okay, you are literally sitting on top of the pyramid, like you could not be in a better position and now you’re, but right. And now you’re literally like paying into the pyramid scheme. It’s like, this is not going to work well for you. These are rug bulls. Um, and so like the, the, the, the gas town coin like dropped like massively. The Ralph coin like dropped massively, like after the, the, the Ralph creator, I think he took out like 300 K or something and people, or, you know, sold like 300 K worth of coins. And people were like, oh, he’s pulling a rug pull. And I’m like, well, A, what did you expect? But B it’s like, this is why don’t, like, if someone’s gonna give you free money from something that’s, you know, kind of scammy, like, I’m not saying don’t take the money. I am saying maybe be smart enough to not to reinvest it into the scam. Brett: Yeah. Christina: Like, I don’t know. Anyway, that’s the only thing I will mention on that. ’cause I don’t think that that takes [00:35:00] anything away from either of those projects or it says that you shouldn’t use or play around with it either of those ideas at all. But that is just a thing that’s happened in the last couple of weeks too, where it’s like, oh, and now there’s like crypto, you know, the crypto people are trying to get kind of involved with these projects and, um, I, I think that that’s, uh, okay. You know, um, like I said, I’m, I’m not gonna judge anybody for taking free money that, that somebody is gonna offer them. I will judge you if you’re gonna try to then, you know, try to like, promote that to your audience and try to be like, oh, this is a great way where we, where you can help me and we can all get rich. It’s like, no, there are, if you really wanna support creators, like there are things like GitHub sponsors and there are like other methods that you can, you can do that, that don’t involve making financial risks on shit coins. Brett: I wish anything I made could be popular enough that I could do something that’s stupid. Yeah. Like [00:36:00] I, I, I, I’m not gonna pull a rug pull on anyone, but the chances that I’ll ever make $300,000 on anything I’m working on, it’s pretty slim. Christina: Yeah, but at the same time, like if you, if you did, if you were in that position, like, I don’t know, I mean, I guess that’d be a thing that you would have to kind of figure out, um, yourself would be like, okay, I have access to this amount of money. Am I going to try to, you know, go all in and, and maybe go full grift to get even more? Some, something tells me that like your own personal ethics would probably preclude you from that. Brett: I, um, I have spent, what, um, how old am I? 47. I, I’ve been, since I started blogging in like 1999, 2000, um, I have always adhered to a very strict code and like turning down sponsors. I didn’t agree with [00:37:00] not doing anything that would be shady. Not taking, not, not taking money from anyone I was writing about. Ethics in Journalism and Personal Dilemmas Brett: Like, it’s been, it’s a pain in the ass to try to be truly ethical, but I feel like I’ve done it for 30 some years and, and I don’t know, I wouldn’t change it. I’m not rich. I’ll never be rich. But yeah, I think ethics are important, especially if you’re in any kind of journalism. Christina: Yeah, if you’re in any sort of journalism. I think so, and I think like how people wanna define those things, I think it’s up to them. And, and like I said, like I’m not gonna even necessarily like, like judge people like for, because I, I don’t know personally like what my situation would be like. Like if somebody was like, Christina, here’s a wallet that has the equivalent of $300,000 in it and it’s just sitting here and we’re not even asking you to do anything with this. I would probably take the money. I’m not gonna lie, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t [00:38:00] know if I would promote it or anything and I maybe I would feel compelled to disclose, Hey, Brett: That is Christina: wallet belongs to me. Brett: money though. Christina: I, I, right. I, I, I might, I might be, I might feel compelled to com to, to disclose, Hey, someone created this coin in this thing. They created the foam grow coin and they are giving me, you know, the, the, the gas fees and I have accepted Brett: could be, I’d feel like you could do it if you were transparent enough about it. Christina: Yeah, I mean, I, I, I think where I draw the line is when you then go from like, because again, it’s fine if you wanna take it. It’s then when you are a. Reinvesting the free money into the coin, which I think is just idiotic. Like, I think that’s just actually dumb. Um, like I just, I just do like, that just seems like you are literally, like I said, you’re at the top of the pyramid and you’re literally like volunteering to get into the bottom again. Um, and, or, or b like if you do that and then you try to rationalize in some way, oh, well, you know, I think [00:39:00] that this could be a great thing for everybody to, you know, I get rich, you know, you could get rich, we could all get money out of this because this is the future of, you know, creator economy or whatever. It’s like, no, it’s not. This is gambling. Um, and, and, and, and you could make the argument to me, and I’d probably be persuaded to be like, this isn’t that different from poly market or any of the other sorts of things. But you know what? I don’t do those things either. And I wouldn’t promote those things to any audience that I had either. Um, but if somebody wanted to give me free money. I probably wouldn’t turn it down. I’m not gonna pretend that my ethics are, are that strong. Uh, I just don’t know if I would, if I would, uh, go on the other end and be like, okay, to the Moom, everyone let, let’s all go in on the crypto stuff. It’s like, okay, The Future of Open Source and Cryptocurrency Brett: So is this the future of open source is, ’cause I mean like open source has survived for decades as like a concept and it’s never been terribly profitable. But a [00:40:00] lot of large companies have invested in open source, and I guess at this point, like most of the big open source projects are either run by a corporation or by a foundation. Um, that are independently financed, but for a project like Gastown, like is it the future? Is this, is this something people are gonna start doing to like, kind of make open source profitable? Christina: I mean, maybe, I don’t know. I think the problem though is that it’s not necessarily predictable, right? And, and not to say that like normal donations or, or support methods are predictable, but at least that could be a thing where you’re like, they’re not, but, but, but it’s not volatile to the extent where you’re like, okay, I’m basing, you know, like my income based on how well this shit coin that someone else controls the supply of someone else, you know, uh, uh, created someone else, you know, burned, so to speak, somebody else’s is going to be, uh, [00:41:00] controlling and, and has other things and could be responsible for, you know, big seismic like market movements like that I think is very different, um, than anything else. And so, I don’t know. I mean, I, I think that they, what I do expect that we’ll see more of is more and more popular projects, things that go viral, especially around ai. Probably being approached or people like proactively creating coins around those things. And there have been some, um, developers who’ve already, you know, stood up oddly and been like, if you see anybody trying to create a coin around this, it is not associated with me. I won’t be associated with any of it. I won’t do it. Right. Uh, and I think that becomes a problem where you’re like, okay, if these things do become popular, then that becomes like another risk if you don’t wanna be involved in it. If you’re involved with a, with a popular project, right? Like the, like the, like the creator of MPM Isaac, like, I think there’s like an MPM coin now, and that, that he’s, you know, like involved in and it’s like, you know, again, he didn’t create it, but he is happy to promote it. He’s happy to take the money. I’m like, look, I’m happy for [00:42:00] Isaac to get money from NPMI am at the same time, you know, bun, which is basically like, you know, the, you know, replacement for, for Node and NPM in a lot of ways, they sold to Anthropic for. I guarantee you a fuck load more money than whatever Isaac is gonna make off of some MPM shitcoin. So, so like, it, it’s all a lottery and it’s not sustainable. But I also feel like for a lot of open source projects, and this isn’t like me saying that the people shouldn’t get paid for the work, quite the contrary. But I think if you go into it with the expectation of I’m going to be able to make a sustainable living off of something, like when you start a project, I think that that is not necessarily going to set you up for, I think that those expectations are misaligned with what reality might be, which again, isn’t to say that you shouldn’t get paid for your work, it’s just that the reason that we give back and the reason we contribute open source is to try to be part of like the, the greater good and to make things more available to everyone. Not to be [00:43:00] like, oh, I can, you know, quit my job. Like, that would be wonderful. I, I wish that more and more people could do that. And I give to a lot of, um, open source projects on, on a monthly basis or on an annual basis. Um, Brett: I, I give basically all the money that’s given to me for my open source projects I distribute among other open source projects. So it’s a, it’s a, it’s a wash for me, but yeah, I am, I, I pay, you know, five, 10 bucks a month to 20 different projects and yeah. Christina: Yeah. I mean, I think it’s important, but, but I, I don’t know. I, I, I hope that it’s not the future. I’m not mad, I think like if that’s a way where people can make, you know, a, a, an income. But I do, I guess worry the sense that like, if, if, if, I don’t want that to be, the reason why somebody would start an open source project is because they’re like, oh, I, I can get rich on a crypto thing. Right? Like, ’cause that that’s the exact wrong Brett: that’s not open source. That’s not the open source philosophy. Christina: no, [00:44:00] it’s not. And, and so, I mean, but I think, I think if it already exists, I mean, I don’t know. I, I also feel like no one should feel obligated. This should go without saying that. If you see a project that you like that is involved in one of those coins. Do you have a zero obligation to be, uh, supportive of that in any way? And in fact, it is probably in your financial best interest to not be involved. Um, it, it is your life, your money, your, you do whatever you want, gamble, however you want. But, uh, I, I, I, I do, I guess I, I bristle a little bit. Like if people try to portray it like, oh, well this is how you can support me by like buying into this thing. I’m like, okay, that’s alright. Like, I, I, if you wanna, again, like I said, if you wanna play poly market with this, fine, but don’t, don’t try to wrap that around like, oh, well this is how you can give back. It’s like, no, you can give back in other ways. Like you can do direct donations, you can do other stuff. Like I would, I would much rather encourage people to be like, rather than putting a hundred dollars in Ralph Coin, [00:45:00] give a hundred dollars to the Ralph Guy directly. Apex 1.0? Brett: So, speaking of unprofitable open source, I have Apex almost to 1.0. Um, it officially handles, I think, all of the syntax that I had hoped it would handle. Um, it does like crazy things, uh, that it’s all built on common mark, GFM, uh, like cmar, GFM, GitHub’s project. Um, so it, it does all of that. Plus it handles stuff from like M mark with like indices. Indices, and it incorporates, uh. Uh, oh, I forget the name of it. Like two different ways of creating indices. It handles all kinds of bibliography syntax, like every known bibliography syntax. Um, I just added, you can, you can create insert tags with plus, plus, uh, the same way you would create a deletion with, uh, til detail. Um, and [00:46:00] I’ve added a full plugin structure, and the plugins now can be project local. So you can have global plugins. And then if you have specific settings, so like I have a, I, my blogs are all based on cramdown and like the bunch documentation is based on cramdown, but then like the mark documentation. And most of my writing is based on multi markdown and they have different. Like the, for example, the IDs that go on headers in multi markdown. If it’s, if it has a space in multi markdown, it gets compressed to no space in common Mark or GFM, it gets a dash instead of a space, which means if I have cross links, cross references in my document, if I don’t have the right header syntax, the cross reference will break. So now I can put a, a config into like my bunch documentation that tells Apex to use, [00:47:00] um, the dash syntax. And in my Mark documentation, I can tell it to use the multi markdown syntax. And then I can just run Apex with no command line arguments and everything works. And I don’t know, I, I haven’t gotten adoption for it. Like the one place I thought it could be really useful was DEVONthink, Christina: Mm-hmm. Brett: which has always been based on multi markdown, which. Um, is I love multi markdown and I love Fletcher and, um, it’s just, it’s missing a lot of what I would consider modern syntax. Christina: Right. Brett: so I, I offered it to Devin think, and it turned out they were working on their own project along the same lines at the same time. Um, but I’m hoping to find some, some apps that will incorporate it and maybe get it some traction. It’s solid, it’s fast, it’s not as fast as common Mark, but it does twice as much. Um, like the [00:48:00] benchmarks, it a complex document renders in common mark in about. Uh, 27 milliseconds, and in Apex it’s more like 46 milliseconds. But in the grand scheme of things, I could render my whole blog 10 times faster than I can with cramm down or Panoc and yeah, and, and I can use all the syntax I want. Challenges and Innovations in Markdown Processing Brett: Did I tell you about, did I tell you about, uh, Panoc Divs? The div extension, um, like you can in with the panoc D extension, you can put colon, colon, colon instead of like back, take, back, take backtick. So normally, like back ticks would create a code block with colons, it creates a div, and you can apply, you can apply inline attribute lists after the colons to make, to give it a class and an ID and any other attributes you wanna apply to it. I extended that so that you can do colon, [00:49:00] colon, colon, and then type a tag name. So if you type colon, colon, colon aside and then applied an attribute list to it, it would create an aside tag with those attributes. Um, the, the only pan deck extension that I wish I could support that I don’t yet is grid tables. Have you ever seen grid tables? Christina: I have not. Brett: There, it’s, it’s kind of like multi markdown table syntax, except you use like plus signs for joints and uh, pipes and dashes, and you actually draw out the table like old ASCI diagrams Christina: Okay. Brett: and that would render that into a valid HTML table. But that supporting that has just been, uh, tables. Tables are the thing. I’ve pulled the most hair out over. Christina: Yeah, I was gonna say, I think I, they feel like tables are hard. I also feel like in a lot of circumstances, I mean obviously people use tables and whatnot, but like, [00:50:00] only thing I would say to you, like, you know, apex is, is so cool and I hope that other projects adopt it. Um, and, uh, potentially with the POC support as far as you’ve gotten with it, maybe, you know, projects that support some of POC stuff could, could, you know, uh, jump into it. But I will say it does feel like. Once you go into like the Panoc universe, like that almost feels like a separate thing from the markdown Flavors like that almost feels like its own like ecosystem. You know what I mean? Brett: Well, yeah, and I haven’t tried to adopt everything Panoc does because you can als, you can also use panoc. You can pipe from Apex into Panoc or vice versa. So I’m not gonna try to like one for one replicate panoc, Christina: No, no. Totally Brett: do all of panoc export options because Panoc can take HTML in and then output PDFs and Doc X and everything. So you can just pipe output from Apex into Panoc to create your PDF or whatever Christina: And like, and, and like to, [00:51:00] and like to me, like that seems ideal, right? But I feel like maybe like adopting some of the other things, especially like, like their grid, you know, table, things like that. Like that would be cool. But like, that feels like that’s a, potentially has the, has the potential, maybe slow down rendering and do other stuff which you don’t want. And then b it’s like, okay, now are we complicated to the point that like, this is, this is now not becoming like one markdown processor to rule them all, but you Brett: Yeah, the whole point, the whole point is to be able to just run Apex and not worry about what cex you’re using. Um, but grid tables are the kind of thing that are so intentional that you’re not gonna accidentally use them. Like the, the, the, the impetus for Apex was all these support requests I get from people that are like the tilde syntax for underline or delete doesn’t work in Mark. And it, it does if you choose the right processor. But then you have to know, yeah, you have to [00:52:00] know what processor supports what syntax and that takes research and time and bringing stuff in from, say, obsidian into mart. You would just kind of expect things to work. And that’s, that’s why I built Apex and Christina: right? Brett: you are correct that grid tables are the kind of thing, no one’s going to use grid tables if they haven’t specifically researched what Christina: I right. Brett: they’re gonna work with. Christina: And they’re going to have a way that has their file marked so that it is designated as poc and then whatever, you know, flags for whatever POC features it supports, um, does. Now I know that the whole point of APEX is you don’t have to worry about this, but, but I am assuming, based on kind of what you said, like if I pass like arguments like in like a, you know, in a config file or something like where I was like, these documents or, or, or this URL or these things are, you know, in this process or in this in another, then it can, it can just automatically apply those rules without having to infer based on the, on the syntax, right. Brett: right. It has [00:53:00] modes for cram down and common mark and GFM and discount, and you can like tell it what mode you’re writing in and it will limit the feature set to just what that processor would handle. Um, and then all of the flags, all of the features have neg negotiable flags on them. So if you wanted to say. Skip, uh, relax table rendering. You could turn that off on the command line or in a config file. Um, so yeah, everything, everything, you can make it behave like any particular processor. Uh, but I focus mostly on the unified mode, which again, like you don’t have to think about which processor you are using. Christina: Are you seeing, I guess like in, in circumstances like, ’cause I, in, in my, like, my experience, like, I would never think to, like, I would probably like, like to, I would probably do like what you do, which is like, I’m [00:54:00] going to use one syntax or, or one, you know, processor for one type of files and maybe another and another. Um, but I, I don’t think that like, I would ever have a, and maybe I’m misunderstanding this, but I don’t think I would ever have an instance where I would be like mixing the two together in the same file. Brett: See, that’s my, so that’s, that’s what’s changing for me is I’m switching my blog over to use Apex instead of Cramdown, which means I can now incorporate syntax that wasn’t available before. So moving forward, I am mixing, um, things from common mark, things from cram down, things from multi markdown. Um, and, and like, so once you know you have the option Christina: right. Then you might do that Brett: you have all the syntax available, you start doing it. And historically you won’t have, but like once you get used to it, then you can. Christina: Okay. So here’s the next existential question for you. At what point then does it go from being, you know, like [00:55:00] a, a, a rendering engine, kind of like an omni rendering engine to being a syntax and a flavor in and of itself? Brett: That is that, yeah, no, that’s a, that’s a very valid question and one that I have to keep asking myself, um, because I never, okay, so what to, to encapsulate what you’re saying, if you got used to writing for Apex and you were mixing your syntax, all of a sudden you have a document that can’t render in anything except Apex, which does eventually make it its own. Yeah, no, it is, it’s always, it’s a concern the whole time. Christina: well, and I, I wouldn’t even necessarily, I mean, like, and I think it could be two things, right? I mean, like, you could have it live in two worlds where, like on the one hand it could be like the rendering engine to end all rendering engines and it can render, you know, files and any of them, and you can specify like whatever, like in, in, in like a tunnel or something. Like, you know, these files are, [00:56:00] are this format, these are these, and you know, maybe have some sort of, you know, um, something, even like a header files or whatever to be like, this is what this rendering engine is. Um, you know, with, with your projects to have it, uh, do that. Um. Or have it infer, you know, based on, on, on, um, the, the logic that you’re importing. But it could also be one of those things where you’re like, okay, I just have created like, you know, the omni syntax. And that’s a thing that maybe, maybe you get people to try to encourage or try, try to adopt, right? Like, it’s like, okay, you can always just use common mark. You can always just use GFM, you can always just use multi markdown, but we support these other things too, from these other, um, systems and you can intermix and match them. Um, because, because I, I do feel like at a certain point, like at least the way you’re running it yourself, you have your own syntax. Like, like, you know. Brett: yeah. No, you have perfectly encapsulated the, the major [00:57:00] design concern. And I think you’re correct. It can exist, it can be both things at once. Um, but I have like, nobody needs another markdown syntax. Like there are so many flavors right now. Okay. There may be a dozen. It’s not like an infinite number, but, but there’s enough that the confusion is real. Um, and we don’t need yet another markdown flavor, but we do need a universal processor that. Makes the differentiations less, but yeah, no, it’s, I need, I need to nail down that philosophy, uh, and really like, put it into writing and say, this is the design goal of this project, uh, which I have like hinted at, but I’m a scattered thinker and like, part of, part of the design philosophy is if someone says, Hey, [00:58:00] could you make this work? I just wanted a project where I could say, yeah, I’m gonna make that work. I, I, I’m gonna add this somewhat esoteric syntax and it’s just gonna work and it’s not gonna affect anything else. And you don’t have to use it, but if you do, there it is. So it’s kind of, it was designed to bloat to a circuit certain extent. Um, but yeah, I need to, I need to actually write a page That’s just the philosophy and really, really, uh, put, put all my thoughts together on that. Christina: Yeah, no, ’cause I was just kind of thinking, I was like, ’cause it’s so cool. Um, but the way that I would’ve envisioned using it, like I, I still like, it’s cool that you can mix all those things in together. I still feel like I probably wouldn’t because I’m not you. And so then I would just have like this additional dependency that it’s like, okay, if something happens to Apex one day and that’s the only thing that can render my documents, then like, you know what I mean? And, and, and if it’s not getting updated [00:59:00] anymore or whatever, then I’m kind of like SOL, um, Brett: Maku. Do you remember Maku? Christina: vaguely. Brett: It’s, the project is kind of dead and a lot of its syntax has been incorporated into various other processors. But if you built your whole blog on Maku, you have to, you have to be able to run like a 7-year-old binary, um, and, and it’ll never be updated, and eventually you’re gonna run into trouble. The nice thing about Unix based stuff is it’s. Has a, you can stop developing it and it’ll work for a decade, um, until, like, there’s a major shift in processors, but like, just the shift to arm. Like if, if Maku was only ever compiled for, uh, for, uh, Intel and it wasn’t open source, you would, it would be gone. You wouldn’t be able to run it anymore. So yeah, these things can happen. Christina: [01:00:00] Well, and I just even think about like, you know, the fact that like, you know, like some of the early processors, like I remember like back, I mean this is a million years ago, but having to use like certain, like pearl, you know, based things, you know, but depending on like whatever your backend system was, then you moved to PHP, they maybe you move, moved to, you know, Ruby, if you’re using like Jekyll and maybe you move to something else. And I was like, okay, you know, what will the thing be in the future? Yeah. If, if I, if it’s open source and there’s a way that, you know, you can write a new, a new processor for that, but it does create like, dependencies on top of dependencies, which is why I, I kind of feel like I like having like the omni processor. I don’t know if, like, for me, I’m like, okay, I, I would probably be personally leery about intermingling all my different syntaxes together. Brett: to that end though, that is why I wanted it in C um, because C will probably never die. C can be compiled on just about any platform. And it can be used with, like, if you have, if you have a Jekyll blog and you wanna [01:01:00] incorporate a C program into a gem, it’s no problem. Uh, you can incorporate it into just about any. Langu

The Next Generation of Wheat Genetics | #fpgenetics #farming #grain #agriculture  In this product spotlight segment of The Impact Farming Show, we sit down with Chad Yanchycki of FP Genetics to talk about what's driving wheat decisions on the Prairies today and where the next generation of wheat genetics is headed. From proven performers that continue to earn acres to emerging varieties and on-the-ground support for growers, this conversation highlights what truly matters in modern wheat production. Segment Highlights • Why proven varieties still matter Chad shares what growers are saying about trusted performers like AAC Hockley and SY Manness, and how right now, growers are balancing yield stability with market demands and agronomic realities. • The future of wheat genetics on the Prairies We explore what's exciting about newer genetics such as AAC Walsh and AAC Walker VB, and how these varieties signal a shift in what growers can expect from the next generation of wheat. • Field-level support that builds confidence and trust Chad explains why FP Genetics invested in dedicated Eastern and Western Product Specialists, how this added layer of support works alongside agronomists and retail partners, and why being embedded in the field changes how farmers experience, evaluate, and trust new genetics. Why This Matters for Growers This spotlight reinforces a key theme in today's ag landscape: success comes from pairing strong genetics with real-world performance and trusted support. As wheat continues to evolve, growers are looking for varieties and partners that deliver consistency, yield stability, and confidence in every growing season. Thanks for tuning in, Tracy SHOW RESOURCES To explore FP Genetics wheat varieties, connect with their product specialists, or learn more about what's coming next in wheat genetics, visit the FP Genetics website: https://www.fpgenetics.ca ============ ✅ CONNECT With The Impact Farming Show & Farm Marketer

We've hit a tipping point for autonomy in agriculture, so how far off is fully autonomous farming? In this episode, Matthew Pryor sits down with Brett McMickell, Chief Technology Officer at Kubota North America, to unpack his view on what autonomy can deliver in agriculture and why it's closer than many people think.Brett's career spans spacecraft control systems and multi-vehicle autonomy. Today at Kubota, he's helping guide autonomy strategy inside one of the world's largest and oldest agricultural equipment manufacturers. Brett's focus is about ensuring the technology solves on the ground problems for farmers and is driven by customer demand, rather than by the tech itself.Matthew and Brett discuss:What supervised autonomy will look like in 1 - 3 years.Why smart implements and sensing are just as important as autonomous power systems.Why AI in agriculture is still under-appreciated.What autonomy will look like in 10 years (without human intervention).How autonomy could completely change farm layouts, machine sizes, and operating metrics.How Kubota decides whether to build, partner with, or acquire new technology.Useful Links:Kubota USA InnovationKubota acquires Bloomfield Robotics, so what?Kubota to acquire automation company AgJunction - Future FarmingKubota Concept Tractor | Innovation | Kubota Global SiteKubota launches first autonomous hydrogen-fuelled tractor - Farmers WeeklyHow can agtech startups and corporates do more together?Seeing into the future of farm autonomy (w/ SwarmFarm Robotics)Have we hit a tipping point for autonomy in ag?For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.

Agrifood and AgTech investing in Latin America is still widely misunderstood. That gap between perception and reality is creating real opportunity for patient, specialized investors who understand agriculture as a long-term operating business, not a short-cycle investment theme.Volatility here is often mistaken for weakness. But as this conversation makes clear, agribusiness has kept growing through recessions, pandemics, and political transitions. In many cases, it's been one of the most resilient parts of the economy.I'm joined by Francisco Jardim, General Partner at SP Ventures. He's spent nearly two decades building one of the region's earliest agrifood venture capital platforms, investing across agriculture innovation, climate resilience, and food security in Brazil and across Latin America.We talk about:Why tropical agriculture operates differently from temperate agriculture in US and European systemsHow climate and AgTech investors often misprice Latin AmericaWhy Brazilian agribusiness continued growing through macro shocksHow to scale sustainable agriculture without sacrificing productivity or food securityTune in to hear why Latin American agrifood and climate tech may be one of the most compelling risk-return opportunities of this generation.Featured guest: Francisco "Chico" Jardim, General Partner at SP Ventures, one of the earliest venture firms built inside Brazilian agricultureListen Next: Conversation with Daniel Izzo, CEO of Vox Capital, Brazil's first impact investing firmDiscover More from SRI360°:Explore all episodes of the SRI360° Podcast Sign up for the free weekly email update

Show Highlights: Has agtech's promise failed despite $45B+ investments? [04:37] The growing demand for clear ROI and field-level justification for agtech. [07:12] Realities and grower beliefs affecting agtech adoption. [08:52] Should agtech follow the rapid-growth trajectories of fintech and pharma? [10:56] Farmer bias towards product vs. paid services. [17:02] Complexity in agtech adoption rates with USDA data. [18:59] Upcoming $20B opportunity in off-patent agrochemicals. [25:15] Forward outlook for agtech for the next 10 years. [33:32] The future of scaling agtech, direct vs. OEM and retail. [37:16] How AI will empower agronomists and anticipatory ag. [42:09] Connect with Aman Anand on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aman-anand-b64359b/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

Farmblox has already reached over 100 farms and are getting interest from small operations and large operations alike.

Farmblox started about five years ago originally in indoor agriculture but then saw an opportunity for their technology on more traditional farms.

Paperwork is still a headache for many agricultural producers.

As new technology makes its way onto farms, some are wondering what this means for the job security of people who work in agriculture.

In this episode of "Fresh Takes on Tech," host Vonnie Estes engages in a deep conversation with Karen Ross at the Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim. As the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Karen offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, climate, and food production in California. Together, they explore how technology is reshaping agriculture and the potential benefits and challenges of adopting these advancements.Throughout the discussion, Secretary Ross addresses the pressing concerns of modern agriculture, such as the impact of changing climate patterns, rising production costs, and the ongoing quest to attract a new generation of skilled workers to the sector. They also touch on the importance of innovation and technology in areas like precision agriculture, regenerative practices, and the emergence of biological solutions. The conversation highlights the essential role of partnerships and collaboration in paving the way for a sustainable agricultural future in California.Key TakeawaysThe Role of Technology in Agriculture: Technology, particularly in precision agriculture, offers solutions for overcoming environmental challenges and improving efficiency.Importance of Collaboration: Building partnerships across the supply chain is crucial to fostering innovation and addressing industry challenges.Focus on Sustainability: There's a strong push towards sustainable practices, including regenerative agriculture and the use of biologicals.Future Thinking and Adaptability: The agricultural sector must continuously adapt and embrace technology, such as AI, to remain competitive and sustainable.Opportunities in AgTech: The sector presents vast opportunities for young professionals, offering exciting careers in technology, innovation, and sustainability.Guest ResourcesCalifornia Department of Food and AgricultureUniversity of California, Agriculture and Natural ResourcesInternational Fresh Produce AssociationTo discover more about how technology is shaping the future of agriculture, tune into the full episode. Stay connected with "Fresh Takes on Tech" for more illuminating discussions and insights into the rapidly evolving world of food and agriculture.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Neste episódio do Agro Resenha Podcast, conversamos com Sérgio Barbosa, diretor da EsalqTec. Sérgio compartilha como a incubadora tecnológica da Esalq transforma pesquisas acadêmicas em soluções concretas para o campo, fomentando o empreendedorismo no agro. Ele detalha a criação do Agtech Valley, o Vale do Piracicaba, um ecossistema vibrante que conecta universidades, empresas e produtores rurais, solidificando o Brasil na vanguarda da AgTech global. A conversa aborda os desafios dos empreendedores da ciência ao levarem suas tecnologias ao mercado, a importância crucial de uma agricultura sustentável e a inegável paixão do produtor rural brasileiro por inovação. Conheça o impacto de casos de sucesso, como o Proálcool, e o legado de 20 anos da EsalqTec em promover prosperidade e sustentabilidade no setor. Um bate-papo fundamental para entender o futuro da tecnologia e da ciência aplicadas ao agro. PARCEIROS DESTE EPISÓDIO Este episódio foi trazido até você pelo Pecege! O Pecege é um ecossistema educacional com mais de 20 anos de história, focado em inovação e desenvolvimento. Do renomado MBA ESALQ/USP a projetos in company sob medida, graduação e cursos executivos, o Pecege transforma carreiras e negócios, impulsionando o conhecimento. Pecege: Educação para desenvolver pessoas e realizar projetos Site: https://pecege.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pecegeoficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pecege/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PecegeOficial Este episódio foi trazido até você pela SCADIAgro! A SCADIAgro trabalha diariamente com o compromisso de garantir aos produtores rurais as informações que tornem a gestão econômica e fiscal de suas propriedades mais sustentável e eficiente. Com mais de 30 anos no mercado, a empresa desenvolve soluções de gestão para produtores rurais espalhados pelo Brasil através de seu software. SCADIAgro: Simplificando a Gestão para o Produtor Rural Site: https://scadiagro.com.br/Podcast Gestão Rural: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cSnKbi7Ad3bcZV9nExfMi?si=766354cb313f4785Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scadiagro/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scadiagroYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxErIaU0zBkCAmFqkMohcQ Este episódio também foi trazido até você pela Nutripura Nutrição e Pastagem! A Nutripura, que tem como base valores como honestidade, qualidade e inovação nos produtos e excelência no atendimento, atua há mais de 20 anos no segmento pecuário, oferecendo os melhores produtos e serviços aos pecuaristas. Fique ligado nos artigos que saem no Blog Canivete e no podcast CaniveteCast! Com certeza é o melhor conteúdo sobre pecuária que você irá encontrar na internet. Nutripura: O produto certo, na hora certa. Site: http://www.nutripura.com.brBlog Canivete: https://www.nutripura.com.br/pub/blog-canivete/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutripura/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nutripura/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nutripura/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TvNutripura INTERAJA COM O AGRO RESENHAInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/agroresenhaTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/agroresenhaFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/agroresenhaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/agroresenhaCanal do Telegram: https://t.me/agroresenhaCanal do WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/arp-zap-01 E-MAILSe você tem alguma sugestão de pauta, reclamação ou dúvida envie um e-mail para contato@agroresenha.com.br QUERO PATROCINARSe você deseja posicionar sua marca junto ao Agro Resenha Podcast, envie um e-mail para contato@agroresenha.com.br FICHA TÉCNICAApresentação: Paulo OzakiProdução: Agro ResenhaConvidado: Sérgio BarbosaEdição: Senhor A - https://editorsenhor-a.com.brSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this insightful episode recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Dr. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President of UF/IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) at the University of Florida. Dr. Angle shares a powerful message: Florida agriculture is facing a critical labor shortage that threatens its future, and the solution lies in treating farming like a business and embracing advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Dr. Angle outlines UF/IFAS's multi-pronged strategy to modernize agriculture in Florida through cutting-edge research, workforce development partnerships with state colleges, and efforts to recruit ag-tech companies to the state. He also highlights the vital role of the Cooperative Extension Service in connecting university research with real-world applications in Florida's rural communities. This episode delivers a compelling vision of Florida as a future ag-tech hub and a reminder that innovation is not optional; it's essential for survival. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: University of Florida IFAS

From high-performance sport to a high-performance Ag Tech company, we talk to a former world champion cyclist about her transition from the track to tracking cows with Halter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Companies like FORT Robotics have developed a deep expertise in safety when it comes to artificial intelligence.

Technology continues to get better every year, but farmers need tech to be ready to work consistently before they're willing to make the investment.

Farmer and AgTonomy CEO Tim Bucher recommends highlighting the technology being applied to today's farming options.

Fuel savings have become an often overlooked advantage for farmers utilizing their technology.

Straight from La Junquera farm, in Murcia, Spain, a Walking the Land episode with Alfonso Chico de Guzmán, a regenerative livestock farmer.It starts as a hobby. So, you take a few cows just like someone in the city would take a cat or dog or a chihuahua, and it slowly gets out of hand. But what really enables this kind of grazing in these circumstances is technology, virtual fencing, virtual shepherding to be precise. This is ag-tech done right. It enables farmers to hold more complexity on the land. In this landscape it would be impossible to have these animals outside year-round because you would have to fence it. You have to drill, and basically it takes a week to put in a fence that the cows maybe use for two days. So that's not a very good multiple.So, this is a story about the reintroduction of animals as a tool, with all the animal welfare worked out, on a farm that has been transitioning to perennials, transitioning away from annual crops, and seems to have found the puzzle pieces to actually make it thrive. And now the question is: how to get more cows? How to get sturdier cows? How to get stronger cows that can survive outside and thrive outside? And that is surprisingly difficult. Getting cows from too far away almost guarantees that they won't adapt quickly and won't thrive.More about this episode.==========================In Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food podcast show we talk to the pioneers in the regenerative food and agriculture space to learn more on how to put our money to work to regenerate soil, people, local communities and ecosystems while making an appropriate and fair return. ==========================

Greenhouses have the advantage of controlling a lot of these variables, allowing for autonomy to quickly fit into the sector.

Netafim sees a lot of future opportunities in serving greenhouse growers.

Tim and Tyler catch up on the latest with Monarch Tractor and recap Tim's CTRI annual meeting. Use code FARMERFRIDAY for 25% off Farmer Mode Hats! — This episode is presented by Corteva R&D.  — Links 25% off Farmer Mode hats - https://farmermode.com Use code FARMERFRIDAY at checkout California Tomato Research Institute - https://tomatonet.org  AgList - https://aglist.com  Monarch News - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/19/monarch-tractor-preps-for-layoffs-and-warns-employees-it-may-shut-down/ 

With tighter margins and rising costs across all industries, many farmers are looking for new ways to keep their operations moving forward.

Bringing autonomy to agriculture is not just about replacing humans with robots.

Tune in to the most recent episode of Better Money Better World  with Daniel Pianko in a fascinating conversation about the future of agriculture and impact investing with Mark Lewis, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Trailhead Capital.Regenerative agriculture isn't just a buzzword. It's emerging as a real poly solution to the so-called “polycrisis” impacting climate, water resources, biodiversity, and human health. Trailhead invests in technologies that enhance soil health, boost farmer profits, and deliver tangible environmental benefits.Whether you're a young professional or experienced investor, Mark Lewis advises: “Become a subject matter expert in something, build a really strong network, and learn the X's and O's as you go.” Passion and authentic engagement remain key in this transformative sector.Ready to learn more or get involved?Visit Impact Capital Managers to learn more about how investing for impact drives returns.More on Trailhead Capital at www.trailheadcap.com 

Burro has small people-scale robots operating in a variety of agricultural operations around the country.

Live from the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, this milestone Small Biz Florida episode features a powerhouse conversation with Jason Mahon, Florida's Deputy Secretary of Economic Development and Chief Manufacturing Officer, and Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes. Together, they break down Florida's extraordinary economic surge, including a jump in state GDP from $1.1 trillion to $1.7 trillion and the doubling of manufacturing GDP to over $80 billion in just six years. The discussion highlights how Florida has become a national leader in manufacturing productivity, how collaboration between support organizations (like FloridaMakes, SBDC, and Florida Commerce) fuels this momentum, and why future industries such as Ag Tech, shipbuilding, and quantum innovation are in focus. Most importantly, they explain why small businesses are the benchmark of Florida's success story. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guests: Florida Department of Commerce: https://www.floridajobs.org FloridaMakes: https://www.floridamakes.com

There's an art to designing these tools more to be simple, durable and user-friendly for farmers.

What makes sense for one farm may be completely unrealistic for another.

More and more farmers are finding uses for drones in their operations. But if you haven't yet tried drones out on your operation how should you start?

Over the past few years, the conversation about autonomy in agtech has moved from “but, does it work?” to “how can I get started?” This is a significant shift, indicative of autonomous machinery becoming a fully commercial category in agriculture.In this episode, Matthew Pryor, Founding Partner at Tenacious Ventures, discusses his recent observations at the Gatton Agtech Showcase, in QLD, Australia, highlighting the move towards production-ready autonomous machinery. He discusses how structure is now emerging in the Australian agtech autonomy market, including in sales and distribution, with a mix of companies from established equipment dealers to venture backed scale-ups. He predicts growth in this market to only compound in the coming years.Matthew and Sarah are joined by Shane Thomas, founder of Upstream Ag Insights, to also dive into recent agtech news and market trends.They discuss:The role of traditional dealership networks in an autonomous futureThe potential misuse of the term ‘autonomous'Regional variations in market dynamics around autonomy between Australia, the US, and CanadaThe forces reshaping crop protection, including the rise of non-chemical solutions such as laser weeding and electric weed controlUseful Links:Carbon Robotics raises $20m to build ‘another AI robot'?, AgFunder News Monarch Tractor sued over tractors that were 'unable to operate autonomously', TechCrunchIs Farmers' Traditional Loyalty to Ag Equipment Colors Fading?, Farm EquipmentThe Four Forces reshaping the crop protection industry and what comes next, Upstream Ag InsightsThe Generics Revolution and the New Economic Geography of the Global Pesticide Industry, Journal of Agrarian ChangeThe Race to Define the Future of Ag Retail with Shane Thomas of Upstream Ag Insights, Agtech So What?Getting into the Weeds: AI, Computer Vision, and the Future of Non-Chemical Weeding, Agtech So What?Investment Notes: Azaneo, Tenacious VenturesDisrupting the AgTech Ecosystem with Ron Adner, Agtech So What?Vavilovian Mimicry, BionityFor more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.[0007:25] The role of dealerships in an autonomous future[00:17:45] The forces reshaping crop protection[00:25:20] Weeds adapting to non-chemical crop solutions

Farms today are collecting more data than ever before, but that doesn't always mean that information can be utilized and trusted.

Todd Kirwan says when he wanted to implement AgWorld software in the farming operation he managed, he could see exactly when they went from skeptical to excited.

A lot of agtech is expensive, but farming without technology can be pretty expensive as well.

One big benefit to precision spray technology: less phytotoxicity on the crop itself.

In recent years, a number of viable precision spray technologies have hit the agricultural market, with several of them targeting vegetable crops.

Tim and Tyler talk about Tyler's experience at the Western Growers Annual Meeting this week and recap the "Shark Tank" event from the show. — This episode is presented by Corteva R&D.  — Links Western Growers - https://www.wga.com TRIC Robotics - https://www.tricrobotics.com  Drift Sense - https://drift-sense.com  Lumo - https://lumo.ag 

California is sowing the seeds of innovation with a new statewide partnership called the California AgTech Alliance, a $15 million initiative designed to fast-track agricultural technology from lab to field.

In the race to decarbonize agriculture, the spotlight often falls on carbon sequestration, genetics, and alternative proteins. But have we overlooked something that's right in front of us? Electricity.Mike Casey is a self-described “tech bro turned farmer” from Cromwell, New Zealand. Mike runs what's believed to be the world's first fully electric farm, made up of 21 electric machines, from irrigation systems and frost-fighting fans, to electric tractors and forklifts. His business is aptly named Electric Cherries, where power is generated from renewable sources on-farm. Mike says this has enabled him to save tens of thousands on energy costs every year, while also developing a business model for farming that's both profitable and low-carbon.Sarah and Mike discuss:How an old diesel pump kicked off Mike's electrification crusadeThe economics of going electric on a farm (and is it only possible in New Zealand or on a cherry farm?)What electric machinery changes (and doesn't) about running a farm business Why farmers stand to benefit from the shift away from centralized, fossil fuel power generation to decentralized renewable energyMike is also the CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, a movement helping Kiwis switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. His mission is simple: make electric technology an economic no-brainer for every farmer and household.Useful Links:On-Farm Electrification isn't an equipment change, it's a systems change, Agtech So… What?Electric Cherries,  Evoke Ag presentation by Mike CaseyElectric Farms Report, Rewiring AotearoaThe future of (decentralized) fertilizer, with Jupiter Ionics (Tenacious portfolio company)For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.

Joe Whitworth of Freshwater Trust says they've now made it easier for growers to access public funds through technology.

Saskatchewan, long known for feeding the world, is now leading a revolution in ag-tech. With automation, machine learning, and AI-powered quality control, the province is redefining how food moves from field to port. Agriculture is more than Canada's heritage -it's our future advantage. In this episode of Disruptors: The Canada Project, John Stackhouse speaks with Kyle Folk, founder and CEO of Ground Truth Ag, whose technology automates grain grading — a process that once took hours, now done in minutes. He's joined by Murad Al-Katib, CEO of AGT Food and Ingredients.  It's a story about turning information into prosperity, and about how Saskatchewan's innovators are helping Canada feed a growing world while building a more resilient, sovereign economy.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Expert advice on adapting to expensive ag tech that could save money. Whether to sell or store soybeans. A high-tech soybean production facility. Several generations running their farm together.

Allie Ofisher has worked as a UX consultant across AgTech and nonprofit product spaces, teaches the OOUX Representation Round in Foundations, and co-hosts the YouTube series “OOUX: We Did It Again.” In this episode of the podcast, Sophia and Allie talk about using OOUX since 2020 to navigate the trickiest projects, why designing against the four UX “fails” (especially masked objects) helps teams onboard and audit existing products quickly, and how reverse-engineering Representation first—with intentional choices in shapes, labels, and attributes—keeps designs clear and resilient.LINKS:Allie Ofisher https://www.allieofisher.com/• Connect with Allie Ofisher on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allieofisher• OOUX We did it Again https://www.youtube.com/@OOUXwediditagainContinue the conversation on the OOUX Forum!

In this episode of Let's Talk Future, host Jane Ross speaks with Kristen Owen, Managing Director and Agriculture Technology Analyst at Oppenheimer, about how renewed trade progress with China, persistent food inflation, and the rise of artificial intelligence are reshaping American agriculture. Together they explore how innovation, policy, and global trends are redefining opportunity and resilience across the food economy—and why, even amid uncertainty, technology is helping build a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable future for farming.   Podcast Disclosure: This podcast is the property of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and should not be copied, distributed, published or reproduced, in whole or in part. The information/commentary contained in this recording was obtained from market conditions and professional sources, and is educational in nature. The information presented has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and does not purport to be a complete analysis of any strategy, plan, security, company, or industry involved. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Oppenheimer has no obligation to provide any updates or changes. Any examples used in this material are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. All price references and market forecasts are as of the date of recording. This podcast is not a product of Oppenheimer Research, nor does it provide any financial, economic, legal, accounting, or tax advice or recommendations. Any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage) is expressly disclaimed. Securities and other financial instruments that may be discussed in this report or recommended or sold are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and are not deposits or obligations of any insured depository institution. Investments involve numerous risks including market risk, counterparty default risk and liquidity risk. Securities and other financial investments at times maybe difficult to value or sell. The value of financial instruments may fluctuate, and investors may lose their entire principal investment. Prior to making any investment or financial decisions, an investor should seek advice from their personal financial, legal, tax and other professional advisors that take into account all of the particular facts and circumstances of an investor's own situation. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. This report does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or specific needs of any particular client of Oppenheimer or its affiliates. This podcast may contain forward looking statements or projections regarding future events.  Forward-looking statements and projections are based on the opinions and estimates of Oppenheimer as of the date of this podcast, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties as well as other factors, including economic, political, and public health factors, that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and projections.  The performance of a benchmark index is not indicative of the performance of any particular investment; however, they are considered representative of their respective market segments.  Please note that indexes are unmanaged and their returns do not take into account any of the costs associated with buying and selling individual securities.  Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. No part of this podcast should be interpreted as a testimonial regarding the advisory services of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Any references to performance, investment opportunities, or market outlooks are based on current opinions, which are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.   Oppenheimer Transacts Business on all Principal US Exchanges and is a Member of SIPC 8570819.1  

What happens when an agtech startup with market pull, a clear mission, and global momentum still doesn't make it?Nikki Davey is the founder of Grown Not Flown, which helped thousands of local flower growers reach customers who wanted sustainable blooms. Nikki's app directly addressed the problem of ‘flower miles'. In Australia and the US, a store bought bouquet is likely to be made up of flowers that have been flown long distances, from places such as South America, Asia, or Africa.Nikki won the National AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in 2023 for Grown Not Flown, which helped to further establish the business. But, as the Grown Not Flown app was taken up across multiple countries, the challenge of scaling became harder for the startup and ultimately it was wound up. In this candid, episode Sarah and Nikki discuss:·  Misconceptions about the hardest part of founding an agtech startup.·  The realities of small founding teams,  finding investors, and scaling with limited resources.·  The emotional toll of what happens when your identity is tied to your startup.·  Why the end of a business does not mean the end of the missionUseful Resources:Victorian rural tech entrepreneur Nikki Davey named the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National WinnerAre agtech startups just digital agribusinesses? Mark Kahn, Omnivore, Agtech So What?Sustainable Floristry NetworkFor more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.

Welcome back to another episode of Brands and Barbed Wire.   This week we continue our Future of Beef series.  On this episode we interview one of my cohosts and founder of Breedr Ian Wheal.    We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Ian and Breedr and more information on the Future of Beef visit www.thefutureofbeef.com. Thanks to our sponsors Allied Genetic Resources www.alliedgeneticresources.com, The Grant Company at www.grantcompany.net, B.R. Cutrer Ranch www.brcutrer.com, Jorgensen Land and Cattle www.jorgensenfarms.com

In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen sits down with Sameer Dhar, Co-Founder and CEO of NiaHealth, to explore how proactive healthcare is reshaping the future of medicine.Sameer shares his remarkable journey from living in nursing homes for a year while building his first startup (Sensassure) to launching NiaHealth, a Canadian health-tech company empowering people to take ownership of their longevity through AI-driven diagnostics and personalized insights.With over $8 million in funding and a 12,000-person waitlist, NiaHealth is building a clinician-first model that complements Canada's public system, helping users prevent disease decades before it develops. Sameer also discusses why prevention, not treatment, must drive the next wave of healthcare innovation, how AI will augment rather than replace clinicians, and what it takes to build a mission-driven company in a regulated industry.Whether you're a founder, investor, or health enthusiast, this conversation reveals how the next generation of health tech startups can blend AI, clinical integrity, and human empathy to create lasting impact.A Quick Word from our Sponsor, FaskenAt Fasken, our clients don't wait for the future. They build it. As the first and largest dedicated emerging tech practice in Canada, our team is composed of founders, ex in-house counsel, developers and business advisors who have guided clients from startup, to scale-up, to exit. The trust of our clients has enabled us to consistently rank at the top of every major Canadian M&A, Capital Markets and Venture Capital league table. With deep industry knowledge and experience across all areas of emerging and high growth technology including ClimateTech, MedTech, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, and AgTech we're your partners within the innovation ecosystem as you transform the landscape of what's possible.Tomorrow starts here. Own it with us.For more information, visit fasken.com/emergingtech and follow us on LinkedIn.The Entrepreneurial Spark (05:52)* How the Next 36 program transformed Sameer from a finance student into a founder* The power of founder-focused education in shaping Canada's startup ecosystem* Lessons from learning to “think like a builder” instead of an employeeFrom Customer Discovery to Conviction (10:46)* How customer discovery can turn into “analysis paralysis” if you never act* Why true innovation means taking bold bets, not just collecting insights* The importance of timing when moving from research to executionBuilding NiaHealth (13:26)* The personal mission to keep people healthy long before disease develops* How the pandemic revealed gaps in personal healthcare ownership* The evolution of NiaHealth into a platform offering advanced diagnostics, clinician reviews, and personalized longevity plansIntegrating with the System (17:12)* Why NiaHealth chose a “clinician-first” model rather than going fully digital* How nurse practitioners bridge the gap between data and diagnosis* The importance of integrating with Canada's public system to maintain trustTrust and Transparency (22:51)* Addressing criticism about private healthcare models in Canada* Why NiaHealth avoids affiliate sales to maintain clinical integrity* The company's research-led approach to responsible, evidence-based testingFilling the System's Blind Spots (26:13)* Canada's biggest blind spot: a reactive healthcare model built around disease* How prevention and early diagnostics reduce system strain and save lives* The mission to empower users to act on health risks decades in advanceAI as an Enhancer, Not a Replacement (29:16)* Why Sameer believes AI should support, not replace, clinicians* How AI enhances diagnostic accuracy and clinician productivity* The role of empathy and human connection in patient outcomesScaling Impact (33:11)* NiaHealth's vision to reach 100,000 Canadians by the end of next year* Partnering with insurers and governments to expand preventative care* Why a “built in Canada, for Canada” strategy is key to long-term successAbout Sameer DharSameer Dhar is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nia Health, a serial entrepreneur and health-tech innovator recognized among Canada's Top 20 Under 20 and Edmonton's Top 40 Under 40. He previously founded Sensassure, an elder-care technology startup acquired by global health leader Essity.Connect with Sameer Dhar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameerdhar/Visit the NiaHealth website: https://www.niahealth.co/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

The October 29 edition of the AgNet News Hour focused on the future of California agriculture, featuring two dynamic guests — Dominique Mégret, CEO of Ecorobotix, and Hannah Johnson, Director of Industry for the California Ag Tech Alliance. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill explored how automation, artificial intelligence, and state-supported innovation are reshaping the landscape of farming from Switzerland to the Central Valley. Papagni opened the show with a call to “take care of today's farming before tomorrow's farming,” stressing that growers must survive regulatory and water challenges before they can embrace full automation. That theme carried through both interviews as the hosts connected global innovation with California's local realities. Dominique Mégret joined live from FIRA USA in Woodland, introducing Ecorobotix's revolutionary ultra-high-precision sprayer. The system uses cameras and AI to identify individual weeds, applying herbicide only where needed — reducing chemical use by up to 95 percent. “We call it plant-by-plant crop care,” Mégret explained. “We replace active ingredients with artificial intelligence.” The company's flagship 20-foot sprayer, guided by computer vision and controlled from behind a tractor, sprays every four centimeters with pinpoint accuracy, allowing growers to cut input costs, labor needs, and environmental impact all at once. Ecorobotix recently raised $150 million in funding to expand its U.S. operations and announced plans to begin assembling products in America next year. “This isn't about replacing people,” Mégret said. “It's about giving them better tools and restoring balance between productivity and sustainability.” In the second half of the program, Hannah Johnson joined from FIRA USA after leading the successful Readley Ag Conference earlier this month. As head of the new California Ag Tech Alliance, Johnson described how a $15 million state grant will bring together universities, growers, and tech startups to accelerate innovation while protecting farm jobs. “There's no intent to replace skilled farm workers,” Johnson said. “It's about making their jobs safer, higher-quality, and more connected to technology.” Johnson emphasized the importance of developing a workforce that bridges traditional farming and advanced technology. “The biggest thing farmers need right now is people who understand both sides — how farms operate and how to make this technology work in the field,” she said. She also shared her personal mission, shaped by her own family's experience of losing their farm: “I don't want any other farmer to go through that. This is my way to give back and keep California agriculture alive.” Papagni and McGill wrapped the show with optimism for a sector balancing heritage with high-tech change. “From Ecorobotix's Swiss precision to Hannah Johnson's California leadership,” Papagni said, “it's clear the next generation of agriculture is already here — and it's growing stronger every day.”

Tim and Tyler talk to Brent Smith, CEO of New Leaf Symbiotics, about their "behind the scenes" go-to-market strategy and his take on the fragmentation and M&A landscape in biologicals. — This episode is presented by Corteva R&D. — Links New Leaf Symbiotics - https://newleafsym.com New Leaf on AgList - https://aglist.com/partner/newleaf-symbiotics

In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen and John Ruffolo break down the most important stories shaping Canada's innovation economy, from the upcoming federal budget and its impact on founders and investors, to Canada's fintech shake-up as open banking finally gains momentum.The duo dives into AI's growing legal minefield, including the mounting lawsuits against Perplexity and Sora, and discusses what this means for startups training models on licensed versus unlicensed data. They also unpack Cohere's rumored IPO, Canada's AI partnership with the UAE, and what it reveals about the country's global strategy for data centers and sovereign capital.From Blue Jays playoff economics to AI data sovereignty, this Rundown is packed with sharp insights, timely analysis, and the kind of candid commentary you won't hear anywhere else.A Quick Word from our Sponsor, FaskenAt Fasken, our clients don't wait for the future. They build it. As the first and largest dedicated emerging tech practice in Canada, our team is composed of founders, ex in-house counsel, developers and business advisors who have guided clients from startup, to scale-up, to exit. The trust of our clients has enabled us to consistently rank at the top of every major Canadian M&A, Capital Markets and Venture Capital league table. With deep industry knowledge and experience across all areas of emerging and high growth technology including ClimateTech, MedTech, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, and AgTech we're your partners within the innovation ecosystem as you transform the landscape of what's possible.Tomorrow starts here. Own it with us.For more information, visit fasken.com/emergingtech and follow us on LinkedIn.Canada's Make-or-Break Federal Budget (08:46)With the federal budget weeks away, John calls this the Liberal government's credibility test, a defining moment for innovation, R&D reform, and fiscal discipline.* The state of Canada's finances and investor sentiment* Expectations for R&D tax credit and AI policy reform* Why “good ideas” might not matter if the fiscal hole is too deepOpen Banking Finally Gets Real (12:55)The Bank of Canada registers 300 new payment service providers, marking a major milestone for Canada's fintech ecosystem.* How this could shake up the Big 5 banks' oligopoly* Why Wealthsimple, Shopify, and Koho stand to gain* John's take on trust, liquidity, and the future of financial competitionCanada-UAE AI Investment Deal (15:34)AI Minister Evan Solomon signs a non-binding MOU with the UAE on data center investment. Is this a real opportunity or political theater?* What “non-binding” really means for Canada's capital strategy* Mark Carney's push to diversify trade away from the U.S.* Why every major country is chasing sovereign data capitalCohere's IPO Tease and the AI Hype Cycle (18:11)Cohere's CEO Aidan Gomez hints at “going public soon.” Matt and John weigh the risks and timing of an AI IPO in a frothy market.* Lessons from the Faire America IPO and $16B valuations with no assets* The pressure of capital requirements in AI infrastructure* Why timing the public markets almost never worksAI Lawsuits, IP Infringement, and Data Licensing Wars (20:48)From Reddit vs Perplexity to Hollywood vs. Sora, Matt and John break down the growing AI legal battles over content rights.* The global IP divide: what happens when China ignores licensing rules* Why only the biggest players can afford compliance* The coming “Rule of Three” in the AI data economyConnect with John Ruffolo on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/joruffoloConnect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Tim and Tyler talk to Shely Aronov about founding and scaling Innerplant. — This episode is presented by Corteva R&D.  — Links Innerplant - https://innerplant.com