The Independent Insurance Agency Playbook: The insurance business is all about playing an infinite game. Shane, Tonya, Mike, and Robby discuss how to play the long-term game of being a successful agent and creating a culture of freedom for yourself. Learn more at www.integrapartnernetwork.com
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IVANCAST PODCAST - The first multilingual podcast of Ecuador. IVANCAST explores the experiences of humans of the world who either live in the Ecuadorean Amazon Rainforest or are doing soulful, creative things all over the globe.
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Dr. Garrett Soldano D.C. is a Chiropractor, small business owner, author, public speaker, family man, proud Catholic and former WMU football player. Dr. Soldano owns and operates Soldano Family Chiropractic Center in Kalamazoo, and is the author of “God’s True Law, A Parent’s Guide to Raising Successful Children.” He has raised two boys, Jackson and Alex, with his beautiful wife, Jennifer, in Kalamazoo. As a young child, Garrett grew up in a trailer park and witnessed his parents pull their ...
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Resolutions or Results: The New Year Reality Check
47:22
47:22
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47:22New Year’s resolutions sound great until reality hits. This episode discusses why most resolutions fail, what actually leads to results, discipline over motivation, planning for obstacles, and why progress beats perfection every time. This episode is a reality check for independent agency owners who are tired of vague goals and ready to make decisi…
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Welcome To The Week When Nobody Gets Anything Done
42:40
42:40
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42:40We are taking a step back from the holiday to-do lists, to discuss why clarity and intention matter more than urgency as we prepare for 2026. This episode isn’t about strategies or checklists, but about perspective, gratitude, and giving yourself permission to breathe before the next year begins. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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Where AI Helps and Where Customers Say No
54:07
54:07
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54:07Everyone’s talking about AI, but customers aren’t convinced it's in their best interest. This episode explores where AI improves the insurance experience, where it raises red flags, and what agency owners need to know before leading with tech. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.By Shane Tatum and Tonya Lied
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Creating the Profit Portfolio: How Many Carriers Are Enough?
48:17
48:17
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48:17One of the most misunderstood decisions independent agency owners face is building a carrier portfolio that actually supports profitability and scale. We discuss how top-performing agencies use a focused carrier mix to drive better results, create efficiency, capitalize on contingency income, and create long-term growth. This episode also marks the…
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Más allá del Hype: La IA como Sistema Colectivo y Mercado Inteligente
16:09
16:09
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16:09En este nuevo episodio, SHIFTERLABS se sumerge en el paper “A Collectivist, Economic Perspective on AI”, donde Michael I. Jordan —una de las voces más influyentes en el campo del aprendizaje automático— propone una forma radicalmente distinta de entender la inteligencia artificial. A diferencia de la narrativa dominante, Jordan argumenta que los mo…
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Cloning Yourself: Building An Agency That Runs Without You
21:30
21:30
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21:30Shane and Tonya explore what it truly means to “clone yourself” through systems, people, and AI. From documenting what’s in your head to empowering team members to make confident decisions, they discuss how to build an agency that runs smoothly even when you’re not in the room. Plus, a look at how AI technology and automation tools can become your …
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Don’t Waste the Last Six Weeks: Making the Most of Thanksgiving to New Year
57:06
57:06
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57:06As the holidays ramp up, most agency owners quietly hit pause and tell themselves, “We’ll circle back after the first of the year.” Shane and Tonya challenge that mindset and discuss how to use the six weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year to your advantage. They talk micro adjustments vs. massive overhauls, why rhythm beats resolutions, how to rethi…
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Beyond 10X Hype: A Real-World Take on Growth and Chaos
42:43
42:43
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42:43In a world obsessed with 10X growth, Shane and Tonya ask, what does scaling really mean for independent agency owners? They discuss achievement culture, the chaos that comes with growth, and how real progress is forged in discomfort. This episode is key to growing smarter, not just faster. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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Turning Sales into Sustainability: The Accounting Mindset for Agency Owners
41:54
41:54
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41:54Most agency owners love selling, but dread accounting. Shane and Tonya tackle the side of agency ownership that doesn’t always come naturally to sales-driven entrepreneurs, and break down the basics that turn chaos into clarity. Learn how clean financials protect your agency’s value, when to bring in a CPA, and why consistent review (not fancy soft…
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The Shutdown Showdown: When Politics Hit Your Agency
28:08
28:08
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28:08When Washington stalls, Main Street feels the impact. Shane and Tonya discuss how a government shutdown ripples through independent insurance agencies. They also draw parallels between political gridlock and the realities of running an agency, where leadership, accountability, and transparency make all the difference. Whether you’re near a military…
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In the independent channel, freedom isn’t just a philosophy, it’s your competitive edge. Shane and Tonya unpack the recent sale of Trusted Choice, what it reveals about branding, autonomy, and the true power of local trust, and how owning your name, your brand, and your client relationships can build a stronger, more sustainable agency than any nat…
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Reigniting Michigan’s Greatness: Tom Leonard & Kevin Rinke on The Grassroots Army Podcast
1:49:48
1:49:48
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1:49:48Michigan was once the heartbeat of America’s strength and innovation, the state that built the middle class and led the world in manufacturing, energy, and education. But somewhere along the way, we lost our edge. In this powerful episode of the Grassroots Army Podcast, Garrett Soldano sits down with Tom Leonard, candidate for Governor of Michigan,…
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Ask Shane: Tough Questions, Honest Answers
30:29
30:29
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30:29Every once in a while, we put Shane in the hot seat, and this time, the questions don’t hold back. From navigating what to do when a top producer plateaus, to handling tricky referrals and ownership conversations, this "Ask Shane" episode digs into the real challenges agency owners face every day. Tonya and Shane explore growth, culture, communicat…
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Playing Defense: Keeping Clients When Rates Keep Rising
29:26
29:26
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29:26Premiums keep climbing. Customers are tired. Agents are exhausted. So how do you keep client loyalty when everyone’s feeling the pressure? Shane and Tonya break down how to play defense for your book, turn frustration into understanding, and prove why the independent advisor still wins. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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The hard market isn’t just hitting premiums, it’s hitting people. Shane and Tonya discuss what burnout really looks like for overwhelmed frontline teams and exhausted agency owners. They share strategies for rebuilding capacity, keeping your best people, new perspectives, and practical ideas. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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What Does $20 Billion Mean For You: The Personal Lines Shift to Independent Agencies
27:50
27:50
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27:50Independent agents just scored a major win! The personal lines market share for the IA channel has grown nearly $20 billion in the last four years. Shane and Tonya break down what this momentum means for agency owners, why consumers are choosing local advisors over call centers, and why personal lines are creating stability and resilience for indep…
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From Just Do It to Why Do It: What Nike’s Change Means for Independent Agency Owners
31:39
31:39
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31:39Nike’s iconic Just Do It has shifted to Why Do It, but what does that mean for independent agency owners? Shane and Tonya break down Nike’s pivot, the risks of fixing what isn’t broken, and why asking “why” may be the most important step in building an agency that’s truly yours. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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Paper, Texts, or FaceTime: Bridging Communication Gaps
35:38
35:38
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35:38How do you communicate effectively when your clients and staff can span generations? Traditionalists trust paper, Boomers want a phone call, Gen X prefer bullet-point emails, a millennial seeks collaboration, and Gen Z has a s video-first mindset. Shane and Tonya break down what each generation values and explore how agency owners can adapt without…
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Chasing New Business and Cultivating Clients
26:44
26:44
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26:44Some people thrive on the thrill of landing the next account, others excel at deepening relationships and growing existing business, and some focus on building systems that attract opportunities. Shane and Tonya explore how these different approaches to selling impact agency growth, what to watch out for when hiring, and why your first team additio…
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Shane and Tonya discuss what it means to pivot with purpose, and why embracing change isn’t risky when it’s rooted in strategy. Whether you're an agency owner stuck in the daily grind, a producer ready to lead, or someone clinging to what you've built out of fear of losing it, this conversation will challenge the way you think about growth, reinven…
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Pitching Gen Z Perspectives with Campbell Bagshaw
33:59
33:59
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33:59What happens when a Division I athlete spends her summer interning in the insurance world? You get a fresh, insightful look at how Gen Z views our industry. Shane and Tonya talk with Campbell Bagshaw, University of Kansas softball player and Integra’s summer intern, to talk about what surprised her, what agency owners need to know about Gen Z, and …
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Buying Dreams, Blaming Insurance: FHA Loans Under the Microscope
36:43
36:43
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36:43Headlines say rising insurance premiums are crushing the American dream of homeownership. But is insurance really the problem? Shane and Tonya discuss FHA loans, skyrocketing costs, and why insurance keeps getting blamed for issues created elsewhere. This conversation tackles affordability, financial reality, and the vital role independent agents p…
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The Legislation That Could Change Your Agency and Why It Matters
29:49
29:49
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29:49What if one bill could change how you do business overnight? Shane and Tonya discuss the Insurance Regulatory Reform Act, federal legislation that has very real consequences for independent agents. From the threat of dual regulation to the risk of losing speed and flexibility, this episode dives into why the fight to keep insurance oversight at the…
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Building Your Agency Like Jeter Played Ball
29:03
29:03
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29:03Drawing inspiration from baseball great Derek Jeter, Shane and Tonya discuss how focusing on daily consistency, foundational systems, and small wins can create powerful long-term momentum. Whether you're building a personal lines powerhouse or scaling your team, showing up, doing the work, and building on base hits can take your agency further than…
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Beaux Pilgrim of IA Blueprint joins Shane and Tonya to discuss how virtual assistants are transforming independent insurance agencies, including better documentation, improved retention, and freeing up producers to actually produce. If you’re overwhelmed, understaffed, or just tired of doing it all yourself, this episode will change the way you thi…
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Quoting Is For The Weak: A Conversation with Charles Specht
38:41
38:41
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38:41Charles Specht, host of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, joins Shane and Tonya to discuss how independent agents can win bigger with commercial insurance through his unique “quoting is for the weak” approach to pre-prospecting, micro-niching and messaging. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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Lessons from the Inside: What’s Working for Us
31:13
31:13
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31:13Shane and Tonya sit down with Retail Director Tara Graham to share real-world lessons from inside the Integra “lab.” From evolving service roles and managing change to improving customer experience and boosting team morale during a hard market, the conversation gets honest about what’s worked—and what hasn’t. Whether you’re running solo or managing…
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It’s halftime of 2025, and you’re still in the game! Shane and Tonya break down what winning agency owners do in the second half of the year with small shifts and smart strategy. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.By Shane Tatum and Tonya Lied
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Just because a policy renewed doesn’t mean your client is loyal. Shane and Tonya discuss the surprising difference between renewals and retention, explore why insurance agents often confuse the two, and why that mindset is costing them long-term business. You’ll hear practical ideas for building stickiness, touchpoints that matter, and how communic…
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Still Thinking About It? It’s Not Too Late
25:15
25:15
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25:15You’ve built something, thinking about walking away, and are now asking, “Do I have it in me to start again” Shane and Tonya explore why starting over isn’t a step back, it’s a strategic move forward. With experience, clarity, and relationship capital on your side, this might be the smartest time to build your agency, your way. If you're still thin…
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Cash Out vs. Cash Flow: What is Your Retirement Plan?
28:59
28:59
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28:59Selling your agency might sound like the ultimate success, but is it the best path for your financial future? Shane and Tonya discuss the options of cashing out or creating long-term, sustainable revenue. They explore what buyers are really looking for, how to structure your agency like an annuity, the emotional side of selling, and the hidden risk…
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Big change isn’t always the answer. Shane and Tonya break down how small, strategic adjustments can create a massive impact on your agency. From tweaking processes to rethinking priorities, learn how to stay nimble, lead with clarity, and build momentum one micro move at a time. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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Great ideas don’t build successful agencies, action does! Shane and Tonya discuss why taking big swings (and sometimes missing) is the only way to truly grow. From overcoming analysis paralysis to tuning out the noise of social media “experts,” they share real-life stories and practical advice for agency owners ready to stop overthinking and start …
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Shane and Tonya tackle the cultural obsession with busyness and unpack why a full calendar doesn’t always equal fulfillment. From personal stories to leadership lessons, they explore how agency owners can shift from hustle mode to healthy balance without sacrificing success. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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More than a Green Jacket: Lessons from Augusta for Your Agency
29:51
29:51
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29:51Shane and Tonya tee off with a conversation about what The Masters can teach us about agency ownership. From Rory McIlroy’s daughter reminding him, “You already know how to play golf,” to recognizing the value of your own strengths and systems, this episode is about presence, persistence, and trusting yourself. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.c…
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Visibility or Sustainability? Defining Your Agency’s Path
30:11
30:11
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30:11Shane and Tonya discuss the rise of insurance influencers, the pressure to chase visibility over sustainability, and the challenge of rethinking your agency’s direction to create a business that aligns with your goals and works for you. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.By Shane Tatum and Tonya Lied
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Resilience, Relationships & Real Conversations
34:58
34:58
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34:58Resilience isn’t just a word, it’s a way of showing up when things get tough. In this episode, Shane and Tonya dive into what resilience really looks like in the independent agency world, why relationships matter more than ever, and how honest conversations can move your business forward. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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What AI Really Means for Independent Agents (with Chad Jackson and Justin White)
28:20
28:20
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28:20Shane and Tonya talk AI in the independent insurance channel with special guests Chad Jackson and Justin White of Strawberry Antler. From automating quoting to solving real agency problems, they explore how AI can transform the way small and midsize agencies operate, why AI isn’t as intimidating as it sounds, and how it can turn efficiency into opp…
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Excess and surplus lines (E&S) can open up new opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Shane and Tonya break down the common fumbles agents make, share how to avoid costly mistakes, decide when to say no, and discuss how build the processes that make E&S business work for your agency. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com…
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Don’t Lose Your Agency Identity at Baggage Claim
29:02
29:02
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29:02When Southwest Airlines starts charging for checked bags, it’s more than a policy change; it’s a brand identity crisis. Shane and Tonya discuss how staying true to your agency’s unique strengths, rather than chasing trends or comparisons, is the key to long-term success and avoiding burnout. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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Loneliness, Dependence, and the Digital Heart: AI Chatbots & the Digital Age
27:58
27:58
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27:58In this episode of our AI-focused season, SHIFTERLABS uses Google LM to unravel the groundbreaking research “How AI and Human Behaviors Shape Psychosocial Effects of Chatbot Use: A Longitudinal Randomized Controlled Study”conducted by researchers from the MIT Media Lab and OpenAI. Over a span of 28 days and 300,000+ messages exchanged, 981 particip…
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Emotional AI: When Chatbots Become Companions
20:48
20:48
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20:48In this compelling episode of our research-driven season, SHIFTERLABS once again harnesses Google LM to decode the latest frontiers of human-AI interaction. Today, we explore “Investigating Affective Use and Emotional Well-being on ChatGPT,” a collaborative study by Jason Phang, Michael Lampe, Lama Ahmad, Sandhini Agarwal (OpenAI) and Cathy Fang, A…
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Own Your Business, Don’t Let It Own You: The Power of JOMO
27:54
27:54
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27:54What if the real key to success is JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out)? Shane and Tonya break down how to stay focused, make intentional decisions, and let your business serve you—rather than the other way around. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.By Shane Tatum and Tonya Lied
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Don't Just Complain, Create Change: How Agents Can Shape the Industry
25:14
25:14
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25:14Feeling frustrated with the lack of control in the insurance industry? Shane and Toya discuss how independent agents can move beyond frustration and take action. From carrier councils to industry advocacy, learn how to create real change for your agency and the industry. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.…
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We’re Here to Run A Business with Aaron and Justin Husman
38:50
38:50
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38:50Shane and Tonya sit down with Justin and Aaron Husman of The Phoenix Insurance to discuss the mindset shift from “helping people” to strategically running a successful agency. They discuss building a business with intention, protecting your time, selecting employees and clients, and making decisions that set your agency up for real growth and profi…
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AI Agents in Education: Scaling Simulated Practice for the Future of Learning
13:14
13:14
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13:14In this episode of our special season, SHIFTERLABS leverages Google LM to demystify cutting-edge research, translating complex insights into actionable knowledge. Today, we explore “AI Agents and Education: Simulated Practice at Scale”, a groundbreaking study by Ethan Mollick, Lilach Mollick, Natalie Bach, LJ Ciccarelli, Ben Przystanski, and Daniel…
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The 2025 International AI Safety Report: Global Perspectives on the Risks and Future of AI
19:26
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19:26In this episode of our special season, SHIFTERLABS leverages Google LM to demystify cutting-edge research, translating complex insights into actionable knowledge. Today, we dive into the “International Scientific Report on the Safety of Advanced AI (2025)”, chaired by Prof. Yoshua Bengio and developed with contributions from 96 AI experts represent…
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Superagency in the Workplace: How AI Can Empower Employees and Transform Organizations
18:48
18:48
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18:48In this episode of our special season, SHIFTERLABS leverages Google LM to demystify cutting-edge research, translating complex insights into actionable knowledge. Today, we dive into “Superagency in the Workplace: Empowering People to Unlock AI’s Full Potential”, a compelling study by Hannah Mayer, Lareina Yee, Michael Chui, and Roger Roberts, publ…
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Emergent Misalignment: How Narrow Fine-Tuning Can Lead to Dangerous AI Behavior
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16:13In this episode of our special season, SHIFTERLABS leverages Google LM to demystify cutting-edge research, translating complex insights into actionable knowledge. Today, we explore “Emergent Misalignment: Narrow Finetuning Can Produce Broadly Misaligned LLMs”, a striking study by researchers from Truthful AI, University College London, the Center o…
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Utility Engineering: The Emerging Value Systems of AI and How to Control Them
22:27
22:27
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22:27In this episode of our special season, SHIFTERLABS leverages Google LM to demystify cutting-edge research, translating complex insights into actionable knowledge. Today, we dive into “Utility Engineering: Analyzing and Controlling Emergent Value Systems in AIs”, a pivotal study by researchers from the Center for AI Safety, the University of Pennsyl…
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