What Occurs When Your Colleagues Are AI Systems

Michael Calore: The enigmatic billboards.

Lauren Goode: I was just thinking, “What? No, keep me immersed in the world of Burrata and Caravaggio.”

Michael Calore: Well, Lauren, I regret to inform you that you’ve returned just in time to discuss AI agents. I know.

Lauren Goode: Awesome.

Michael Calore: It’s a topic we’ve explored extensively this year, and our listeners have heard plenty about it. We’re not tired of it yet. In fact, we have a delightful conversation about AI agents lined up today.

Lauren Goode: If you can guarantee fun, count me in.

Michael Calore: I can assure you that.

Lauren Goode: Alright, let’s dive in. I’m looking forward to it.

Michael Calore: We’re stepping beyond the hype and putting AI agents to practical use in real-time. More specifically, we’re welcoming journalist and podcast host, Evan Ratliff, who founded a company filled with AI employees and executives, and he’s here to share his insights. Welcome to the show, Evan.

Evan Ratliff: It’s great to be here.

Lauren Goode: Evan, you’re also a true WIRED veteran. You spent quite a while there, right?

Evan Ratliff: I’m an old-school WIRED alum. I was there for just a couple of years a long time ago, but I’ve been contributing to WIRED for many decades since then.

Lauren Goode: And during those two years, how long were you missing? That’s part of your legend.

Evan Ratliff: Ah, yes, that was in 2009. I only truly went missing for a month, which seems wild considering how often I’ve discussed it. My aim was to disappear for a month in a sort of faux death manner, and people could try to find me, though it might as well have been on my tombstone.