Quantum Computing and AI (and Who Gets to Explain Things)

In this episode, Jessica teaches Kimberly quantum computing — and we mean that literally. Starting from classical bits and working through superposition, Schrödinger's cat, the observer effect, and Google's Willow chip, Jessica builds a surprisingly intuitive explanation of what quantum computers actually do and why they matter for the future of AI.But the episode starts somewhere else, with the phone call Jessica made after we stopped recording, questioning whether she should have tried to explain something she isn't formally trained in. That moment opens a bigger conversation about why women hesitate to speak publicly in technical spaces — not because they lack knowledge, but because the social penalties for being visibly uncertain are higher.We cover:How classical computers work (bits, binary, the basics)What makes quantum computers fundamentally different (superposition, qubits, the observer effect)Schrödinger's cat — what it actually means and why a physicist would argue the cat is both dead and aliveThe double-slit experiment and why watching something changes what it isHow Google's Willow chip did in five minutes what would take a classical computer longer than the age of the universe — and why you should read that headline carefullyWhy quantum computers are kept colder than outer spaceThe three possible futures for quantum computing and what each would mean for everyday lifeThe connection to AI — why quantum could speed up model training and what that actually looks likeWho controls access to this technology, and why that question sounds familiarThe research on why women adopt new technologies more slowly — and what it has to do with self-silencing, impostor syndrome, and gendered penalties for public uncertaintyLinksWomen, voice, and silencebell hooks — National Women’s History Museum: bell hooksbell hooks and feminism — Equal Rights Advocates: 10 rules: following bell hooks’ instructions for our movementDana Crowley Jack — Harvard University Press: Silencing the SelfSelf-silencing summary — TIME: Self-Silencing Is Making Women SickTech adoption and impostor feelingsWomen and AI adoption gap — LeanIn.org: Women and AI: The Gender Gap in AI Adoption and UsageWomen avoiding AI — Harvard Business School: Women Are Avoiding AI. Will Their Careers Suffer?Women in tech and imposter syndrome — IT Pro: Imposter syndrome is pushing women out of techQuantum computing basicsQuantum computing intro — QCS Hub: Introduction to quantum computingSchrödinger’s cat — Yale News: Doubling down on Schrödinger’s catLeave us a comment or a suggestion! Support the showContact us: https://www.womentalkinboutai.com/