The Real BS About AI

In this episode, Alethea and Bob dive deep into the "various flavors" and layers of AI that exist beyond the standard web chat interface. They discuss the transition from simple chat prompts to more complex consumption models, including institutional credit systems and token-based usage. Bob shares insights on leveraging dedicated desktop applications, local file integrations, and the power of command-line interfaces (CLIs) for advanced tasks like coding and multi-agent interoperability. Whether you're a beginner or looking to "level up" your AI workflow, this conversation breaks down the mystery of the multi-layered AI environment. For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production

<p>In this episode, Bob and Alethea sit down with Andre Beasley, Senior Manager of Instructional Design and Course Production at Purdue University, to discuss how major institutions are navigating the "Wild West" of AI. The conversation moves beyond initial concerns over academic integrity to focus on how Purdue is empowering faculty through AI-driven course development. Andre shares insights on how his team uses AI to accelerate content creation, improve accessibility, and combat "AI fatigue" among educators. From building specialized GPTs for syllabus creation to maintaining high production standards, this episode explores how Purdue is scaling AI solutions while keeping the human element at the center of the student experience.</p><br><br><br><p>For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcast</p><br><br><p>Produced by Rakitha Perera<br>A UNLV IT Production</p>

In this special extended episode, Bob breaks away from the studio to record on location at UNLV’s brand-new Immersive Learning Lab. Joining him is Aundrea Frahm, Director of Immersive Learning, to discuss how VR, AR, and XR are revolutionizing the classroom by providing high-stakes, low-risk environments for students. The episode is divided into three unique segments: first, Bob and Aundrea discuss the vision for the lab and the "curb-cut" effect of immersive tech. Next, we meet the "magic makers"—the talented UNLV students building the "Virtual Revel Experience." Finally, Bob and Aundrea are joined by Pulasth (PT) Thennakoon to discuss the operational side of managing these futuristic spaces and the collaborative effort required to bring this technology to the entire campus community.For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production---------Like us on Facebook: /unlvitFollow us on Twitter: @unlvitand Instagram: @unlv_itit.unlv.edu

In this episode, Bob and co-host Safiyya Bintali sit down with Bridgette Perreault, UNLV’s Accessibility Conformance & Design Specialist, to tackle the critical intersection of AI and digital inclusion. With the April 2026 Title II ADA deadline looming, the conversation focuses on how AI can serve as a powerful assistant in meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards.Bridgette shares practical advice on using AI to generate alt-text, structure complex documents, and ensure that digital content is truly accessible to all members of the campus community. From "agitated sand" to high-level compliance, this episode breaks down why making technology inclusive is not just a legal requirement, but a fundamental part of the user experience.For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production

In this episode, Alethea and Bob explore the nuances of our "relationships" with AI tools. Moving beyond the "weird" or emotional reliance, they discuss how to treat AI as a powerful, mystical, yet manageable tool—much like training a dragon. The team dives into the practical settings that help customize these interactions, from managing "memory" and context windows to setting firm boundaries for academic and professional integrity. Whether you are "poly-AI-amorous" or loyal to a single model, learn how to refine your prompts and use Projects and Gems to make your AI experience more consistent and productive.For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visithttps://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT ProductionLike us on Facebook: /unlvitFollow us on Twitter: @unlvitand Instagram: @unlv_itit.unlv.edu

In Episode 10 of The Real BS About AI, hosts Bob Soulliere and Alethea Inns look back at the biggest AI developments of 2025 and reflect on how those changes showed up at UNLV. They discuss how AI tools evolved from simple chatbots into integrated workspaces, how personalization and multimodal tools reshaped workflows, and why monetization and partnerships are becoming central to the AI landscape. The episode also takes a meta turn as the team shares how they use AI to produce, analyze, and improve the podcast itself, offering a transparent look at AI in practice as UNLV heads into 2026.For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production---------Like us on Facebook: /unlvitFollow us on Twitter: @unlvitand Instagram: @unlv_itit.unlv.edu

In Episode 9 of The Real BS About AI, hosts Bob Soulliere and Alethea Inns take an honest look at AI detection tools and what they mean for academic integrity at UNLV. Drawing from real testing, faculty questions, and student experiences, they explain how AI detectors work, why their results are often inconsistent, and the risks of relying on them for high stakes decisions. The conversation centers on trust, transparency, data privacy, and the importance of meaningful conversations between faculty and students rather than automated judgment.For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production---------Like us on Facebook: /unlvitFollow us on Twitter: @unlvitand Instagram: @unlv_itit.unlv.edu

In Episode 8 of The Real BS About AI, hosts Bob Soulliere and Alethea Inns dig into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce, with a focus on its impact on women and highly exposed roles. Drawing from global research and real workplace examples, they discuss why women face higher AI exposure, how that creates both risk and opportunity, and what skills matter most in an AI driven future. This episode centers on practical preparation, human strengths, and how to use AI responsibly without losing sight of empathy, ethics, and context.For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production

In Episode 7 of The Real BS About AI, hosts Bob Soulliere and Alethea Inns take a deep look at NotebookLM, Google’s AI powered research assistant. They walk through how to use grounded sources, create interactive audio and video summaries, build mind maps, make flashcards, generate quizzes, and use the tool for both academic work and everyday tasks. This episode shows how NotebookLM can help students, staff, and anyone who wants a smarter and safer way to work with information.For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production

In Episode 6 of The Real BS About AI, hosts Bob Soulliere and Alethea Inns take a lighter approach to artificial intelligence, exploring the creative, practical, and fun ways they use AI in everyday life.From using AI for home design, photo restoration, and meal planning to analyzing movies, writing stories, and even tracking contractions on the way to the hospital, this episode reminds us that AI isn’t just for work or research. It can make life easier, more creative, and a lot more enjoyable.For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production---------Like us on Facebook: /unlvitFollow us on Twitter: @unlvitand Instagram: @unlv_itit.unlv.edu

In Episode 5 of The Real BS About AI, hosts Bob Soulliere and Alethea Inns talk with cybersecurity expert Maxine about how to stay safe online during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.They cover phishing scams, data privacy, AI-driven cyber threats, and how attackers are using tools like ChatGPT to trick users. Maxine also shares practical tips on password management, MFA, and protecting your identity and data in an AI-powered world.Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 500:36 – October talk: pumpkin spice, spooky season, and awareness months01:45 – Introducing Cybersecurity Awareness Month02:15 – Alethea’s path into cybersecurity03:37 – Meet our guest: Maxine, cybersecurity professional04:20 – Cybersecurity basics: what everyone should know05:19 – “Don’t click on stuff” – why links can be dangerous06:23 – Phishing and how to spot it07:56 – Checking URLs and validating emails09:02 – Common red flags: urgency, spelling errors, and requests for info10:07 – Protecting your identity online11:28 – Why Alethea stepped back from social media12:17 – Women’s safety and cybersecurity13:14 – AI in cybersecurity and the rise of malicious uses15:10 – How AI makes phishing more convincing16:34 – Prompt injection and hacking experiments18:09 – “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product”19:00 – Data privacy, Pokémon Go, and hidden risks20:27 – Cameras, facial recognition, and data collection23:01 – The trade-off between convenience and privacy24:00 – Voice cloning and social engineering scams25:08 – New AI apps and deepfake dangers26:09 – Keeping up with cybersecurity resources27:44 – Best websites for cybersecurity news28:19 – Final advice: password managers and MFA29:10 – Closing thoughts: protect your data, image, and voice

In Episode 4 of The Real BS About AI, hosts Bob Soulliere and Alethea Inns talk with UNLV psychology professor Dr. Brian Uldall about bringing AI into the classroom.They cover how students react to AI, the balance between learning and academic honesty, and what the future of teaching might look like as AI keeps evolving.For more information about UNLV IT's The Real BS About AI podcast, visit https://www.it.unlv.edu/ai-technology/podcastProduced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production---------Like us on Facebook: /unlvitFollow us on Twitter: @unlvitand Instagram: @unlv_itit.unlv.edu

In this episode, Alethea and Bob dive into the most common question they get about AI: What’s the best tool to use? They explore their own experiences with ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and NotebookLM, sharing where each shines (and where it fails). From classroom use to coding projects, they talk about how to match tools with goals, why there’s no single “right” answer, and how experimenting is key. Along the way, they touch on UNLV’s new AI resources for faculty and students, and Alethea shares how AI is helping her start her PhD journey.

In this episode, Alethea and Bob explore how AI can help improve the way we communicate. From emails to Slack messages, they share how they use tools like ChatGPT to refine tone, clarify intent, and keep their human voice intact. They discuss the importance of starting with your own ideas, using AI to enhance rather than replace your work, and keeping data privacy in mind. It’s all about making your words clear, intentional, and authentically you.Produced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production

In this first episode, Alethea and Bob kick things off by sharing why they started this podcast and what “The Real B.S. About AI” really means. They talk about their personal paths into the world of AI, what makes AI tools useful or risky, and why these conversations matter at UNLV. It's an open invite to learn, explore, and figure it out together.Produced by Rakitha PereraA UNLV IT Production