Is Big Tech gaining too much control over artificial intelligence, our economy, and even our elections? And could open-weight AI models be the key to preventing a future dominated by a handful of powerful corporations?

In Episode 17 of Systems & Power, host Moses Parente sits down with Niel Pal to discuss the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, technology, business, and politics.

From the growing debate over open-weight AI models and government regulation to the enormous political influence of Silicon Valley, Moses and Niel explore who stands to benefit from the AI revolution — and who risks being left behind.

The conversation dives into the rise of autonomous AI agents, the future of enterprise software, Anthropic's potential IPO, the semiconductor industry, and the growing popularity of prediction markets. They also examine whether AI could eventually make universal basic income necessary and how automation may fundamentally reshape employment, education, and the global economy.

Beyond technology, Moses and Niel discuss the relationship between money and political influence, the role of charisma in leadership, and why human judgment and interpersonal skills may become more valuable as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why open-weight AI models matter for innovation and competition
• Open-weight vs. closed-source AI and the debate over safety regulations
• Big Tech's political influence, campaign spending, and AI legislation
• The rise of personalized AI agents and autonomous workflows
• Anthropic's potential IPO and the future of AI companies
• The semiconductor industry and the infrastructure behind AI
• Universal basic income and the future of employment
• Prediction markets and their growing influence on politics
• How AI is transforming enterprise software and business
• The future of computer science degrees and technical education
• Why charisma, critical thinking, and human relationships still matter

Time Stamps:
02:11 – Open weight models, China, and AI regulation (including the Anthropic IPO and monopoly debate)
08:17 – Democrats, populism, and inequality (Trump accounts, universal basic income) 1
3:18 – Trump, his base, and the Texas primary races
17:09 – Charisma in politics and SF/NYC politics
18:50 – Prediction markets: Kalshi vs. Polymarket
21:58 – Enterprise software and AI deals (Dreamforce, Salesforce, Nvidia acquisitions, Cognition and Factory)
28:58 – Semiconductor stocks, the Anthropic IPO financials, and the AI model race
33:23 – Personal agents and AI in the workplace
35:34 – Politics and AI adoption (Democrats, Bloomberg, the internet comparison)
38:52 – Training data jobs, NYC tech, and engineers who no longer hand-write code
42:47 – Education and careers: CS vs. MBA, systems thinking, and human skills
50:07 – Interruption and sign-off

As artificial intelligence becomes more powerful, the stakes extend far beyond technology. Who will control AI, who will profit from it, and how much influence should Big Tech have over our political system?

Join us for a conversation about the future of artificial intelligence, political power, and the changing relationship between humans and technology.

🔔 Subscribe to Systems & Power for conversations with leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers exploring the forces shaping our world.

💬 Let us know in the comments: Should AI models be open-weight and accessible to everyone, or should powerful AI systems remain restricted for safety?

Who REALLY pays for political protests? Are grassroots movements always organic, or is there an entire business behind political outrage?

In Episode 16 of Systems & Power, host Moses Parente sits down with Adam Swart, Founder and CEO of Crowds on Demand, a company specializing in public advocacy, grassroots organizing, and mobilizing support for political and corporate campaigns.

Adam offers an inside perspective on the business of political advocacy, the role of wealthy donors in shaping public opinion, and how money and messaging influence American politics.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, we also explore the growing divisions within the Republican and Democratic parties, the influence of younger voters, and what these political shifts could mean for 2028.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 💰 Who funds political protests and advocacy campaigns?
• 📢 The business behind organized political movements
• 🇺🇸 The 2026 midterm elections and the future of both parties
• 📊 Prediction markets vs. traditional political polling
• 🗳️ Donald Trump's influence over the Republican Party
• 🔥 The rise of democratic socialism and changing political attitudes among Gen Z
• 🌎 Israel, Palestine, and the changing landscape of American foreign policy
• 🏛️ Potential congressional investigations, impeachment, and the balance of power in Washington
• 🎯 Adam's advice on effective advocacy and influencing decision-makers

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Adam Swart
00:26 – Predicting the 2026 Midterm Elections
03:41 – Are Polls and Prediction Markets Reliable?
05:22 – The Business Behind Political Protests
07:18 – Billionaires and Political Influence
08:11 – Crowds on Demand and Its Campaigns
09:42 – Are Democrats Heading Into 2028 Without a Leader?
12:01 – Could Donald Trump Jr. Run for President?
13:28 – The Future of MAGA and the Republican Party
16:39 – Ken Paxton, Trump, and Political Loyalty
19:48 – Are Political Parties Delivering for Their Voters?
21:44 – The Rise of Democratic Socialists
23:28 – Gen Z, Israel, and Changing Political Attitudes
25:49 – TikTok Politics and Political Messaging
27:18 – What Happens if Democrats Take the House?
29:15 – Could Trump Face Another Impeachment?
30:01 – Hakeem Jeffries vs. Nancy Pelosi
32:03 – How to Advocate Effectively
33:52 – Closing Remarks

About Systems & Power

Systems & Power explores the intersection of technology, business, politics, and the people shaping our world. Through conversations with entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, we examine the ideas, institutions, and systems influencing our future.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent those of their employers, affiliated organizations, or institutions. This conversation is presented for informational and public-interest discussion purposes.

Shesh Narayan Gupta is an AI Researcher, Data Scientist and the Author of Generative AI for Game Development: Crafting Narrative Worlds with Machines.

In this episode of Systems and Power, host Moses Parente sits down with data scientist, AI researcher, and author Shesh Narayan Gupta to explore how generative AI is changing the future of video games.

From smarter NPCs and dynamic dialogue to AI-generated narratives and adaptive gameplay, Shesh breaks down how artificial intelligence can make virtual worlds feel more responsive, immersive, and alive.

But with that power comes a major challenge: how do developers keep AI creative without losing control?

We discuss the importance of deterministic rules, AI guardrails, character consistency, ethical safeguards, and the difficulty of proving that AI safety systems actually work in real-world environments. Shesh also shares insights from his book, Generative AI for Game Development, and explains how lessons from gaming can apply to AI systems far beyond entertainment.

In this episode:

• How generative AI is transforming game development
• The future of intelligent NPCs and dynamic dialogue
• AI-generated stories and adaptive gaming experiences
• Why deterministic rules still matter
• How developers balance creativity with control
• AI guardrails, bias, and ethical considerations
• Why some AI safeguards can actually make systems worse
• What gaming can teach us about building safer AI
• The future of AI-driven interactive worlds

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DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.