Bubba on the Lake: Episode #26 – Tech Talk and Nurse Betty

Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Bill "Bubba" Bussey
Guests: Stuart Brockwell (Surge Technologies), Betty Lou Bussey

Introduction

In the #26 episode of Bubba on the Lake, host Bill "Bubba" Bussey teams up with his wife Betty Lou and returning guest Stuart Brockwell from Surge Technologies to delve into a plethora of tech-centric discussions. The episode seamlessly blends personal updates with insightful conversations about the latest advancements and challenges in technology.

Tech Talk with Stuart Brockwell

a. Tesla's Self-Driving Accident Case

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion on a recent court ruling against Tesla concerning a self-driving car accident.

• Bill Bubba Bussy [06:09]: "A court had ruled against Tesla in a self-driving accident... the guy... was clearly not paying attention."
• Stuart Brockwell [07:01]: "Tesla is very clear about their full self-driving, that it is supervised. You can't leave it alone yet. It's not ready for that."

Bill and Stuart analyze the implications of the court case, emphasizing that despite advancements, supervised driving systems like Tesla's still require driver attention, akin to traditional cruise control.

b. The Rise of Robo Taxis

Transitioning from accidents to innovations, they explore the emergence of robo taxis in Austin and San Francisco.

• Stuart Brockwell [10:11]: "The robo taxi is fully unsupervised... completely autonomous."
• Bill Bubba Bussy [10:37]: "I'm cautious but not nervous about being in a Tesla driving itself. Another step forward."

Stuart provides an overview of how these autonomous taxis operate without a human in the driver's seat, highlighting the technology's reliability and the minimal media coverage despite their growing presence.

c. Exploring the AI App "Grok"

A significant portion of the episode revolves around "Grok," an AI application developed under Elon's leadership.

• Bill Bubba Bussy [13:41]: "Grok... sometimes it gets facts about people wrong a little bit."
• Stuart Brockwell [15:13]: "I've used Grok extensively since it came out... analyzed medical records accurately."

i. Pronunciation and Features

Bill and Stuart humorously debate the correct pronunciation of "Grok," settling on the rhyme with "Spock."

• Bill Bubba Bussy [14:10]: "Say a word that rhymes with it so I can say it properly."
• Stuart Brockwell [13:49]: "'Grok'... rhymes with 'Spock.'"

ii. Practical Applications

Both hosts share their positive experiences using Grok for troubleshooting and medical inquiries.

• Bill Bubba Bussy [14:35]: "I took a break and asked Grok about a wiring problem... it told me exactly what to do."
• Stuart Brockwell [16:09]: "Uploaded X-rays into Grok... it matched the doctor's diagnosis and explained it better."

iii. AI in Healthcare

They delve into the transformative role of AI in medical diagnostics, illustrating how AI tools can augment doctors' expertise by analyzing vast datasets swiftly.

• Bill Bubba Bussy [17:23]: "AI can look at 100,000 people with your same profile and provide data that local practices don't have."
• Stuart Brockwell [18:20]: "AI models can keep the entire breadth of their field of knowledge in their brain at once."

iv. AI Modes and Ethical Concerns

A lighter yet cautionary note is struck when discussing the "unhinged mode" of Grok, which is unsuitable for family settings.

• Stuart Brockwell [21:00]: "There's an unhinged mode. It starts swearing instantaneously. Not good around children."
• Betty Bussey [21:27]: "We've got AI that acts like your bad uncle now."

Censorship and the UK Online Safety Act

Shifting gears, the conversation addresses the UK's newly passed Online Safety Act and its broader impact on internet privacy and freedom.

• Stuart Brockwell [22:23]: "Requiring age verification for services like YouTube... leading to invasive privacy measures."
• Bill Bubba Bussy [26:19]: "Freedom versus protection has always been a teeter-totter issue."

They express concerns over the Act's stringent age verification protocols, which may inadvertently restrict access to legitimate users and erode the foundational principle of internet anonymity.

• Stuart Brockwell [24:58]: "People are getting around age verification by using avatar images... it's invasive of privacy."

Reflections on Early Internet Days

Bill and Stuart reminisce about the early days of the internet, sharing nostalgic tales of Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) and the evolution of web browsers.

• Bill Bubba Bussy [27:02]: "People used punch cards... programmed on breadboards with LED displays."
• Stuart Brockwell [28:38]: "First computer owned by Bubba was a Vic 20... had to type in programs manually."

Their anecdotes highlight the rapid technological advancements from rudimentary systems to sophisticated AI and autonomous technologies today.

Personal Updates: Knee Surgery and Anniversaries

Transitioning to personal matters, Bill and Betty discuss Bill's impending knee surgery and their impending 36th wedding anniversary.

• Bill Bubba Bussy [38:19]: "I'm getting knee surgery... we've been through exercises and tutorials."
• Betty Bussey [47:16]: "Prediction: You won't be on the pickleball court for at least four to six months."

Their candid conversation offers listeners a heartfelt glimpse into the challenges and support systems that define their personal lives.

Future Plans: Introducing the "Tailgate Tailgate Show"

Looking ahead, the couple teases their upcoming podcast, "Tailgate Tailgate Show," aimed at diving deeper into the sports podcasting arena.

• Bill Bubba Bussy [43:16]: "We're developing the 'Tailgate Tailgate Show'... God bless."
• Betty Bussey [44:36]: "I'll be the guest picker one week... probably pick good as any of us."

This new venture promises to expand their content offerings, blending their love for sports with engaging discussions and expert insights.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Bill expresses gratitude towards Stuart for his valuable insights and acknowledges the unwavering support from Betty. The trio emphasizes the importance of community and prayers as they navigate personal and technological landscapes.

• Bill Bubba Bussy [50:44]: "Thank you for being a part of this podcast. We covet your prayers during this time."
• Betty Bussey [50:47]: "Love you, dear."

The episode concludes on a optimistic note, blending humor with genuine sentiments, encapsulating the essence of Bubba on the Lake as a space where personal and technological narratives intersect.

Notable Quotes:

• Stuart Brockwell [07:01]: "You can't leave it alone yet. It's not ready for that."
• Bill Bubba Bussy [15:13]: "It's like having a second set of eyes... that's a big assumption."
• Stuart Brockwell [21:00]: "It's like AI turns into a drunk sailor instantaneously."
• Betty Bussey [25:37]: "It's being invasive of privacy."

This episode serves as a compelling blend of personal anecdotes and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge technology, making it a must-listen for tech enthusiasts and loyal followers alike.