Earn Your Leisure Podcast: "We're Losing The AI Race - It's Almost Over!"
Release Date: March 25, 2025
In this compelling episode of the Earn Your Leisure Podcast, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings delve deep into the escalating global competition in artificial intelligence (AI), its ramifications on various communities, especially Black Americans, and the critical steps needed to bridge the technological and information gaps. The conversation is a blend of insightful analysis, urgent warnings, and actionable advice, all framed within the broader context of financial and entrepreneurial landscapes.
1. The Imminent AI Takeover
Timestamp: [02:01] - [03:49]
Rashad kicks off the discussion by highlighting the rapid advancements in AI technology, emphasizing that major corporations are on the brink of deploying AI systems that could potentially overshadow human roles entirely. He states, "It's almost done," underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Troy adds to this by pointing out the alarming lack of diversity within these tech giants. "Less than a half of 1% of any employee in any of these buildings are Black people," Rashad notes, drawing attention to the systemic issues that prevent Black professionals from influencing or benefiting from these technological strides.
2. The Chinese Influence and 'Spamouflage'
Timestamp: [03:50] - [05:14]
The conversation shifts to the geopolitical arena, with Rashad discussing China's strategic maneuvers to dominate the AI landscape. He introduces the concept of "Spamouflage," China's propaganda campaign designed to manipulate perceptions and foster societal dysfunction in America. "China is actually funding the dysfunction in America," he asserts, explaining how platforms like Meta are being leveraged to spread positive narratives about China while concealing its internal challenges.
This section underscores the broader implications of technological dominance, not just in innovation but also in shaping global narratives and influencing societal stability.
3. The Educational and Skill Gap
Timestamp: [06:00] - [10:00]
Rashad and Troy emphasize the critical need for education and skill development in AI and related technologies. They lament the fact that while countries like China are integrating AI education from primary school levels, the United States is regressing by banning tools like ChatGPT and neglecting AI education in higher institutions.
Rashad passionately states, "If you don't have money and don't know tech, it's over. It's over. Unfortunately." This stark warning serves as a call to action for the Black community to prioritize technological literacy and entrepreneurial skills to stay relevant and competitive in the evolving landscape.
4. Systemic Barriers and Discrimination
Timestamp: [10:00] - [15:30]
The hosts delve into the systemic barriers that exacerbate the technological and wealth gaps, particularly focusing on discrimination in the tech industry. Rashad discusses the challenges Black professionals face, such as reluctance from companies to hire Black individuals due to perceived legal pressures related to discrimination lawsuits. He criticizes institutions like Columbia University for capitulating under governmental pressures, thereby alienating Black students and professionals.
Troy reinforces these points by highlighting the interconnectedness of real estate redlining and AI, suggesting that biases in AI development could perpetuate historical injustices on a much larger scale.
5. The Path Forward: Entrepreneurship and Investment
Timestamp: [10:38] - [14:24]
Transitioning from the challenges, Rashad and Troy offer a roadmap for empowerment through entrepreneurship, investment, and technological proficiency. They advocate for the community to focus on building wealth, acquiring tech skills, and engaging in entrepreneurial ventures as essential steps to counteract the impending AI dominance.
Rashad encourages listeners to engage with educational resources, mentioning a comprehensive two-hour video on AI prompting as a valuable starting point. Additionally, Troy highlights the importance of community support and collaboration, acknowledging the contributions of tech veterans who have been striving to bring awareness to these issues.
6. Real-World Applications and Success Stories
Timestamp: [14:24] - [16:37]
The episode features shout-outs to organizations and individuals making strides in the tech space. Rashad praises Super Micro and other tech professionals who have dedicated decades to advancing technology while advocating for greater community involvement. He underscores the necessity of having Black voices in AI development to ensure that technological advancements align with the community's needs and values.
Troy further discusses educational advancements, mentioning an HBCU that has introduced a bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence—the first of its kind. This milestone represents a significant step towards bridging the educational gap and fostering a new generation of Black AI professionals.
7. Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action
Timestamp: [16:37] - [17:05]
In wrapping up, Rashad emphasizes the domino effect of neglecting technological and educational advancements. He warns that failing to address these gaps will not only widen societal disparities but also render the community increasingly marginalized in the face of AI-driven transformations.
Troy echoes this sentiment, reiterating the importance of immediate action and community solidarity. The hosts conclude with a strong call to the listeners to prioritize technological education, invest wisely, and support entrepreneurial endeavors to navigate and thrive in the impending AI-dominated era.
Notable Quotes
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Rashad Bilal [02:01]: "It's almost done. Less than a half of 1% of any employee in any of these buildings are Black people."
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Rashad Bilal [03:50]: "China is actually funding the dysfunction in America."
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Rashad Bilal [10:00]: "If you don't have money and don't know tech, it's over. It's over. Unfortunately."
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Troy Millings [14:24]: "We need people who are going to have large language models. We're good. Who are going to create them."
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Rashad Bilal [16:37]: "America is in trouble when they're having Zoom calls in Mandarin. Yes, that's a problem."
Final Takeaways
This episode serves as both a wake-up call and a guide for the Black community to actively engage in the technological revolution. By highlighting the critical challenges and offering strategic solutions, Rashad and Troy aim to equip their listeners with the knowledge and tools necessary to "Earn Your Leisure" in a rapidly evolving world. The urgency conveyed throughout the discussion underscores the importance of proactive measures in education, investment, and entrepreneurship to ensure that the community not only survives but thrives in the AI era.
Stay Connected: For more insights into the financial and entrepreneurial strategies shaping today's world, subscribe to the Earn Your Leisure Podcast and join hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings on their mission to empower and educate.