Podcast
IntoTexas AI Podcast
Hosted by Shannon Belew · EN
Your deep dive into AI news and trends reshaping Texas.
Everything is bigger in Texas—including the impact of artificial intelligence.
Hosted by Shannon Belew, IntoTexas AI brings you the most important AI stories impacting Texas—from data centers and enterprise adoption to startups, policy, and the shifting balance of power in work.
Each episode delivers:
The biggest AI news stories connected to Texas
What it means for business leaders, innovators and investors
Fast insights you can actually use
It's a front-row seat to how AI is transforming one of the most important economic regions.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Will AI Replace Engineers? AECOM and SMU Partner for Next-gen AI Infrastructure
May 2100:18:25Tap to summarizeCan artificial intelligence transform infrastructure engineering—and what does that mean for the next generation of graduates?In this episode of IntoTexas AI, we examine how Dallas-based AECOM and Southern Methodist University are partnering to train engineers who can work alongside AI to design and build the world’s most important infrastructure projects. We also explore AECOM’s broader AI strategy, including its acquisition of Norwegian startup Consigli and the company’s ambitious effort to integrate AI into core engineering workflows.In this episode:Why AECOM partnered with SMUWhat “AI-native infrastructure engineers” meansHow AI is changing engineering careersAECOM’s $390 million acquisition of ConsigliWhy engineering firms are beginning to act like technology companiesWhat this means for students graduating into the AI eraWhy Dallas could become a global center for AI-driven infrastructure innovationFeatured Organizations:AECOMSouthern Methodist UniversityConsigliWhy this matters:As AI reshapes industries across the economy, infrastructure engineering may be one of the most important sectors to watch. The companies that combine technology, talent, and responsible deployment could define how the world is designed and built for decades to come.Subscribe to IntoTexas AI for weekly insights on artificial intelligence, business strategy, infrastructure, and the companies shaping the future in Texas and beyond.#ArtificialIntelligence #AECOM #SMU #Engineering #Infrastructure #TexasAI #AIJobs #FutureOfWork #DigitalTransformation #IntoTexas
Transcribe →Texas AI News: $867M Fort Worth Investment, Data Center Pushback, and Waymo
May 1600:14:21Tap to summarizeTexas continues to emerge as one of the most important AI hubs in the United States. In this week’s IntoTexas AI news roundup, Shannon Belew recaps the biggest and most interesting stories shaping the future of artificial intelligence in Texas this week.In this episode:$867 million manufacturing investment in Fort WorthHill County tables new data center growthRed Oak greenlights growth despite protestsUniversity of Texas at Austin researchers warn of future water issuesWaymo recalls more than 3,500 robotaxis The big takeaway: AI is no longer just a software story. It is a manufacturing story, an infrastructure story, a water story, and a community story—and Texas is at the center of it all.If you want to understand where the future of AI is being built, Texas is one of the most important places to watch.Subscribe for weekly analysis of how AI, innovation, and investment are reshaping Texas.#ArtificialIntelligence #TexasAI #DataCenters #Waymo #AutonomousVehicles #FortWorth #Dallas #Austin #IntoTexasAI #AIInfrastructure
Transcribe →When Robots Fly Coach: How Texas Sparked a Debate About Robot Rights
May 1500:18:48Tap to summarizeA humanoid robot named Stewie bought a ticket, buckled into a window seat, and flew on a Southwest Airlines flight to Dallas. Two days later, the airline banned all human-like and animal-like robots from both cabins and checked baggage.What happened—and what does it reveal about the future of artificial intelligence?In this episode of IntoTexas AI, Shannon Belew explores the remarkable story involving Dallas-based The Robot Studio and examines a much larger question: How should we treat our robots?Are humanoids passengers, employees, teammates, or simply advanced tools?You’ll also hear:Why humans instinctively treat robots as social beingsThe science behind “anti-robot speciesism”How robots like Sophia have challenged ideas about citizenship and rightsWhy Texas is becoming a major hub for robotics and physical AIWhat business leaders need to consider as humanoids enter the workplaceFrom airlines and factories to hotels and hospitals, robots are moving from novelty to operational reality. This episode takes a thoughtful—and occasionally humorous—look at what the way we treat robots says about the way we see ourselves.If you’re interested in robotics, AI strategy, physical AI, and the future of human-machine relationships, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.#IntoTexasAI #PhysicalAI #HumanoidRobots #SouthwestAirlines #Robotics #ArtificialIntelligence #TexasTech #FutureOfWork #RobotEthics #DallasTech
Transcribe →Autonomous Vehicles in Texas: A New Law and the Road Ahead
May 1300:22:41Tap to summarizeTexas is entering a new phase in autonomous vehicle deployment — one defined not just by innovation, but by regulation, accountability, and real-world performance.In this episode of IntoTexas AI, host Shannon Belew breaks down what the state’s new authorization requirements mean for companies operating robotaxis, delivery fleets, and autonomous trucking across Texas. From new oversight by the Texas DMV to first-responder safety plans and ongoing compliance expectations, this isn’t just a policy update — it’s a shift in how autonomy scales.We also take a closer look at the companies shaping this space, including Waymo, Zoox, Tesla, Aurora, Kodiak, and others — and why Texas has become one of the most important proving grounds in the country.Beyond robotaxis, the episode explores the massive opportunity in autonomous freight and delivery — from long-haul trucking along I-35 to last-mile logistics — and what it could mean for the Texas economy, workforce, and supply chains.But what about safety and public trust?As autonomous systems continue to evolve in real time, questions around safety, certification, and public trust are becoming harder to ignore — including concerns raised by researchers at University of Texas at Austin about how to regulate technology that never stands still.Texas isn’t just adopting autonomous vehicles.It’s becoming the driving force for the next generation of transportation.
Transcribe →Texas AI Boom Accelerates: In AI News This Week - Meta, Oracle, BlackRock & Fight Over Data Centers
May 900:12:25Tap to summarizeTexas is rapidly becoming one of the most important AI infrastructure battlegrounds in America — and this week’s headlines made that impossible to ignore.In this episode of IntoTexas AI, host Shannon Belew breaks down five of the biggest AI stories shaping Texas during the week of May 4, 2026.This week’s roundup explores:Meta’s reported $13 billion financing package tied to a massive AI-focused data center project in El PasoDallas-based DataBank securing $2 billion to support Oracle AI infrastructure in Red OakBlackRock’s $30 million investment to train Texas electricians for the growing AI economyRackspace and AMD expanding enterprise AI operations in San AntonioRising resistance from Texas communities concerned about the impact of large-scale AI data center growthThe episode examines how AI is reshaping:Texas infrastructureEnergy demandWorkforce developmentEnterprise technologyRural communitiesEconomic growth across the stateFrom hyperscale data centers to skilled labor shortages, this conversation looks at the physical realities behind the AI economy and why Texas is becoming one of the nation’s most important testing grounds for AI expansion.IntoTexas AI explores how artificial intelligence, infrastructure, investment and innovation are reshaping Texas.#AI #Texas #ArtificialIntelligence #DataCenters #Meta #Oracle #BlackRock #Rackspace #AMD #TexasBusiness #EnterpriseAI #Infrastructure #TechnologyPodcast #IntoTexasAI
Transcribe →Student Data Is Becoming AI Fuel | What the Canvas Cyberattack Could Reveal About Universities
May 800:15:07Tap to summarizeA major cybersecurity breach involving the Canvas learning platform may have exposed nearly four terabytes of student and university data — including institutions in Texas. But this story may be about more than cybersecurity.In this episode of IntoTexas AI, Shannon Belew explores the idea that universities are becoming AI-era data platforms and why student behavioral data could become one of the most valuable assets in the artificial intelligence economy.The episode examines:The Canvas cyberattack and its reported impactWhy educational data is becoming increasingly valuable in the AI eraHow AI is changing the economics of cybercrimeWhy Texas universities are becoming part of the state’s growing AI infrastructureThe role Texas cybersecurity companies are playing in defending AI-era systemsWhether higher education is prepared for the next generation of AI-driven cyber threatsFeaturing discussion of Texas universities, AI governance, cybersecurity risk, and companies including CrowdStrike, Critical Start, Zimperium, and SparkCognition.IntoTexas AI explores how AI, infrastructure, investment, innovation, and workforce transformation are reshaping Texas.#AI #Cybersecurity #Texas #HigherEducation #Canvas #ArtificialIntelligence #DataSecurity #IntoTexasAI #EdTech #TexasTech
Transcribe →Houston’s AI Schools: Will Texas Reinvent Public Education for the AI Era?
May 700:36:31Tap to summarizeHouston ISD is launching an ambitious AI-focused public school initiative— and it could reshape how students learn in the AI era.In this episode of IntoTexas AI, Shannon Belew explores Houston ISD’s new “Future 2” schools, a public education model designed around AI literacy, leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, and future workforce readiness.The episode also compares Houston’s public-school approach to private AI-powered schools like Alpha School in Austin, where personalized AI learning is already redefining the classroom experience.Along the way, we examine:Why schools across the U.S. are racing to integrate AIGeorgia’s Seckinger High School and the rise of AI-themed campusesThe difference between “AI teaching students” and “teaching students about AI”Concerns around equity, transparency, teacher support, and over-reliance on technologyWhat business leaders should learn from the transformation happening inside educationWhy human skills may become even more valuable in an AI-driven economyAs Texas positions itself as a national leader in AI infrastructure, enterprise AI, robotics, and advanced technology investment, the future of education may become one of the state’s most important AI stories.Hosted by Shannon Belew.#ArtificialIntelligence #Texas #Education #HoustonISD #AI #FutureOfWork #EdTech #IntoTexasAI #Houston #Leadership
Transcribe →The Real AI Divide: Why Some Organizations Win with AI — And Others Struggle
May 600:28:05Tap to summarizeWhat separates organizations that are thriving with AI from those still struggling to see results?In this episode of IntoTexas AI, Shannon Belew explores groundbreaking new research from The University of Texas at Austin and KPMG examining how employees actually use AI inside organizations — and why only a small percentage of workers generate outsized value from AI systems.The findings challenge one of the biggest assumptions in business today: that AI success is simply about deploying more tools or increasing usage.Instead, the research suggests successful AI adoption depends heavily on:Human behaviorOrganizational cultureWorkflow redesignCritical thinkingLeadership strategyAnd how employees collaborate with AIThe episode also explores:Why “using AI” is different from “working with AI”The rise of sophisticated AI collaborationConcerns about AI overdependence and weakened critical thinkingThe growing problem with measuring AI adoption through superficial metricsWhy leadership teams may need to rethink workforce development entirelyAdditional research and insights referenced include studies from Microsoft, Harvard Business School, Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan, and other leading organizations examining the future of human-AI collaboration.Subscribe for more conversations exploring how AI, innovation, and organizational transformation are reshaping business and the future of work.#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Leadership #GenerativeAI #BusinessStrategy #WorkplaceTransformation #IntoTexasAI
Transcribe →AI News for Texas: Building the AI Stack: NVIDIA, $20M AOI Grant, Robotaxis & Bots to Mars
May 200:09:06Tap to summarizeThis week on IntoTexas AI, we take a look at news headlines and break down how Texas is rapidly evolving from an AI adopter into an AI builder.From a $20.9M semiconductor grant awarded to Applied Optoelectronics in Sugar Land, to new incentives for Nvidia in Irving, the state is making strategic bets across the AI infrastructure stack.We also explore:What a paused Waymo robotaxi rollout reveals about real-world AI challengesThe rise of physical AI, including TerraFirma’s move to Buda and its long-term ambitionsWhy data movement, compute, and infrastructure are becoming Texas’ AI advantageAI is no longer just software—it’s hardware, infrastructure, and execution at scale.📍 IntoTexas AI explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping Texas business, technology, and innovation.👉 Subscribe for weekly insights.
Transcribe →Spectral AI’s Win —and the Rise of Real-World Healthcare AI in Texas
Apr 3000:12:44Tap to summarizeAI in healthcare is no longer experimental—it’s becoming a partner for the clinician and addressing patient care. And Texas is emerging as an important proving ground.In this episode of IntoTexas AI, we break down the significance of Dallas-based Spectral AI winning the Small Business Innovator Award at the Texas Innovation Conference—and why it signals a much bigger shift happening across the state.We explore how Spectral AI’s DeepView® System is bringing AI directly into clinical decision-making, helping doctors predict wound healing in real time and improve patient outcomes.But the story doesn’t stop there.Across Texas, healthcare AI is scaling fast:Over 75% of health systems are already using AIMajor institutions like UT System, UT Dell Medical Center, and UTMB are investing in AI-native healthcare infrastructureNew 2026 laws now require AI transparency, human oversight, and data governanceFrom radiology breakthroughs to predictive analytics, AI is reshaping how care is delivered—moving healthcare toward a more predictive, data-driven model at the point of care.This episode covers:What Spectral AI does and why it mattersHow AI is improving speed, accuracy, and efficiency in healthcareWhy Texas is becoming a national leader in healthcare AI deploymentThe opportunities—and risks—of rapid AI adoptionIf you want to understand where AI is going next, don’t just look at software—look at healthcare.
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