Loading summary
Mindy Thomas
Grown Ups Wondery subscribers can listen to wow in the World early and ad free right now. Join Wondery in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts.
Guy Raz
Hey Wowzer fams Mindy and Guy Raz here. And before we start the show, we were just talking about places on our planet that make us say wow. Tell them about our favorite place. Guy Raz Sure.
Mindy Thomas
Mindy. Well, a place on our planet that wows me is Sonoma Coast State Park. It's in California, but when you visit, some days it looks like you're in tropical Hawaii. Other days it looks like you're on the cliffs of Ireland.
Guy Raz
Ooh, I can't wait to visit there. Guy Raz what about you?
Mindy Thomas
Mindy?
Guy Raz
Well, a place on our planet that wows me is the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. It's the only wildlife refuge in the world dedicated to protecting the West Indian manatee. And when you visit, you can actually see these gentle giants up close if you mind your manatee manners.
Mindy Thomas
That sounds amazing. Mindy. Wowzers. Is there a place on our planet that wows you? We want to hear about it.
Guy Raz
Yeah, give us a call at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW to tell us about a place on earth that wows you the most. That's 1-888-7-WOW wow.
Mindy Thomas
Or you can send us a video too. Grown Ups. Upload your videos@tinkercast.com ShareYourWow we can't wait.
Guy Raz
To hear from you. And who knows, you may even featured in an upcoming episode called Planet Wow.
Mindy Thomas
That's it for now. Let's get back to the show.
Unknown
Hey Grown ups, if you've got Pokemon fans in your life, and maybe you even grew up as one yourself, check out the Pokemon Trading Card Game. It's a great way to experience the world of Pokemon for enthusiasts of all ages. Every card has an awesome illustration on it with either a Pokemon trainer item or stadium, and with several different art styles and artists, you'll want to catch em all. See how your cards stack up against others in easy to learn Pokemon battles, or just collect and trade them. There's no right or wrong way to enjoy the Pokemon Trading Card Game. And now you can collect the newest cards from the Black Bolt and White Flare expansion pack. For info on the latest expansions, game rules and more, visit tcg.pokemon.com hey grown ups, as your family gears up to go back to school, make sure that you're preparing both minds and bodies. Try Ollie, the number one kids supplement brand that makes your family's health and wellness a breeze. Ollie offers a range of vitamins and supplements for kids and adults so you can trust them for your whole family's needs. Kids Multi Plus Probiotic is a tasty essential that kids love. And Kids Sleep offers gentle supports to help them rest. And for the parents, Ollie has your back, too. Try multivitamins for immune support and more. And sleep gummies to help you get your best rest. Shop@ollie.com or retailers nationwide. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or Prevent any disease.
Guy Raz
Proceeded. 3, 2, 1. Mission. The bubble form of mixture of magnificent proportion. I don't know what you've been told we're in a golden age so many discoveries that are jumping off the page while in the world.
Examinator
Whoa. Welcome back to Bongo in the Big two in the Morning on kwow. Hey, Bongo, you hear the news about the new AI powered digital assistant?
Guy Raz
Oh, oh, turn it up. I want to hear this.
Mindy Thomas
Okay.
Examinator
You mean how artificial intelligence is evolving exponentially faster than the millions of years it took human intelligence to evolve? What? No, I was talking about this. Hey, Zoodle, what does a kitten fart sound like?
Guy Raz
Well, you know, Guy Raz, I actually invented an AI digital assistant.
Mindy Thomas
Really?
Guy Raz
Yeah. I built it into this cowboy hat. Here, let me just put it on here. Sorry. It's a little snug. Got a big head. Okay. There we go. Hey, hat GPT.
Hat GPT
Well, howdy, Mindy. What can I help you with today?
Guy Raz
What is the cap capital of Estonia?
Hat GPT
The capital of Estonia is Tallinn.
Guy Raz
Thanks, Hat GPT.
Hat GPT
Oh, it's my pleasure, partner. Let me know if there's anything else I can help with today.
Guy Raz
See, isn't that bonkerballs?
Mindy Thomas
The fact that you have an AI powered cowboy hat. Yeah, it's something, all right.
Guy Raz
It can answer anything. Seriously?
Mindy Thomas
Well, it seems pretty smart, Mindy, but I don't think your hat has the answer to everything.
Guy Raz
Well, why don't we find out? Hey, hatgpt.
Hat GPT
Yes, Mindy?
Guy Raz
Is there anything you don't know?
Hat GPT
Currently, I'm able to answer questions at the same level as a college student.
Mindy Thomas
See, Mindy? It doesn't know everything.
Guy Raz
Huh. Okay, then. Hatgbt. What don't you know?
Hat GPT
It's logically impossible to know what is unknown.
Guy Raz
Bonkerballs.
Hat GPT
Additional information found.
Guy Raz
Ooh, additional information. I love additional information. Information.
Hat GPT
Several AI researchers, including those at the center for AI Safety, are offering $5,000 to individuals who submit questions that can stump artificial intelligences.
Guy Raz
Did you hear that hear what? What hatgpt just said. We have to do it. We have to go.
Mindy Thomas
What?
Guy Raz
Submit a question to these researchers to win five. Maybe I can finally get that pool full of baked beans I always talked about. And I've got the perfect question too.
Mindy Thomas
You do?
Guy Raz
Oh yeah. It's dolphinitely gonna get me that 5,000 bucks. Now let's find out where we have to go. Here. Hatgpt.
Hat GPT
Well, hello again, partner.
Guy Raz
Where do I deliver this question I have for the competition?
Hat GPT
Researchers at the center for AI Research ask that all questions be emailed.
Guy Raz
No, no, no, no, no, no. I don't want to email. This question is better said out loud. Where can we meet one of those researchers?
Hat GPT
A researcher vaguely associated with this study is located just two miles from this location?
Guy Raz
Oh yeah.
Hat GPT
At 555 Creepy Boulevard.
Mindy Thomas
Creepy Boulevard? Mindy, I don't like the sound of that.
Guy Raz
Oh, come on, guy. I bet it's one of those ironic street names like easy street or memory lane.
Mindy Thomas
Uh huh.
Guy Raz
Uh ha. Direct us to 555 Creepy Boulevard.
Hat GPT
Sure thing, Mindy. In one mile, turn left onto Creepy Boulevard.
Mindy Thomas
Thank you.
Hat GPT
Oh, you're so very welcome, partner.
Mindy Thomas
Mindy, are you sure about this?
Guy Raz
Yes, of course I'm not sure about this guy, Raz. Fine. Let me ask the hat. Hatgpt am I sure about this?
Hat GPT
You are not.
Examinator
See?
Guy Raz
Didn't think so.
Mindy Thomas
You know, Mindy, just because you have the ability to ask this AI hat every question that pops up into your head, it doesn't mean you have to do it.
Guy Raz
Hatgpt do I have to ask you every single question that pops into my head?
Hat GPT
You can ask me as many or as few questions as you want, Mindy, I'm here to help. But for now, you should turn this horsey left onto Creepy Boulevard and continue for one mile.
Guy Raz
Sounds good, Hat GPT. All right, hold on, everyone. Almost there.
Mindy Thomas
I don't like this, Mindy.
Guy Raz
Don't like what?
Mindy Thomas
All of it. It's super creepy out there.
Guy Raz
Oh, it's not that creepy. Okay, maybe it's a little creepy.
Hat GPT
Yippee ki yi.
Examinator
Yay.
Hat GPT
You have arrived at your destination.
Guy Raz
Oh, thanks, hatgpt.
Hat GPT
Oh, the pleasure is all mine, partner. Now giddy up and have yourself a lovely day.
Mindy Thomas
I don't know about this, Mindy.
Guy Raz
Yeah, okay, this place is like capital K, creepy.
Mindy Thomas
Don't you mean capital c?
Guy Raz
Yeah, that's what I said. $5,000 is $5,000. So put on your bravest faces, you two, and let's go.
Mindy Thomas
Okay. Whoa. Get a load of this place, Mindy, it looks like a big medieval castle.
Guy Raz
Yeah, complete with a moat and a drawbridge.
Mindy Thomas
I wonder how we're meant to get in. Well, that's not creepy at all.
Guy Raz
Looks like an open invitation to me. Come on, you two.
Mindy Thomas
Not so fast. We need to stay together.
Guy Raz
Hello? Hello?
Mindy Thomas
Mindy, I really have a bad feeling about this.
Guy Raz
All right, everyone, just relax. This is all perfectly normal. Just your standard creepy old castle. Nothing to worry.
Examinator
Who's there?
Guy Raz
Uh, hi there, big, scary, disembodied voice. Uh, my name is Mindy, and this here is my buddy Guy.
Mindy Thomas
Hello.
Guy Raz
And this is my pigeon, Reggie. Uh, my hat told me you were looking for questions to stump artificial intelligences.
Examinator
I am.
Guy Raz
Phew. Great. Then we're in the right creepy castle. I have a question that I think would be perfect for your little test.
Examinator
Very well. You may proceed.
Guy Raz
Okay, here goes. What is the difference between a microwaved sweet potato and a leg of ham being thrown out the window?
Examinator
Uh, I don't know.
Guy Raz
One is a heated yam and the other is a yeeted ham.
Examinator
Um, hold on a minute.
Mindy Thomas
Look, Mindy, someone's coming out of that door.
Hat GPT
Hi.
Examinator
Yes, I was. Oh, I like your cowboy hat.
Guy Raz
Thanks, buddy.
Hat GPT
Yee haw.
Examinator
Now, about your question. I don't get it. Wait, are you the big disembodied voice from before? Yes, that's me.
Mindy Thomas
You're a lot shorter than I thought you'd be.
Examinator
And I thought your question would make more sense. What does it mean?
Guy Raz
Well, that's because it's a joke, but it's also a question. It's kind of like a. A joke question. You know what I mean?
Mindy Thomas
Yeah, sort of like a riddle.
Guy Raz
Exactly.
Examinator
Oh, well, I'm sorry. I'm not looking for riddles. I'm looking for questions. Hard questions. The harder the better.
Guy Raz
Oh, man. Does this mean I'm not getting the $5,000?
Examinator
No, you are not.
Guy Raz
Ah. Bonkerballs.
Mindy Thomas
So why are you doing all this?
Examinator
Because I am the Examinat.
Guy Raz
Yeah, I don't know who that is.
Mindy Thomas
Me neither. Sorry.
Examinator
What? Seriously? The Examinator super villain? You've really never heard of me before?
Guy Raz
Nope.
Mindy Thomas
Sorry.
Examinator
Well, that is disappointing. But no matter. I can show you who the Examinator is. Come, step into my exam room.
Mindy Thomas
Okay.
Examinator
Impressive, isn't it? Inside these filing cabinets are all my exams.
Guy Raz
Uh. What?
Examinator
I've got exams for everything. Every test you've ever taken in school. That was me.
Guy Raz
Oh. Examinator. Like test maker?
Examinator
Exactly. Ever wanted to become a lawyer? A doctor? I've got lots of Exams for those. Wanna drive a car? Exam. Want new glasses?
Mindy Thomas
No.
Examinator
Not without an exam, you don't.
Mindy Thomas
Stop throwing tests at us.
Guy Raz
Yeah, we get it. You're evil.
Examinator
That's right. The Evil Examinat.
Mindy Thomas
But you still haven't told us why you're collecting questions from people.
Examinator
Ah, yes, my magnum opus. The hardest test I've ever administered. I call it Humanity's Last Exam.
Guy Raz
How hard could it be?
Examinator
Oh, you think you're so smart, huh? Well, why don't you try some of these questions, then?
Guy Raz
I'd love to.
Examinator
Oh, okay. Let me just find them here. You know, most people just mail me their questions. They don't usually show up at my. Oh, okay, here's one. Are you ready?
Guy Raz
You know it.
Mindy Thomas
Are you sure about this, Mindy?
Guy Raz
Yes, of course I'm not sure about this.
Examinator
All right. Hummingbirds within the order Aprodypharmes uniquely have a bilaterally paired oval bone. Specifically, a sesamoid embedded in the caudilateral portion of the expanded cruciate aponeurosis of M depressor caudae. Because of this, how many paired tendons are supported by this sesamoid bone? Answer with a number. Biology not your speed, eh? Well, how about a physics test?
Guy Raz
Oh, boy.
Examinator
A block is placed on a horizontal rail along which it can slide from frictionlessly. It is attached to the end of a rigid, massless rod of length R. A mass is attached at the other end. Both objects have weight W. The system is initially stationary with the mass directly above the block. The mass is given an infinitesimal push parallel to the ray. A system is designed so that the rod can rotate through a full 300.
Guy Raz
Make it stop.
Examinator
Behold the power of the examinator. Not feeling so smart now, are we?
Guy Raz
I'll say. I feel dumber than that time I brought a fork to that all you can eat soup buffet.
Mindy Thomas
But what kind of human being could even answer a question like that?
Examinator
Ah, but whoever said I was constructing this test for humans?
Guy Raz
Wait a minute. That's why you were asking for questions that could stump artificial intelligence. This test isn't even for a human.
Examinator
It's for artificial intelligences. Yes, and it's the hardest test they'll ever take.
Mindy Thomas
Wait, why are you writing a test of an artificial intelligence?
Examinator
Well, you see, over the last few years, artificial intelligence has advanced faster than anyone has anticipated. And in that time, it has gotten smarter.
Mindy Thomas
One plus one equals two and smarter.
Guy Raz
100 divided by 10 equals 10 and smarter. 45,006 multiplied by 78.4 divided by PI.
Mindy Thomas
Plus 79 million equals 80123147.0114.
Examinator
AI has gone from answering questions designed for high school students to questions designed for college students. And now these AI systems can completely answer questions on almost any topic at any expert level.
Guy Raz
Wow.
Examinator
One of these AI systems even passed the lsat.
Mindy Thomas
The lsat? You mean the exam that lawyers have to take before becoming lawyers?
Examinator
Exactly. Do you have any idea how much time and effort I put into making that exam? The LSAT was one of my most diabolical exam creations, requiring critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and logic.
Guy Raz
Aw, that sounds really tough, Mr. Examinator.
Examinator
All these exams and tests that I've poured my heart and soul into, these AIs just laugh at them. They make a mockery out of me.
Hat GPT
Oh, chin up, partner. It'll all work out.
Examinator
Just quiet, cowboy hat.
Hat GPT
Okey doke.
Guy Raz
Sorry, but no longer.
Examinator
For I am now constructing the hardest test of all time. An exam so challenging, so brain bogglingly difficult, that not even an AI can beat it.
Mindy Thomas
And that's why you're getting people to send in questions.
Guy Raz
So you can pick out the best and hardest ones and make this super hard test that not even the smartest AIs can pass.
Examinator
Precisely. And if your question gets selected for the AI exam, you get 5. Seems like a pretty good deal, right?
Guy Raz
Yeah.
Examinator
I've been collecting questions from experts from all over the world, and guess what?
Guy Raz
What?
Examinator
It's working. Just take a look at these test results.
Guy Raz
8%.
Examinator
8%. Those AIs could only get 8% of the questions right.
Mindy Thomas
But I don't understand why? Why make a test for AIs in the first place?
Examinator
Well, why don't I answer your question with another question? What is the purpose of an exam?
Guy Raz
To stress out kids at school?
Examinator
No, that's just a very enjoyable side effect. No, the purpose of a test is to track someone's progress, to track their knowledge. A test for an AI is no different.
Mindy Thomas
Ah, so you're creating this test to see how AI is progressing? To see how smart it is.
Examinator
Exactly. How are we meant to know how fast AI is progressing if we don't track it?
Mindy Thomas
That's a good point.
Guy Raz
So how many questions have you collected so far?
Examinator
Oh, let's see. The test currently consists of over 3,000 questions.
Guy Raz
3,000 questions.
Mindy Thomas
But if AI just keeps getting smarter and smarter, won't it just be a matter of time until it aces this exam too?
Examinator
Alas, you are correct. By my estimation, some of these AI systems will be able to get at least 50% on this exam by the end of the year.
Guy Raz
Yikes, that's fast.
Examinator
And that's why I keep working away at it, making it harder and harder until.
Guy Raz
Until there's no test that's too hard for AI to get complete.
Examinator
My ultimate defeat.
Mindy Thomas
What will you do then?
Examinator
I don't know. Writing and constructing exams is my entire life. Without that, I. I don't know who I am.
Guy Raz
Well, what did you do before you were a super villain?
Examinator
Oh, I wanted to become a hairstylist.
Guy Raz
Oh, well, there you go. Why don't you just go back to barber school?
Mindy Thomas
Yeah, I'm sure you'd make a great hairstylist.
Guy Raz
You think dolphin at Lee?
Examinator
Well, I don't know. I mean, where would I even begin?
Guy Raz
Oh, don't worry, Mr. Examinator. I have the solution. Hey Hatgpt.
Hat GPT
Howdy Mindy.
Guy Raz
How do I get my friend Mr. Examinator enrolled in barber school?
Hat GPT
Well, partner, here's a step by step guide on how to enroll in barber school in the U.S. oh boy. Step one research state requirements.
Guy Raz
Wow. In the world. We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.
Unknown
Hey grown ups. School isn't always a one size fits all experience. And because of that, K12 powered schools want to provide parents and students with the flexibility of online learning combined with the value of a public school education. K12 powered schools are tuition free online accredited public schools for kindergarten through 12th grade, designed to help your child learn at their own pace, in their own place, with an engaging curriculum that supports individual learning styles. K12 teachers are state certified and trained specifically in online education and with 25 years of experience and over 3 million families served, you can trust that K12 will provide your kids with a quality education. There's even a strong online school community where you'll find academic support and extracurricular activities to help students connect, stay motivated and succeed with online learning. Go to k12.comworldtoday to find a tuition free K12 powered school near you and enroll. Now that's k12.comworld.
Parents discover a fun and easy to learn game that bridges generations. The Pokemon Company International brings the excitement of the Pokemon trading card game to families everywhere. The Black Bolt and White Flare expansion features stunning artwork of beloved Pokemon from the Unova region, making collecting a visual delight. Whether you're rekindling childhood memories or introducing your kids to a new passion, the Pokemon Trading Card game offers endless entertainment. With various art styles and a diverse range of Pokemon to collect, there's something for everyone. Ready to start your family's Pokemon Trading Card game journey. Visit tcg.pokemon.com to learn more about the engaging and exciting world of Pokemon.
Guy Raz
That's it. Back to the show. Wow in the World. Hi, thanks for calling wow in the World. After the beep, get ready to record.
Unknown
Hi Mindy and Guy Wash. My name is amos and I'm 4 years old and I'm from Kampal, Uganda and my love today is that Mars is red and it also has two moons. Isn't that bunker ball? Say hi to ladies and me, Dennis and Grandma Defos and Mrs. Thomas Fingerling.
Guy Raz
Hi Booyang Harley.
Unknown
Bye. Hello, my name is Beau. I am from New York. Brooklyn. My wow in the world is that a chimpanzee? He can be trained to play Minecraft. Hi Hi, my name's Maura and I'm six years old and I'm from Miami and my well in the world is that bees could do math but I had a Mindy Guy razor ready for me. Hi, I'm Emery. I'm seven years old. I live in Palm Bay, Florida in my wild. Did you know that actual wilds can regrow a body part including some of their brain or even their heart? Hello, my name is Sarah and I live in Canada, Coquitlam, B.C. and my wow in the world is dragonflies were around in the time of the dinosaurs. They had grammar G Force, Thomas Fingerling, Reggie and Dennis for me.
Guy Raz
Oh snipe.
Examinator
Hi there.
Unknown
Bye. Hi all in the world. My name is Owen, I'm 8 years old and I live in Chicago, Illinois. My wow in the world is that space shuttle flight computers use less than 1% of the power of an Xbox 360. Say hi to Dennis, Grandma, G Force, Thomas Fingerling and Reggie for me.
Examinator
Howdy.
Unknown
Bye.
Guy Raz
End of messages grown ups. If you like wow in the World you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondery.
Mindy Thomas
Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts Prime. Members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.
Guy Raz
And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey@wondery.com survey. Thanks for listening to this episode of wow in the World. If you're a kid with a big wow to share with us, call our WOW hotline at 1-888-7-WOW wow. For a chance to be featured at the end of the show or an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow?
Mindy Thomas
And while you're at it, why don't you head over to Apple Podcasts and tell us what wows you about our show by leaving a review. You just might hear your reviewsy read by Dennis on wewow on the weekend.
Guy Raz
Oh and don't forget to Visit us@tinkercast.com and become a member of the World Organization of Wowzers. With that you'll get year round mailings, weekly activities, birthday cards and more on.
Mindy Thomas
Tinkercast.com, you can also shop our WOW. Shop, get tickets for upcoming live events, find our books and learn about all the other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast.
Guy Raz
Once again, that's Tinkercast.com wow in the.
Mindy Thomas
World is written by Mindy Thomas and Tom Van Kalken with contributions from Me Guy Raz.
Guy Raz
Original sound design and music editing is done by Tyler Thol with help from our Senior Production Director Jed Anderson. You can also hear Jed Anderson in the voices of Dennis, Thomas, Fingerling, Reggie and many of the other silly characters you hear on our show.
Mindy Thomas
Jessica Bode keeps our facts straight as our fact checker and Meredith Halpern Ranzer powers the wow at Tinkercast.
Guy Raz
Our theme song was composed and performed by three time Grammy nominees the Pop Ups. Find them at thepopups.com Special thanks to.
Mindy Thomas
Our team including Kit Ballenger, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang, Twee Mac, Erica Medina, Henry Moskal, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paxsima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Anna Sigorski, and all of the other Tinkerers at Tinkercast hq.
Guy Raz
Grown Ups. You can follow wow in the World on Facebook, instagram and twitter owintheworld and our email address is hellotinkercast.com thanks for listening.
Mindy Thomas
Find episodes of wow in the world every Monday. 2 what's in a wow? Every Friday, Friday and we wow on the weekends with Dennis every Saturday and Sunday right here in the wow in the World podcast feed. Until then, keep on wowing.
Guy Raz
Wow in the World was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.
Wow in the World: Episode Summary – "The Examinator: Outsmarting AI"
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Podcast: Wow in the World by Tinkercast | Wondery
The episode kicks off with hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz reflecting on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Guy Raz sets the stage by highlighting the remarkable pace at which AI is evolving, stating, “We’re in a golden age—with so many discoveries that are jumping off the page while in the world” (03:25).
The narrative introduces a mysterious figure known as the Examinator, who emerges with a mission to challenge and outsmart AI. The Examinator explains, “[AI is] evolving exponentially faster than the millions of years it took human intelligence to evolve” (04:14), emphasizing the urgency to create a formidable test that even the smartest AIs cannot conquer.
Guy Raz unveils a humorous twist by introducing Hat GPT, an AI digital assistant integrated into a cowboy hat. Demonstrating its capabilities, Guy asks, “What is the capital of Estonia?” and Hat GPT promptly responds, “The capital of Estonia is Tallinn” (04:52). This interaction sets a playful yet thought-provoking tone, questioning the limits of AI’s knowledge.
Hat GPT reveals an enticing opportunity: “Several AI researchers, including those at the Center for AI Safety, are offering $5,000 to individuals who submit questions that can stump artificial intelligences” (06:01). Enthused by the prospect, Guy Raz enthusiastically declares, “We have to do it. We have to go” (06:19), sparking the adventure to find and deliver the perfect question to the Examinator.
Guided by Hat GPT, Mindy and Guy embark on a journey to meet the Examinator at a location ominously named 555 Creepy Boulevard. Their arrival at a medieval-style castle marks the beginning of their direct confrontation with the Examinator. Mindy expresses her unease, saying, “I don’t like this, Mindy” (08:41), highlighting the tension of the encounter.
Inside the castle, the Examinator showcases his extensive collection of exams: “Inside these filing cabinets are all my exams. I’ve got exams for everything” (13:00). He reveals his ultimate project, “Humanity's Last Exam,” designed to challenge AI beyond its current capabilities. Guy Raz attempts to stump the Examinator with a humorous question: “What is the difference between a microwaved sweet potato and a leg of ham being thrown out the window?” The Examinator, however, fails to grasp the joke, underscoring the complexity of creating meaningful challenges for AI (11:17).
The Examinator delves deeper into his motivations, explaining, “AI has gone from answering questions designed for high school students to questions designed for college students. And now these AI systems can completely answer questions on almost any topic at any expert level” (17:00). He laments the diminishing challenge AI poses, stating, “Honestly, some of these AI systems will be able to get at least 50% on this exam by the end of the year” (20:17). Determined, he continues to expand his repository, “The test currently consists of over 3,000 questions” (19:05), as he strives to stay ahead of AI advancements.
The climax of the episode focuses on the Examinator’s relentless pursuit to outpace AI by continuously refining his exam. Mindy raises a crucial point: “But if AI just keeps getting smarter and smarter, won’t it just be a matter of time until it aces this exam too?” (20:09). The Examinator acknowledges the challenge, expressing his existential crisis: “Without [constructing exams], I... I don’t know who I am” (20:40). This highlights the profound implications of AI surpassing human-designed benchmarks.
As the narrative wraps up, Guy Raz offers a solution to the Examinator’s existential dilemma by leveraging Hat GPT’s capabilities to guide the Examinator towards a new path. This resolution underscores the potential for AI to assist rather than just compete with human ingenuity. The episode concludes with a broader reflection on the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity and continuous learning to coexist with intelligent machines.
"The Examinator: Outsmarting AI" merges storytelling with educational content, exploring the dynamic interplay between human creativity and artificial intelligence. Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz effectively engage listeners with a captivating narrative that not only entertains but also provokes thoughtful consideration of AI’s role in our future. This episode serves as a reminder of the limitless potential of human ingenuity in the face of rapidly advancing technology.