Let's talk OpenAI's Sora—an AI that takes generative tech to the next level by creating videos from simple text prompts. Imagine typing something like "astronauts having coffee on the moon" and instantly getting a video. Since its debut, Sora has sparked major buzz, showing off jaw-dropping clips like an SUV winding down a mountain and even fake hi…

Send us a text Hold hands, we need to stick together. This week’s episode plunges us into the impossible and endless dark, with Sofia Ajram and her experimental, existential headf*ck of a debut novella, Coup de Grâce. It’s the tale of a man who gets lost in an endless subway station – and the monsters inside (and inside himself) We talk about every…

In this episode, we’re exploring the groundbreaking partnership between Runway AI and Lionsgate, the studio behind The Hunger Games and John Wick. AI isn’t taking over Hollywood, but it’s sure changing how movies are made. We’ll break down how Runway’s AI tools are helping filmmakers generate stunning visual effects, speed up editing, and even assi…

In this episode, we explore the world of Runway AI, the revolutionary platform that’s transforming video creation for everyone—from filmmakers to TikTokers. We’ll explore how Runway went from a 2018 startup to the tech behind a Kanye West music video and the support for mind-bending visuals in Everything Everywhere All at Once. With tools like Gen-…

Send us a text I started Off Book so that I could speak to some of the brightest dark stars in the wider universe of horror. This week that plan comes to absolute fruition – ‘cos Kate Siegel is Talking Scared! Yes, Kate Siegel, scream-queen of our generation, horror maven, acting superstar and now director of extraterrestrial found-footage nightmar…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we go beyond the theory to explore the real-world impact of AI video generation across industries. From transforming boring workplace training into engaging, customized content to Hollywood studios like Lionsgate using AI for visual effects, AI is leaving its mark everywhere. Connect with Us: If you enjoyed thi…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we pull back the curtain on the challenges facing AI video generation. We explore the darker corners of the technology—like deepfakes, ethical dilemmas, and murky legal issues around AI-generated content. From ownership disputes to the eerie “Uncanny Valley,” Emily breaks down the risks that come with this powe…

Send us a text Release your inner child! …I mean through reading, not by letting it burst out of your stomach like some horrible sugar-coated xenomorph. Lora Senf can help. Her Blight Harbor Trilogy is a piece of magic, an umbilicus of imagination between the tired old grump that you’re halfway to becoming, and the wide-eyed wonder you once were. L…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore how AI video generators are revolutionizing industries—slashing production times, cutting costs, and scaling content creation like never before. From marketing teams pumping out personalized ads to HR departments simplifying training and onboarding, AI is reshaping video production across the board. …

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore the world of AI video generators—the tech that’s changing the way we produce video content, no green screens required. From turning simple text prompts into fully produced videos to using machine learning to make each clip sharper, We break down how AI is revolutionizing video creation. We’ll explore…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore the practical use cases, limitations, and future of OpenAI's o1 model preview. We’re talking about who actually benefits from o1 (spoiler: if you’re a healthcare researcher or a physicist, you’re gonna love this), how it handles complex reasoning tasks like a Rubik’s Cube-solving genius, and why it’s…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore the numbers and benchmarks that make OpenAI's o1 model a standout. From crushing the International Mathematics Olympiad with an 83% success rate to out-coding 93% of humans on Codeforces, o1 isn’t just flexing—it’s proving itself. But it’s not just about math and coding; o1 also excels in reasoning-h…

Send us a text More devilish fun on Talking Scared this week when an old friend returns to talk about god, angels, demons and other things out there in the cold reaches of the universe. Johnny Compton is the author of The Spite House, one of my most admired books from 2022. In his newest, Devils Kill Devils, he starts with a compelling question – “…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we pop the hood on OpenAI's o1 model and explore what we know about the inner workings. We’ll break down its advanced "chain of thought" reasoning, its unique training methods like Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), and the safety measures keeping it from going rogue. From AI boot camp to solvin…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we spotlight OpenAI’s latest creation - the o1 Preview. Think of it as AI that doesn’t just spit out answers but actually takes the time to "think," like the Sherlock Holmes of machine learning. We’ll break down what makes this new model different, from its ability to simulate human-like reasoning to solving ad…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore how companies are transforming their industries with generative AI image tools. From Wayfair’s AI-powered home decor tool to Adobe’s Firefly in Photoshop, businesses are using AI to boost productivity, enhance creativity, and even address global challenges like climate change and poverty. We'll explo…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore how AI image generators like DALL-E, MidJourney, and Stable Diffusion are trained to create stunning visuals from text. We explore the absolute mountains of data—millions of image-text pairs—that fuel these models, the importance of diffusion models in producing reliable, high-quality images, and how…

Send us a text Keith Rosson is our first guest to be personally recommended by Stephen King! And the praise doesn’t stop there. Keith’s Fever House was one of the biggest hits of 2023, and now he’s back with the sequel, The Devil By Name, which takes the contained punk-rock fury of the first book in a whole different, nation-spanning direction. Thi…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re tackling the art of writing image prompts—those little chunks of text that guide AI models in creating the visuals you want. It’s not as simple as saying “a sunset” and getting a masterpiece; writing the perfect image prompt requires precision and creativity. We break down the key elements—like subject, a…

In this episode, we explore NightCafe, an AI art studio where anyone can turn their text prompts into visual masterpieces using models like Stable Diffusion, DALL-E 3, MidJourney, and so many more. Whether you're creating a "cyberpunk sunset over Tokyo" or a "cat in a tuxedo riding a unicycle in space," NightCafe makes it easy and fun, with feature…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we venture into the world of Stable Diffusion, a groundbreaking AI model that’s democratizing image creation. Released in 2022, this accessible tool allows anyone with a decent GPU to generate stunning visuals, from sci-fi cityscapes to touch-ups on old photos. We’ll break down how it works, exploring the “diff…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore DALL·E, OpenAI’s innovative image generator that merges artistic imagination with advanced AI. Explore how DALL·E transforms text prompts into vivid images using a diffusion model, bypassing earlier GAN technology for greater precision and versatility. From Victorian cats in cafés to creative product…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore MidJourney, an AI tool revolutionizing the world of digital art by transforming simple text prompts into stunning, high-quality visuals. Using a blend of Diffusion Models and GANs, MidJourney pushes the boundaries of creativity, allowing users to generate everything from futuristic cityscapes to surr…

Send us a text Laird Barron is on the podcast. This feels like cause for celebration. Not only is Laird Barron a phenomenal writer. Not only is it wonderful that he’s back to writing and talking about writing. Not only am I lucky to be able to speak to him… We also talked about DOGS! Granted, a cybernetic, immortal monster hound called Rex – but a …

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re exploring the artistic world of generative AI image generation. Ever imagined describing a scene—like a cat lounging on a floating island—and watching AI bring it to life in seconds? That’s the magic of text-to-image generators. From GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) to Diffusion Models, we’ll break …

In this bonus episode of Generative AI 101, we’re looking at a growing concern - sounding too much like ChatGPT. Ever been told you write like a machine? That’s what we’re unpacking today. We’ll explore how AI, particularly ChatGPT, has started to influence our writing with overused phrases and predictable language. It’s like seasoning your food wi…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we discover the origins and workings of the Elo Rating System—a clever, adaptable method originally designed to rank chess players but now influencing everything from online gaming to, most importantly for us, AI models. We’ll explore how this simple yet effective system predicts match outcomes, adjusts ranking…

Send us a text Are you a Weenie? Don’t be offended. I am. Weenies are the curious-but-nervous. Those of us who love horror, but who never feel safe from its power to ruin our sleep (and a week of our life). If that’s you, or if you know someone who suffers from Weenie-ism, then Emily Hughes is here! Emily’s new book, Horror For Weenies: Everything …

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re exploring the need-to-know LMSYS Org and their innovative Chatbot Arena. LMSYS Org, a collaboration between top minds at UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and Carnegie Melon University, is breaking new ground by making powerful AI models accessible to everyone. They’re not just creating AI—they’re building a com…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore evaluating Generative AI large language models (LLMs). Just like finding the best restaurant in town means more than judging a single dish, evaluating AI models requires a comprehensive approach. We break down why assessing performance, comparing models, and building user trust are central to evaluat…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re tackling the curious case of AI hallucinations—when AI creates content that’s completely off the mark. We’ll explore how these digital daydreams happen, why humans aren’t immune to similar slip-ups, and the impact these hallucinations can have. Whether amusing or alarming, AI hallucinations are a phenomen…

Send us a text Anna Bogutskaya is one of the UK’s most prominent film critics, with a penchant for horror. She knows her scary onions. And in her new book, Feeding the Monster, she asks an important question (well, important to the likes of you and me) – Why does horror have a hold on us? In concise but free-ranging essays, she looks at the promine…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re fine-tuning your AI prompting skills. Learn how to refine prompts to turn mediocre responses into top-tier results. We’ll cover techniques like iterative prompting, using context, and applying constraints, along with ethical considerations to ensure fairness. Get ready to make your AI work smarter, not ha…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re exploring the various flavors of generative AI bias and inaccuracy—those pesky issues that make your AI sound like it’s stuck in a 1950s sitcom. From data-driven biases baked into AI’s training to sneaky algorithmic quirks and the all-too-human flaws we project onto our creations, we explore how to recogn…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we catch a wave into the BAB framework (we're totally calling it "BABE")—an effortlessly cool method for crafting AI prompts that turn "meh" into "tubular!" BAB, short for Before, After, and Bridge, guides you from dull, lifeless AI interactions to responses that shine like a pro surfer catching the perfect wav…

Send us a text Send in the clowns. Tell them not to forget their crossbows and chainsaws. This week our guest is Adam Cesare, who’s Clown in a Cornfield trilogy reaches a climax (I won’t say end) in Book 3: The Church of Frendo. I read all three books in one mad rush and they confounded all of my horror-savvy, slasher-weary expectations. These book…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore CARE Prompting—a sophisticated method that prioritizes Craft, Audience, Response, and Evaluation to fine-tune AI outputs. CARE Prompting is designed to create responses that go beyond accuracy, ensuring they resonate deeply and reflect a comprehensive understanding of your goals. If you enjoyed this …

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we’re taking a high-speed tour of the RACE Prompting method—where Role, Audience, Context, and Example aren’t just pit stops, but the keys to better communication. Ready to take your AI skills to the next lap? Connect with Emily Laird on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more laps around the ever-evolving circuit of AI …

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore the ins and outs of RTF Prompting—an approach that sharpens your AI's focus by defining its Role, Task, and Format. Whether you're tasking your AI with writing a travel blog, analyzing financial data, or extracting historical records, RTF Prompting provides the clarity and structure needed to achieve…

Send us a text Literary or genre fiction? Dumb question. This week’s guest showcases just how dumb! With her debut collection of stories, Mystery Lights showing that horror is literary and literary is horror. These tales of the American desert are full of hauntings, monsters, killers, and other oddities, yet they take a non-typical approach to the …

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we break down the concept of self-consistency prompting—a technique that enhances AI accuracy by posing the same question in multiple ways and selecting the most consistent answer. By guiding your large language model through varied prompts, this method improves performance on complex reasoning tasks and reduce…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we break down the concept of chain-of-thought prompting—a technique that helps AI models think through complex tasks step by step, improving their logical and accurate responses. By guiding the AI, or your large language model of choice, through detailed instructions, this method enhances performance on tasks l…

Send us a text This week’s guest on Talking Scared: Off Book scares children. I mean… that’s not his main job or intent (I don’t think) but he does it anyway. Trevor Henderson is the internet’s favourite horror artist. He creates digital nightmares that have become the fuel for a new generation of nightmares. Trust me, in the few moments that Gen Z…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we explore the example-heavy world of few shot prompting. Imagine describing a dish you love to a chef and then offering them multiple recipes on how to make it. That's few-shot prompting—maximum input, maximum efficiency. We'll explore how this technique can turn your AI into a translation whiz or a sentiment …

Send us a text Finally, Gabino Iglesias is on the show. I tried, and failed, to get him for his break-out Stoker-winning smash, The Devil Takes You Home. Now he’s here to talk about his brand new barrio-noir, House of Bone and Rain. It’s an amalgamation of brutal street violence and Lovecraftian otherness – all taking place in the sweltering eye of…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we dive into the art of one-shot prompting. Imagine teaching someone a recipe with just one perfect example instead of a whole cookbook. That's one-shot prompting—minimal input, maximum efficiency. We'll explore how this technique can turn your AI into a translation whiz or a sentiment analysis expert with just…

Join us on Generative AI 101 as we demystify zero-shot prompting—a technique that lets LLMs perform tasks without prior examples. Imagine whipping up a dish you've never heard of with no recipe; that's zero-shot prompting in action. We’ll explore how AI models leverage vast pre-existing knowledge to answer questions, classify sentiments, and more, …

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we continue with the art of crafting the perfect prompt for AI. Much like brewing the perfect cup of coffee, the right balance of persona, output format, context, examples, and instructions can transform a bland response into a rich, engaging answer. Tune in as Emily breaks down these five key elements, provide…

Send us a text Remember those books you read in the summer when you were young? Kids fighting evil in their small town? Bikes, and blood brothers and promises to keep? If you love those kinda stories then you’re in good company. This week Jonathan Janz joins me to talk about the coming-of-age horror in his ongoing epic, Children of the Dark. Book O…

In this episode of Generative AI 101, we uncover the art of crafting perfect prompts for AI. Think of it as giving precise instructions to a master chef. We'll break down the anatomy of a prompt into three key components: instructions, context, and constraints. By comparing effective and ineffective examples, we show you how to transform vague requ…