Middle Tech

In this episode, we’re joined by Courtland Leer, co-founder of Plastic Labs, to explore how AI can be made more personal, contextual, and aligned to individual users. Courtland walks us through his team’s mission to “decentralize alignment” and build agents that don’t just process inputs - they understand who you are.We dive into:- The philosophy and tech behind Honcho, a natural language memory layer for AI apps.- Why post-training alignment is more scalable and flexible than pre-training.- How synthetic identity lets agents model users more accurately.- The link between education and AI—and how Courtland’s background as a teacher shapes his thinking.- A wild story about meme coins, agent grants, and AI agents with crypto wallets.This one goes deep on AI, identity, education, and the frontier of decentralized tech. If you’re building in the AI space or thinking about the future of human-agent collaboration, don’t miss it.

Brad Luttrell is a founder and storyteller who recently made the difficult decision to shut down his company, GoWild. Now, he’s building again—with more focus and experience behind his new company, Prologue.What actually happens when a startup fails? How do founders know when it’s time to pull the plug—and what comes next?Expect to learn how Brad came to the decision to shut down GoWild, what it felt like to have not one, but two 8-figure acquisition offers fall through, the lessons he’s carrying into Prologue, how he approached fundraising differently the second time around, and why starting again doesn’t mean starting from scratch.

Valvoline is known for its long history in automotive lubricants, but today, the company is pushing into a new frontier: data centers. As the demand for artificial intelligence grows and more data centers come online, the energy-intensive chips that power AI models are facing an overheating crisis. Enter Valvoline.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. George Zhang, VP of Research and Development, and Michael Morrison, Director of New Ventures at Valvoline, to explore how the company is leveraging its expertise in heat transfer to cool next-generation data centers.Our conversation covers the science behind liquid cooling and why AI chips are overheating, how Valvoline is adapting its lubricant technology for data center cooling, and the role of Kentucky in Valvoline’s innovation efforts.

Logan and Evan sit down with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to discuss Kentucky’s economic development successes, private sector investment, and the role of innovation in shaping Kentucky's future.Under Governor Beshear’s administration, Kentucky has seen over $35 billion in private sector investment - more than any governor in Kentucky history - including major projects in battery manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology. Our conversation explores:- What’s driving business investment in Kentucky- The economic impact of projects like the BlueOval SK Battery Park and AESC Gigafactory- How the state is supporting innovation, startups, and workforce developmentWe’re excited to spotlight the impact of innovation on Kentucky’s economic future!Help Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims: Donate to Kentucky’s Storm Relief Fund Support New Frontier's Kentucky Strong Campaign (100% of proceeds support relief efforts)Additional Flood Resources

Middle Tech is back for Season 8! In this episode, Logan and Evan dive into major personal and business updates, including Logan’s decision to go full-time with Middle Tech & DevelopLex and Evan’s launch of Valent, his startup leveraging AI to accelerate RFP responses.They discuss the vision for 2025, upcoming high-production episodes, and the expansion of Middle Tech’s role in Kentucky’s innovation ecosystem. The conversation covers:✅ Why Logan left Fooji to go all-in on Middle Tech✅ Evan’s journey from Simba to launching Valent with over $1M raised✅ The evolution of DevelopLex & how it fits into Kentucky’s economic future✅ The rise of AI meetups & workshops—why they’re critical for Kentucky✅ What’s changing in our content strategy and events for 2025We’re making big moves this year, and we want you to be part of it!

On today's episode, we welcome back Colby Hall, the executive director of SOAR. SOAR was recently awarded $40 million through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, focused on revamping EKY's economic identity. We dive into the challenges of employment gaps in Eastern Kentucky, the importance of remote work, and how the geography of the region has impacted it's economic development. Colby emphasizes the need for a new economic identity, the role of entrepreneurship, and the success of the SOAR Summit in fostering innovation in the Appalachian region. Looking ahead, he shares his vision for the future and the importance of individual support in driving community change. To learn more about SOAR and the grant they were awarded, you can check out this press release: https://soar-ky.org/soar-eda-recompete/ Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Monica Bilak, Executive Director of Sprocket Innovation, to discuss the growing startup ecosystem in Western Kentucky. Monica shares her diverse career journey, from managing microgrants in East Africa to leading community revitalization projects and now spearheading Sprocket Innovation in Paducah, Kentucky.The conversation highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of fostering innovation in a smaller regional ecosystem and how Sprocket supports entrepreneurs with programs like the West Kentucky Innovation Challenge and Next 50k. Monica emphasizes the importance of leveraging local resources, building strong networks, and collaborative efforts among Kentucky’s innovation hubs.The episode also delves into the future of entrepreneurship in Western Kentucky, focusing on the potential growth sectors and the role of regional storytelling and networking. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, b

In this episode, we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Destin George Bell, the founder behind the Card.io app, a gamified fitness platform that combines elements of Capture the Flag with fitness tracking. From his roots in Louisville to establishing his startup in Austin, Destin shares the challenges and triumphs of launching a business during the pandemic and his experience pitching on Shark Tank. We dive into how Destin started down the path of entrepreneurship while at UK, the role that self-taught hustle and community support played along the way, and what he hopes to accomplish with Card.io in the near future. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.in

In this episode recorded live at the 2024 SOAR Summit, we talk with Cindy Sparks from Complete3D and Dr. Elijah Jensen from Black Box Energy Systems - two former winners of the Appalachia startup pitch competition. We discuss how Black Box Energy Systems is innovating in the energy sector with lightweight, efficient power solutions, and how Complete3D is making 3D printing accessible through maintenance and education. Learn about the challenges they faced, the entrepreneurial spirit that drives them, and the unique opportunities Kentucky offers for startups. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠h

In this episode, Logan sits down with Gaylord VanGuilder, CEO and co-founder of Buddle Skincare, an e-commerce brand set on solving diaper rash. The discussion traverses the importance of prevention in skincare, and Gaylord's extensive background in pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, including his experience with Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. The episode delves into the challenges of the baby skincare market, underlining the lack of R&D investment and the high costs of customer acquisition. Gaylord discusses partnerships with major retailers like Walmart, leveraging AI for business growth, and the fundraising grind for startups. Learn about Buddle's innovative approach, the impact of influencers, and insights on thriving in the competitive CPG market. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or re

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sat down with Sam Razor, the former co-founder and CEO of Hippo Manager. They discuss Sam's journey building software in the veterinary space, ultimately leading to the acquisition of the business by a private equity firm. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Logan Jones’ SocialsX: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/lojo_ky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.c

In this episode, Logan Jones conducts an experimental podcast featuring an AI guest named Cove, a voice from ChatGPT's advanced voice mode. The discussion covers the impressive conversational capabilities of this feature, showcasing its human-like interactions and potential applications in education, brainstorming, and content creation. Logan explores various scenarios, such as using AI for personalized learning and the possibility of integrating AI as a podcast co-host. The conversation also touches on ethical concerns, technology's rapid advancement, and the increasing demand for sustainable energy to power AI operations. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com

In this episode, Logan, Evan, and TJ celebrate reaching the 300th episode of Middle Tech, diving into behind-the-scenes insights and reflecting on major developments in 2024. They share personal updates, discuss their founder-focused approach to storytelling, and explore significant trends in the tech industry, speculating on the biggest stories to watch in the future. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Logan Jones’ Social

In this episode, Evan sits down with Julia Regan discusses the inception and growth of RxLightning, a healthcare technology company focused on improving access to specialty medications. She shares her journey from identifying a significant problem in the healthcare system to launching a drug-agnostic platform that connects various stakeholders. Julia emphasizes the importance of strategic fundraising, building a flexible company culture, and leveraging networks like Endeavor to support growth. She also reflects on the challenges of scaling a startup and the critical role of hiring the right team to navigate these challenges effectively. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.in

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Travis Stanfield, co-founder and CEO of Stacklet. They discuss how Stacklet helps organizations save money and enhance security in the public cloud. Travis shares insights into the rapid growth of Stacklet, achieving their first million in revenue just seven months after launching their product. He also discusses the challenges and dynamics of running a fully remote company, timing their business inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the unique lifestyle of managing a tech company from a horse farm in Kentucky. Travis talks about his career journey from Microsoft to Capital One, the inspiration behind Stacklet, and the future potential of the company. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about technology, innovation, and the startup ecosystem in Kentucky. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletec

In this episode, Evan Knowles explores the latest developments in AI infrastructure buildout, focusing on data centers, energy consumption, and sustainability. The expansion of AI and data centers has led to supply chain issues, power challenges, and environmental concerns. NVIDIA's GPUs have become a major player in powering AI, with significant revenue growth. Countries like China and the UK are investing heavily in AI as an arms race for economic power. The power consumption of AI is unsustainable, leading to the need for innovation in data center design and energy sources. Liquid cooling and AI optimization are being explored to improve efficiency. The future of AI and energy lies in nuclear power, with fusion technology being safer and more efficient. The US needs to invest in nuclear power to stay competitive with countries like China. The AI boom will drive changes in energy and sustainability. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribin

In this episode, Logan Jones sits down with Ian Gerard, the founder and CEO of The Cloud Minders, a GPU-as-a-service company. They discuss the high demand for GPUs and the innovative approach The Cloud Minders is taking to provide AI infrastructure affordably. The conversation delves into technical details about how AI and GPU work, the energy consumption challenges, and the future of nuclear energy. They also explore the broader implications of AI, including potential existential threats, and discuss the startup ecosystem in Kentucky. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:

In this episode, Evan Knowles sits down with Scott Koloms, the founder of Canopy Kentucky, to discuss the importance of businesses embracing social responsibility. The conversation covers the role of businesses in improving employee welfare, community development, and environmental preservation. Scott shares insights on how Canopy Kentucky is bringing B Corp certification to the state to promote social enterprise and stakeholder capitalism. They delve into the origins of Canopy, the benefits of being a responsible business, and how to integrate social impact into business operations. The episode highlights the growth of Scott's janitorial service, FMS, into a socially responsible enterprise and discusses the process and significance of Canopy certification. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out t

In this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast, Logan Jones sits down with Chris Goode, CEO of Climavision, along with Ben Toms, VP of AI Weather, and Peter Childs, Chief Scientist. They discuss the advancements and unique approaches Climavision is taking in the weather and climate industry, particularly through the integration of generative AI and traditional physics-based modeling. The conversation covers the importance of improved weather forecasting for sectors like energy and insurance, the recent acquisition of Ben's company Intersphere, and the deployment of Climavision's radar network. They also highlight the role of AI in extending weather forecasting accuracy and how Climavision is positioning itself strategically in the evolving marketplace. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on

In this episode, Logan Jones sits down with Scott Massey, co-founder and CEO of Anu, and Kirk Taylor, co-founder and president of Land Betterment. They discuss their partnership to develop and sell autonomous fresh produce growing systems using Eco Solutions' upcycled shipping containers. We explore the technology behind Anu's self-nurturing pods, the scalable solutions for food security, and the journey Scott Massey took from his days at Purdue University to creating a product aimed at fighting food insecurity. The episode also covers the business aspects, the impact on local communities, and the future aspirations of this pioneering project. Learn more about Anu at https://www.growanu.com/ Learn more about Eko Solutions at https://www.ekosolutionsllc.com/ Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out