January 12, 2025 • 35 mins
JOIN THE DISCORD >> https://discord.gg/kqW2RZVHcc ABOUT The Elon Musk Podcast The Elon Musk Podcast takes an in-depth look into the world of the visionary entrepreneur. From SpaceX's mission to colonize Mars, to the revolutionary underground transportation network of the Boring Company, to the cutting-edge technology of Neuralink, and the game-changing innovations of Tesla, we cover it all. Stay up to date with the latest news, events and highlights from the companies led by Elon Musk. ABOUT STAGE ZERO STAGE ZERO is the YouTube home for all things Elon Musk and the STAGE ZERO Podcast Network. STAGE ZERO features over 10 years of SpaceX, Tesla, Twitter news as well as exclusive videos from podcasts like The Elon Musk Podcast.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast.
This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads, The
Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neurolink.
I'm your host, Will Walden. What makes Elon Musk's Colossus
the most powerful AI supercomputer in the world?
(00:22):
And why was Memphis, TN chosen as its home base?
How is this system changing the landscape of AI research?
Let's break it all down and uncover the details behind this
project. So in a nondescript industrial
park southwest of Memphis, TN, on the banks of the Mississippi
River, lies a facility that houses the largest AI training
(00:46):
supercomputer on Earth. Dubbed Colossus by its creator
Elon Musk, this massive computing powerhouse was
constructed by XAI, Musk's artificial intelligence startup.
Built within a repurposed Electrolux manufacturing
facility, Colossus stands as a testament to Musk's vision
(01:08):
pushing the boundaries of AI development.
Now, why Memphis, would you ask?Well, choosing Memphis for this
technological feat might seem unconventional, especially when
Austin, TX has emerged as a hub of innovation for Elon Musk's
companies. However, the decision boiled
down to practicality. The location offered the right
(01:28):
building with enough space and infrastructure to launch
Colossus in record time. Musk's team completed
construction in an astonishing 122 days.
Now urgency and scale were at their peak during the
construction. Now inside the industrial
(01:49):
facility, Colossus hosts over 100,000 NVIDIA HGX H100 GPU's
interconnected through an ultrafast fiber optic network.
These GPU's, considered the current state-of-the-art for AI
training, are supported by exabytes of data storage.
(02:09):
This level of computational power allows for unparalleled
capabilities, setting Colossus apart as the most advanced AI
system in existence. Jensen Wang, CEO of NVIDIA,
described Colossus as easily thefastest supercomputer on the
planet. While other supercomputers may
take years to assemble, Colossus's swift development
(02:33):
ensures it remains at the cutting edge of AI research.
Now they used A3 tiered approachfor this.
Colossus uses a raised floor data hall design that splits its
infrastructure into three different levels.
The power systems are housed above, the GPU clusters occupy
the middle, and the cooling mechanisms are below.
(02:56):
This three tiered structure enables efficient maintenance
and operation, crucial for a machine of this scale.
The facility contains four data halls, each equipped with 25,000
GPU's. These are paired with storage
units and a high speed network to facilitate data exchange.
And every GPU cabinet has its own independent cooling and
(03:19):
monitoring systems, ensuring minimal downtime.
Technicians can service individual units without
disrupting the entire cluster, afeature unique to XAIS design.
Now, cooling such a large scale computing system is no small
feat though. Colossus employs an advanced
liquid cooling system, using water to regulate the
(03:40):
temperature of the GPU's. A network of pipes circulates
water through the facility, drawing heat away from the
hardware, and the water is then sent to chillers outside.
Worst temperature is reduced before being recirculated.
The system doesn't really add cold water.
As long as the water is cooler than the GPU's, it effectively
absorbs the heat. And each GPU rack is equipped
(04:04):
with its own cooling system, complete with colored lights for
monitoring. A blue light indicates normal
operation, while red light signals a malfunction, allowing
for quick and precise maintenance.
Now, each rack in Colossus houses 8 NVIDIA H1 GPU's paired
with 16 CPUs to manage data and run the operating system.
(04:27):
The GPUs handle the heavy lifting of AI training, while
CPUs prepare the data in managedsystem operations.
The setup ensures seamless processing of the exabytes of
data stored within the facility.Now a system with this magnitude
demands immense power though. To ensure stable energy
delivery, XAI uses Tesla Megapack battery units.
(04:50):
The batteries act as intermediaries, drawing power
from the grid and discharging itinto the supercomputer.
This setup eliminates millisecond variations in grid
power that could disrupt the training, providing a consistent
energy that's needed for optimalperformance.
Now, Elon Musk has very ambitious plans for classes,
(05:11):
aiming to double his GPU count to 200,000 in a few months.
Such an expansion would solidifyits position as the most
powerful AI system on the planet, potentially outpacing
competitors like Open AI and Google's Gemini.
A report suggests that Open AI CEO Sam Altman has already
(05:32):
expressed concerns about Musk's increased access to
computational resources. A building colossus isn't cheap,
though. XAI recently raised $6 billion
in venture capital, bringing itsvaluation to $24 billion.
Being that's only one year old, and Musk is now reportedly
(05:52):
seeking additional funding to elevate XA Is valuation to 40
billion, positioning it as a major player in AI.
Now, at the heart of XA is endeavors is Crock.
Crock is an AI model designed toevolve far beyond a chatbot.
Recently, Crock was updated to include vision capabilities,
(06:14):
allowing it to analyze images alongside text.
Feature is now integrated into X, giving premium users the
ability to query images for detailed analysis and context.
Now, Musk envisions Grok is a stepping stone toward artificial
general intelligence, which is aconcept that involves creating
(06:35):
AI systems capable of performingany intelligence task that
humans can do. Colossus is designed to train
and refine such a system, utilizing its immense
computational power to advance AI capabilities, and Musk has
described AGI as a tool to unlock the mysteries of the
universe and the very nature of our own existence.
(06:58):
However, he has also acknowledged the potential
risks, emphasizing the need for safeguards to prevent AI from
going rogue. Artificial General Intelligence
represents a long held ambition in the field of artificial
intelligence, creating machines that match or exceed human
cognitive abilities. Now, unlike current AI systems
(07:19):
which are designed to do specific tasks like language
processing or image recognition,AGI aims to replicate the
versatility and adaptability of the human mind.
For Elon Musk and XAI, Colossus is not just a tool to train AI
models, it's a foundational steptoward achieving AGI.
(07:39):
And the potential of AGI lies inits ability to perform any
intellectual task with the same competence as a human or even
surpass human capabilities. This includes creative pursuits
like writing music or inventing new technologies, analytical
tasks such as solving complex equations, and problem solving
abilities across diverse fields.Elon envisions AGI as a
(08:04):
transformative force capable of unraveling fundamental questions
about the universe in advancing humanity's understanding of our
own existence, and Colossus plays a central role in that
journey. It's unparalleled computational
power allows for the training ofadvanced models like Grok, which
XAI hopes to evolve into AGI over time.
(08:24):
Current EI systems, including Grok, rely on large scale data
sets of text, images, and video to learn patterns, generate
outputs. The sheer scale of Colossus
enables these systems to processand synthesize vast amounts of
data, a crucial step towards creating machines with
generalized reasoning capabilities.
And the recent upgrade to Croc, which introduced the vision
(08:46):
capabilities, is a huge milestone in the path to AGI.
By integrating the image analysis with text processing,
it's developing systems that canhandle multimodal inputs, an
important feature of generalizedintelligence.
For instance, a human can seemingly combine visual and
textual information to draw conclusions, and Grok is now
(09:07):
moving closer to mimicking this ability.
And despite his promise, though,the development of AGI is
fraught with challenges and ethical considerations.
Musk has been vocal about the potential dangers of advanced
AI, warning that unchecked systems could act against human
interests. To mitigate these risks, X AI is
reportedly exploring safeguards to maintain control over the
(09:30):
technology as it evolves. For AGI to become a reality,
systems like Colossus must continue to scale, both in terms
of hardware and sophistication of the AI models they train.
The next steps involve increasing the models capability
to adapt, learn independently ingeneralized knowledge across
different domains, which is a goal that requires an
(09:51):
unprecedented level of innovation and collaboration.
Ultimately, though, achieving AGI would mark a paradigm shift
in human machine interactions, transforming industries,
scientific research, and the waysociety functions.
However, as Musk points out, thejourney toward AGI is much about
(10:13):
ensuring humanity, safety and benefit it as it is about
technological progress. Artificial General intelligence
holds the potential to revolutionize scientific
research by significantly accelerating discovery, solving
long standing mysteries, and enabling breakthroughs across
disciplines. Now, unlike narrow AI, which
(10:33):
excels at specific tasks but lacks versatility, AGI could
apply its cognitive abilities toa wide array of scientific
challenges, adapting dynamicallyto new programs and problems,
and generating insights that might elude even the most
skilled human researchers. Modern scientific research often
involves analyzing massive data sets, which can be time
(10:57):
consuming and error prone for human researchers.
AGI could process and interpret these data states at
unparalleled speeds, identifyingpatterns, correlations, and
anomalies with extraordinary precision.
For instance, in genomics, AGI could analyze the vast
complexity of DNA sequences to uncover genetic markers for
(11:19):
diseases, identifying potential drug targets, and predict how
generic variations affect human health, all in a fraction of the
time it takes today. And one of the most
transformative features of AGI in scientific research would be
its ability to autonomously generate hypotheses, design
experiments, and also test them.And by trying on its extensive
(11:41):
knowledge base and reasoning capabilities, AGI could propose
innovative approaches to unresolved questions.
And, for example, in physics, AGI might identify new
principles or interactions within quantum mechanics,
offering pathways toward the elusive unifications of quantum
theory in general relativity. Now, this ability to hypothesize
(12:05):
an experiment could dramaticallyincrease the pace of discovery,
as AGI systems would operate continuously without the
limitations of human fatigue or cognitive bias.
They can also refine their hypotheses in real time,
adapting their models based on experimental outcomes.
And AG is ability to access and synthesize knowledge across
(12:26):
disciplines would be particularly valuable for
interdisciplinary research. Many of the world's most
pressing scientific challenges, such as climate change,
pandemics, and sustainable energy, require expertise.
This spans multiple fields, and AGI system could integrate
findings from biology, chemistry, physics, and
(12:48):
environmental science to proposeholistic solutions.
For example, it could model complex climate systems to
develop strategies for mitigating global warming while
considering ecological, economic, and social impacts.
The application of AGI to drug discovery in healthcare could
redefine the Medical Sciences. AGI systems could simulate the
(13:10):
behavior of molecules and predict their interactions with
human biology, streamlining the identification of potential
therapies. And in the case of diseases like
cancer or Alzheimer's, AGI couldexplore treatment options by
analyzing vast amounts of biomedical data, identifying
previously overlooked mechanisms, and suggesting novel
(13:31):
therapeutic approaches. Moreover, AGI could personalize
medicine by analyzing individualpatients, genetic,
environmental, and lifestyle data to tailor treatments with
unprecedented precision. This could lead to earlier
diagnosis, more effective therapies, and better health
outcomes. And also, AGI could tackle
(13:54):
fundamental questions that remain unanswered in science.
For example, in astronomy, it could analyze vast amounts of
data from telescopes to detect patterns in cosmic phenomena,
aiding the search for extraterrestrial life or
unraveling the mysteries of darkmatter and dark energy.
In mathematics, AGI might solve problems like a rhyman
(14:16):
hypothesis, which has implications across many areas
of science and engineering. But while AG is potential in
science, research is immense. It also raises ethical
considerations. Decisions about how AGI
prioritizes research objectives,shares discoveries, and
interacts with human researcherswill shape its impact.
(14:37):
Collaboration between AGI and human scientists is likely to
define the early stages of its integration into research, with
AGI serving as an advanced tool rather than an independent
agent. Now AG is contributions to
science and research could lead to a new area of exploration and
(14:58):
understanding. And by accelerating data
analysis, automating hypothesis testing, fostering
interdisciplinary collaboration,and expanding the limits of
human knowledge, AGI promises totransform how science is
conducted. And as it evolves, AGI may
become not just a tool for discovery, but a partner in
(15:19):
humanity's quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
And Grok is at the forefront of this.
Can the newly created Departmentof Government Efficiency, or
DOGE, identify $2 trillion in federal budget savings?
How realistic is Elon Musk's revised goal of cutting a
trillion dollars? And what obstacles does DOGE
(15:41):
face in addressing inefficiencies and waste?
These questions are at the heartof Elon Musk's project overhaul
government spending. Back in October, during a rally
for president-elect Donald Trumpat Madison Square Garden, Elon
Musk made a bold claim his new advisory committee, DOGE, could
recommend federal budget cuts ofat least $2 trillion.
(16:04):
This figure, representing nearly1/3 of the federal budget,
raised eyebrows across the political and economic spectrum.
Budget analysts quickly dismissed the target as very
unrealistic, given that the entire discretionary budget is
only $1.7 trillion now. Musk doubled down, suggesting
DOGE would focus on cutting waste and inefficiencies across
(16:27):
government agencies. However, during a live interview
on X with political strategist Mark Penn on Wednesday, Musk
walk back the $2 trillion projection, admitting that the
figure was more of a best case outcome.
Speaking candidly with Penn, Musk said DOGE has a good shot
and identifying a trillion dollars in cuts while
(16:48):
acknowledging the challenges Musk framed.
This reduced target is a significant accomplishment, he
said. If we try for two trillion,
we've got a good shot at gettingone.
Musk argue that such reductions,combined with freeing up the
economy to grow, could stabilizeinflation.
He said if we can drop the budget deficit from 2 trillion
to one trillion and free up the economy to have additional
(17:10):
growth such that the output of goods and services keeps pace
with the increase in the money supply, then there will be no
inflation. So that I think would be an epic
outcome. Now Doge is Co led by Musk and
Vivek Ramaswamy, and it lacks the formal authority to actually
enact budget cuts or regulatory changes.
(17:32):
Instead, it's tasked with makingrecommendations to the White
House after Trump assumes officefor the second term.
Despite its limited powers, DOGEhas garnered attention largely
due to Musk's reputation as a billionaire innovator with a
track record of disrupting industries.
Now, the committee's mission aligns with Trump's broader
pledge to streamline federal operations, reduce waste and
(17:55):
rein in spending. However, the feasibility of
achieving even Musk's revised goal remains uncertain.
Critics argue that meaningful savings would require cuts to
mandatory programs like Medicaid, a politically
sensitive move that could provoke widespread backlash.
Now, budget experts have been critical of Musk's initial $2
(18:16):
trillion claim, calling it disconnected from fiscal
reliabilities. In the federal budget, which
totals approximately $6.8 trillion, includes a substantial
portion allocated to mandatory spending programs such as Social
Security, Medicare, and intereston the national debt.
These programs are largely untouchable without significant
(18:38):
legislative changes. Now, to achieve savings of a
trillion dollars, DOGE would likely need to target
discretionary spending and implement systemic reforms.
However, Musk offered few specifics during his interview,
instead describing the government as a target rich
environment for cost cutting. It's like being in a room full
of targets, like you could closeyour eyes and you can't miss, he
(19:00):
said. Now, Musk also expressed
frustration with the entrenched inefficiencies within the
government. He said it's very, very hard for
people to care about spending someone else's money.
Musk noted that even well-intentioned government
officials face systemic obstacles that hinder their
ability to manage funds effectively.
(19:20):
He said the system prevents themfrom doing so now.
Addressing these challenges willrequire more than identifying
areas of waste. It'll demand structural reforms
to ensure greater accountabilityand efficiency in federal
operations. Musk has pointed to excessive
regulations as a key area for improvement, arguing that
outdated and overly complex rules impede progress and
(19:42):
inflate costs. Now, if you're on a podcast
platform that allows you to comment, please let me know what
you think about this. Some people think that Elon Musk
is using DOGE is kind of a coverup to get deals for his
companies or pave the road so tospeak, for new Tesla models or
(20:03):
for SpaceX to launch the Rocketswith less regulation.
I don't know, what do you what do you think?
Let me know in the comments downbelow.
But also, Musk criticized the regulatory environment, which he
claims has made large scale projects essentially illegal.
He highlighted the inefficiencies caused by
extensive paperwork and delays. I know this for a fact.
They they were delaying Spacex'sStarship in Boca Chica, Texas
(20:26):
from launching for a long time due to the environment and
environmental causes. The EPA.
And he asserted that DOGE would prioritize eliminating
regulations where the harm is worse than the good.
Now, while this approach may resonate with proponents of
smaller government, it risks sparking opposition from those
who view regulations as essential safeguards.
(20:47):
The prospect of massive budget cuts has drawn mixed reactions
from lawmakers. While many congressional
Republicans have voiced support for Doge's goals, some Democrats
have expressed concerns about the potential impact on public
services and social programs. Zach Nunn, who's a Republican
from Iowa, advocated for reducing federal overage but
(21:08):
stop short of endorsing specificcuts.
Now, Trump transition team has yet to comment on Musk's revised
estimate, and it remains unclearhow closely the administration
will align with Dojo's recommendations.
For now, the committee operates independently, with its findings
expected to inform broader policy decisions.
Now, Musk remains very optimistic about Dojo's
(21:29):
potential despite the scale backexpectations.
He described the committee's work as a critical step toward
restoring fiscal discipline and fostering economic growth.
However, the success of this initiative will depend on his
ability to navigate political opposition, bureaucratic
inertia, and the complexities offederal budgeting.
(21:50):
Now, let me know in the commentswhat you think would happen if
Elon Musk cut $2 trillion. Also, keep the conversation
alive on our Discord. There's going to be a link in
the show notes or description for you.
Hey everybody. Welcome back to the Elon Musk
Podcast. This is a show where we discuss
(22:13):
the critical crossroads, The Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The
Boring Company, and Neurolink. I'm your host, Will Walden.
This episode contains some sensitive subject matter, so
please be advised. So what drives a decorated
soldier to turn against the country he once served?
(22:34):
And how did a rented Tesla cybertruck become the stage for a
fiery spectacle outside a Las Vegas hotel?
Now, what personal writings of Matthew Ellen Livolsberger
reveal about his state of mind in the days leading up to the
explosion. These are the questions that
were piercing together followingthe New Year's event at the
(22:58):
Trump International Hotel. Now, on January 1st, a Tesla
cyber truck erupted in flames atthe entrance of the Trump Hotel
in Las Vegas, killing its driver, 37 year old Army veteran
Matthew Livolsberger. Assistant Sheriff Dory Corin of
the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that
Livolsberger had left behind a digital diary on his phone
(23:22):
offering insight into his motivations and his mental
state. Now, according to Kren, the
ratings were stark and critical of US leadership, describing the
country as terminally ill and headed toward collapse.
In one of the letters found on his phone, Livolsberger
addressed Americans directly, urging them to wake up and
(23:42):
accusing the nation's leaders ofself-serving behavior.
He said this was not a terroristattack, it was a wake up call.
He justified the explosion as a necessary quote stunt with
fireworks and explosives to capture attention, claiming that
Americans only respond to dramatic events.
(24:03):
He also reflected on personal burdens, including the deaths of
fellow soldiers and his own rolein combat now.
Corinne emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing,
with authorities still combing through the evidence on
Livolsberger's phone. However, investigators have yet
to access a second phone found in the vehicle, which may
(24:24):
contain further details. So we have Spencer Evans, who's
a special agent in charge of theFB is Las Vegas division, saying
that Livolsberger likely suffered from PTSD, Post
traumatic Stress Disorder, compounded by personal
grievances and also family issues.
Evans stressed that while Livolsberger's writings were
(24:45):
alarming, there was no evidence of animosity toward
president-elect Donald Trump, whose hotel became the scene of
the explosion. Libelsberger's deteriorating
mental health and sense of disillusionment appeared to have
reached a breaking point. Despite his decorated military
service, which included deployments of Afghanistan,
(25:05):
Ukraine and Africa, those close to him revealed signs of
struggle. Alicia Aaron, a former
girlfriend, described him as a proud soldier who battled
chronic pain and concealed his struggles from superiors.
Authorities confirmed Libelsburg's identity through a
combination of DNA analysis and tattoo recognition.
The tattoos, including a recently added triple Crescent
(25:29):
symbol near his elbow, were instrumental in identifying his
body, which had been badly burned in the explosion.
The Clark County Coroner determined that Livelsberger
died of a self-inflicted gunshotwound, indicating he may have
planned his actions as a final statement.
Livelsberger was on approved military leave at the time of
(25:51):
the incident. He rented the cyber truck in
Colorado, drove it to Vegas, loading the vehicle with
fireworks and gasoline that ultimately caused the explosion.
Now, while the Las Vegas explosion drew immediate
attention, authorities have ruled out connections to a
separate attack in New Orleans on the same day that killed 14
people on Bourbon Street. Evans stated that any
(26:11):
similarities between the incidents, such as both suspects
renting vehicles from the same company, were just a
coincidence. Now Levels Burger social media
activity painted a picture of a man deeply engaged in political
discourse. Fellow soldiers described his
post as patriotic and pro military, but noted that his
views sometimes cause friction within his ranks.
(26:33):
Said it posted a lot of political messages on social
media that made some of us uncomfortable, 1 soldier
remarked. And despite his strong opinions,
Livelsberger was remembered as adedicated teammate and a
patriotic soldier. Two soldiers who served with him
in recent years expressed shock at his actions, describing him
as someone who was not prone to violence.
(26:56):
Now, Livosberger's nearly two decade military career included
service in the National Guard, Army Reserve and active duty
army. He deployed to several conflict
zones, including Afghanistan, where he completed multiple
tours between 2017 and 2019. He also served in Ukraine and
the Republic of the Congo, and he has a varied but demanding
(27:19):
career because of it. His personal life, though,
appeared tumultuous. Public records reveal a divorce
in 2018 and a marriage in 2022. In a recent years, the
Wolsberger welcomed a new child,as evidenced by social media
photos of him and his partner cradling a newborn.
Now outside of his military service, Libelsberger's unlike
(27:43):
presence was sparse but revealing.
He documented travels to destinations like Thailand,
Italy and Puerto Rico, contributing photos and reviews
on platform like TripAdvisor andGoogle Maps.
These glimpses into his personallife contrast sharply with the
violent act that marked his final days.
And as investigators continue tounravel motives behind his
(28:05):
actions, his writings offer a troubling insight into his state
of mind. His call for Americans to pay
attention through violence raises uncomfortable questions
about how society addresses mental health, especially
amongst veterans. Louisville Stories Louisville's
Burger's story is a complex tapestry of patriotism,
(28:27):
disillusionment, and unresolved pain for those who serve
alongside him and those left behind to grapple with his
actions. The shock waves of his final act
are likely to linger long after the physical damage has been
repaired. What do Elon Musk, raging
(28:47):
wildfires, and the LA Fire Department hiring policies have
in common? Well, this is a question that's
been sparking debate across social media, as critics like
Musk blame the city's diversity,equity and inclusion, or DEI,
efforts for a perceived decline in firefighting efficiency.
But is there evidence linking these initiatives to the spread
(29:09):
of the flames? Or is it all just social media
speculation? As wildfires swept through Los
Angeles, Elon Musk and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman took to
social media, particularly X, tocriticize LA Fire Department's
DEI efforts. Musk amplified claims tying the
department's focus on diversity to a failure to prevent and
(29:31):
control fires, Sharing a post that read DEI means People D
i.e. However, neither Musk nor Ackman
presented evidence directly connecting DEI to the fire
departments operational capacitynow.
The controversy also spotlightedLA Fire Department Chief Kristen
Crowley, who became the fire departments first female and
(29:54):
LGBTQ leader when she was sworn in in 2022, and that same year
the department established a dedicated DEI Bureau.
Critics have questions whether these developments contributed
to wildfire challenges, though no direct link between Crowley's
relationship of leadership or DEI efforts and the severity of
the wildfires has been established now.
(30:16):
On her podcast, Megyn Kelly harshly criticized Crowley,
claiming she prioritized diversity efforts over
operational firefighting measures.
She said she has made not filling the fire hydrants top
priority, but diversity. Kelly said in a now viral clip
that Musk and Ackman shared. However, multiple reports
(30:38):
clarified that responsibility for maintaining water supplies,
including fire hydrants, falls to the city's Department of
Water and Power, not the fire department.
Actually Now, the right wing social media account Libs of
Tiktok also targeted Crowley, posting content about her
participation in LGBTQ pride events and criticizing her
leadership. Now, these posts gain millions
(30:59):
of views. Further fueling the criticism,
Libs of TikTok, which has faced prior suspensions for
accusations of hate speech, asserted that their posts were
factual despite the platform's policy violations.
Now, commenters like Matt Walsh echoed similar sentiments,
claiming the LAFD deliberately excluded white men from
firefighting roles. Walsh offered no evidence to
(31:20):
support his But though the fire department has indeed voiced a
commitment to hiring and retaining a more diverse
workforce now, some social mediausers pointed to a decades old
claim by radio host Adam Corolla, who testified before
Congress in 2017, that he was denied a firefighting job in LA
in the 80s for not being, quote,black, Hispanic or a woman.
(31:45):
Now, Corolla's anecdote predatedboth Crowley's tenure and the
formation of the DEI Bureau by decades, rendering it irrelevant
to current LA Fire Department practices.
LA debate even spilled into televised political discussions.
And during the CNN segment, Jasmine Crockett, representative
Democrat for Texas, pushed back against conservative commentator
(32:07):
Scott Jennings, who criticized the LA Fire Department's
diversity efforts. Crockett expressed frustration
over the persistent blame placedon DEI, she said.
I am so tired of people acting as if white men are the only
ones capable. CNN anchor Abby Phillip pressed
Jennings further, questioning the connection between DEI and
the department's ongoing battle with what was described as a
(32:29):
historic fire. Now, despite the criticisms,
there's no indication that Crowley neglected fire
prevention efforts in favor of diversity initiatives.
Upon her appointment, Crowley told the LA City News, Science
or Service that her first priority would be strengthening
communication with her command staff.
The LA Fire Department's 2023 to2026 Strategic plan listed
(32:50):
department's primary goals is maintaining operational
readiness, enhancing firefightersafety and well-being in
improving workplace conditions, while promoting diversity,
equity and inclusion in That's another goal and it ranks 3rd on
the list now. Crowley emphasized the
importance of emergency response, stating her commitment
to delivering exceptional publicsafety and emergency services.
(33:13):
The department's focus also includes leveraging
technological advancements and fostering collaboration.
Now, in March of 2023, the LA County Board of Supervisors
approved policies aimed at increasing workforce diversity
at the LAFD. Chair Janice Hahn described the
measures as a road map for how we are going to hire more women
and people of color. And these policies included
(33:36):
adopting an entrance exam grounded in equity research,
forming ADEI committee to guide hiring practices in conducting
diversity surveys and exit interviews.
Now, if you're on a podcast platform that allows you to
comment, I would strongly urge you to let me know what you
think about this and also share this episode so you can get
other people's opinions on this because it's important that we
(33:58):
have this discussion now. According to the department's
strategic plan, though, Crowley's diversity goals
include providing DEI training to employees, expanding
recruitment in underserved communities, and offering test
preparation workshops. However, these initiatives were
framed as complementary to, not substitutes for, the
department's primary mission of firefighting and emergency
(34:20):
response. So, no, some social media posts
labeled Crowley ADEI Hire, implying she was appointed
solely based on her identity rather than our qualifications.
However, Crowley's extensive career with the LAFD spans 22
years, during which she held roles as firefighter, paramedic,
firefighter, a paramedic, fire inspector, captain and deputy
(34:41):
chief before becoming the department's leader.
Hey, thank you so much for listening today.
I really do appreciate your support.
If you could take a second and hit the subscribe or the follow
button on whatever podcast platform that you're listening
on right now, I greatly appreciate it.
It helps out the show tremendously and you'll never
(35:03):
miss an episode. And each episode is about 10
minutes or less to get you caught up quickly.
And please, if you want to support the show even more, go
to patreon.com/stagezero and please take care of yourselves
and each other and I'll see you tomorrow.
Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast.
This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads, The
Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neurolink.
I'm your host, Will Walden. What makes Elon Musk's Colossus
the most powerful AI supercomputer in the world?
(00:22):
And why was Memphis, TN chosen as its home base?
How is this system changing the landscape of AI research?
Let's break it all down and uncover the details behind this
project. So in a nondescript industrial
park southwest of Memphis, TN, on the banks of the Mississippi
River, lies a facility that houses the largest AI training
(00:46):
supercomputer on Earth. Dubbed Colossus by its creator
Elon Musk, this massive computing powerhouse was
constructed by XAI, Musk's artificial intelligence startup.
Built within a repurposed Electrolux manufacturing
facility, Colossus stands as a testament to Musk's vision
(01:08):
pushing the boundaries of AI development.
Now, why Memphis, would you ask?Well, choosing Memphis for this
technological feat might seem unconventional, especially when
Austin, TX has emerged as a hub of innovation for Elon Musk's
companies. However, the decision boiled
down to practicality. The location offered the right
(01:28):
building with enough space and infrastructure to launch
Colossus in record time. Musk's team completed
construction in an astonishing 122 days.
Now urgency and scale were at their peak during the
construction. Now inside the industrial
(01:49):
facility, Colossus hosts over 100,000 NVIDIA HGX H100 GPU's
interconnected through an ultrafast fiber optic network.
These GPU's, considered the current state-of-the-art for AI
training, are supported by exabytes of data storage.
(02:09):
This level of computational power allows for unparalleled
capabilities, setting Colossus apart as the most advanced AI
system in existence. Jensen Wang, CEO of NVIDIA,
described Colossus as easily thefastest supercomputer on the
planet. While other supercomputers may
take years to assemble, Colossus's swift development
(02:33):
ensures it remains at the cutting edge of AI research.
Now they used A3 tiered approachfor this.
Colossus uses a raised floor data hall design that splits its
infrastructure into three different levels.
The power systems are housed above, the GPU clusters occupy
the middle, and the cooling mechanisms are below.
(02:56):
This three tiered structure enables efficient maintenance
and operation, crucial for a machine of this scale.
The facility contains four data halls, each equipped with 25,000
GPU's. These are paired with storage
units and a high speed network to facilitate data exchange.
And every GPU cabinet has its own independent cooling and
(03:19):
monitoring systems, ensuring minimal downtime.
Technicians can service individual units without
disrupting the entire cluster, afeature unique to XAIS design.
Now, cooling such a large scale computing system is no small
feat though. Colossus employs an advanced
liquid cooling system, using water to regulate the
(03:40):
temperature of the GPU's. A network of pipes circulates
water through the facility, drawing heat away from the
hardware, and the water is then sent to chillers outside.
Worst temperature is reduced before being recirculated.
The system doesn't really add cold water.
As long as the water is cooler than the GPU's, it effectively
absorbs the heat. And each GPU rack is equipped
(04:04):
with its own cooling system, complete with colored lights for
monitoring. A blue light indicates normal
operation, while red light signals a malfunction, allowing
for quick and precise maintenance.
Now, each rack in Colossus houses 8 NVIDIA H1 GPU's paired
with 16 CPUs to manage data and run the operating system.
(04:27):
The GPUs handle the heavy lifting of AI training, while
CPUs prepare the data in managedsystem operations.
The setup ensures seamless processing of the exabytes of
data stored within the facility.Now a system with this magnitude
demands immense power though. To ensure stable energy
delivery, XAI uses Tesla Megapack battery units.
(04:50):
The batteries act as intermediaries, drawing power
from the grid and discharging itinto the supercomputer.
This setup eliminates millisecond variations in grid
power that could disrupt the training, providing a consistent
energy that's needed for optimalperformance.
Now, Elon Musk has very ambitious plans for classes,
(05:11):
aiming to double his GPU count to 200,000 in a few months.
Such an expansion would solidifyits position as the most
powerful AI system on the planet, potentially outpacing
competitors like Open AI and Google's Gemini.
A report suggests that Open AI CEO Sam Altman has already
(05:32):
expressed concerns about Musk's increased access to
computational resources. A building colossus isn't cheap,
though. XAI recently raised $6 billion
in venture capital, bringing itsvaluation to $24 billion.
Being that's only one year old, and Musk is now reportedly
(05:52):
seeking additional funding to elevate XA Is valuation to 40
billion, positioning it as a major player in AI.
Now, at the heart of XA is endeavors is Crock.
Crock is an AI model designed toevolve far beyond a chatbot.
Recently, Crock was updated to include vision capabilities,
(06:14):
allowing it to analyze images alongside text.
Feature is now integrated into X, giving premium users the
ability to query images for detailed analysis and context.
Now, Musk envisions Grok is a stepping stone toward artificial
general intelligence, which is aconcept that involves creating
(06:35):
AI systems capable of performingany intelligence task that
humans can do. Colossus is designed to train
and refine such a system, utilizing its immense
computational power to advance AI capabilities, and Musk has
described AGI as a tool to unlock the mysteries of the
universe and the very nature of our own existence.
(06:58):
However, he has also acknowledged the potential
risks, emphasizing the need for safeguards to prevent AI from
going rogue. Artificial General Intelligence
represents a long held ambition in the field of artificial
intelligence, creating machines that match or exceed human
cognitive abilities. Now, unlike current AI systems
(07:19):
which are designed to do specific tasks like language
processing or image recognition,AGI aims to replicate the
versatility and adaptability of the human mind.
For Elon Musk and XAI, Colossus is not just a tool to train AI
models, it's a foundational steptoward achieving AGI.
(07:39):
And the potential of AGI lies inits ability to perform any
intellectual task with the same competence as a human or even
surpass human capabilities. This includes creative pursuits
like writing music or inventing new technologies, analytical
tasks such as solving complex equations, and problem solving
abilities across diverse fields.Elon envisions AGI as a
(08:04):
transformative force capable of unraveling fundamental questions
about the universe in advancing humanity's understanding of our
own existence, and Colossus plays a central role in that
journey. It's unparalleled computational
power allows for the training ofadvanced models like Grok, which
XAI hopes to evolve into AGI over time.
(08:24):
Current EI systems, including Grok, rely on large scale data
sets of text, images, and video to learn patterns, generate
outputs. The sheer scale of Colossus
enables these systems to processand synthesize vast amounts of
data, a crucial step towards creating machines with
generalized reasoning capabilities.
And the recent upgrade to Croc, which introduced the vision
(08:46):
capabilities, is a huge milestone in the path to AGI.
By integrating the image analysis with text processing,
it's developing systems that canhandle multimodal inputs, an
important feature of generalizedintelligence.
For instance, a human can seemingly combine visual and
textual information to draw conclusions, and Grok is now
(09:07):
moving closer to mimicking this ability.
And despite his promise, though,the development of AGI is
fraught with challenges and ethical considerations.
Musk has been vocal about the potential dangers of advanced
AI, warning that unchecked systems could act against human
interests. To mitigate these risks, X AI is
reportedly exploring safeguards to maintain control over the
(09:30):
technology as it evolves. For AGI to become a reality,
systems like Colossus must continue to scale, both in terms
of hardware and sophistication of the AI models they train.
The next steps involve increasing the models capability
to adapt, learn independently ingeneralized knowledge across
different domains, which is a goal that requires an
(09:51):
unprecedented level of innovation and collaboration.
Ultimately, though, achieving AGI would mark a paradigm shift
in human machine interactions, transforming industries,
scientific research, and the waysociety functions.
However, as Musk points out, thejourney toward AGI is much about
(10:13):
ensuring humanity, safety and benefit it as it is about
technological progress. Artificial General intelligence
holds the potential to revolutionize scientific
research by significantly accelerating discovery, solving
long standing mysteries, and enabling breakthroughs across
disciplines. Now, unlike narrow AI, which
(10:33):
excels at specific tasks but lacks versatility, AGI could
apply its cognitive abilities toa wide array of scientific
challenges, adapting dynamicallyto new programs and problems,
and generating insights that might elude even the most
skilled human researchers. Modern scientific research often
involves analyzing massive data sets, which can be time
(10:57):
consuming and error prone for human researchers.
AGI could process and interpret these data states at
unparalleled speeds, identifyingpatterns, correlations, and
anomalies with extraordinary precision.
For instance, in genomics, AGI could analyze the vast
complexity of DNA sequences to uncover genetic markers for
(11:19):
diseases, identifying potential drug targets, and predict how
generic variations affect human health, all in a fraction of the
time it takes today. And one of the most
transformative features of AGI in scientific research would be
its ability to autonomously generate hypotheses, design
experiments, and also test them.And by trying on its extensive
(11:41):
knowledge base and reasoning capabilities, AGI could propose
innovative approaches to unresolved questions.
And, for example, in physics, AGI might identify new
principles or interactions within quantum mechanics,
offering pathways toward the elusive unifications of quantum
theory in general relativity. Now, this ability to hypothesize
(12:05):
an experiment could dramaticallyincrease the pace of discovery,
as AGI systems would operate continuously without the
limitations of human fatigue or cognitive bias.
They can also refine their hypotheses in real time,
adapting their models based on experimental outcomes.
And AG is ability to access and synthesize knowledge across
(12:26):
disciplines would be particularly valuable for
interdisciplinary research. Many of the world's most
pressing scientific challenges, such as climate change,
pandemics, and sustainable energy, require expertise.
This spans multiple fields, and AGI system could integrate
findings from biology, chemistry, physics, and
(12:48):
environmental science to proposeholistic solutions.
For example, it could model complex climate systems to
develop strategies for mitigating global warming while
considering ecological, economic, and social impacts.
The application of AGI to drug discovery in healthcare could
redefine the Medical Sciences. AGI systems could simulate the
(13:10):
behavior of molecules and predict their interactions with
human biology, streamlining the identification of potential
therapies. And in the case of diseases like
cancer or Alzheimer's, AGI couldexplore treatment options by
analyzing vast amounts of biomedical data, identifying
previously overlooked mechanisms, and suggesting novel
(13:31):
therapeutic approaches. Moreover, AGI could personalize
medicine by analyzing individualpatients, genetic,
environmental, and lifestyle data to tailor treatments with
unprecedented precision. This could lead to earlier
diagnosis, more effective therapies, and better health
outcomes. And also, AGI could tackle
(13:54):
fundamental questions that remain unanswered in science.
For example, in astronomy, it could analyze vast amounts of
data from telescopes to detect patterns in cosmic phenomena,
aiding the search for extraterrestrial life or
unraveling the mysteries of darkmatter and dark energy.
In mathematics, AGI might solve problems like a rhyman
(14:16):
hypothesis, which has implications across many areas
of science and engineering. But while AG is potential in
science, research is immense. It also raises ethical
considerations. Decisions about how AGI
prioritizes research objectives,shares discoveries, and
interacts with human researcherswill shape its impact.
(14:37):
Collaboration between AGI and human scientists is likely to
define the early stages of its integration into research, with
AGI serving as an advanced tool rather than an independent
agent. Now AG is contributions to
science and research could lead to a new area of exploration and
(14:58):
understanding. And by accelerating data
analysis, automating hypothesis testing, fostering
interdisciplinary collaboration,and expanding the limits of
human knowledge, AGI promises totransform how science is
conducted. And as it evolves, AGI may
become not just a tool for discovery, but a partner in
(15:19):
humanity's quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
And Grok is at the forefront of this.
Can the newly created Departmentof Government Efficiency, or
DOGE, identify $2 trillion in federal budget savings?
How realistic is Elon Musk's revised goal of cutting a
trillion dollars? And what obstacles does DOGE
(15:41):
face in addressing inefficiencies and waste?
These questions are at the heartof Elon Musk's project overhaul
government spending. Back in October, during a rally
for president-elect Donald Trumpat Madison Square Garden, Elon
Musk made a bold claim his new advisory committee, DOGE, could
recommend federal budget cuts ofat least $2 trillion.
(16:04):
This figure, representing nearly1/3 of the federal budget,
raised eyebrows across the political and economic spectrum.
Budget analysts quickly dismissed the target as very
unrealistic, given that the entire discretionary budget is
only $1.7 trillion now. Musk doubled down, suggesting
DOGE would focus on cutting waste and inefficiencies across
(16:27):
government agencies. However, during a live interview
on X with political strategist Mark Penn on Wednesday, Musk
walk back the $2 trillion projection, admitting that the
figure was more of a best case outcome.
Speaking candidly with Penn, Musk said DOGE has a good shot
and identifying a trillion dollars in cuts while
(16:48):
acknowledging the challenges Musk framed.
This reduced target is a significant accomplishment, he
said. If we try for two trillion,
we've got a good shot at gettingone.
Musk argue that such reductions,combined with freeing up the
economy to grow, could stabilizeinflation.
He said if we can drop the budget deficit from 2 trillion
to one trillion and free up the economy to have additional
(17:10):
growth such that the output of goods and services keeps pace
with the increase in the money supply, then there will be no
inflation. So that I think would be an epic
outcome. Now Doge is Co led by Musk and
Vivek Ramaswamy, and it lacks the formal authority to actually
enact budget cuts or regulatory changes.
(17:32):
Instead, it's tasked with makingrecommendations to the White
House after Trump assumes officefor the second term.
Despite its limited powers, DOGEhas garnered attention largely
due to Musk's reputation as a billionaire innovator with a
track record of disrupting industries.
Now, the committee's mission aligns with Trump's broader
pledge to streamline federal operations, reduce waste and
(17:55):
rein in spending. However, the feasibility of
achieving even Musk's revised goal remains uncertain.
Critics argue that meaningful savings would require cuts to
mandatory programs like Medicaid, a politically
sensitive move that could provoke widespread backlash.
Now, budget experts have been critical of Musk's initial $2
(18:16):
trillion claim, calling it disconnected from fiscal
reliabilities. In the federal budget, which
totals approximately $6.8 trillion, includes a substantial
portion allocated to mandatory spending programs such as Social
Security, Medicare, and intereston the national debt.
These programs are largely untouchable without significant
(18:38):
legislative changes. Now, to achieve savings of a
trillion dollars, DOGE would likely need to target
discretionary spending and implement systemic reforms.
However, Musk offered few specifics during his interview,
instead describing the government as a target rich
environment for cost cutting. It's like being in a room full
of targets, like you could closeyour eyes and you can't miss, he
(19:00):
said. Now, Musk also expressed
frustration with the entrenched inefficiencies within the
government. He said it's very, very hard for
people to care about spending someone else's money.
Musk noted that even well-intentioned government
officials face systemic obstacles that hinder their
ability to manage funds effectively.
(19:20):
He said the system prevents themfrom doing so now.
Addressing these challenges willrequire more than identifying
areas of waste. It'll demand structural reforms
to ensure greater accountabilityand efficiency in federal
operations. Musk has pointed to excessive
regulations as a key area for improvement, arguing that
outdated and overly complex rules impede progress and
(19:42):
inflate costs. Now, if you're on a podcast
platform that allows you to comment, please let me know what
you think about this. Some people think that Elon Musk
is using DOGE is kind of a coverup to get deals for his
companies or pave the road so tospeak, for new Tesla models or
(20:03):
for SpaceX to launch the Rocketswith less regulation.
I don't know, what do you what do you think?
Let me know in the comments downbelow.
But also, Musk criticized the regulatory environment, which he
claims has made large scale projects essentially illegal.
He highlighted the inefficiencies caused by
extensive paperwork and delays. I know this for a fact.
They they were delaying Spacex'sStarship in Boca Chica, Texas
(20:26):
from launching for a long time due to the environment and
environmental causes. The EPA.
And he asserted that DOGE would prioritize eliminating
regulations where the harm is worse than the good.
Now, while this approach may resonate with proponents of
smaller government, it risks sparking opposition from those
who view regulations as essential safeguards.
(20:47):
The prospect of massive budget cuts has drawn mixed reactions
from lawmakers. While many congressional
Republicans have voiced support for Doge's goals, some Democrats
have expressed concerns about the potential impact on public
services and social programs. Zach Nunn, who's a Republican
from Iowa, advocated for reducing federal overage but
(21:08):
stop short of endorsing specificcuts.
Now, Trump transition team has yet to comment on Musk's revised
estimate, and it remains unclearhow closely the administration
will align with Dojo's recommendations.
For now, the committee operates independently, with its findings
expected to inform broader policy decisions.
Now, Musk remains very optimistic about Dojo's
(21:29):
potential despite the scale backexpectations.
He described the committee's work as a critical step toward
restoring fiscal discipline and fostering economic growth.
However, the success of this initiative will depend on his
ability to navigate political opposition, bureaucratic
inertia, and the complexities offederal budgeting.
(21:50):
Now, let me know in the commentswhat you think would happen if
Elon Musk cut $2 trillion. Also, keep the conversation
alive on our Discord. There's going to be a link in
the show notes or description for you.
Hey everybody. Welcome back to the Elon Musk
Podcast. This is a show where we discuss
(22:13):
the critical crossroads, The Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The
Boring Company, and Neurolink. I'm your host, Will Walden.
This episode contains some sensitive subject matter, so
please be advised. So what drives a decorated
soldier to turn against the country he once served?
(22:34):
And how did a rented Tesla cybertruck become the stage for a
fiery spectacle outside a Las Vegas hotel?
Now, what personal writings of Matthew Ellen Livolsberger
reveal about his state of mind in the days leading up to the
explosion. These are the questions that
were piercing together followingthe New Year's event at the
(22:58):
Trump International Hotel. Now, on January 1st, a Tesla
cyber truck erupted in flames atthe entrance of the Trump Hotel
in Las Vegas, killing its driver, 37 year old Army veteran
Matthew Livolsberger. Assistant Sheriff Dory Corin of
the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that
Livolsberger had left behind a digital diary on his phone
(23:22):
offering insight into his motivations and his mental
state. Now, according to Kren, the
ratings were stark and critical of US leadership, describing the
country as terminally ill and headed toward collapse.
In one of the letters found on his phone, Livolsberger
addressed Americans directly, urging them to wake up and
(23:42):
accusing the nation's leaders ofself-serving behavior.
He said this was not a terroristattack, it was a wake up call.
He justified the explosion as a necessary quote stunt with
fireworks and explosives to capture attention, claiming that
Americans only respond to dramatic events.
(24:03):
He also reflected on personal burdens, including the deaths of
fellow soldiers and his own rolein combat now.
Corinne emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing,
with authorities still combing through the evidence on
Livolsberger's phone. However, investigators have yet
to access a second phone found in the vehicle, which may
(24:24):
contain further details. So we have Spencer Evans, who's
a special agent in charge of theFB is Las Vegas division, saying
that Livolsberger likely suffered from PTSD, Post
traumatic Stress Disorder, compounded by personal
grievances and also family issues.
Evans stressed that while Livolsberger's writings were
(24:45):
alarming, there was no evidence of animosity toward
president-elect Donald Trump, whose hotel became the scene of
the explosion. Libelsberger's deteriorating
mental health and sense of disillusionment appeared to have
reached a breaking point. Despite his decorated military
service, which included deployments of Afghanistan,
(25:05):
Ukraine and Africa, those close to him revealed signs of
struggle. Alicia Aaron, a former
girlfriend, described him as a proud soldier who battled
chronic pain and concealed his struggles from superiors.
Authorities confirmed Libelsburg's identity through a
combination of DNA analysis and tattoo recognition.
The tattoos, including a recently added triple Crescent
(25:29):
symbol near his elbow, were instrumental in identifying his
body, which had been badly burned in the explosion.
The Clark County Coroner determined that Livelsberger
died of a self-inflicted gunshotwound, indicating he may have
planned his actions as a final statement.
Livelsberger was on approved military leave at the time of
(25:51):
the incident. He rented the cyber truck in
Colorado, drove it to Vegas, loading the vehicle with
fireworks and gasoline that ultimately caused the explosion.
Now, while the Las Vegas explosion drew immediate
attention, authorities have ruled out connections to a
separate attack in New Orleans on the same day that killed 14
people on Bourbon Street. Evans stated that any
(26:11):
similarities between the incidents, such as both suspects
renting vehicles from the same company, were just a
coincidence. Now Levels Burger social media
activity painted a picture of a man deeply engaged in political
discourse. Fellow soldiers described his
post as patriotic and pro military, but noted that his
views sometimes cause friction within his ranks.
(26:33):
Said it posted a lot of political messages on social
media that made some of us uncomfortable, 1 soldier
remarked. And despite his strong opinions,
Livelsberger was remembered as adedicated teammate and a
patriotic soldier. Two soldiers who served with him
in recent years expressed shock at his actions, describing him
as someone who was not prone to violence.
(26:56):
Now, Livosberger's nearly two decade military career included
service in the National Guard, Army Reserve and active duty
army. He deployed to several conflict
zones, including Afghanistan, where he completed multiple
tours between 2017 and 2019. He also served in Ukraine and
the Republic of the Congo, and he has a varied but demanding
(27:19):
career because of it. His personal life, though,
appeared tumultuous. Public records reveal a divorce
in 2018 and a marriage in 2022. In a recent years, the
Wolsberger welcomed a new child,as evidenced by social media
photos of him and his partner cradling a newborn.
Now outside of his military service, Libelsberger's unlike
(27:43):
presence was sparse but revealing.
He documented travels to destinations like Thailand,
Italy and Puerto Rico, contributing photos and reviews
on platform like TripAdvisor andGoogle Maps.
These glimpses into his personallife contrast sharply with the
violent act that marked his final days.
And as investigators continue tounravel motives behind his
(28:05):
actions, his writings offer a troubling insight into his state
of mind. His call for Americans to pay
attention through violence raises uncomfortable questions
about how society addresses mental health, especially
amongst veterans. Louisville Stories Louisville's
Burger's story is a complex tapestry of patriotism,
(28:27):
disillusionment, and unresolved pain for those who serve
alongside him and those left behind to grapple with his
actions. The shock waves of his final act
are likely to linger long after the physical damage has been
repaired. What do Elon Musk, raging
(28:47):
wildfires, and the LA Fire Department hiring policies have
in common? Well, this is a question that's
been sparking debate across social media, as critics like
Musk blame the city's diversity,equity and inclusion, or DEI,
efforts for a perceived decline in firefighting efficiency.
But is there evidence linking these initiatives to the spread
(29:09):
of the flames? Or is it all just social media
speculation? As wildfires swept through Los
Angeles, Elon Musk and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman took to
social media, particularly X, tocriticize LA Fire Department's
DEI efforts. Musk amplified claims tying the
department's focus on diversity to a failure to prevent and
(29:31):
control fires, Sharing a post that read DEI means People D
i.e. However, neither Musk nor Ackman
presented evidence directly connecting DEI to the fire
departments operational capacitynow.
The controversy also spotlightedLA Fire Department Chief Kristen
Crowley, who became the fire departments first female and
(29:54):
LGBTQ leader when she was sworn in in 2022, and that same year
the department established a dedicated DEI Bureau.
Critics have questions whether these developments contributed
to wildfire challenges, though no direct link between Crowley's
relationship of leadership or DEI efforts and the severity of
the wildfires has been established now.
(30:16):
On her podcast, Megyn Kelly harshly criticized Crowley,
claiming she prioritized diversity efforts over
operational firefighting measures.
She said she has made not filling the fire hydrants top
priority, but diversity. Kelly said in a now viral clip
that Musk and Ackman shared. However, multiple reports
(30:38):
clarified that responsibility for maintaining water supplies,
including fire hydrants, falls to the city's Department of
Water and Power, not the fire department.
Actually Now, the right wing social media account Libs of
Tiktok also targeted Crowley, posting content about her
participation in LGBTQ pride events and criticizing her
leadership. Now, these posts gain millions
(30:59):
of views. Further fueling the criticism,
Libs of TikTok, which has faced prior suspensions for
accusations of hate speech, asserted that their posts were
factual despite the platform's policy violations.
Now, commenters like Matt Walsh echoed similar sentiments,
claiming the LAFD deliberately excluded white men from
firefighting roles. Walsh offered no evidence to
(31:20):
support his But though the fire department has indeed voiced a
commitment to hiring and retaining a more diverse
workforce now, some social mediausers pointed to a decades old
claim by radio host Adam Corolla, who testified before
Congress in 2017, that he was denied a firefighting job in LA
in the 80s for not being, quote,black, Hispanic or a woman.
(31:45):
Now, Corolla's anecdote predatedboth Crowley's tenure and the
formation of the DEI Bureau by decades, rendering it irrelevant
to current LA Fire Department practices.
LA debate even spilled into televised political discussions.
And during the CNN segment, Jasmine Crockett, representative
Democrat for Texas, pushed back against conservative commentator
(32:07):
Scott Jennings, who criticized the LA Fire Department's
diversity efforts. Crockett expressed frustration
over the persistent blame placedon DEI, she said.
I am so tired of people acting as if white men are the only
ones capable. CNN anchor Abby Phillip pressed
Jennings further, questioning the connection between DEI and
the department's ongoing battle with what was described as a
(32:29):
historic fire. Now, despite the criticisms,
there's no indication that Crowley neglected fire
prevention efforts in favor of diversity initiatives.
Upon her appointment, Crowley told the LA City News, Science
or Service that her first priority would be strengthening
communication with her command staff.
The LA Fire Department's 2023 to2026 Strategic plan listed
(32:50):
department's primary goals is maintaining operational
readiness, enhancing firefightersafety and well-being in
improving workplace conditions, while promoting diversity,
equity and inclusion in That's another goal and it ranks 3rd on
the list now. Crowley emphasized the
importance of emergency response, stating her commitment
to delivering exceptional publicsafety and emergency services.
(33:13):
The department's focus also includes leveraging
technological advancements and fostering collaboration.
Now, in March of 2023, the LA County Board of Supervisors
approved policies aimed at increasing workforce diversity
at the LAFD. Chair Janice Hahn described the
measures as a road map for how we are going to hire more women
and people of color. And these policies included
(33:36):
adopting an entrance exam grounded in equity research,
forming ADEI committee to guide hiring practices in conducting
diversity surveys and exit interviews.
Now, if you're on a podcast platform that allows you to
comment, I would strongly urge you to let me know what you
think about this and also share this episode so you can get
other people's opinions on this because it's important that we
(33:58):
have this discussion now. According to the department's
strategic plan, though, Crowley's diversity goals
include providing DEI training to employees, expanding
recruitment in underserved communities, and offering test
preparation workshops. However, these initiatives were
framed as complementary to, not substitutes for, the
department's primary mission of firefighting and emergency
(34:20):
response. So, no, some social media posts
labeled Crowley ADEI Hire, implying she was appointed
solely based on her identity rather than our qualifications.
However, Crowley's extensive career with the LAFD spans 22
years, during which she held roles as firefighter, paramedic,
firefighter, a paramedic, fire inspector, captain and deputy
(34:41):
chief before becoming the department's leader.
Hey, thank you so much for listening today.
I really do appreciate your support.
If you could take a second and hit the subscribe or the follow
button on whatever podcast platform that you're listening
on right now, I greatly appreciate it.
It helps out the show tremendously and you'll never
(35:03):
miss an episode. And each episode is about 10
minutes or less to get you caught up quickly.
And please, if you want to support the show even more, go
to patreon.com/stagezero and please take care of yourselves
and each other and I'll see you tomorrow.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.