Dr Ruth Stalker-Firth
AI demystification, real-world AI understanding & critical thinking
After hearing a speaker confidently explain that ChatGPT would soon start breeding robots, I launched Demystifying AI in response to growing hype and nonsense around AI.
I fell into AI in 1993, initially as an excuse to spend a summer in Paris. What started as a glamorous destination became a decades-long journey with some pretty extraordinary highlights along the way – a conference at Stanford University with Lotfi Zadeh, representing Switzerland for technical innovation and a PhD in l’intelligence artificielle at EPFL.
These days, I explain how AI actually works, what it can and can’t do, and why the reality is less dramatic than the stories would have us believe.
Many thanks to Ruth for an insightful entertaining talk on AI which really pulled back the curtain on the tech of the tech-bro hyperbole.
PubSci, August 2025
Future events
Demystifying AI, Wednesday 9th September 2026 at 8:00 pm, in person at Finchley WI.
When women were computers, Wednesday 16th Sep 2026 at 7:30 pm, on Via.
Demystifying AI, Wednesday 14th October 2026 at 2:00 pm, in person at Riverstone Kensington.
Demystifying AI: A 4-part course for everyday life, Mondays 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th January 2027, at 6:00pm, on VIA.
Explore the archive.
Demystifying AI
public talk · interactive session · 4-part course
Public talk: We trace the recurring rise and fall of AI with its spooky stories of the ghost in the machine. From robots in Ancient Greece to present day ChatGPT, we look at how and why AI was created and exactly what it can and cannot do.
Interactive Session | 2.5 hours
A deep dive for groups who want both the big-picture context and practical, real-world application without the jargon.
4-Part Course | Understand, Use, and Explain AI
Shaped by the learner and feedback from 300 people, this course gives people the confidence to navigate tools practically and hold informed, critical conversations about technology.
Other talks (available on request)
- Historical & cultural: When Computers were Women · Bacon on Ice-cream
- Society & systems: AI at the Movies · Human Computer-Interaction · Digital Anthropology · Digital Journalism
What People Say
“I really enjoyed my evening – down to earth view of AI with a lot of humour. It was great!” Louise, PubSci Attendee, Demystifying AI.
“You have filled in so much that I couldn’t understand.” Mary, WI Learning Hub Online Attendee, Demystifying AI.
“Such an interesting and engaging talk on AI. So knowledgeable, I could have listened for hours.” Cass, PubSci Attendee, Demystifying AI.
“My mind is spinning with so much incredible information.” Helen, WI Learning Hub Online Attendee. Demystifying AI.
“I think Ruth is amazing. Love her thoughts, talks, explanations – everything.” Sandra, WI Learning Hub Online Attendee, Demystifying AI.
Booking & Inquiries
To host me Demystifying AI as a public talk or special session please inquire via the Contact Page.
Last updated: July 2026