In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Hayden Smith, CTO at Pearler, for a practical masterclass on what AI actually is, why it matters for investors, and where the real money may be made across the supply chain. Rather than stopping at ChatGPT headlines, Owen and Hayden break the theme into layers: transformers, data centres, GPUs, memory, networking, cooling, electricity and the raw materials that keep the whole machine running. They explain why AI is not one stock or one app, but a chain of businesses that stretches from software giants like OpenAI, Google and Microsoft through to chip leaders like NVIDIA and the infrastructure companies supporting them. The conversation also brings the investing lens back to earth. Hayden explains why broad exposure still beats heroic single-stock bets for most people, while Owen walks through ETFs investors are already using to get exposure, including IVV, VGS, NDQ, FANG and AINF. Along the way, they talk about bubbles, bottlenecks, valuation risk and why some of the best opportunities may sit in the less glamorous parts of the stack. They also explore what AI could mean for Australian jobs and why much of the value may flow to US-listed businesses. If you want to understand how AI works, where the economic value might accrue and how to think about investing without getting swept up in hype, this episode gives you a clear framework to start with. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Overview 01:16 Sponsors 02:43 What Is AI? 04:06 Machine Learning Explained 07:05 Deep Learning & Neural Nets 09:04 The 2017 Transformer Breakthrough 13:09 How Profound Is AI? 16:24 AI Limitations & Hallucinations 20:37 Training vs. Inference 27:41 LLMs & Real-World Applications 32:01 Cloud Platforms & Hyperscalers 35:03 Data Centers & Hardware 42:48 ETFs & Investment Options 48:51 Hayden's Personal Strategy 51:25 Closing Thoughts Episode resources - Speak with the Rask Advice team: https://rask.com.au/advice - Ask a question (select the Investors podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest Show partner resources - ETF investor? Go beyond ordinary with Global X: View all funds https://www.globalxetfs.com.au - Visit TermPlus to learn more https://termplus.com.au/?utm_source=rask&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=investors&utm_term=general&utm_content=youtube_description - Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit: https://bit.ly/Pearler EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 - 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers: https://bit.ly/Pearler Rask resources - All services: https://bit.ly/R-services - Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan - Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest - Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes - Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest - We love feedback! https://raskau.typeform.com/to/ZbfHy6IP Follow us on social media - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg