# The Model Context Protocol (MCP) Explained — Why It’s the "USB-C for AI"

by [kirupa](https://www.kirupa.com/me/index.htm) | filed under [Web FUNdamentals](https://www.kirupa.com/web/index.htm)

I’m back with [Den Delimarsky](https://den.dev/) to talk about the Model Context Protocol (MCP) — the open standard that’s quietly transforming how AI assistants connect to data, tools, and services.

We unpack what MCP is, why it matters, and how it’s becoming the foundation for agentic workflows, developer tools, and authentic AI experiences. Watch the full conversation below:

Besides [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI8ybMqORck&list=PL478wQWRhpfa3g6t2maEDJQRFTBPGxTFe), you can listen/watch on [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/5v2jquJylUg5PCmcjkf320) and [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kirupa/id1650505117) as well if that is your jam!

## The TL;DR

The **Model Context Protocol** is to AI what **HTTP** was to the web — a universal connector that lets AI assistants securely access real-world data and tools.

It’s open, extensible, and vendor-neutral, designed to help AI work *with* humans instead of replacing them. MCP provides the “plumbing” for the magic behind next-gen assistants and agentic systems. We dive into this and more, and the following section headings and timestamp can help you jump to any topic that catches your eye.

**0:00 – Intro: Setting the Stage**

**1:00 – Origins of MCP**

**2:20 – What Is MCP?**

**4:30 – Why Not Just Use REST APIs?**

**7:00 – Local vs Hosted MCP Servers**

**8:00 – Developer Adoption & Tooling**

**9:00 – Discoverability & The MCP Registry**

**11:30 – Security & Trust Challenges**

**16:00 – Competing MCP Implementations**

**19:30 – Why Neutrality Matters**

**21:00 – The Road Ahead for MCP**

**25:00 – Avoiding Fragmentation & The Power of Community**

**31:00 – Lessons from History: Standards Win**

**33:00 – Agents and the Coming Paradigm Shift**

**39:00 – AI Ethics & Authenticity**

**44:00 – Democratization vs AI Slop**

**52:00 – Empowerment Through AI**

**59:00 – Taste and the Future of Work**

**1:06:00 – AGI, Creativity, and Human Uniqueness**

**1:15:00 – SpecKit, Guardrails, and the Future of Coding**

**1:18:00 – Expertise Still Matters**

**1:21:00 – Agentic Workflows and the SR Agent Future**

**1:24:00 – Cutting Through the Hype**

**1:25:30 – Conclusion: Plumbing for the Magic**

## Conclusion

MCP shows that progress in AI isn’t just about smarter models — it’s about better connections. By setting a common standard, we’re paving the way for tools that truly work together. Thanks for joining Den and me on this deep dive, and see you in the next episode!