A Beginner's Guide to AI

What does AI have to do with MongoDB—and why does it matter for the future of work, creativity, and our very idea of “productivity”? In this episode, Richmond Alake from MongoDB joins us for a wide-ranging, insightful conversation on everything from the basics of machine learning to the future of vector databases and agentic AI systems. Richmond explains how large language models think in structur...

In this episode, Greg Shove—founder of Section School—joins us to talk about how AI isn't just a tool, it's your new thought partner . From running board meetings with ChatGPT to using AI for medical insights and daily productivity, Greg shares how he's fully integrated AI into his professional and personal life. You'll hear how he's transforming business education with AI-powered coaching, what m...

AI isn’t the future — it’s right now . In this episode, Christopher Penn joins me to break down what most companies get wrong about artificial intelligence, why ChatGPT is just the engine (not the car), and how ego — not tech — is the biggest roadblock to real innovation. 📧📧📧 Tune in to get my thoughts and all episodes, don't forget to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscrib...

Why does your smartphone sometimes act like a mind reader and other times seem hopelessly confused? In this episode of “A Beginner’s Guide to AI,” we explore the dramatic showdown between probabilistic and deterministic systems in artificial intelligence. Discover why some AIs operate like precise clockwork while others make predictions by rolling the dice—plus how this difference shapes everythin...

In this episode, we sit down with Michaela Wessels, founder of Style Arcade, to uncover how artificial intelligence is transforming the fashion industry from the inside out. From eliminating gut-feel guesswork in buying decisions to solving the age-old “I can’t find my size” problem, Michaela shares how AI and data can optimize inventory for every store, every product, and every size. Whether you’...

Do we still need programmers in the age of AI? In this episode, I sit down with Grigorij Dudnik, creator of Clean Coder AI —an agent-based AI framework that aims to transform how we build software. We dive deep into the future of programming, where AI agents take over the repetitive tasks and senior developers act more like managers than coders. Grigorij breaks down how his open-source tool works,...

In this episode, I sit down with Zain Shah, CEO and founder of ZEED , a data and AI strategy consulting firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Zain shares how companies often chase shiny AI tools without aligning them to business goals—and why that approach usually fails. --- Tune in to get my thoughts, don't forget to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe to our Newsletter ⁠⁠...

Unlocking the Future of Video Production with Amer Tadayon and AI 📹 Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is shaking up the world of video production? In this episode, we sit down with Amer Tadayon—an innovator at the intersection of creativity and technology—to dive deep into how AI is revolutionizing video production workflows, tools, and creative possibilities. Whether you’re a filmmaker,...

Ever wondered why some AI creations become overnight sensations, while others quietly fade into oblivion? In today's episode, Professor GePhardT introduces you to AI’s hidden personality dial— AI Temperature . You'll learn how tweaking this little-known setting can be the difference between bland, predictable results and wildly creative breakthroughs. We dive deep into real-world examples,...

In this episode, we sit down with Silicon Valley veteran Dave Martin — a former IBM engineer, serial tech CEO, and author of MegaThinking: How to Think Smarter . With decades of experience riding the waves of technological transformation, Dave shares why AI isn’t just another tech trend —it’s a 100x shift that will redefine everything from software to healthcare, media, and education. --- Tune in...

In this episode, I'm chatting with Troy, a celebrated fashion and celebrity photographer who transformed his passion for visual storytelling into a pioneering journey through AI. We dive deep into how AI is reshaping the creative landscape, making professional-level artistry accessible to everyone—no big budgets or massive teams required. Troy shares his inspiring journey from capturing ground...

In this episode, software veteran David Hirschfeld shares vivid insights into the rapidly approaching wave of AI transformation in tech, startups, and daily life. Drawing on his 35-year experience building successful software businesses, David paints a striking metaphor of a 100-foot rogue wave—representing the disruptive power of AI—forcing companies to either reinvent themselves or risk obsolesc...

Today on “A Beginner’s Guide to AI,” we’re tackling one of the most human problems in the world of machines—memory. Why does your AI assistant forget you faster than you can say “remind me again”? --- --- --- "The problem that I saw out there was that most of the books out there just talk about why it's important or what is important, but none of them really tell you how to make it happen...

AI-Powered Video Marketing with Jeremy Toeman Video marketing is evolving fast, and Jeremy Toeman is at the forefront of the revolution. In this episode, we explore how AI-powered video tools are making content creation easier, faster, and more scalable than ever. Jeremy, CEO of Augie, explains why 70% of marketers are missing out on video , how AI is changing the game for content creators, and wh...

Professors fear it, students use it, and universities struggle to keep up — AI is reshaping higher education. In this episode, I sit down with Evan Sveum, professor from Wisconsin-Eau Claire, who fully integrates AI into his teaching. He introduces us to Isabelle, his AI-powered teaching assistant, which has already handled over 1,000 student interactions. We dive into how AI enhances learning out...

Are you letting AI do all your heavy thinking? In this episode of “A Beginner’s Guide to AI”, we dive into the fascinating world of cognitive debt and how tools like ChatGPT might be quietly sapping your brainpower. --- --- --- And don't forget to support our sponsor: Get started with your premier league AI game with ⁠⁠ John Munsell's book ⁠⁠ 🚀 Exactly the help you need right now ⛑️ --- -...

In this episode, I sit down with Ami Meoded, the brilliant founder behind Elora : a revolutionary AI-powered baby wellness monitor. We dive into the incredible story of how a bold "gamble" on the future of AI became a mission to decode the secret world of babies — without cameras, without screens, and without judgment. --- --- --- And don't forget to support our sponsor: Get started...

In a shocking showdown between digital titans, the ancient Atari 2600 chess engine—powered by a humble 1.19 MHz CPU—has decisively beaten ChatGPT at its own game! How could this old-school AI, limited by tech from the late '70s, defeat one of today’s most advanced AI language models? Professor GePhardT pulls back the curtain, exploring the intriguing differences between specialized and general...

Professor GePhardT investigates how Lamarck’s once-rejected theory of inherited traits is turbo-charging modern AI and robotics. Listeners explore instant skill hand-offs between robot generations, a Victoria sponge thought experiment, real research from Amsterdam and Oslo, plus practical tips to spot Lamarckian leaps in everyday life—all wrapped in tongue-in-cheek banter and a dash of ethical sus...

Ever wondered if AI leaderboards are as fair as they seem? In today's episode of A Beginner's Guide to AI , Professor GePhardT digs into the explosive controversy known as the "Leaderboard Illusion." With the crowdsourced AI ranking platform LM Arena securing a jaw-dropping $100 million investment and skyrocketing its valuation to $600 million, AI evaluation has become serious bu...

AI is only as good as the foundation it's built on, and today’s guest, Collin Graves , knows exactly how to lay that groundwork. As the founder of North Labs, he’s been at the forefront of data, cloud, and AI transformation for nearly two decades. In this episode, Collin shares his journey from the US Air Force to becoming one of the first certified AWS experts and how that led him to the AI revol...

In this episode, I sit down with John Munsell, founder of Bizzuka, to explore how businesses can harness the true power of AI. John dives into his journey from running a digital marketing agency to becoming a thought leader in AI strategy. --- 📧 Tune in to get my thoughts, don't forget to get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 😎 --- Together, we un...

In this episode, sales genius Joe Ingram takes the mic to share his journey from electrical engineering to driving over $1.7 billion in sales. Discover how Joe leverages AI tools like ChatGPT to transform the sales process, automate tasks, and create custom solutions for entrepreneurs. He dives into simplifying complex ideas, turning chatbots into virtual business partners, and using innovative ha...

Do you need just one digital coworker—or an entire AI-powered team? In this episode of A Beginner’s Guide to AI , Professor Gephardt takes you deep into the exciting world of AI agents, exploring why relying on a single assistant might soon be outdated. Discover how specialized digital agents can effortlessly collaborate, handling everything from repetitive daily tasks to complex marketing strateg...

In today's exciting episode of A Beginner's Guide to AI , Professor Gephardt dives into the big debate: Should you become a T-shaped professional or a versatile generalist to thrive in the AI-driven workplace? Using vivid analogies involving delicious cakes, this episode explores why deep expertise (chocolate cake, anyone?) and broad adaptability (hello, marble cake!) both have critical ro...