Épisodes

  • Melissa Wood: How I Turned My Own Renovation Nightmare into an AI Business
    Dec 8 2025

    In this episode of the AI Chronicles podcast, host Kyle James interviews Melissa Wood, founder and CEO of Formus, a SaaS platform revolutionizing the home renovation process through AI. Melissa shares her personal journey of frustration during her own home renovation, which inspired her to create Formus. The conversation delves into how Formus targets project owners and renovation professionals, the challenges they face, and how AI is being implemented to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Melissa discusses the impressive results they've seen since implementing AI, including significant time savings and increased revenue for their partners. The episode concludes with insights into future AI initiatives and how listeners can learn more about Formus.

    Links:

    Formus: formus.ai

    GPT Trainer: Automate anything with AI -> gpt-trainer.com

    Key Moments:

    • Formus was born out of personal renovation challenges.
    • The platform targets both homeowners and renovation professionals.
    • AI is used to streamline workflows and reduce non-productive tasks.
    • Formus has seen a 50% reduction in time spent on tasks.
    • The platform aims to provide transparency for homeowners.
    • AI agents are being developed to assist in project management.
    • Real-world testing has validated the effectiveness of their AI solutions.
    • The company is focused on automating the pre-construction process.
    • Increased revenue for partners indicates success of the platform.
    • Listeners can reach out directly to learn more about Formus.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction to AI in Home Renovation
    • (00:01:29) - The Birth of Formus: A Personal Journey
    • (00:03:05) - Target Audience and Platform Functionality
    • (00:05:39) - The Role of AI in Streamlining Renovation Processes
    • (00:09:24) - Results and Validation of AI Implementation
    • (00:11:44) - Developing AI Agents for Enhanced Workflow
    • (00:14:05) - Future AI Initiatives and Goals
    • (00:16:29) - Conclusion and Call to Action
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    18 min
  • John Kitchin: Why AI is the Key to Automating Scientific Research
    Dec 5 2025

    In this episode of AI Chronicles, Hunter Zhao interviews John Kitchin, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, about the integration of AI in higher education and its applications in chemical engineering. They discuss Kitchin's journey in academia, the challenges and advancements in using AI for modeling complex engineering problems, and the future of AI initiatives at Carnegie Mellon. The conversation also highlights the importance of educational resources for learning AI and machine learning.

    Links:

    Point Breeze Publishing: pointbreezepubs.gumroad.com

    GPT Trainer: Automate anything with AI -> gpt-trainer.com

    Key Moments:

    • Carnegie Mellon is leveraging AI for advanced modeling in engineering.
    • John Kitchin integrates teaching and research to enhance learning.
    • Machine learning is essential for building sophisticated engineering models.
    • Generative models can be applied beyond text to images and solutions.
    • AI applications in molecular simulation have evolved significantly.
    • The integration of AI in education is crucial for future advancements.
    • AI has not drastically reduced workload but enhanced data richness.
    • Future AI initiatives at Carnegie Mellon focus on automation and integration.
    • Educational content is being developed to facilitate AI learning.
    • Collaboration between domain knowledge and AI is essential for success.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction to AI at Carnegie Mellon
    • (00:02:39) - John Kitchin's Journey to Carnegie Mellon
    • (00:05:34) - The Role of AI in Engineering and Research
    • (00:08:25) - Generative Models and Their Applications
    • (00:11:09) - AI in Molecular Simulation and Research
    • (00:13:47) - Future AI Initiatives at Carnegie Mellon
    • (00:16:34) - Educational Resources for AI Learning
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    18 min
  • Lorraine Allman: The Surprising Reason We’re Using AI Despite Its Carbon Footprint
    Dec 3 2025

    In this episode of AI Chronicles, Hunter Zhao interviews Lorraine Allman, founder of Party Without Plastic, discussing how the company integrates AI into its operations to promote sustainability. Lorraine shares the inspiration behind the business, the challenges of adopting AI, and the steps taken to implement it effectively. The conversation highlights the positive impact of AI on social media engagement and the company's commitment to reducing single-use plastics while maintaining transparency and environmental consciousness.

    Links:

    Party Without Plastic: partywithoutplastic.com

    GPT Trainer: Automate anything with AI -> gpt-trainer.com

    Key Moments:

    • The inspiration for Party Without Plastic came from Lorraine's son.
    • AI adoption was a significant decision due to its carbon footprint.
    • Using AI for good means promoting sustainable practices.
    • The company collaborates with experts to develop AI tools.
    • AI helps analyze trends and improve social media engagement.
    • The sustainable party planner is a unique AI application.
    • Engagement on social media increased by 200% after AI implementation.
    • Monitoring user feedback is crucial for AI tool improvement.
    • The company aims to balance AI benefits with environmental impact.
    • Future initiatives will focus on refining AI tools and reducing plastic use.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction to AI in Business
    • (00:01:11) - The Birth of Party Without Plastic
    • (00:03:02) - Adopting AI: Challenges and Considerations
    • (00:05:00) - Implementing AI: Step-by-Step Process
    • (00:10:02) - Measuring AI Impact and Results
    • (00:11:44) - Future AI Initiatives and Sustainability
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    14 min
  • Lauren Petrullo: The Unexpected Business Decision That Led to a Million-Dollar Agency
    Dec 1 2025

    In this episode of AI Chronicles, Hunter Zhao interviews Lauren Petrullo, founder of Mongoose Media, about the integration of AI in their business operations. Lauren shares the journey of Mongoose Media, the challenges they faced, and how they leveraged AI tools to enhance their marketing strategies. The conversation delves into the results achieved through AI, future initiatives, and the importance of SEO in the evolving digital landscape.

    Links:

    Mongoose Media: mongoosemedia.us

    GPT Trainer: Automate anything with AI -> gpt-trainer.com

    Key Moments:

    • Mongoose Media was founded out of a desire to avoid job applications.
    • The agency has grown from one person to over 20 employees.
    • AI tools have significantly increased organic traffic and sales.
    • AI has improved ad performance and reduced operational burdens.
    • The integration of AI has led to a 25% increase in conversion rates.
    • Mongoose Media continues to hire more staff due to increased demand.
    • SEO and generative AI are becoming crucial for digital marketing.
    • The agency is focused on making their content more AI accessible.
    • Future initiatives include leveraging programmatic AI for better ad targeting.
    • Transparency in sharing successes and failures is key to growth.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction to Mongoose Media and AI Implementation
    • (00:02:40) - The Journey of Mongoose Media
    • (00:05:42) - The Role of AI in Mongoose Media
    • (00:08:29) - AI Tools and Their Impact
    • (00:11:27) - Results and ROI from AI Integration
    • (00:14:14) - Future AI Initiatives and SEO Strategies
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    25 min
  • Fabio Sacoman: How to Use AI to Unlock Your Team’s Potential
    Nov 28 2025

    In this episode of AI Chronicles, Hunter Zhao interviews Fabio Sacoman, Vice President of Learning and Development at Expedia Group, about the integration of AI within the company. Fabio shares his personal journey and motivation for embracing AI, describing it as a powerful co-worker that enhances productivity and strategic thinking. The conversation explores the balance between building in-house AI solutions and leveraging third-party technologies, as well as upcoming AI initiatives aimed at improving customer experiences and internal operations. The episode emphasizes the importance of empowering employees to experiment with AI to drive innovation and efficiency.

    Links:

    Expedia: expediagroup.com

    GPT Trainer: Automate anything with AI -> gpt-trainer.com

    Key Moments:

    Takeaways

    • AI is viewed as a powerful co-worker rather than just a tool.
    • Fabio's motivation for joining Expedia is to create meaningful travel experiences.
    • AI can help free up time for more strategic thinking and decision-making.
    • Expedia encourages all employees to experiment with AI technologies.
    • The company balances building in-house solutions with using third-party AI products.
    • AI initiatives focus on enhancing customer experiences and internal productivity.
    • Learning and development are key areas where AI can drive significant improvements.
    • AI enables faster and better learning opportunities for employees.
    • The future of AI at Expedia includes creating seamless experiences for travelers.
    • Empowering employees to use AI is crucial for driving innovation.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction to AI at Expedia Group
    • (00:03:04) - Fabio's Journey and Motivation for AI
    • (00:05:37) - AI as a Co-Worker: Enhancing Productivity
    • (00:08:27) - Building vs. Buying AI Solutions
    • (00:11:11) - Future AI Initiatives at Expedia
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    15 min
  • Jason Ciment: The Biggest Mistake Digital Marketers Are Making with AI
    Nov 26 2025

    In this episode of the AI Chronicles podcast, host Kyle James interviews Jason Ciment, co-founder of Get Visible, a digital marketing agency that integrates AI into its operations. Jason shares his journey from being a CPA and lawyer to starting Get Visible, emphasizing the importance of relationship building in business. He discusses the challenges and benefits of using AI, including tools developed to enhance client understanding and streamline processes. The conversation also covers the results seen from AI implementation and future initiatives for the agency.

    Links:

    Get Visible: getvisible.com

    GPT Trainer: Automate anything with AI -> gpt-trainer.com

    Key Moments:

    • AI is transforming digital marketing strategies.
    • Building relationships is key to business success.
    • Understanding client personas is crucial for effective marketing.
    • AI can enhance content creation and efficiency.
    • Automation can streamline multiple business processes.
    • AI tools can help identify client pain points.
    • Quality content is essential for SEO success.
    • AI can assist in generating leads and improving visibility.
    • The integration of AI requires careful consideration of quality.
    • Future AI initiatives will focus on enhancing client services.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction to AI in Digital Marketing
    • (00:01:26) - The Journey of Get Visible
    • (00:05:48) - Building Relationships for Business Success
    • (00:08:09) - Embracing AI: Initial Hesitations and Strategies
    • (00:10:42) - Understanding Ideal Client Personas with AI
    • (00:12:31) - Innovative Tools and Applications of AI
    • (00:15:09) - Client Success Stories and Results
    • (00:17:23) - Future AI Initiatives at Get Visible
    • (00:19:54) - Conclusion and Resources
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    22 min
  • Clay Ostrom: The Hidden Problem That’s Killing Your Brand
    Nov 24 2025

    In this episode of the AI Chronicles podcast, host Kyle James speaks with Clay Ostrom, founder of Map and Fire and Smoke Ladder, about the integration of AI in brand strategy and consulting. They discuss the importance of clear messaging, the role of AI in analyzing customer data, and the challenges brands face in articulating their unique value. Clay shares insights on how AI can provide an objective perspective on branding and the future direction of AI in business.

    Links:

    Map & Fire: mapandfire.com

    GPT Trainer: Automate anything with AI -> gpt-trainer.com

    Key Moments:

    • AI is a significant topic in today's business landscape.
    • Clear messaging is crucial for brand memorability.
    • AI excels in data analysis rather than creative generation.
    • Brands often have unique value that is poorly communicated.
    • An outside perspective can help clarify brand messaging.
    • Quantifying brand performance leads to more productive discussions.
    • Many brands miss opportunities due to unclear communication.
    • AI can help identify patterns in customer research.
    • Integrating AI into client services can enhance brand audits.
    • Future initiatives will focus on productized services and data analysis.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction to AI in Business
    • (00:01:21) - The Journey of Map and Fire
    • (00:05:47) - Implementing AI in Brand Strategy
    • (00:11:12) - Identifying Barriers in Brand Communication
    • (00:14:34) - Results and Future of AI in Branding
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    19 min
  • Kristi Broom: How to Master the Art of AI-Human Collaboration
    Nov 21 2025

    In this episode of the AI Chronicles podcast, host Kyle James speaks with Kristi Broom, co-founder of Rising Tide Cooperative, about the integration of AI in business. They discuss the challenges and solutions of implementing AI, the importance of human-AI collaboration, and how AI can enhance marketing and messaging. Kristi shares insights on transforming work through AI, the mindset shift required for successful adoption, and the future initiatives of Rising Tide. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective change management and the potential of AI to free up time for more meaningful work.

    Links:

    Rising Tide Cooperative: risingtidecooperative.com

    GPT Trainer: Automate anything with AI -> gpt-trainer.com

    Key Moments:

    • Rising Tide Cooperative focuses on the intersection of AI and human skills.
    • AI can optimize workflows but still requires human judgment.
    • The name 'Rising Tide' symbolizes collaborative success in AI adoption.
    • AI implementation began with simple chatbots and evolved to broader applications.
    • Marketing and messaging have seen the most significant impact from AI.
    • Training AI to reflect personal voice is crucial for effective communication.
    • AI can automate tasks, allowing humans to focus on strategic initiatives.
    • Change management is essential for successful AI integration in organizations.
    • Employees should view AI as a tool for enhancement, not replacement.
    • Future initiatives include further automation and onboarding processes using AI.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction to AI in Business
    • (00:01:29) - The Rising Tide Cooperative: Background and Mission
    • (00:03:28) - Implementing AI: Challenges and Solutions
    • (00:06:07) - AI in Marketing and Messaging
    • (00:07:52) - The Human-AI Collaboration
    • (00:10:41) - Transforming Work: The Mindset Shift
    • (00:12:37) - Future AI Initiatives at Rising Tide
    • (00:13:50) - Conclusion and Resources
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    15 min