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Master n8n workflow automation in this complete guide. If you're tired of manual tasks, n8n (an open-source Zapier alternative) might be the solution. Richardson Dackam, founder and AI builder, joins Mike to explore how developers can save time using n8n. We dive into powerful use cases like email management, social media automation, and prototyping. Learn how to integrate AI models (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini), run custom code scripts, use webhooks, connect to databases, and implement human-in-the-loop validation. Richardson also shares common pitfalls, observability strategies, and the difference between self-hosting and the cloud.

Learn more from Richardson:

https://richdackam.com

https://www.nshipyard.com

Connect with us

https://x.com/ToolUsePodcast

https://x.com/MikeBirdTech

https://x.com/RichardsonDx

00:00:00 - Intro

00:00:32 - What is n8n? (Open-Source Automation)

00:02:23 - Common n8n Use Cases (Email, Social Media)

00:03:36 - Automating Email: AI Tone & Human in the Loop

00:07:02 - Observability, Logging, and Error Handling

00:22:00 - Using Custom Code & JavaScript Nodes

00:29:50 - n8n Cloud vs. Self-Hosting (Features & Security)

00:37:01 - How to Get Started with n8n (Beginner's Roadmap)

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Tool Use is a weekly conversation with the top AI experts.

Join the Tool Use Discord: https://discord.gg/PnEGyXpjaX

Is your RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) pipeline optimized, or is it even necessary? We all know context is king for LLMs, but large context windows might not be the answer. On Episode 63 of Tool Use, we deep dive into RAG with Apurva Misra, founder of Sentick. We explore the entire RAG workflow, from creating and optimizing embeddings to choosing the right vector DB (like Postgres with PG Vector). Apurva explains the critical role of re-rankers , the power of hybrid search (combining semantic and keyword search) , and when to consider agentic RAG. We also cover the essential steps for taking your RAG system to production, including data quality, feedback loops , and safety guardrails.

Connect with Apurva Misra:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misraapurva/

Consulting: https://www.sentick.com/

Website: https://apurvamisra.com/

Connect with us

https://x.com/ToolUsePodcast

https://x.com/MikeBirdTech

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:18 - What is RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)?

00:03:41 - Is RAG Dead? Large Context Windows vs. RAG

00:06:40 - The RAG Workflow: Embeddings, Chunking & Vector DBs

00:28:00 - Do You Need a Re-Ranker?

00:41:24 - Production RAG: Safety, Guardrails & Efficiency

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Tool Use is a weekly conversation with the top AI experts, brought to you by ToolHive.

Join the Tool Use Discord: https://discord.gg/PnEGyXpjaX

Unlock the power of AI for personalization at scale in your business. While many focus on AI for efficiency, the real game-changer is creating magical, more human digital experiences for your customers. We're joined by Lee Russell, founder of Minimum Viable Launch and an AI expert with over a decade of experience, to discuss how you can leverage AI to be both "high tech and high touch," transforming your marketing, sales, and product delivery.

Discover the concept of "context engines" and learn why gathering qualitative customer data is your new competitive moat in the age of AI. We explore the tools you need to build this infrastructure, from powerful automation platforms like n8n to the magic of vector databases for chatting with your unstructured data. Lee also shares his strategies for avoiding generic "AI slop" and creating truly unique, high-quality outputs that will make your customer experience remarkable.

Learn more from Lee Russell:

https://www.minimalviablelaunch.io/

Connect with us

https://x.com/ToolUsePodcast

https://x.com/MikeBirdTech

00:00 - Intro

01:27 - "High Tech, High Touch": Personalization at Scale Explained

07:55 - The Best Data for AI Personalization

12:03 - How to Avoid Creating "AI Slop"

21:15 - AI Tools for Building Custom Agents (n8n & Vector DBs)

30:37 - How to Start Learning and Escape "Tutorial Hell"

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Tool Use is a weekly conversation with the top AI experts, brought to you by ToolHive.