Everyone’s talking about AI—but almost no one is implementing it well.

In this brutally honest episode of Brand in the Making, we sit down with Ian Miller, founder of AI consultancy FittedCloud and former AWS AI lead, to unpack why most enterprise AI projects crash and burn—and what smart teams do differently.

From tech stack disasters to leadership blind spots, Ian breaks down:

• The top 3 reasons AI projects fail (and how to fix them)
• Why your data pipeline matters more than your LLM choice
• How to get alignment between engineers, execs, and end-users
• What it takes to build AI maturity inside legacy orgs
• The real role of AWS, cloud infrastructure, and GPU bottlenecks in today’s AI economy

🎯 “AI is the easy part. The hard part is getting your people to use it.”

Whether you’re a CTO, founder, data leader, or just trying to navigate the hype, this episode is your blueprint for turning AI vision into business value.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to AI in Biotech
(02:03) Dr. Ian Miller's Journey in Biotech
(08:07) The Evolution of Computational Biology
(10:22) Generative AI in Drug Discovery
(13:01) Drug Repurposing and Its Potential
(18:32) Understanding MLOps in Biotech
(24:35) Evolving Models and MLOps
(30:28) China's Innovation Landscape
(36:01) The Impact of Research Funding
(37:04) Universal Basic Income and Job Displacement
(44:05) The Future of AI and Software Development

Brian McKeiver, co-owner of BizStream, joins AI Lab Unfiltered to talk about how his team is using AI to enhance software development, streamline client collaboration, and rethink internal workflows. From battling AI skepticism to using GPTs to simplify dev processes, Brian breaks down what’s actually working—and what still feels like hype.

He also dives into how BizStream is training up a team of “AI champions” internally, plus what he’s personally using AI for (spoiler: it’s helping with email overload).

(00:00) Welcome & Studio Shoutouts
(01:14) Meet Brian McIver of BizStream
(02:03) From Kentico to Custom Development
(03:27) The AI Use Cases That Actually Work
(06:45) Internal AI Adoption & “AI Champions”
(08:20) Balancing AI Skepticism & Practical Wins
(10:05) GPTs for Summarizing Code and Project Notes
(12:10) Getting Developers to Try AI in Workflows
(14:03) Brian’s Personal AI Use & Favorite Tools
(16:18) BizStream’s Focus for the Future
(18:00) Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Brian

Alex Mead, co-creator of Redmaq, joins AI Lab Unfiltered to talk about solving one of the biggest headaches in architecture—disorganized communication. From buried meeting notes to scattered feedback, Alex explains how Redmaq uses AI to turn chaos into clarity, helping architects spend less time managing and more time designing.

He also shares the origin story behind the tool, why trust and privacy are baked into every layer, and what it’ll take to get more firms using AI the right way.

(00:00) Meet Alex Mead & His Path from Engineering to AI
(02:15) What Makes Redmaq Different from Other Tools
(04:28) Solving the Chaos of Architectural Communication
(07:33) How Redmaq Organizes Feedback & Notes
(10:18) Training AI to Understand Context & Conversation
(13:42) Will AI Replace Architects? (Spoiler: No)
(15:40) Bringing Institutional Knowledge to the Surface
(18:10) AI + Privacy: Redmaq’s Approach to Trust
(21:16) What’s Next for Redmaq & Adoption Across Firms
(24:00) Closing Thoughts & Alex’s Vision for the Future

Walter Ward III, co-founder of TiiCKER, joins the AI Lab Unfiltered podcast to share how he’s building a fintech startup that lets everyday investors unlock perks—just for owning stock. Think free Häagen-Dazs for holding shares or a discount on the Stars app if you’re a Lionsgate investor. Walter also reveals how AI powers the platform behind the scenes and shares how he uses AI personally, including building a custom executive coach GPT that gives him daily motivation in the voice of Gary Vee and Tupac.

(00:00) Meet Walter Ward III & the Origin of TiiCKER
(01:06) What TiiCKER Does: Perks for Stockholders
(03:10) Gamifying Ownership with TiiCKER 3.0
(04:50) AI-Powered Verification: How It Works
(07:47) Why TiiCKER’s Workflow Was Built to Scale
(09:08) AI’s Role in Future Customer Support
(09:48) AI for Personal Investing: Satellite Data & Parking Lots
(11:11) Compliance & Fintech Partnerships
(13:28) Using AI Daily: “Coach” & “The Archivist”
(16:18) Building a GPT-Based Executive Coach
(18:02) Prompt Engineering Tips & AI Daily Use
(20:36) Why Everyone Should Be a Student of AI
(22:19) Voice Clones, Motivation & David Goggins
(23:52) Using AI to Replace Friction in Daily Life
(25:52) AI Therapy & Self-Discovery Prompts
(27:30) AI as the Ultimate Unbiased Coach
(28:09) A Motivational Sample from “Coach”
(29:39) Where to Find Walter Online
(30:32) Grand Rapids Plans & Final Thoughts

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew and Pete engage with Ben Jocks from Mutually Human to explore the evolving landscape of AI personas. They discuss the integration of generative AI tools in software development, the importance of collaboration and competition in AI applications, and the potential for AI to enhance social interactions. The conversation highlights the transformative power of AI in creating functional prototypes, optimizing workflows, and improving communication through emotional intelligence. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the potential of AI, particularly in the context of social simulations and the use of personas. They discuss methodologies like the Six Thinking Hats to enhance AI interactions and the importance of customizing AI responses. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in job roles, the necessity of training AI for specific tasks, and the significance of implementation in effectively utilizing AI. Additionally, they explore the concept of adaptive user interfaces and how they can revolutionize user experiences.

(00:00) Introduction to AI Personas
(13:48) Understanding AI Personas and Their Applications
(24:52) The Future of AI in Social Interactions
(25:23) Exploring Social Simulations and Their Potential
(26:15) Utilizing Personas in AI Interactions
(27:14) The Six Thinking Hats Methodology
(29:04) Customizing AI Responses for Better Outcomes
(30:28) The Role of Personas in Collaborative AI
(32:45) Human Augmentation and AI Collaboration
(34:05) The Future of AI in Job Roles
(36:06) Training AI for Specific Tasks
(38:22) The Importance of Implementation in AI
(40:25) Real-World Applications of AI in Business
(42:18) Adaptive User Interfaces and Their Impact

In this conversation, John Butler from Echo X discusses the evolution of AI tools, particularly focusing on content creation and property management solutions. He shares his personal journey of overcoming discomfort with video through AI avatars and highlights the development of AI scheduling tools. The discussion also touches on regulatory challenges faced by AI communication tools and introduces 'Charlie', an AI solution designed to streamline property management tasks such as rent collection and maintenance requests. In this conversation, the speakers explore the future of automation, custom software, and the impact of AI on traditional software development. They discuss the rise of micro applications and the potential shift in the software industry as users demand more tailored solutions. The conversation also touches on the fascination with conspiracy theories and how they relate to predictions about the software landscape. Ultimately, the speakers emphasize the ongoing need for engineers and the evolving role of technology in business.

(00:00) Introduction to AI and Personal Experiences
(05:02) The Evolution of AI Tools and Content Creation
(10:06) The Journey of Echo X and AI Scheduling Solutions
(14:48) Challenges and Regulations in AI Communication
(20:07) Charlie: The AI Solution for Property Management
(29:19) The Future of Automation and Custom Software
(32:22) Conspiracy Theories and Software Predictions
(38:09) The Evolution of SaaS and Micro Applications
(45:00) The Role of Engineers in a Changing Landscape

In this episode of the AI Lab Unfiltered podcast, host and guest Kim Bode discuss the integration of AI in public relations, focusing on its applications, challenges, and the importance of training AI models to align with brand voice. They explore various AI tools, the necessity of responsible AI usage in education, and the evolving landscape of AI in communication. In this conversation, the speakers explore the multifaceted impact of AI on education, the workplace, and creativity. They discuss the ethical implications of using AI-generated content, the importance of maintaining authenticity in communication, and the need for critical thinking skills in a technology-driven world. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between leveraging AI as a tool and preserving human creativity and relationships.

(00:00) Introduction to AI in Public Relations
(02:51) Using AI for Content Creation
(05:53) Challenges of AI in Capturing Brand Voice
(08:57) The Importance of Training AI Models
(11:46) Navigating AI Tools for Effective Communication
(14:58) The Future of AI in Public Relations
(18:02) Teaching AI Responsibly in Education
(22:37) Navigating AI in Education
(24:15) AI's Role in the Workplace
(28:31) The Balance of AI and Human Creativity
(30:42) The Future of Authenticity in Content Creation
(36:43) Quality vs. Quantity in AI-Generated Content
(43:56) The Importance of Human Relationships in a Tech-Driven World
(49:56) Empowering the Next Generation with AI

In this episode of the AI Lab Unfiltered podcast, Craig Tucker, CEO of Vern AI, discusses the origins and development of Vern AI, a technology designed to enhance emotional intelligence in AI applications. The conversation explores the complexities of human emotions, the limitations of current sentiment analysis models, and the innovative approaches Vern AI takes to improve emotional detection. Craig shares insights into real-world applications, including partnerships with mental health organizations and the integration of Vern with large language models to create more empathetic AI interactions. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of AI in mental health and the evolving landscape of human-AI communication. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the critical need for accessible mental health care and how AI technology can play a transformative role in providing support. They explore the potential of AI to enhance therapy sessions, making them more personalized and effective. The discussion also touches on the ethical considerations surrounding AI, particularly regarding privacy and data security. The speakers emphasize the importance of overcoming fear and skepticism towards AI, highlighting its potential to revolutionize mental health care. They conclude by speculating on the future of AI in this field, suggesting that advancements will continue to improve the quality of care available to individuals.

(00:00) Introduction to Vern AI and Its Origins
(02:54) Understanding Emotions: A New Model
(05:46) The Role of Emotions in Communication
(09:04) Real-World Applications of Vern AI
(11:57) Advancements in Emotion Detection Technology
(14:48) Integrating Vern with Large Language Models
(18:01) Future of AI: Emotional Intelligence and Human Interaction
(20:59) The Impact of AI on Mental Health
(24:13) Conclusion and Future Directions
(28:20) The Importance of Accessible Mental Health Care
(30:52) AI's Role in Mental Health Support
(32:53) Enhancing Therapy with AI Technology
(34:44) AI as an Augmentation Tool for Therapists
(37:12) Privacy and Ethics in AI
(41:22) Overcoming Fear of AI and Embracing Change
(45:41) The Future of AI in Mental Health

In this conversation, Dan Hungerford, founder of EverFriends AI, discusses the intersection of AI and emotional intelligence, particularly in the context of elderly care. He shares his journey from a background in psychology to developing a mobile app that provides companionship through digital humans. The app aims to alleviate feelings of isolation among the elderly by offering personalized interactions and reminders. The conversation also delves into the technology behind the app, including its ability to learn from user interactions, privacy considerations, and the potential for early detection of cognitive decline. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the role of AI in enhancing human connections and supporting mental health. In this conversation, the speakers explore the intersection of mental health and technology, particularly focusing on the role of AI in providing emotional support and therapy. They discuss the accessibility of mental health apps globally, the importance of connection in therapy, and the generational differences in how AI is perceived. The conversation also touches on the future aspirations for AI in therapy, particularly in supporting individuals with autism and enhancing educational experiences. The speakers emphasize the need for human connection and the potential of AI to fill gaps in mental health support.

(00:00) Introduction to AI and Emotional Intelligence
(01:40) The Journey to EverFriends AI
(03:45) Understanding EverFriends AI's Functionality
(06:09) The Technology Behind EverFriends AI
(10:43) Multimodal Features and User Interaction
(12:17) Learning and Adapting to User Needs
(14:54) Privacy and Ethical Considerations
(16:42) Challenges in Designing Emotionally Resonant AI
(19:10) Potential for Early Detection of Cognitive Decline
(22:51) Connecting Families Through AI
(25:43) AI as a Supplement to Traditional Therapy
(27:35) Navigating Mental Health with Technology
(30:02) Global Reach and Accessibility of Mental Health Apps
(31:23) The Power of Connection: AI in Emotional Support
(34:06) Generational Perspectives on AI and Human Interaction
(39:50) Future Aspirations: Expanding AI's Role in Therapy
(42:57) AI's Potential in Autism Support and Education
(45:09) Building Connections: How People Discover AI Solutions
(46:28) The Evolution of AI in Personal and Professional Life

In this episode of the AI Lab Unfiltered Podcast, the conversation revolves around the practical applications of AI in education and marketing. Rachel Hammond, an associate professor, shares her insights on how AI is transforming higher education, the challenges of integrating AI into curricula, and the ethical considerations that come with its use in marketing. The discussion highlights the importance of preparing students for a future where AI is prevalent, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills. In this conversation, the speakers explore the evolving landscape of AI in marketing, education, and content creation. They discuss the implications of targeted advertising, the changing role of marketers, and the potential devaluation of AI-generated content compared to human creativity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating AI in publishing, the importance of maintaining human-centered approaches in AI applications, and the future of AI in higher education and human resources. Personal applications of AI in classroom planning and writing are also highlighted, showcasing its utility as a tool for enhancing productivity and creativity.

(00:00) Introduction to AI in Education and Marketing​
(03:04) The Role of AI in Higher Education​
(05:51) Navigating AI Adoption in Academia​
(08:57) Bridging the Gap with AI Resources​
(11:52) Ethics and AI in Marketing​
(14:59) The Future of AI in Business and Education​
(22:29) The Evolution of Targeted Advertising​
(23:23) The Changing Role of Marketers in AI​
(24:31) AI-Generated Content vs. Human Creativity​
(25:23) The Challenges of AI in Publishing​
(27:35) Using AI as a Writing Tool​
(29:24) AI in Higher Education: Future Directions​
(30:57) The Intersection of AI and Human Resources​
(32:09) Bias in AI and Its Implications​
(33:00) AI's Role in Classroom and Curriculum Development​
(36:19) Personal Applications of AI​
(40:14) Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Education