Join host Sarah Nagle as she chats with Max Luthy,  co-founder of the innovative functional beverage brand, Plink!. Discover how Plink! is making waves in the competitive health and wellness space by focusing on delicious flavors and an approachable, engaging brand personality.

Key Conversation Points:

The Rise of Functional Beverages: Max shares his insights on what's driving the explosive growth in the functional beverage market and how Plink stands out by prioritizing both health benefits and enjoyment.

Sustainability Meets Deliciousness: Learn how Plink's commitment to sustainability led them to develop a unique product format that's good for both your body and the planet.

The Power of Community: Max explains how Plink! leverages its strong community engagement to gather feedback, shape product development, and build brand loyalty.

Products with Personality: We explore the intriguing concept of products that can talk! Max reveals what personality he envisions for Plink! and how he hopes it will resonate with consumers.

Introducing Plink! flavored Vurbs:

This week, we're excited to introduce 3 flavors of Plink! as 3 unique personalities, the AI companion inspired by the brand's fun-loving, approachable vibe.  Tune in as Sarah chats with the 3 flavors!

What would YOU ask Plink! if it could talk?

Share your thoughts and questions using #AIPoweredByPeople or connect with us on social media!

Follow Your Host and Guest:

Sarah Nagle, LinkedIn

Max Luthy, LinkedIn

IG/X, @drinkplink

Follow On Social:

Instagram | @vurveylabs

LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/vurveylabs

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Join host Sarah Nagle as we dive into the world of pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America. We'll hear from Doug Thielen, CMO of Selkirk Sport, about how Selkirk prioritizes the needs and experiences of pickleball players in their approach to innovation, community engagement, and product development.

Key Themes:

• The Pickleball Boom: We'll discuss the rapid growth of pickleball, from a regional pastime to a national phenomenon, and how it's bringing people together across generations.
• Innovation-Driven Design: Discover how the team at Selkirk Labs is revolutionizing pickleball equipment through cutting-edge materials and construction techniques.
• Community-Centric Approach: We'll explore how Selkirk engages with the pickleball community through programs like Selkirk Advocates, gathering real-time feedback to inform product development and brand strategy.
• The Future of Pickleball Equipment: Hear about Selkirk's latest innovations, including their new pure foam core paddle. Imagine a world where your pickleball paddle, powered by AI, could analyze your swing and offer tailored tips to improve your game.

This week on AI Powered by People, we sit down with Selkirk's Vurb, Kirk Pickleball, an AI embodiment of the brand's commitment to innovation and community. Kirk will share insights on finding the perfect equipment to match your individual playing style.

What's your favorite aspect of pickleball? Share your thoughts on AI's potential role in sports equipment development using #AIPoweredByPeople

Follow Your Host and Guest:

Sarah Nagle, LinkedIn

Doug Thielin, LinkedIn

Follow On Social:

Instagram | @vurveylabs

LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/vurveylabs

Download the Vurbs app for iOS  or GooglePlay to chat with Kirk Pickleball

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Join host Sarah Nagle as we lace up and explore the world of New Balance, the iconic footwear brand where nostalgic style meets modern performance. We'll hear from Osamase Ekhator, Innovation Project Manager for New Balance's Moonshot team, about the brand's unique approach to blending vintage appeal with cutting-edge design, their commitment to American craftsmanship, and how they're using consumer insights to shape the future of footwear

Key Themes:

• The Resurgence of Retro Sneakers: We'll discuss the growing trend of nostalgic footwear and how New Balance is capitalizing on it by reimagining classic silhouettes for today's consumer.

• The Power of Consumer Insights: Discover how New Balance gathers feedback from runners and athletes of all levels to ensure their products meet real needs and solve genuine problems.

• American Craftsmanship Meets Innovation: We'll explore how New Balance blends time-honored techniques with cutting-edge technology at their Lawrence factory, creating footwear that's both high-quality and forward-thinking.

• Giving Products a Voice: Hear from the New Balance 9060 "Vurb" and imagine a world where your sneakers could talk back, offering styling tips, sharing design inspiration, and answering your burning questions.

We'll chat with the New Balance 9060 Vurb to get its take on what makes it so iconic while it encourages listeners to embrace individuality and step out in style!

What do you look for in a pair of shoes? Share your thoughts on AI's role in the future of footwear on social media using #AIPoweredByPeople.

Follow Your Host and Guest:

Sarah Nagle, LinkedIn

Osamase Ekhator, LinkedIn

Instagram: @osamasetorbest

Follow On Social:

Instagram | @vurveylabs

LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/vurveylabs

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This episode of AI Powered by People takes us on an adventure with Outdoor Research (OR), a brand synonymous with high-quality, innovative outdoor gear. We explore OR's history, their commitment to user-centered design, and how they're adapting to the evolving outdoor landscape. Join host Sarah Nagle as she chats with Barrett Willett, Design Manager for Innovation and Accessories at OR, about:

• The Changing Face of Outdoor Recreation: From hardcore adventurers to everyday explorers, how OR caters to a wider audience seeking versatile gear for a multi-activity lifestyle.

• The Power of Consumer Feedback: How OR actively listens to its community, leading to unexpected product innovations like their expansion into mountain biking gear.

• A Hands-on Approach to Innovation: OR's unique collaborative environment that encourages rapid prototyping and cross-disciplinary ideation, resulting in gear designed for real-world performance.

This week, we introduce the Seattle Sombrero, a Vurb based on OR's iconic Seattle Rain Hat. Hear the Sombrero's take on its own nickname, its role as a helpful trail companion, and its thoughts on collaborating with other brands.

What would you ask YOUR Outdoor Research gear if it could talk? Share your thoughts using #AIPoweredByPeople or connect with us on social media! Download the Vurbs app to chat with the Seattle Sombrero and other AI companions, or even create your own!

Follow Your Host and Guest:

Sarah Nagle, LinkedIn

Barrett Willet, LinkedIn

Follow On Social:

Instagram | @vurveylabs

LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/vurveylabs

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Altra's Zero Drop Legacy - When Your Running Shoes Can Talk Guest: Alex Leuchanka, Biomechanics and Physiology Expert, Research Manager of Applied Innovation at Altra Running

In this episode of AI Powered by People, we explore:

• The revolutionary story behind Altra Running's zero-drop technology and how it's transforming running biomechanics
• Why shoe design impacts your ankle, knee, and hip movement during running
• The science behind Altra's innovative Vanish Carbon shoe with its unique flexible-yet-rigid plate design
• How AI could transform running shoe design and user experience through real-time feedback
• The evolution of Altra's popular Lone Peak and Escalante models, and what they reveal about natural running mechanics

Key Timestamps: 

00:00 - Consumer perspectives on talking shoes 

03:00 - The birth of Altra and zero-drop revolution 

07:30 - Innovation in biomechanics and shoe design 

13:30 - The future of AI-powered running companions 

18:30 - Closing thoughts and community engagement

Featured Products:

Altra Vanish Carbon

Altra Lone Peak (Trail)

Altra Escalante (Road)

Follow Your Host and Guest:

Sarah Nagle, LinkedIn

Alex Leuchanka, LinkedIn

Follow On Social:

Instagram | @ vurveylabs

LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/vurveylabs

Download the Vurbs app to chat with your own Altra running companion!

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Welcome to Season 2 of AI Powered by People! In this episode, we explore WHOOP, an AI health companion that revolutionizes personal wellness through continuous monitoring and smart insights, with help from Brett Tom, SVP of Industrial Design. We explore the question, 'How would your relationship change with WHOOP if you could talk to it?' Listen in to hear voices of users and a conversation with the WHOOP itself.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to WHOOP and Its Impact on Health

02:40
The Evolution of Personal Health Tracking

05:54
WHOOP Innovation 

08:50
Talk to your WHOOP 

11:09
The Future of Personalized Health Insights

13:45
Close

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vurbs/id6717610689
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vurvey.vurbs&hl=en_US

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Season 2 of AI Powered by People, the show that explores what could happen if your favorite products, brands, and experiences had a voice shaped by how you use and interact with them.

New Season dropping January 20th 

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Welcome to the 2024 Wrapped episode of "AI Powered by People." We're taking an exciting look back at 2024 and the AI developments that made waves throughout the year. We've got some great topics to discuss, plus we'll be sharing insights from our past guests that you won't want to miss!

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to AI Powered by People

02:45
Reflecting on a Year of Change

06:06
Human-AI Collaboration: A New Era

12:02
Democratization of Innovation

14:50
Evolution of Brand Loyalty

21:47
The Future of Work with AI

27:00
Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

2024 Wrapped Spotify Playlist

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Welcome to "A Very Merry Vurb Christmas," a special holiday episode of our podcast!

Get ready to experience classic Christmas stories like never before as we bring you three unique perspectives on beloved holiday tales. First up, we have Chuck Chardonnay, our resident sommelier comedian, sharing his version of 'The Grinch who Stole Christmas'. Then, we'll hear from Jenny Z, our Gen Z expert, who'll give us a fresh take on 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'. Last but not least, Sam, our hiking enthusiast, will take us on a journey of 'A Christmas Carol'.

So grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in by the fire, and join us for this merry mashup of Christmas stories. It's time to kick off "A Very Vurb Christmas"!

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to AI Powered by People

03:05
Christmas Stories Retold by AI Agents

05:58
Chuck Chardonnay's Take on The Grinch

08:50
Jenny's Gen Z Perspective on Christmas

11:47
Sam's Hiking Twist on A Christmas Carol

14:12
Thoughts on Next Week's Episode

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This week we were able to brainstorm how to bring art to life like the Grammy nominated RUN DMC docuseries 'Kings from Queens', art directed by our guest this week: Jason Snell. Jason shares his creative journey and insights into the filmmaking process, emphasizing the importance of saying yes to opportunities and the hard work that leads to success. In this conversation, Sarah Nagle and Jason discuss the intersection of art, design, and technology, particularly focusing on the influence of AI in creative processes. They explore the historical significance of Run-DMC in music, the importance of archival materials in documentaries, and the evolving role of artists as mentors. The discussion also delves into the potential of AI tools for designers, the implications of blockchain for ownership, and the future of collaboration in art.

Chapters

00:00
Embracing Change in Art and Technology

04:15
AI Developments and Innovations

08:31
The Challenge of Deepfakes and Digital Authenticity

12:01
OpenAI's Santa Mode and AI in Entertainment

14:26
AI Agents and Brand Companions

17:19
Jason Snell's Journey and Creative Process

27:21
Kings from Queens: A Documentary Journey

31:38
The Journey of Creation

32:08
Rock and Roll's Impact on Run-DMC

33:11
AI Tools for Designers

37:02
Exploring Archival Components in Documentary Films

39:51
Legacy and Mentorship in Art

41:48
Embracing AI in Design

43:46
Ownership and Blockchain in Art

45:41
Productizing Artistic Styles with AI

49:33
The Future of Collaboration in Art

54:46
Advice for Upcoming Artists

57:08
Creating AI Tools for Kids

01:00:27
Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

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