In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie are joined by Shira Kates, design executive and AI/UX strategist with 20 years leading product teams across enterprise, consumer, and AI-powered experiences.  Most recently, at the VP level at Google AppSheet, she built a product vision that influenced roadmaps across Google Cloud AI. She’s now focused on AI products that make people’s lives better, with teams that bring real craft and curiosity to the table.

They discuss how AI is reshaping product design, prototyping, and product teams, sharing insights on the rapid changes happening across product development. The conversation also explores the transition from corporate to a more entrepreneurial path, including the mindset shifts and opportunities that come with stepping beyond a large corporate environment.

They wrap up with their Love It or Leave It segment, diving into everything from hikers in California needing rescue after relying on AI to plan a trip, to Ulta's use of Flock cameras, and New York City's decision to ban generative AI for students.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Connect with Shira here: 

• https://shirakates.com/
• Shira’s prototype of a coaching platform with an AI back office: http://sodsoov.com password: flywheel 
• https://shirakatescoaching.com
• Instagram: @shirakatescoaching
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shirakates
• Substack: @shirakates 

Chapters

02:08 How AI prototyping has changed in recent years

03:52 The inflection point with AI-generated prototypes

04:58 Transformations in design workflows with AI

07:01 Market hype versus actual AI capabilities in design

08:02 The importance of human judgment and aesthetics

09:55 Favorite AI tools for design and prototyping

12:11 Workflow changes with Claude and Google AI Studio

15:05 Skills designers need in the AI era

17:25 The value of adaptability and AI literacy

20:29 Transition from corporate to entrepreneurial work

23:52 The future of AI and human collaboration in design

Reference links to explore key topics discussed in this episode: 

https://ktla.com/news/california/hikers-rescued-mount-shasta-gemini-ai 

https://www.allure.com/story/ulta-beauty-flock-petition 

https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/09/mayor-mamdani-and-chancellor-samuels-put-students-first-with-nat 

In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie explore the growing legal and ethical battles surrounding AI-generated music, from copyright lawsuits and artist rights to the broader question of who owns creative work in the age of AI. They break down recent allegations that AI companies trained models on copyrighted song lyrics, examine new legal challenges involving musicians' names and voices, and discuss why licensing agreements may not resolve every issue. Along the way, they unpack what these cases could mean for creators, AI companies, and anyone building a business on top of someone else's intellectual property.

Then, in their “Love It or Leave It” segment, they put their ears to the test by asking whether humans can still reliably identify AI-generated music and weigh in on the latest music and pop culture moments shaping the conversation around creativity, technology, and the future of the industry.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Chapters

02:07 Lawsuit details against Anthropic and major publishers

03:52 Allegations of piracy and training data sources

05:58 Artist rights and voice likeness issues

08:00 Legal strategies and recent settlements

09:52 Implications for artists and the industry

12:09 How consumers and creators should approach AI music

13:55 Future legal and ethical considerations in AI music

16:09 Examples of AI music in the market today

18:02 How to identify AI-generated music

19:56 The cultural impact of AI in music

21:48 Artist perspectives and legal rights

24:00 The role of licensing and regulation

In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie explore Tesla's CyberCab launch and the broader context of autonomous transportation. They explore the contrasting AI approaches of Tesla and Waymo, the critical importance of trust and safety in autonomous vehicles, and the consumer experience with the CyberCab. 

In their “Love It or Leave It” segment, Jackie and Katie weigh in on a range of cultural moments, from Hypebae featuring Vivian Wilson in an anti-technology fashion campaign to the new documentary You Can See Everything, which follows Elizabeth Holmes. They wrap up with a discussion on whether Burning Man can still serve as a place for self-discovery and reinvention, or if it has drifted too far from its roots as commercialization increasingly shapes the experience.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Chapters

02:03 Tesla's Vision-Centric AI Approach vs Waymo's Sensor Fusion

04:11 Scalability and Cost Implications of Different AI Strategies

06:07 Regulatory Challenges and Safety Concerns for Autonomous Vehicles

07:57 Trust, Psychological Barriers, and Human Control in AI Vehicles

09:58 Real-World Experience with CyberCab in Austin

12:03 Consumer Trust and the Future of Autonomous Transportation

13:23 Vivian Wilson in an anti technology fashion campaign

15:56 Elizabeth Holmes Documentary 

17:58 The Role of Art, Community, and Self-Reflection at Burning Man

Reference links to explore key topics discussed in this episode: 

https://www.tesla.com/robotaxi

https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/06/techcrunch-mobility-tesla-cybercab-hits-the-road-and-a-snag/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdC5wUtFYW0/

https://hypebae.com/2026/9/desigual-vivian-jenna-wilson-fw26-campaign-collection-robots-where-to-buy

https://people.com/elizabeth-holmes-lets-cameras-into-her-home-weeks-before-heading-to-prison-shocking-new-documentary-trailer-12110157

https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/tech-ceo-burning-man-22420223.php

In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie explore AI's impact on the future of work, examining how every major technological revolution has reshaped the workforce, from the Industrial Revolution to the Computer Age, and what makes the current AI era unique. They discuss why humans remain essential throughout the AI ecosystem, the opportunities and challenges created by automation, and the growing debate around whether AI should augment workers or replace them. The conversation also covers emerging policy responses in China around the importance of worker protections and ethical AI adoption, and why retraining and workforce development will play a critical role in creating a more human-centered future of work.

In their “Love It or Leave It” segment, Jackie and Katie weigh in on a sophisticated scam involving fake celebrity podcast invitations, the latest Goop pop culture controversy surrounding exclusive event invites, and the growing pushback against Meta's AI-powered smart glasses in the UK.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Chapters

02:06 Historical Technological Revolutions and Job Changes

03:56 The Cognitive Shift: AI Automating Thought Processes

05:56 Policy Responses and Worker Protections in China and Europe

08:10 The Human Element: Ethics, Oversight, and Human-Centered AI

09:53 Behind the Scenes: Human Labor in AI Training

12:08 Task Reshaping and the Future of Work

13:48 Nuances of AI's Impact on Professions like Law and Medicine

16:09 The Role of Business and Government in Shaping AI's Future

17:56 Strategies for Human-Centered AI Implementation

19:54 The Future of Work: Collaboration, Innovation, and Responsibility

Reference links to explore key topics discussed in this episode: 

https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/chinas-courts-rule-workers-cant-153000752.html

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/regulatory-framework-ai

https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/from-kitchens-to-factories-indians-train-future-robots-1.500571023

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/19/goldman-ai-impact-employment-jobs.html

In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie explore the rapid growth of AI tools like Chat GPT and Google Gemini, their user milestones, and what this means for society, business, and education. They discuss the implications of AI adoption, the backlash against AI, and the future of monetization and trust in AI technologies.

Then, in their “Love it or Leave it” segment, they weigh in on OpenAI's new ChatGPT for Teens, which includes safeguards designed to limit high-risk conversations and alert adults to certain sensitive topics. They also discuss the TikTok trend of teen friend groups using AI to write scenes and then acting them out themselves, as well as the growing debate around students relying on AI to complete their schoolwork.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Chapters

01:59 Comparing User Metrics: Chat GPT vs Google Gemini

04:08 Growth Strategies: Organic vs Default Integration

06:03 Marketing and Timing of Announcements

08:03 Behavioral Shifts in AI Usage: Voice and Visual Interaction

10:13 From Growth to Monetization: The Next Phase

11:58 Backlash, Ethical Concerns, and Regulation

14:05 Trust, Loyalty, and Long-term Adoption

16:01 AI in Education and Teen Usage Trends

18:03 Fun and Creative Uses of AI Among Teens

20:00 AI's Impact on Learning and Critical Thinking

22:05 The Future of AI: Monetization and Cultural Shifts

23:55 Summary and Final Thoughts on AI's Trajectory

Reference links to explore key topics discussed in this episode: 

https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/11/googles-gemini-app-surges-to-one-billion-users/

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/gemini-catches-chatgpt-passing-1-100348339.html

In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie are joined by Dr. Yi Zhang, founder of The Learning Brand, an ISTE and TEDx speaker, and a learning executive who has helped upskill more than 120,000 people worldwide through periods of major technology shifts, including AI. She’s held leadership roles spanning Fortune 100 companies and K-12 education. Her latest project, AlphaStack, helps parents and educators keep Generation Alpha human as AI becomes part of children's lives at an increasingly younger age.

They explore the impact of AI on children, the current landscape of AI integration in toys and education, and how parents and educators can navigate this complex space responsibly.

They close with their Love It or Leave It segment with a discussion on how major toy brands and films like Toy Story 5 are addressing AI's impact on child development, and how companies are balancing innovation with the concerns of parents and families.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Connect with Yi here: thelearningbrand.co and on Instagram @dr_yizhang_official

Chapters

02:15 AI in toys and classroom tools today

04:17 Current policies and gaps in AI regulation

06:36 Legal obligations and risks for AI products

08:27 The role of companies and government in AI safety

12:12 Involving educators and parents in AI adoption

14:46 Introducing Alpha Stack for AI readiness assessment

17:11 Relationship and communication with AI in family life

20:16 Red flags and responsible AI product choices

22:34 Guidelines for parents considering AI toys

25:56 Testing AI products before children use them

31:46 Youth-led AI policy creation and advocacy

34:31 AI in media and entertainment: Toy Story 5 and beyond

37:05 The pause on AI toys by major brands

38:21 Impersonation and celebrity chatbots risks

Reference links to explore key topics discussed in this episode: 

https://www.npr.org/2026/07/30/nx-s1-5853571/students-set-ai-policy

https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/advocacy-groups-urge-parents-to-avoid-ai-toys-this-holiday-season/

In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie explore how AI companies are shifting their marketing strategies from highlighting technological capabilities to building trust, emotional connection, and credibility with the public. They break down recent campaigns from OpenAI and Anthropic, discuss emerging industry trends, and examine the challenges of earning trust in an increasingly skeptical environment.

Then, in their “Red Flag, Green Flag” segment, they weigh in on topics ranging from Mario Lopez's much-debated AI-generated video of his niece at a Dodgers game to xAI's legal challenge against a Minnesota law that bans nudification technology, a first-of-its-kind measure aimed at preventing the creation and spread of AI-generated non-consensual images and videos.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Chapters

02:02 From capability to trust: How AI companies are shifting messaging

04:10 OpenAI's lifestyle and community engagement efforts

06:01 Anthropic's campaign on AI fears and responsible AI

08:52 Public skepticism and the challenge of credibility

12:03 The importance of authenticity and transparency in trust-building

15:03 The role of social media and influencer marketing

17:04 Controversies and ethical considerations in AI marketing

18:58 The future of trust and responsibility in AI branding

Reference links to explore key topics discussed in this episode: 

https://time.com/article/2026/07/16/anthropic-ai-marketing-advertisement/

https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/14/anthropics-newest-ad-is-creeping-people-out/

https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/03/influencers-draw-backlash-for-attending-openais-first-luxury-trip/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/08/04/mario-lopez-ai-video-niece-kalia-wong/91162226007/

In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie discuss what it really means when a CEO announces their company is "embracing AI to drive innovation." Should customers expect better products, or should shareholders expect better margins? They unpack how corporations are investing in AI, exploring its impact on product quality, customer loyalty, transparency, and who truly benefits from these initiatives.

In their “Love It or Leave It” segment, they debate the Allen & Co. Sun Valley gathering and whether executives make better decisions by spending time in exclusive circles or by listening more closely to customers, employees, and communities. They also cover Polaroid's campaign celebrating analog experiences and the controversy surrounding Phia, an AI shopping agent startup accused of using forced-click and cookie-stuffing tactics.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Chapters

01:50 How companies frame AI investments and what it means for consumers

04:03 Levi's AI-powered analytics platform

05:58 AI applications that affect consumer experience and loyalty

07:49 Balancing cost reduction and customer value in AI strategies

10:03 Measuring the true success of AI investments

11:02 Transparency and trust in AI deployment

11:55 Love it or leave it: Exclusive events and leadership circles

14:08 The Polaroid campaign and the anti-AI message

15:58 The controversy around AI shopping agents and startup ethics

18:03 The importance of honesty and fundamentals in AI startups

Reference links to explore key topics discussed in this episode: 

https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/levi-strauss-ai-analytics-platform-111341358.html

https://windowsforum.com/threads/levis-and-microsoft-azure-ai-transformation-starts-with-boring-data-and-agents.424651/

https://press.polaroid.com/251772-polaroid-s-new-campaign-pushes-back-against-the-reign-of-screens-and-ai-and-celebrates-analog/

In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie are joined by Meghan Stevenson, a publishing expert, entrepreneur, ghostwriter, and former editor at Simon & Schuster and Penguin. Along with helping authors land deals with major publishers, Meghan brings a unique perspective on the intersection of AI, copyright, and publishing—and what it means for the future of creativity.

They explore the growing debate around how LLMs source and learn from content and why it has become such a contentious issue for authors and publishers. The conversation dives into copyright, consent, disclosure, and transparency, examining how trust is evolving between writers, readers, and publishers.

They close with their Love It or Leave It segment, weighing in on the latest controversies surrounding AI training and intellectual property. They also discuss efforts by major music labels and artists like SZA to protect creators' rights, and what accountability should look like as AI continues to reshape industries like publishing and music.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Connect with Meghan: www.meghanstevenson.com

Follow Meghan on Instagram: @MegStevenson

Chapters

03:16 How LLMs source their content and ethical debates

04:35 Legal issues around AI training data

05:36 Acceptable AI assistance in early creative stages

06:19 AI clauses in publishing contracts

10:19 Copyright infringement and transformation in AI-generated content

12:44 Publisher responsibilities and standards for transparency

15:26 Self-publishing, hybrid, and traditional publishing

17:21 Leveraging traditional publishing for impact and credibility

18:39 Using AI in marketing and promotion of books

28:13 AI's role in social media and audience engagement

34:41 Future of transparency and ethical standards in AI-assisted publishing

36:33 SZA speaks out about use of songs in AI Training Data Sets

Reference links to explore topics discussed in this episode: 

https://authorsguild.org/advocacy/artificial-intelligence/what-authors-need-to-know-about-the-anthropic-settlement/

https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/meta-ai-mark-zuckerberg-copyright-infringement-lawsuit-publishers-scott-turow-1236738383/

https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-kenneth-blume-decry-use-of-their-songs-in-ai-training-data-sets/

In this episode of Bot Boundaries, co‑hosts Jackie and Katie dive into the latest developments in global AI governance and what it means for businesses, citizens, and policymakers alike.

They discuss the first global UN dialogue on AI governance, which brought together all 193 member states in Geneva. They unpack the implementation of the EU AI Act and compare Europe’s regulatory framework with the USA's more voluntary, industry-led approach. 

In their “Love It or Leave It” segment, they weigh in on recent corporate clashes between Apple, OpenAI, and Elon Musk. They also explore the latest advancements in voice AI and discuss the delicate balance between creating more human-like AI experiences and avoiding unhealthy emotional dependency.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bot-boundaries/id1867232401

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TLKXXC3qnZ48UGkaT8DsQ?si=d026514efbc14203

Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@botboundaries

Follow us on Instagram: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on TikTok: @BotBoundaries

Follow us on LinkedIn: @BotBoundaries

Our website: www.botboundaries.com

Chapters

00:45 - Who influences AI regulation: governments, UN, and global standards

01:18 - The UN AI summit in Geneva

02:41 - Rwanda's innovative AI ecosystem 

03:30 - The EU AI Act key rules

04:24 - US approach

06:01 - The importance of proactive regulation

12:28 - The upcoming impacts of the EU AI Act on businesses and international markets

15:36 - The US's sector-specific, voluntary approach 

18:46 - The need for targeted protections for vulnerable communities

26:02 - How to stay informed: resources on UN, EU, and national AI policies

27:23 - Apple vs. OpenAI

28:11 - Musk and Altman’s ongoing public sparring

29:23 - GPT Live’s features and societal implications

Reference links to key topics discussed in this episode: 

Secretary-General Guterres Address, Global Dialogue on AI Governance (July 6, 2026)

UN Global Dialogue Opens with Urgent Call for Safe and Inclusive AI (July 6, 2026)

UN Official Global Dialogue on AI Governance Programme — un.org

Rwanda's AI Agency Is Timely, but Delivery Will Matter Most (June 2026)

EU AI Act Official Page and Full Application August 2, 2026

5 Ways the EU AI Act Will Impact Brands