Mind the Machine

In this episode of the Mind the Machine Podcast, we sit down with Michael Steep — former Senior VP of Xerox PARC and Founder of Stanford’s Disruptive Technology Program — to explore how to separate hype from reality in the fast-moving world of AI and emerging technology. Steep explains how the new Alliance for Societal Impact brings together family offices, startups, and universities to drive innovation that solves real human problems.

We also discuss how family offices can complement or even replace traditional venture capital, why “builder capital” matters for long-term societal impact, and how San Diego is becoming a growing hub for innovation beyond Silicon Valley.

Follow Mind the Machine:

🌐 Website: https://findgood.tech/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthemachinepodcast

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindthemachinepodcast

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findgood-tech/

Timestamps:

00:00 Sorting the hype from reality in AI

00:28 Sponsor: Alliance for Societal Impact

00:46 Guest intro — Michael Steep’s background at Microsoft, Xerox PARC, and Stanford

02:15 The rise of exponential innovation

03:13 Founding the Alliance for Societal Impact

04:14 Family offices and their role in technology and social good

05:27 Making innovation practical, not theoretical

06:18 Creating lasting impact beyond conferences

07:09 Preview of the March 2026 conference

08:25 Connecting PhD researchers with next-gen investors

09:10 San Diego’s startup ecosystem and AI opportunity

10:28 Building bridges between regions and Silicon Valley

11:25 Why corporate leaders don’t understand Silicon Valley

12:00 Why San Diego offers a better cost structure and talent opportunity

13:12 What a family office is and why startups should care

14:09 How family offices differ from traditional VCs

15:09 Education, funding, and alternatives to venture capital

16:14 Cutting through AI hype to find real applications

17:19 Partner introductions and expanded discussion

18:33 Bob shares his “why” and the story behind Guitars Over Guns

22:52 Lessons on resilience, education, and legacy

23:40 The origins of his family office and long-term focus

25:07 What makes family office capital different

27:08 Spiritual capital and passion-driven founders

28:23 Connecting innovators and investors for long-term impact

29:18 The global stakes of AI and geopolitical sustainability

30:56 Generational wealth transfer and the risk of lost legacy

32:26 Academia’s role in innovation — from Stanford to MIT and Caltech

34:31 Building cross-university collaboration for real-world results

35:21 San Diego as a rising innovation hub

37:02 Builder capital vs. venture capital

38:13 The importance of trust and legacy in family office investing

39:15 Lonnie shares insights from his books Beyond Business and Beyond Fortune

41:00 How businesses can move from profit to purpose

44:48 Level 1, 2, and 3 business frameworks for societal impact

46:14 Why entrepreneurs must build more than money

47:09 The two sides of AI: code creation vs. human impact

48:57 Why trust and validation are key to ethical AI

50:19 How entrepreneurs can lead with conviction

52:26 Lonnie’s powerful closing story on legacy and gratitude

55:29 Closing remarks

In this episode of the Mind the Machine Podcast,, Cheryl Goodman sits down with Ali Llewellyn, former NASA leader, to explore one of the deepest questions of our time: how do faith and AI coexist?Together they unpack how artificial intelligence challenges spiritual identity, raises new moral questions, and redefines what it means to be human. Ali shares why she left NASA to pursue faith-driven innovation, how Gloo is building “flourishing AI,” and why the Church must engage in the AI era.Follow Mind the Machine Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthemachinepodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindthemachinepodcastWebsite: https://findgood.tech/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findgood-tech/⸻Timestamps00:00 Introduction — cultural anxiety around AI and faith01:07 Guest intro: Allie Llewellyn, NASA to Gloo03:00 Why faith helps people navigate rapid change04:13 How AI differs from past innovations like the printing press05:42 AI and human identity: created in the image of God08:44 The moral danger of scale and moderation in technology10:13 Technology as transformation vs. transaction11:03 Can AI pray? What that question reveals about us13:22 Idolatry and the “killer app trap”15:30 Why demystifying AI matters — “It’s not magic, it’s math”17:51 Trust and truth in AI — the Church’s role in shaping it20:13 How faith communities are already using AI22:24 Can Scripture be represented accurately by AI?24:37 Open-source, private, and faith-aligned AI models26:27 Kingdom impact and values-aligned innovation28:06 Human flourishing and Gloo’s hackathon31:03 The era of “vibe coding” and collaborative creation33:34 Solopreneurship vs. community: the Church’s counter-culture36:01 Timeless truths, purpose, and human creativity38:00 Final reflections — no spectators in this movement39:20 Where to learn more

How do you know if your pricing is right? Are you charging too little… or too much? In this episode of Mind the Machine Podcast, Cheryl sits down with Marcos Rivera, founder of Pricing I/O and author of Street Pricing, to explore the psychology behind pricing, confidence in your value, and how AI is reshaping business.Marcos shares timeless truths about pricing, why there’s no “magic number,” and how understanding customer psychology can unlock growth. From SaaS startups to established tech firms, his insights reveal how pricing connects directly to business survival and success.🔗 Learn more about Pricing I/O: https://www.pricingio.com/💼 Follow Marcos Rivera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pricingio/Follow Mind the Machine Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthemachinepodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindthemachinepodcastWebsite: https://findgood.tech/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findgood-tech/00:00 – Why pricing is about confidence, not fear of rejection01:06 – Introduction of Marcos Rivera, CEO of Pricing I/O02:00 – Stop guessing: pricing as growth and opportunity05:02 – Understanding when “no” is about price vs. positioning06:01 – Marcos’ journey from the Bronx to pricing expert08:37 – Making pricing simple and human—no “magic number”10:40 – The psychology of paying and why credit cards work11:48 – Marcos on AI: tool vs. hysteria14:36 – Why no pricing can save a bad product16:00 – Growing Pricing I/O and focusing on SaaS/tech companies18:16 – Teaching clients to “fish” with pricing skills19:39 – Timeless truths: business still runs on trust20:50 – AI agents, pricing structures, and building trust30:52 – The future of Pricing I/O and dream clients34:37 – Good vs. bad client fits for pricing work36:04 – Marcos’ book Street Pricing and timeless lessons

In this episode of Mind the Machine Podcast, we sit down with Julie Wright, president and founder of Wright On Communications, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping public relations. Julie explains the shift from traditional SEO to generative engine optimization (GEO), why “answer engines” are replacing search engines, and what this means for brands trying to be discovered online.

She shares practical strategies for building visibility in an AI-driven world, the importance of credibility and trust, and how PR professionals can adapt to zero-click searches and AI summaries. We also explore broader issues of truth, trust, and journalism in the age of large language models, and what the future holds for young professionals entering the field.

🔗 Learn more about Wright On Communications: https://wrightoncomm.com/

💼 Follow Julie Wright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieawright

Follow Mind the Machine Podcast:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthemachinepodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindthemachinepodcast

Website: https://findgood.tech/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findgood-tech/

00:00 Introduction: PR, AI, and the rise of GEO

01:11 Julie Wright on how AI is changing public relations

02:29 From transactional marketing to relational AI visibility

04:57 Generative Engine Optimization vs SEO

07:22 Zero-click searches, earned media, and AI citations

10:35 Answer engines, Perplexity, and Pro Rata AI

13:26 Truth, trust, and the risks of manipulating AI

17:09 Hallucinations, citations, and the limits of AI reliability

20:55 Fear, anxiety, and the role of relationships in PR

24:44 Building relational equity in the AI era

27:37 White paper insights: how to influence LLMs

30:59 Practical ways to raise visibility in AI platforms

34:33 Press releases, syndication, and evolving PR tools

39:55 Favorite tools, ChatGPT, and hopes for the future of AI at work

43:24 Wrapping up: PR’s future and the state of the industry

Aytekin Tank, CEO of Jotform, has been thinking about automation for nearly 20 years—long before the current wave of AI tools. In this episode of Mind the Machine Podcast, he shares how his early ideas about productivity and workflow design laid the foundation for his company to integrate AI in a meaningful way.

We explore the rise of AI agents, how customer service is changing, and what most businesses still get wrong about automation. Aytekin also talks about his personal journey as a founder, what he wishes more people understood about time management, and why the ability to recognize greatness might matter more than being an expert.

Whether you’re a startup founder, an AI builder, or someone trying to future-proof your career, this conversation is packed with timeless insights.

🔗 Learn more about Jotform: https://www.jotform.com

💼 Follow Aytekin Tank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aytekintank/

🔗 Learn more about Accenture: https://www.accenture.com

💼 Follow Andrea Yoder Clark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreayoderclark/

Follow Mind the Machine Podcast:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthemachinepodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindthemachinepodcast

Website: https://findgood.tech/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findgood-tech/

Timestamps:

00:00 — The 4 big technology revolutions Aytekin has witnessed

01:34 — What Jotform really solves (it’s not just forms)

04:13 — How Jotform is turning forms into AI-powered experiences

06:20 — From 25% to 75% resolution: using AI in customer support

10:11 — AI + human = better customer service

13:12 — Aytekin’s book on automation became unexpectedly relevant

14:43 — The automation flywheel and how to apply it

18:14 — Why AI agents are the future of productivity

22:04 — How Aytekin uses AI for personal research

31:07 — Why AI is like a dragon—and why you have to tame it

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl sits down with Dr. Andrea Yoder Clark of Accenture to explore how small and medium-sized businesses can harness the power of AI agents for real productivity gains—ethically. They break down what AI agents actually are, how they’re reshaping industries, and why now is the moment for companies of all sizes to lean into automation.

Dr. Yoder Clark unpacks the hype from the reality, shares must-know strategies for data safety and responsible AI, and explains why integrity, critical thinking, and creativity are the leadership skills of the AI era. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or just AI-curious, this conversation will give you uncommon insights into the future of ethical, human-centered innovation.

🔗 Learn more about Accenture: https://www.accenture.com

💼 Follow Andrea Yoder Clark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreayoderclark/

Follow Mind the Machine Podcast:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthemachinepodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindthemachinepodcast

Website: https://findgood.tech/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findgood-tech/

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why small businesses should invest in AI agents

01:18 – What an AI agent actually is (and use cases)

03:06 – Why now is the right time for SMB automation

04:00 – Advice for young entrepreneurs in AI

06:00 – AI and efficiency: how to think about impact

08:57 – Key differences between small and large businesses using AI

11:42 – How to handle AI hype and build trust

14:05 – Tech for good: ethical must-haves for startups

17:40 – Andrea’s view on the future of AI: hopeful but cautious

21:27 – Confidential compute and why it matters

25:01 – Data protection, governance, and bias prevention

29:23 – Startups and the massive opportunity in ethical AI

32:18 – Andrea’s personal story of resilience and purpose

36:07 – What makes a great AI leader today

40:11 – Why we can’t yet grasp how AI will change everything

42:48 – Her advice for making a meaningful impact in the AI era

45:35 – Small language models and the power of personalized AI

In this episode of Mind the Machine Podcast, Cheryl talks with Ashley Virtue from the National Conflict Resolution Center about one of the most human questions of our time: can AI actually help us resolve conflict? They explore the emotional roots of fear, the importance of belonging, and how trust and authenticity play a role in how we navigate both human tension and technological change.Ashley shares how the art of conflict resolution has evolved, what timeless truths still hold up, and why AI will never fully replace the human experience of being seen, heard, and understood. They also discuss the future of mediation, how chatbots are already filling unexpected roles, and what workplace leaders must do now to prepare for AI-fueled transitions.00:00 – Fear, misunderstanding, and the root of conflict00:24 – Can AI help us resolve conflict?01:12 – What the National Conflict Resolution Center actually does03:10 – Making conflict resolution tools available to everyone05:03 – Why fear of AI is really fear of not belonging07:00 – Turning fear into hope through education08:30 – What we lose when we don’t feel included in tech conversations10:10 – Preparing workplaces for AI-related change12:10 – Timeless truths of conflict and what people really need14:00 – Why “resolution” doesn’t always mean a good outcome15:30 – The problem with calling AI “magic”17:00 – Can chatbots mediate conflict?18:30 – The danger of baked-in bias in human vs. AI mediators20:50 – Why managers struggle with mediation too23:00 – Reflection, healing, and the role of authenticity25:15 – The last mile: can AI truly replicate empathy?28:00 – Why “humans in the loop” isn’t just a buzzword30:00 – Free workplace conflict resources from NCRC🌐 Learn more about the National Conflict Resolution Center: https://www.ncrconline.com💼 Connect with Ashley Virtue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-virtue/Follow Mind the Machine Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthemachinepodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindthemachinepodcastWebsite: https://findgood.tech/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findgood-tech/

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl talks with Pelu Tran, CEO of Ferrum Health, about how AI is quietly transforming healthcare—not by replacing doctors, but by making the system smarter, faster, and more humane. They dive deep into how AI tools are catching missed cancers, improving patient follow-up, and reducing dangerous inefficiencies hiding in plain sight.Pelu shares powerful personal stories that drive his mission, unpacks the real obstacles to AI adoption in hospitals, and explains how Ferrum’s platform is helping health systems safely deploy and manage hundreds of AI tools at once. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone who cares about healthcare innovation, patient safety, or the future of human-centered AI.00:00 – Intro: A personal story that fuels the mission01:30 – Why hospitals struggle with AI adoption04:50 – What Ferrum Health actually does07:00 – The startup mindset that actually works09:00 – How AI can prevent burnout in doctors and nurses11:20 – Missed diagnoses, late follow-ups, and the real cost of inefficiency13:45 – What needs to change in the U.S. healthcare system16:00 – Will AI replace jobs—or reduce drudgery?18:30 – What a utopian, AI-powered health system could look like23:00 – Why practical AI matters more than flashy tools27:00 – Are we in a hype cycle—or just underestimating AI again?30:00 – Hallucinations, error rates, and the real risks of AI in medicine33:00 – Bias in AI vs. bias in current healthcare34:00 – What gives Pelu hope about the future of medicine🌐 Learn more about Ferrum Health: https://www.ferrumhealth.com💼 Connect with Pelu Tran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pelutran/Follow Cheryl:🌐 Website: https://findgood.tech📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/findgood.tech💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgoodman/

In this episode of Mind the Machine Podcast, Cheryl sits down with Kristi Martindale, Chief Commercialization Officer at Palladyne AI, to explore the real future of robotics in our daily lives. From exoskeletons and cobots to AI-powered manufacturing and low-code robot training, Kristi shares a hopeful and informed vision of how physical AI can reduce human risk, eliminate repetitive labor, and unlock new opportunities.They talk through Kristi’s journey from Qualcomm to Sarcos to Palladyne, the myths that dominate headlines, and why fear shouldn’t define our response to emerging tech. With clarity and compassion, Kristi unpacks what it means to be human in the loop, why resilience matters, and how anyone—from students to solopreneurs—can start building a better future with AI.00:00 – Intro: What would you do if you weren’t afraid?01:20 – Meet Kristi Martindale: Qualcomm roots and robotics future03:00 – Building Sarcos and the vision for Palladyne AI07:00 – What is physical AI? Smarter software for real-world machines09:30 – Dangerous jobs, chicken tenders, and automation that helps12:30 – Low-code robot programming and new workforce opportunities15:45 – Why AI is a tool—not a threat17:40 – AI in agriculture, healthcare, and drug discovery21:30 – The cost of fear-based headlines and the need for hope26:10 – How students and job seekers can thrive with AI31:45 – Using AI as an assist (not a shortcut)34:50 – Human authenticity in a world of generated content38:00 – Kristi on resilience, respect, and bold leadership41:00 – Final thoughts: Hope, humility, and building forward🔗 Learn more about Palladyne AI: https://www.palladyneai.com💼 Follow Kristi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristimartindaleFollow Cheryl:Website: https://findgood.techInstagram: @findgood.techLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ckgoodman

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Cheryl sits down with Nathan Pettyjohn—founder of the Applied AI Association and AR/VR Association—to ask a bold question: Could AI help us move to a two-day workweek? Nathan shares how AI is reshaping work, entrepreneurship, and daily life, and why he believes the key to thriving in an automated world is not fear—but adaptation, purpose, and community.They explore the rise of the solopreneur, what’s missing in the AI conversation, and why “productive happiness” might be the ultimate metric. Nathan also talks about his upcoming book, how kids are interacting with AI as companions, and how smart agents and humanoid robots may impact healthcare, aging, and the future of labor. From back-end processes to value alignment, this episode is a wide-ranging and hopeful look at what’s possible when we apply AI thoughtfully.00:00 – Intro: Can AI unlock a two-day workweek?02:05 – Meet Nathan: Entrepreneur, author, community builder05:10 – The origin of the AR/VR Association and Applied AI Association08:40 – Productivity gains vs. universal basic income11:20 – Are hallucinations holding us back—or just a phase?15:00 – Values, trust, and how AI reflects our human flaws18:20 – How kids, creators, and coders are using AI differently21:40 – The future of wearables and voice-first interaction25:00 – Generative AI meets robotics: When hardware and software combine30:20 – Healthcare, aging, and where robots fit in36:00 – The hype and promise of generative AI in the back office40:30 – Nathan’s book, workshops, and AI-powered micro-vacations45:15 – Solopreneurs, legacy systems, and the need for mindset shifts50:00 – Teaching the next generation to thrive with AI55:00 – Final thoughts: What blocks participation, and how to take the first step🌐 Learn more about Nathan: https://nathanpettyjohn.com🤖 Applied AI Association: https://appliedaiassociation.org📲 Follow Nathan on LinkedIn: Nathan PettyjohnFollow Cheryl:Website: https://findgood.techInstagram: @findgood.techLinkedIn: ckgoodman