Talking AI

By HatchWorksBusiness Technology Education How To Management

Talking AI episodes

August 12, 2025The Truth About AI Wrappers (And What Actually Matters)
In this episode, Steve Morin, a veteran software engineer from Silicon Valley who has worked with major companies such as Instagram, Autodesk, Yahoo, and Asana, shares his insights on AI strategy, industry trends, and the challenges of integrating new technologies such as generative AI.
The discussion covers various topics including the concept of AI 'wrappers,' the importance of brand and consumer preference, the future of user experience, and effective change management for adopting AI tools within engineering teams.
Steve also elaborates on the nuances of building AI-native companies, the strategic importance of design and user experience, and the necessity of tailored change management approaches for successful AI integration.
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Key Moments:
Discussing AI Wrappers
Consumer Preferences and Branding
Defensibility in AI Startups
Voice Technology and Full-Stack AI Startups
Adopting AI in Engineering Teams

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Key Links:
Connect with Steve Morin on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
31 min
July 29, 2025The Interview Process Is Broken. AI Can Fix It
In this episode, we explore the complexities and innovations in the realm of job interviews introduced by AI technology. Our guest, Ken Schumacher, founder of Ropes AI, shares insights on how AI is transforming the hiring process. From high school students using ChatGPT for homework to candidates using AI avatars in interviews, the conversation delves into how Ropes AI is leveraging advanced technologies to create custom, bias-free, and effective interview assessments. Ken discusses the importance of personalized and adaptable testing environments, the future of AI in public services, and how AI tools can democratize access to job opportunities. The discussion also touches on the potential of AI voice agents and Ropes AI's recent funding and expansion.
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Key Moments:
The Rise of AI in Interviews
The Philosophy Behind Ropes AI
Challenges and Solutions in AI-Powered Interviews
The Future of AI in Hiring and Development
Building with AI: Insights and Experiences
Customizing and Assessing with AI
Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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Key Links:
Ropes AI
Connect with Ken Schumacher on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
34 min
July 15, 2025Open vs. Closed: Why AI Belongs to Everyone
Join us as we talk with Robert Ranson, director and founding member of the Agentics Foundation, about the impactful role of AI in today's world.
Learn about the Agentics Foundation's commitment to building scalable, intuitive, and human-centered agentic AI systems and delve into the debate on open source versus closed source AI.
Robert also discusses his book, 'The AI Dividend,' and his vision for a post-labor economy.
Hear more about the thriving AI Hacker Space community spearheaded by Reuven Cohen and the innovative tools like RuCode and vibe coding sessions that are shaping the future of AI development.
Perfect for anyone interested in AI, technology, and the future of work.
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Key Moments:
Meet Robert Ranson: A Renaissance Man
The Origin of the AI Hacker Space
Open Source vs Closed Source Debate
The Concept of Agentic Engineering
Optimizing AI Tools and Business Models
Exploring Different AI IDEs
Deep Dive into RuCode and Custom Modes
The Power of Lovable and Superbase Integration
The AI Dividend and Future of Work
The Awareness Layer and Competitive Research

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Key Links:
Human Race
Agentics Foundation
Connect with Robert Ranson on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
43 min
July 01, 2025From Boring to Viral: How Businesses Can Use ChatGPT's Images to Stand Out
In this episode, the host introduces Dan Scalco, an entrepreneur and the founder of Digitalux and It's Better With AI, to discuss the 'blank canvas problem' faced by AI users today.
Dan explains how users, overwhelmed by AI's endless possibilities, can start using tools like ChatGPT's image generation feature to add real business value.
Throughout the episode, Dan walks through his framework for creating impactful social media, email marketing, and advertisement visuals from simple prompts.
He emphasizes the iterative process of refining AI-generated images and adds nuances like incorporating photos and adjusting prompts.
The discussion showcases examples, live demos, and practical advice, ensuring listeners can efficiently apply AI in various business contexts.
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Key Moments:
Understanding the Blank Canvas Problem
The Importance of Context in AI
Diving into Image Generation
Using AI for Business Visuals
Creating Engaging Social Media Content
Creating a Facebook Ad with AI
Fine-Tuning AI-Generated Images
The Rapid Evolution of AI
Step-by-Step AI Ad Creation Tutorial
Generating Compelling Prompts
Iterating and Improving AI Outputs
Using AI for Various Creative Projects
Tips for Better AI Image Generation

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Key Links:
It's Better With AI
Digitalux
Connect with Dan Scalco on LinkedIn
Presentation Deck

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
48 min
June 17, 2025Do AI Wrappers Even Have a Moat?
In this episode of the Talking AI Podcast, host Matt Page has a discussion with Clay Ostrom, founder of Map and Fire, about the positioning and messaging of AI products in today's crowded market.
They talk about the concept of AI wrappers, the defensibility of AI tools, and the specifics that differentiate valuable AI solutions.
Clay showcases his proprietary tool, Smoke Ladder, which analyzes the messaging and positioning of brands using AI.
They dive into the importance of leveraging proprietary data and discuss the future disruptions AI may bring to various industries.
They also discuss how incumbents might face challenges with rapid innovation and the evolving landscape of AI integration in businesses.
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Key Moments:
The Value of AI Wrappers
Building AI Solutions
Leveraging Proprietary Data
The Role of AI in Business
The Future of AI and Job Disruption
Tool Demonstration: Smoke Ladder
Analyzing Messaging and Positioning
AI in Custom Software Solutions
Future of AI in Customer Research
AI's Rapid Evolution and Market Impact

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Key Links:
Map & Fire
Connect with Clay Ostrom on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
39 min
June 03, 2025Taming Tech Stack Bloat with AI
In this episode of the Talking AI Podcast, host Matt Paige welcomes Vanessa Heppner, CEO and founder of Altas AI, to discuss the transformative potential of AI in business, particularly in enterprise settings.
They explore the shift from 'text to text' AI interactions to 'text to action' and 'action to action' applications, highlighting the efficiency and innovation this brings.
The discussion covers the challenges enterprises face with tech bloat, the explosion of SaaS tools, and how Altas AI uses AI to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Heppner also shares insights about the evolving job market, the human-centric approach to AI development, and the future of AI pricing models.
The episode wraps up with Heppner's experiences from the World Economic Forum and South by Southwest, emphasizing the rapid advancements in AI technology.
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Key Moments:
The Impact of AI on Business Efficiency
Adoption and Transformation with AI
AI's Role in Reducing Tech Bloat
Future of AI: Text to Action and Beyond
AI Agents and Their Potential
Pricing Strategies in the Age of AI
Go-to-Market Strategies for AI Startups

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Key Links:
Altas AI
Connect with Vanessa Heppner on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
34 min
May 20, 2025Building What Couldn’t Be Built Before With AI
In this episode of the Talking AI Podcast, host Matt Page speaks with Jamie Albers, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Mento, about the transformative potential of AI in workplace coaching and mentorship.
They explore how Mento integrates AI to democratize access to high-quality coaching, the challenges of scaling two-sided marketplaces, and the technology's current limitations.
Jamie shares insights on building an expertise engine, the importance of understanding contextual elements in coaching, and the ethical considerations in AI deployment.
The episode also touches on the future vision for AI's role in enhancing human connection and professional development in the workplace.
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Key Moments:
The Problem with Traditional Workplace Learning
Mento's Unique Approach to Coaching and Mentorship
Scaling Coaching with AI
The Evolution of Mento's Strategy
The Future of AI in Coaching
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Integration

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Key Links:
Mento
Connect with Jamie Albers on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
32 min
May 06, 2025From Prompt to Product: How AI Is Disrupting SaaS
In this episode of the Talking AI Podcast, host Matt Page discusses how AI is set to revolutionize the SaaS landscape with guest Michael Luo, a seasoned software engineer now at Stripe.
Michael shares his journey of creating Springtime, a free e-signing tool inspired by the high costs of DocuSign.
He elaborates on the future of AI in prototyping, coding, and reducing the need for specialized engineering roles.
The discussion also touches on SaaS pricing models, potential democratization effects, and Stripe’s innovative collaboration with perplexity.ai for enhanced shopping experiences.
Tune in to explore how AI is reshaping product development and SaaS business models.
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Key Moments:
Building an AI-Powered E-Signing Tool
Debate on AI Coding and Technical Debt
Future of AI in Software Engineering
Tiny Teams and AI-Driven Development
Prototyping and Production with AI Tools
Managing Chat Context and Prompts
AI’s Role in Code Refactoring
AI in Project Management
The Evolution of SaaS Pricing Models
The Importance of Distribution Mechanisms

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Key Links:
Stripe
Spryngtime
Connect with Michael Luo on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
47 min
April 22, 2025Prompt, Build, Repeat: The New Software Workflow
In this episode of the Talking AI Podcast, host Matt Page converses with Andrew Miller, an engineer turned designer turned product manager, who has developed the 'Prompt Driven Development' (PDD) methodology aimed at building software with large language models (LLMs).
Andrew describes how PDD distills best practices from traditional software development into a framework that allows individuals to build reliable, methodical software without coding. He shares his career journey and how the introduction of ChatGPT inspired his methodology.
The discussion includes a comparison between traditional and prompt-driven development workflows, the impact of AI on various software development roles, and the evolving roles in the tech industry.
Andrew also shares his experience in building and monetizing a successful product using PDD. The episode emphasizes the disruptive and transformative potential of AI in the software industry.
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Key Moments:
The Aha Moment: Discovering AI's Potential
From Developer to Designer to Product Manager
The Magic of Chat GPT and Crew AI
Understanding Prompt Driven Development (PDD)
Contrasting Traditional Development with PDD
The Future of AI in Software Development
Building a Real Product with PDD
Disruption in the Tech Industry

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Key Links:
RealPage
Connect with Andrew Miller on LinkedIn
YouTube
TikTok
SubStack
PDD

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
36 min
April 08, 2025AI for Life: Tips, Tools, and Transformations with Celia Quillian
In this episode, host Matt Paige chats with Celia Quillian about how everyday people can start using AI to simplify their lives. Celia shares her journey from discovering free tools like ChatGPT to applying AI for tasks ranging from travel planning to organizing daily routines.
The conversation breaks down practical tips for effective prompting and building habits with AI. Celia explains how giving clear context and using voice commands can transform simple tasks into major time-savers. She also covers how experimenting with AI tools can gradually build confidence and competence.
Wrapping up, the discussion looks ahead at AI’s future in both work and personal life. Celia talks about her new book, AI for Life, which offers actionable guidance on integrating AI into everyday tasks, helping listeners overcome fear of change and embrace new opportunities.
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Key Moments:
Celia’s AI Journey & Background
Adopting AI: Daily Habits & Tools
Effective Prompting Techniques
Boosting Productivity with Voice AI
The Future of AI in Work & Life
Book Launch: AI for Life
Everyday AI Use Cases: Travel & Groceries

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Key Links:
Greenlight
Connect with Celia Quillian on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:
AI Opportunity Finder
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there?
The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.
👉 Try it now at https://hatchworks.com/ai-opportunity-finder/
36 min

About Talking AI

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Talking AI podcast, where we dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence with host Matt Paige. Formerly known as the Built Right podcast, Talking AI brings you insightful…