The AI Grapple

By The AI Grapple

Unravel the complexities of AI with The AI Grapple Podcast, hosted by Kate vanderVoort. Dive into thought-provoking discussions on the most critical AI issues shaping our world. Perfect for marketers ... more

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How many episodes does The AI Grapple have?

The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.

The AI Grapple episodes:

March 10, 2025 Ep 26: The SEO Shift to AEO: Chris Singel on What AI Gets Wrong (and Right)
In this episode of the AI Grapple Chris Singel joins Kate vanderVoort for a wide-ranging, funny, and thought-provoking conversation that spans the full weird and wonderful world of artificial intelligence. From his early days coding websites on dial-up, to writing a book with AI in the shower (yes, literally), to deep dives on automation, job loss, and the ethics of AI-powered decision-making - this is an episode that will both entertain and challenge your thinking.
Chris blends sharp insights with plenty of laughs, and doesn’t hold back when talking about hallucinations, deepfakes, the illusion of control, and why letting robots do the work might not be the worst idea after all.
🔥 Key Highlights
🕹️ Dial-Up Days to AI Days
Chris shares how his tech journey started in middle school, building a website for his local movie theatre on dial-up internet. From there, he navigated politics, public policy, and a thriving comedy career before landing in digital marketing - and eventually founding his own agency, Delta Digital.
📘 Writing a Book in the Shower (Almost)
In March 2023, after seeing Google Bard launch, Chris wondered: Can AI write a book about AI? Twelve minutes and one marketing push later, his AI-generated book Think Like an AI became a #1 new release on Amazon. It wasn't perfect - but that was kind of the point.
🤖 LLMs vs Reasoning Models
Chris likens Large Language Models to entry-level employees - they do what they’re told but don’t think critically. Reasoning Models are more like mid-level managers. So what happens when AI reaches C-suite capabilities? Who’s making the decisions then?
🎨 AI and Creativity: Killer or Catalyst?
While many worry that AI will kill creativity, Chris argues the opposite. By removing repetitive, low-value tasks, AI frees humans up to actually be creative again. Designers can design. Writers can think bigger. And marketers can dream up ideas beyond just moving pixels around.
🌍 Comedy Meets Code
Chris reflects on how AI still struggles with humour - subtext, timing, and cultural context are difficult to replicate. But he’s also used AI to brainstorm jokes, generate story ideas, and even build Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. AI might not replace comedians, but it’s already helping them.
🔍 The SEO Shift to AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation)
AI search changes everything. Instead of driving traffic to your website, answer engines might just give users a response - and move on. Chris talks about the death of zero-click SEO, Google's history with AMP and Answer Boxes, and how marketers should now be thinking about discoverability in a searchless future.
🚨 Hallucinations & Misinformation
Glue in a pizza recipe? Sure. Fake medical advice? Dangerous. Chris shares some of the real risks that come with trusting AI too quickly, especially when it fabricates sources or gets basic facts wrong with total confidence. The stakes aren’t just professional—they’re personal and even life-threatening.
👤 The Identity Crisis: Trust, Deepfakes & Disinformation
From duplicate Facebook profiles of relatives to fake AI-generated nudes in high schools, Chris highlights the growing crisis of digital identity and trust. We’re entering an era where it’s hard to know what—or who—is real online.
⚖️ Governance, Responsibility & the Blame Game
If an AI recommends the wrong medication or a faulty DIY fix, who's responsible? The developer? The platform? The end user? Chris dives into the growing AI governance conversation, the legal gray areas, and why we need urgent answers to very old questions about liability.
🌐 Global Tug-of-War: US vs EU vs China
Kate and Chris discuss the differing global approaches to AI regulation. The EU is leaning into safety and ethics. The US is driven by market forces. China plays its own game. But with the internet being global, whatever rules one region sets will affect everyone.
💼 AI in the Workplace: Cut Costs or Cultivate Talent?
Chris shares real examples from consulting with businesses, including how IKEA chose to retrain customer service staff as interior designers instead of laying them off. It’s a hopeful sign that AI doesn’t always have to mean job losses—it can mean reinvention.
⚠️ Human in the Loop: Still Essential
From meeting notes that snitch to therapists’ AIs hallucinating patient thoughts, Chris underscores the need for a human in the loop. AI is powerful—but without oversight, it can also cause chaos.
🧩 The Unknowns: Superintelligence & What Comes Next
Chris reflects on how AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) may be closer than we think. With rapid breakthroughs, we’ve moved from predicting progress in decades to months or weeks. If AI starts improving itself, the leap to Artificial Super Intelligence could be exponential—and the world as we know it might change overnight.
🎭 Human After All: The Role of Empathy, Storytelling & Meaning
Despite all the tech talk, this episode is deeply human. Chris and Kate explore how AI can amplify empathy, enhance storytelling, and even help us better understand ourselves. But only if we stay involved—and intentional.
🔗 Connect with Chris
🌐 Website: Delta Digital Agency
📕 Book: Think Like an AI on Amazon
📱 LinkedIn: Chris Singel on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen Now
Available on your favourite podcast platforms. Search for The AI Grapple and subscribe to stay up to date with the future of AI in business and life.

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52min
March 04, 2025Ep 25: AI, Fine Art & the Human Story – A Deep Dive with Alice Absolutely
In this thought-provoking episode of The AI Grapple, host Kate vanderVoort sits down with Amanda McCallister, the creative force behind Alice Absolutely, to explore the intersection of AI and fine art. Alice shares how she uses AI as a true artistic collaborator rather than a replacement, the ethical dilemmas she has encountered, and how AI-generated art reflects deep-seated human biases.
From her discovery of AI’s unexpected storytelling through image generation to her upcoming book on AI and the Art of War, Amanda challenges our understanding of authorship, creativity, and artistic ownership in the AI era. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of AI in the creative industries.
Key Topics & Insights
🎨 AI as a Creative Partner, Not a Replacement
Amanda explains how she treats AI as a collaborator, much like working with another artist in a traditional setting.
Unlike those who use AI to generate “perfect” images, she gives AI minimal input - sometimes just a punctuation mark - to see how it responds.
She manually refines and completes each piece, ensuring a unique artistic touch.
💡 The Unexpected Biases Hidden in AI Art
Amanda’s experiments revealed that AI-generated images reflect collective human biases.
When prompting AI with words like Dresden, Vietnam, or Afghanistan, the results overwhelmingly depicted war-torn landscapes - even when no context was provided.
This led to her upcoming book, Artificial Intelligence and the Art of War, which explores how AI-generated art exposes historical and cultural biases.
🎭 The Debate on Authorship and Ownership
AI-generated content raises questions about what it truly means to “own” a piece of art.
Alice shares why she only sells her AI works as one-of-a-kind originals - no prints or NFTs - keeping them aligned with fine art traditions.
She argues that AI doesn’t replace artists because it still requires human intervention to create a finished, compelling composition.
🚀 AI’s Role in the Future of Art & Creativity
Alice believes AI is democratizing creativity, giving more people access to artistic expression.
She embraces AI’s ability to inspire new artists rather than fearing that AI-generated art will diminish human creativity.
Looking ahead, she’s excited about AI’s advancements in video, predicting a revolution in visual storytelling.
🔍 Authenticity & Transparency in AI-Generated Art
Alice is clear about labelling her work as AI-assisted, believing transparency is crucial to maintaining trust.
She warns against the backlash that companies and creators may face if they deceive audiences about AI involvement.
Her philosophy: AI art is part of the human story - it’s not about replacing artists, but about how we choose to use this technology.
Memorable Quotes
🖼️ "AI doesn’t replace artists [space - space] it reveals what we, as a society, have taught it about ourselves."
🧠 "If we fear AI, maybe it’s because we don’t like what it reflects back at us."
📖 "Every piece of AI-generated art is a mirror of human history, biases, and stories we’ve told."
🎭 "Once we create art, we don’t own it anymore - it’s up to the world to interpret and appreciate it."
Connect with Alice Absolutely (Amanda McCallister)
🌐 Website: AliceAbsolutely.com
📷 Instagram: @AliceAbsolutely
📘 Facebook: AliceAbsolutely
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38min
February 27, 2025Ep 24: The Death of Trust in the Age of AI: Ryan Levesque on How to Thrive and Survive in a World Flooded with AI
In this deeply insightful and personal conversation on the AI Grapple Podcast, host Kate vanderVoort speaks with Ryan Levesque - 7-time Inc. 5000 CEO, 2-time national bestselling author, and strategic advisor. Ryan has built an extraordinary career generating over $100 million in revenue without AI - until recently. His innovative ASK Method transformed how businesses understand and connect with their audiences, influencing thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide. Ryan has been one of Kate’s most significant professional influences. His frameworks and philosophy profoundly reshaped her approach to building customer communities and hyper-personalisation. In this candid and thought-provoking episode, Ryan and Kate explore critical realities and hidden risks of AI, discussing authenticity, human connection, and what it truly means to thrive as thought leaders in our rapidly changing AI-driven world.
Key Episode Highlights:
1. Ryan’s Journey - Building Success Without AI
Ryan attributes his initial entrepreneurial success to a blend of timing, hard work, and leveraging powerful market trends.
He developed the influential ASK Method, helping businesses deeply understand their audience through surveys, quizzes, and customer insights.
2. AI’s Transformative Impact
Ryan shares how AI drastically simplified and accelerated customer research and data analysis, turning weeks of work into mere minutes.
Yet, he cautions that AI-generated content often lacks authenticity, emphasising the irreplaceable value of genuinely human-crafted content.
3. Ethical Dilemmas: When AI "Acts" as Ryan Levesque
Ryan reflects candidly about the ethical implications of AI replicating his voice and expertise without consent.
He encourages a forward-thinking approach, emphasising adaptability and constant evolution as thought leaders to stay ahead of technology’s curve.
4. Authenticity in an AI-Driven World
Ryan discusses a pivotal shift: choosing to personally author his weekly newsletter instead of delegating it to AI or ghostwriters.
He believes that authentic, deeply personal communication is essential to creating genuine connections, trust, and differentiation in a noisy, AI-powered environment.
5. From Old-World Gurus to New-World Thought Leaders
Ryan emphasises that trust has become increasingly rare and valuable, requiring heart, humour, and humanity from leaders to truly resonate.
He encourages transparency and vulnerability, sharing personal stories that connect deeply with audiences—qualities AI simply cannot emulate.
6. Navigating the AI Disruption in Business
Ryan predicts substantial disruption across high-skilled industries (law, healthcare, marketing), urging entrepreneurs to proactively prepare for rapid change.
He stresses the importance of adopting a contrarian view, looking for opportunities where others see threats, and re-centring businesses around human relationships.
7. The Hidden Risks of AI: Second and Third-Order Effects
Ryan highlights concerns around mass job displacement and its broader economic consequences, such as reduced consumer spending power and cascading effects on entire industries.
He discusses the potential necessity of solutions like Universal Basic Income (UBI), though acknowledging complexities and unanswered economic questions.
8. Thriving by Returning to “Real”
Ryan outlines an emerging societal desire for analogue, artisanal, and authentic experiences—coining this movement as a “return to real.”
He encourages entrepreneurs and marketers to leverage AI appropriately, but double down on authentic, human-centred content and customer interactions.
9. Resilience and Adaptability for an Uncertain Future
Ryan speaks openly about personal moments of struggle, vulnerability, and reflection, underscoring the importance of resilience.
He believes teaching adaptability, resilience, and authenticity to future generations will be essential in successfully navigating an AI-driven future.
10. Final Insights from Ryan
Ryan encourages embracing change courageously, remaining curious, and being willing to adapt quickly and authentically.
He invites entrepreneurs to become the "freshly squeezed orange juice" of their industries, offering real depth and human connection amid a flood of watered-down, AI-generated content.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe to Ryan’s Weekly Newsletter: The Digital Contrarian
Listen Now:
🎧 Tune in to this powerful and thought-provoking episode on your favourite podcast platform.
Follow Kate and The AI Grapple Podcast to get practical strategies, actionable insights, and thoughtful conversations about thriving in the era of AI.
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56min
February 25, 2025Ep 23: The Future of AI, Automation and Humanity
In this episode of The AI Grapple, we dive deep into the future of AI with Arshad Hisham, a global leader in AI, robotics, and automation. As the CEO of InGen Dynamics, Arshad has spearheaded the development of AI-driven solutions across industries, built an $80 million revenue pipeline, and secured over $157 million in funding. He is also an Edison Award silver medalist, a board advisor to multiple technology companies, and a driving force behind AI and robotics education programs.
This conversation covers everything from the reality of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and the accelerating AI boom to the ethical dilemmas and safety challenges we must address. Arshad shares his insights on AI’s role in healthcare, business, and education while unpacking the geopolitical tensions, business model disruptions, and workforce shifts that will define the next decade.
Key Highlights & Takeaways
🚀 The Future of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): Are We Closer Than We Think?
Arshad explains why AGI is both an exciting and unpredictable frontier, with AI systems already displaying near-human capabilities in some areas.
The real question: Do we even need AGI, or should we focus on highly specialised AI models that solve specific problems more effectively?
The rapid advancements in physics-based AI training: Robots are now learning in simulated environments for what would equate to 10,000 years of human training - within just 40 minutes.
The real intelligence debate: Is AI just predicting patterns, or is it evolving toward true reasoning, common sense, and self-reflection?
🧠 AI vs. Human Intelligence: Will AI Complement or Replace Us?
Historical parallels: Just as calculators, computers, and the internet didn’t make us “dumber,” AI has the potential to enhance human intelligence rather than replace it.
The real challenge is not AI itself, but how humans choose to use it. Will we leverage AI as a tool for greater productivity, or will we become overly dependent on it?
Why education must shift from static learning to lifelong, AI-driven upskilling.
📈 The AI Boom & Business Transformation: The End of Traditional Business Models?
AI is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace - what once took decades to change is now happening in just a few years.
The rise of one-person unicorn companies: AI is lowering the barriers to entry, allowing solo entrepreneurs to scale businesses faster than ever.
The SaaS model, billable hours, and other long-standing business structures are on the verge of disruption as AI automates traditional workflows.
⚠️ AI Safety & Regulation: Are We Ready for the Consequences?
One of the biggest risks with AI isn’t malicious intent - it’s unintentional consequences from poorly designed or misused models.
The geopolitical chess game of AI development: Nations are racing to dominate AI, but without proper global collaboration, safety measures could be compromised.
Short-term thinking is the biggest danger. Unlike past technologies, where mistakes could be corrected, AI’s risks could be irreversible - leading to societal or even existential threats.
The importance of explainable AI: If we don’t understand how AI systems make decisions, how can we ensure they are safe and ethical?
🏥 AI in Healthcare: Transforming an Overburdened System
Arshad’s work with AI-driven healthcare companions aims to revolutionise elder care, special needs support, and medical efficiency.
How AI can improve accessibility in healthcare - reducing strain on overworked systems like the NHS and enabling more personalized patient support.
The ethical challenge: How do we balance automation with human care? AI should support, not replace, the critical human element in medicine.
📚 The Future of Education: Preparing for an AI-Powered Workforce
AI-driven tutors: Hyper-personalised learning that adapts to a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
The shift away from traditional classroom models - students don’t want to sit through passive lectures anymore. AI is reshaping learning into interactive, project-based education.
The rise of “AI for All” programs: Arshad has designed AI education initiatives for executives, students, and professionals across industries, ensuring people are prepared for the coming changes.
💼 Workforce Disruption: Will AI Take Our Jobs?
The uncomfortable truth: AI will replace some jobs, but it will also create new ones - we must focus on reskilling and adaptation.
Why a global AI backlash is coming - we’re already seeing industries push back against AI-driven automation, from Hollywood writers to supermarket workers.
How governments and businesses can proactively prepare for AI-driven employment shifts before major disruptions occur.
🌎 The AI Arms Race: Global Competition & The Shifting Power of Innovation
The recent emergence of powerful Chinese AI models has shaken Silicon Valley’s dominance - innovation is now global, and AI development is no longer restricted to the West.
The good news: AI is becoming more accessible, meaning more diverse players can enter the market.
The bad news: AI safety and control are becoming harder to regulate. With powerful AI models being developed outside of traditional regulatory frameworks, ensuring ethical use will be a challenge.
🔮 Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in the Next 12-18 Months?
AI is evolving fast, but not everything will happen overnight. Major industry shifts will take years, not months, to play out.
Expect to see a rapid rise in AI agents and autonomous systems - but also increasing resistance from industries and workers.
The biggest opportunities: Businesses that embrace AI now can gain a 10-20x efficiency boost with minimal investment, as long as they focus on strategic, practical AI adoption.
Links & Resources
🌐 Arshad Hisham’s Website – www.arshadhisham.com
🏢 InGen Dynamics – www.ingendynamics.com
📖 2035 Series (Upcoming Book by Arshad Hisham) – www.ingendynamics.com/2035-series
🎓 AI for All Initiative – www.ingendynamics.com/education
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58min
February 17, 2025Ep 22: The Future of Creativity: Can Humans Compete with AI?
In this episode of The AI Grapple, we sit down with Aaron Ryan - an author, voice actor, and multi-talented creative who has worked with major brands like Amazon, Microsoft, and United Healthcare. But right now, both of Aaron’s industries - writing and voiceover - are being massively disrupted by AI.
From synthetic voices replacing human actors to AI-generated books flooding the market, Aaron shares first-hand insights on the risks, ethical dilemmas, and potential future of creativity in the AI age. Is there still a place for human creators? Or are we witnessing the slow erosion of artistic professions? This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in creative fields or anyone interested in the intersection between creativity and technology.
Key Highlights & Takeaways
1. AI is a “Disruption with a Capital D”
Aaron describes AI’s impact on voiceover as an immediate and tangible threat.
AI-generated voices are already replacing human voice actors for e-learning, explainer videos, and other low-emotion work.
The challenge? These models are trained on real human voices—sometimes without consent.
2. The Ethics of AI in Voice Acting
Some voice actors have discovered their voices being used in AI-generated content without permission.
Aaron shares the case of a colleague whose voice was taken and used in unethical ways.
The need for licensing and regulation in AI-generated media is urgent but currently lacking.
3. AI’s Impact on Writing and Publishing
AI tools can now generate full books in seconds, raising concerns about originality and the future of human authorship.
Aaron refuses to use AI in his writing, emphasizing that his books are 100% human-made.
He warns that many AI-generated books are created by “capitalists, not creators,” and argues that true creativity cannot be outsourced to a machine.
4. Can AI and Creativity Coexist?
Aaron acknowledges that AI has its benefits - especially in industries like medicine and accessibility tech.
However, when AI is used to replace human creativity rather than assist it, it becomes problematic.
He argues that AI should be a tool for productivity, not a substitute for human artistry.
5. The Fight for Regulation & Creative Rights
Legal cases are emerging, with voice actors and artists suing companies that misuse their work.
Aaron highlights Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing them of mimicking her voice without permission.
Without stronger copyright protections, creative professionals will continue to lose control over their own work.
6. Will People Crave More Human Content?
AI-generated media is improving, but people still crave authentic human connection.
Aaron predicts a backlash where consumers actively seek out content made by real people.
He compares AI voiceovers to frustrating automated customer service systems - people always want to talk to a human.
7. Navigating the AI-Driven Future
Aaron shares his personal strategy: pivoting back to writing as voiceover opportunities decline.
Many voice actors are having to rethink their careers as AI-generated voices take over.
Despite the disruption, Aaron remains committed to storytelling and creating original works.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Aaron’s conversation is a wake-up call for creatives everywhere - AI is here, and it’s changing the game fast. The key question is: how do we ensure AI serves creativity rather than replacing it?
🔹 Want to support real human creativity? Visit authoraaronryan.com to check out Aaron’s latest books!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The AI Grapple on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review!
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46min
February 11, 2025Ep 21: The Future of AI in Robotic Surgery with Dr. Roger Smith
In this episode of The AI Grapple Podcast, host Kate vanderVoort sits down with Dr. Roger Smith, a leading expert at the intersection of AI, robotics, and healthcare. With an extensive background as a Chief Technology Officer for AdventHealth, the U.S. Army, and Titan Corp, Roger has spent decades driving technological innovation. Now, as CEO of Model Benders and a research scientist working on robotic surgery, he explores how AI is reshaping the future of surgical procedures.
From AI-powered robotic assistants in the operating room to the potential for telesurgery and hyper-personalised patient care, Roger shares insights on where the technology stands today, the hurdles it faces, and the exciting breakthroughs on the horizon. He also dives into his work as a medical thriller novelist, where he imagines the future of AI-driven surgery in ways that might not be as far-fetched as they seem.
Key Topics Covered
🔹 Roger’s Journey: From Defence & Military Simulation to AI-Powered Healthcare
Dr. Roger Smith shares how his career evolved from working in military defence and simulation technology to leading AI-driven medical innovations. He explains how the same principles that powered advanced battlefield simulations are now being applied to robotic surgery, improving precision and training for surgeons.
🔹 What is Robotic Surgery? Breaking Down the Technology
Many people imagine robotic surgery as autonomous machines performing procedures, but the reality is very different. Roger clarifies that today’s robotic surgical systems act as precision-enhancing tools, controlled by surgeons but offering improved dexterity, stability, and accuracy. He explains how these systems translate a surgeon’s movements into highly precise motions inside the body, eliminating tremors and allowing for minimally invasive procedures.
🔹 The Role of AI in Surgery: What’s Happening Today?
AI is already assisting surgeons in ways most people don’t realize. Roger discusses how AI-driven surgical robots help pre-plan procedures, guide surgeons during operations, and enforce precision by ensuring cuts and placements are made exactly as planned. He shares real-world examples of AI-powered surgical robots, such as those used in knee replacements, which prevent errors and optimize patient outcomes.
🔹 Generative AI & The Future of Real-Time Surgical Decision-Making
With the rise of generative AI models like ChatGPT, there’s growing potential for AI to play a more active role in surgery. Roger explores how generative AI could assist surgeons by analysing thousands of previous procedures to offer real-time recommendations, detect anomalies, and even control certain instruments during surgery. However, regulatory challenges and patient trust remain significant hurdles.
🔹 Telesurgery: Can AI Overcome the Longstanding Barriers?
For decades, long-distance robotic surgery has been a goal, but technical limitations—like time delays in transmitting signals—have kept it from becoming mainstream. Roger discusses why telesurgery has been stalled for over 20 years, how AI could help mitigate risks, and why advances like SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network could finally make remote surgery viable for military applications and rural healthcare.
🔹 Beyond the Human Hand: How AI Could Redesign Surgical Instruments
Most surgical instruments today are designed around human hands, limiting their shape and functionality. Roger envisions a future where AI assists in designing entirely new types of robotic instruments that aren’t constrained by human biomechanics—potentially allowing for more precise, less invasive, and more efficient surgeries.
🔹 Ethical & Practical Challenges: The Roadblocks to AI in Surgery
While AI holds enormous potential for improving surgical outcomes, it also raises critical concerns about verification, accountability, and trust. Roger highlights the importance of regulatory approval (such as the FDA in the U.S.), ensuring AI-driven surgical decisions are reliable, and addressing public scepticism about AI’s role in healthcare.
🔹 Accelerating Medical Training: AI-Powered Surgical Simulators
One of the most exciting breakthroughs in AI-assisted surgery is its potential to revolutionize how surgeons are trained. Roger discusses how AI-driven simulators can provide real-time feedback, guiding new surgeons toward best practices and significantly shortening the time it takes to master complex procedures. He envisions a future where AI tutors assist surgeons through simulations before they ever operate on a real patient.
🔹 Public Perception: Are Patients Ready for AI-Driven Surgery?
Roger reflects on how public opinion toward robotic surgery has evolved. While there was initial hesitation and fear, patients are increasingly trusting AI-assisted procedures due to their proven safety and precision. However, concerns about data privacy, AI autonomy, and the potential for bias in AI decision-making remain key issues to address.
🔹 Roger’s Medical Thriller Novels: A Fictional Glimpse into the Future
Beyond his research and consulting work, Roger writes medical thriller novels exploring the implications of AI in robotic surgery. He explains how his fiction allows him to speculate on what the future might look like, often drawing on real-world developments that are already in motion.

Links & Resources
📌 Connect with Dr. Roger Smith:
Modelbenders Consulting: https://www.modelbenders.com
Novels: rddsmith.com
LinkedIn
YouTube
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52min
February 05, 2025Ep 20: AI, Co-Parenting & Conflict - Helping Parents Communicate with Less Stress
In this episode, Kate VanderVoort, founder and CEO of Social Mediology and the AI Success Lab, speaks with Tiffany Rochester, a clinical psychologist and co-parenting coach. Tiffany is the founding director of Co-Parenting Companion, an evidence-based service that helps separated parents reduce conflict, communicate effectively, and raise children across two homes with integrity and empathy.
Together, they discuss how AI can simplify co-parenting, remove emotional triggers from communication, and help parents set clear boundaries. Tiffany shares practical AI strategies that parents can implement immediately - along with the hidden risks of using AI without proper guidance.
Key Highlights
Tiffany’s Background and Journey
Over 20 years of experience working with complex family dynamics, including high-conflict separation cases in the family court system.
Transitioned from mandated therapy in court settings to proactive coaching, helping parents create healthy co-parenting relationships before conflicts escalate.
Inspired by her son’s passion for AI, she began exploring how AI could simplify the administrative and emotional burden of co-parenting.
How AI is Transforming Co-Parenting
AI as a Co-Parenting Ally: How AI can help parents reframe communication, reduce emotional triggers, and avoid reactionary responses.
Tackling Emotional Emails: Using AI to extract key points, remove inflammatory language, and draft calm, constructive replies.
Saving Time & Energy: How AI-powered strategies give parents more time to focus on their children instead of constant conflict management.
The Dangers of Using AI Without Guidance
AI’s Agreeable Nature: Why AI is designed to affirm users—and how this can reinforce harmful narratives if not used correctly.
Prompting Mistakes: How biased or leading prompts can generate misleading advice, escalating rather than de-escalating conflict.
Fact-Checking AI Advice: Why parents should always double-check AI-generated legal or psychological advice to avoid misinformation.
Co-Parenting Apps vs AI Tools
Are Co-Parenting Apps Still Necessary? Tiffany explains why she no longer recommends most co-parenting apps - and what free AI-powered alternatives work better.
Customising AI for Co-Parenting Needs: How parents can train AI to reflect compassionate, values-driven communication.
Future Trends: AI’s Expanding Role in Family Dynamics
AI as a Neutral Third Party: How AI can help parents see situations from their co-parent’s perspective, fostering better understanding.
AI & Autonomous Agents: The exciting future of AI-powered personal assistants that can handle co-parenting logistics and prevent knee-jerk emotional reactions.
Tiffany’s Vision: How AI can help parents separate unhealthy relationships in healthy ways, ensuring kids grow up in a more stable, supportive environment.
Guest Links & Resources
📌 Website: Co-Parenting Companion
📌 Follow Tiffany on Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram
📌 Free AI Guide for Co-Parents: Download Here
📌 Six Steps to Co-Parenting Success (Free Mini-Course): Access Here
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55min
January 05, 2025Ep 19: Michael Stelzner on How AI is Shaping the Future of Marketing
In this episode, Kate vanderVoort, founder and CEO of Social Mediology and the AI Success Lab speaks with Michael Stelzner, the CEO and founder of Social Media Examiner and host of the AI Explored Podcast. Michael is a pioneer in social media marketing and a leading voice in the integration of AI in marketing. Together, they discuss how AI is transforming marketing strategies, reshaping content creation, and addressing some of the challenges marketers are facing in adopting AI. Michael shares actionable insights into leveraging AI tools, enhancing creativity, and staying ahead in the rapidly changing digital marketing landscape.
Key Highlights:
Michael’s Background and Journey
Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with his early career in writing and creative agency work, leading to the founding of Social Media Examiner in 2009.
Social Media Examiner’s evolution from a blog to a leading marketing resource, conference, and podcast platform.
His recent pivot into AI, launching the AI Explored Podcast and the AI Business Society in 2024.

Leading the AI Transformation at Social Media Examiner
Why Michael hesitated to jump into AI after his experience with crypto and blockchain.
The creation of an internal AI committee and a company-wide AI policy to guide ethical and productive use of AI tools.
Mandatory AI training and how every team member reports on their AI usage weekly to integrate it into their workflow.

AI’s Impact on Marketing and Content Creation
AI as a strategic advisor: Training AI tools to reflect company values and assist with decision-making.
Examples of AI enhancing creativity: Custom-trained models that generate on-brand emails, match customer testimonials, and produce innovative marketing campaigns.
The role of AI in personalizing content and hyper-segmenting audiences.

Challenges and Future of AI in Marketing
Overcoming fears of synthetic content and maintaining authenticity in marketing.
Addressing marketer overwhelm with practical, incremental approaches to adopting AI.
Predictions for the future: AI agents in customer service, hyper-personalization, and how AI will redefine consumer engagement on social media.

Michael’s Perspective on Social Media’s Future with AI
The risk of synthetic content tuning out audiences and how marketers can combat it with authenticity and storytelling.
The balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and maintaining a human touch in marketing.

Exciting Innovations to Watch
AI-generated video and audio agents for customer service and sales.
Tools like Opus Clip and Riverside for creating short-form video content from long-form recordings.
Advanced AI tools for analyzing open-ended data and crafting data-driven strategies.

Links and Resources Mentioned:
Social Media Examiner: www.socialmediaexaminer.com
AI Explored Podcast on YouTube
Kate's interview on the AI Explored Podcast: View here
2024 Generative AI Marketing Industry Report: Download here
Connect with Michael on: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The AI Grapple on your favourite podcast platform and leave a review. We would love to see you in the AI Success Lab Facebook group too!
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59min
December 30, 2024Ep 18: AI for Women, by Women Inside the Jaimee Revolution, with Sreyna Rath
Welcome to another exciting episode of The AI Grapple! Today, host Kate vanderVoort dives into the world of AI companionship with the brilliant Sreyna Rath, founder and CEO of Jaimee. Jaimee is not just another AI app - it’s an empathetic digital companion designed by women, for women. It’s there to support, uplift, and connect in ways that feel human, authentic, and meaningful.
Sreyna shares her incredible journey, from escaping the Khmer Rouge regime as a Cambodian refugee to becoming a leader in the tech world. With over 17 years of experience in digital innovation, including over a decade at Accenture, she’s now channeling her expertise into building Jaimee, a groundbreaking AI platform that challenges gender bias and promotes inclusivity in technology.
This episode is packed with insights on AI ethics, the evolving role of AI in human relationships, and the importance of creating tech that benefits everyone. Whether you're passionate about technology, intrigued by the future of human-AI interaction, or looking for inspiration, this episode has something for you.
Key Highlights from the Conversation:
The Inspiration Behind Jaimee:
Sreyna reveals how her experience with gender-biased responses in early AI tools like ChatGPT inspired her to create Jaimee, a digital companion built to prioritise women’s needs and perspectives.

A Unique AI Experience:
Jaimee is designed to be more than just a chatbot—it’s a companion you can laugh with, vent to, and even seek advice from. With backstories and relatable personas, Jaimee fosters authentic emotional connections.

Ethical AI Design:
Learn how Jaimee is addressing the ethical challenges of AI companionship, from safeguarding user privacy to creating frameworks that ensure safety and inclusivity.

Sreyna’s Personal Journey:
Hear Sreyna’s story of resilience, from fleeing Cambodia as a child to becoming a trailblazer in the tech industry. She shares how her upbringing shaped her drive to break barriers and create meaningful change.

Empowering Women in AI:
Sreyna discusses her mission to close the gender data gap and make AI more inclusive by encouraging women to join the tech industry. Jaimee isn’t just an app—it’s a movement toward equitable technology.

Addressing Social Concerns:
Sreyna tackles misconceptions about AI companionship and explains how Jaimee is designed to enhance, not replace, human relationships by offering a safe, judgment-free space for emotional release.

AI’s Potential for Mental Wellbeing:
Discover how Jaimee can act as a sounding board to help users decompress, gain perspective, and improve their interactions in real-world relationships.

Privacy and Security:
With encrypted data, no PII storage, and strict privacy measures, Jaimee ensures that users feel safe sharing their thoughts and experiences.

Future Goals for Jaimee:
Learn about Jaimee’s upcoming launch, how you can sign up for the beta, and Sreyna’s vision to make AI companionship mainstream, just like Bumble revolutionised online dating.

Links and Resources Mentioned:
Jaimee Website: www.jaimee.ai
Connect with Sreyna Rath on LinkedIn: Sreyna’s LinkedIn Profile
Sign Up for the Beta: Join the Jaimee Waitlist
Instagram: Jaimee on Instagram

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The AI Grapple! If you enjoyed this conversation with Sreyna Rath, be sure to subscribe and explore our other episodes featuring thought leaders shaping the future of AI. Don’t forget to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform - it helps more listeners discover the show and join the conversation.
For more insights and updates, visit The AI Grapple website and follow us on social media. See you next time!
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50min
December 23, 2024Ep 17: Transitioning to Ethical and Human-Centered AI with Alberto Chierici
In this episode of The AI Grapple, host Kate vanderVoort sits down with Alberto Chierici to explore the intersection of AI, ethics, and humanity. Drawing on his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, machine learning engineer, and AI advisor, Alberto shares insights into how businesses can responsibly adopt AI while staying true to human-centered values.
From his early days building actuarial models to his current work at the Gradient Institute, Alberto brings a wealth of practical and philosophical perspectives to the table. Whether you’re a business leader, AI enthusiast, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping the world, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking ideas.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Alberto’s Journey:
How his early career as an actuary led to his passion for building AI systems that serve humanity.
The pivotal moments that inspired him to focus on AI ethics and human impact.

AI and Business Transformation:
The importance of starting with “why” when integrating AI into your business.
Why aligning AI strategies with core business values is crucial for success.

Practical Steps for Ethical AI Implementation:
Alberto’s five-step roadmap: knowledge, organizational structure, data quality, risk management, and ethics.
How leaders can upskill their teams and rethink operational processes to embrace AI responsibly.

The Promise and Perils of AI Decision-Making:
Real-world examples of where AI has succeeded in improving safety and efficiency—and where it has failed due to bias or poor implementation.
The growing role of agentic AI and the need for thoughtful, intentional design in automation.

AI’s Impact on Humanity:
How AI can reshape the way we work, fostering autonomy and connection—or creating new challenges.
Why balancing innovation with human values is the key to sustainable technological progress.
Connect with Alberto Chierici:
LinkedIn: Alberto Chierici
Learn more about the Gradient Institute: gradientinstitute.org
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The AI Grapple on your favourite podcast platform, and don’t forget to leave a review! For more insights on ethical and transformative AI, visit gradientinstitute.org or follow Alberto on LinkedIn.
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55min

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The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.