In this episode, we break it all down from a beginner’s point of view. We compare the big names like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude, explain what actually separates them, and help you understand who each one is really for. We also step outside subscriptions and look at self-hosting. What it takes to run a local LLM, what it costs, and when it makes sense.

We cover real-world considerations people don’t talk about enough: privacy, electricity usage, upfront hardware costs, and why cloud hosting can become expensive. You’ll also hear simple explanations of tools like LM Studio and Open WebUI, so you know where they fit without needing a technical background.

If you’re new to AI and want clarity, this episode gives you the shortcuts you need to choose the right setup without overpaying, overcomplicating, or getting burned later.