In this episode of AI-Curious, we delve into the disconnect between businesses’ aspirations for AI and their practical implementation. Featuring insights from Anthony Batt and Shane Robinson, co-founders of Co-AI—a hub for AI knowledge and resources—this conversation explores how businesses can adopt AI more effectively.

Jeff, Anthony, and Shane start by identifying two major challenges: finding trustworthy AI tools among the influx of new options and addressing the gap between wanting to use AI and actually seeing results. They then dive into Co-AI’s practical approach, emphasizing the importance of mindset, cultural shifts, and active experimentation as foundational steps for businesses looking to leverage AI.

Topics include:

•How companies can create a culture of experimentation and reward AI exploration.

•Practical use cases of AI as a “thought partner” and “sales coach” to enhance productivity.

•Ways business leaders can overcome inertia and initiate AI practices that evolve with company needs.

•Stories from Anthony and Shane on AI’s role in business evolution, informed by their years in tech innovation.

This episode offers essential guidance for leaders, technologists, and anyone navigating the AI landscape. Join us to learn actionable strategies for bridging the gap between abstract AI goals and measurable business outcomes.

In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser sits down with world-class magician, brand strategist, and AI educator Mike Jacobson, also known by his stage name, Magic Mike. Beyond his acclaimed magic performances, Mike has expanded his career into corporate strategy, marketing consulting, and AI education, making him a dynamic force across multiple industries.

During this lively conversation, Jeff and Mike explore the intersection of magic, curiosity, and AI. From Mike’s early “PowerPoint Parties” with friends to AI-infused variety shows at bars in New York, the episode delves into how play and creativity can be powerful tools for demystifying AI. Mike shares his experience leading engaging AI workshops for major corporations, including Meta, where he brings fun and experimentation into the typically serious corporate environment.

Key themes:

•How curiosity can unlock new ways of thinking.

•How AI can be used to inject playfulness into learning, team building, and even corporate workshops.

•Mike’s innovative “It Writes Itself” workshops, where participants create AI-powered presentations, games, and creative projects.

•Practical advice on embracing AI in both work and personal life, with examples from Mike’s unique approach.

Tune in to see how magic and AI can come together to spark creativity, inspire curiosity, and break down the barriers to understanding emerging technologies.

Timestamps:

•[00:00] Intro to Magic Mike and his diverse career

•[05:14] The origin of AI-themed PowerPoint Parties

•[11:59] How AI workshops began with fun and curiosity

•[18:23] What AI can and can’t do for creativity

•[21:24] Transitioning from AI bar shows to corporate workshops

•[29:36] The role of low-stakes creativity in demystifying AI

Magic Mike:
https://hellomagicmike.com/

Mike Jacobson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobsonmike/

AI-Curious on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

Jeff Wilser on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/jeffwilser

www.JeffWilser.com

In this episode of AI-Curious, Jeff Wilser reports from LA Tech Week, where he delves into the pressing questions surrounding AI’s role in Hollywood. Will AI replace actors and screenwriters, or will it enhance the creative process, making content production faster and more efficient? Jeff shares insights from a fireside chat with Susanne Daniels, former Global Head of Content at YouTube, on the limits of AI in the entertainment industry and the need for keeping “humans in the loop.”

Key topics:

•The potential and concerns of AI in film production, animation, and the role of studio executives.

•The idea of AI-powered content personalization, where AI could tailor shows for individual viewers.

•How AI-generated art is breaking new ground, including the robot artist Ai-Da’s abstract portrait, sold at Sotheby’s for over $120,000.

•A news story about an AI-powered site mistakenly accusing a district attorney of murder.

•The latest developments in AI tools like Perplexity and its customizable knowledge search for businesses.

AI-Curious on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser

Jeff Wilser on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/jeffwilser

More about Jeff Wilser:
https://jeffwilser.com/JW/