The AI Report Live

Sign up to Orbit Flows here: orbitflows.com?via=theaireportSummaryIn this conversation, Ethan Reeves shares his journey from a young programmer to co-founder of Orbit Marketing, discussing the evolution of AI and its impact on marketing. He emphasizes the importance of email marketing, trust, and authority in building successful businesses. Ethan also delves into the challenges of navigating the SaaS landscape, the significance of having a structured process in place, and the joy of creating and building products that provide value to users.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ethan Reeves and His Background02:57 The Evolution of AI and Machine Learning05:36 Founding Orbit Marketing and Its Journey08:43 The Power of Email Marketing and Newsletters11:31 Trust, Authority, and Credibility in Email Marketing14:09 The Role of Personal Stories in Newsletters17:23 Orbit Marketing's Approach to Client Engagement20:13 Building Trust Through Value in Email Communication23:05 The Challenges of Building AI SaaS Products26:02 The Myth of Easy Software Development28:58 The Reality of SaaS Valuations and Market Expectations32:53 Navigating the Vaporware Landscape35:41 Building a Sticky Software Product37:31 The Evolution of OrbitFlows39:22 The Power of Context in AI42:02 Creating Value and Reducing Friction44:28 The Importance of Stickiness in Software46:00 Execution and Vision in Startups49:56 The Pace of Development56:56 Aiming for the Stars: The Future of OrbitFlowsSign up for the newsletter: https://newsletter.theaireport.ai/subscribeJoin the community: https://www.skool.com/the-ai-report-community/about

🔗 Connect with Chris hereIn this podcast episode, Chris Raulf shares his extensive journey in the SEO industry, starting from his early days in 1996 to the present, where he emphasizes the transformative impact of AI on search engine optimization. He introduces the concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and discusses the importance of E-E-A-T principles in creating valuable content. Chris also contrasts white hat and black hat SEO strategies, explains the shift from traditional SEO to content marketing, and highlights the evolving landscape of search engines and content distribution. He addresses the implications of AI on search traffic and shares insights on micro SEO strategies and the role of directories and featured profiles in enhancing online visibility. Finally, Chris reflects on the future of SEO and the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing environment, driven by his passion for the field.TakeawaysChris Raulf transitioned into SEO after years in marketing roles.Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is a new term gaining traction.E-E-A-T principles are crucial for ranking high in search results.White hat SEO strategies comply with Google's guidelines, while black hat strategies do not.The shift from SEO to content marketing is significant in today's landscape.Search engines are evolving to index content from various platforms.AI is changing how search traffic is generated and managed.Micro SEO strategies involve creating superior content using AI insights.Directories can enhance visibility if they rank well in search results.Continuous learning is essential to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving SEO landscape.TitlesThe SEO Journey: From 1996 to TodayGenerative Engine Optimization ExplainedSound bites"I just decided after reading a horoscope.""Search everywhere optimization is the new SEO.""Impressions go up, clicks stay the same."Chapters00:00 Introduction to SEO and Chris Raulf's Journey02:58 Understanding Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)05:52 The Importance of E-E-A-T Principles in SEO08:32 Navigating Domain Authority and Trustworthiness11:18 Content Creation: Quality Over Quantity14:14 Transitioning from SEO to Content Marketing16:54 The Evolution of Search Engines and User Behavior19:29 Search Everywhere Optimization: A New Approach22:22 The Impact of AI on Search Volume and Traffic25:14 Micro SEO Strategies and AI Integration28:27 Creating a Hybrid Content Strategy31:39 Maximizing Content Value Through AI Tools33:02 Understanding Robots.txt and LLM.txt35:42 Leveraging Featured.com for Personal Branding38:58 The Role of Directories in SEO43:12 International Perspectives on SEO Trends47:03 The Future of AI in SEO50:41 Continuous Learning in a Rapidly Evolving Field55:37 Passion for SEO and Its Impact on Career

🎯 Replace Influencers with AI? This Guy Already Did.This week on The AI Report, host Liam Lawson chats with Andrew DiLullo—performance marketer and founder of AdCrunch Digital—about how AI is transforming ad creative right now.Andrew walks us through his full stack: from pulling TikTok scripts to feeding ChatGPT, generating AI spokespeople with Arcads, and scaling UGC videos at $20 a pop. No fluff, just the full system.We also get into:• The fall of traditional influencers• Real vs fake UGC—can you tell anymore?• Why Meta’s push for AI-only ads might backfire• The ethics of “making up” testimonials with GPT• What AI still can’t do (yet)Whether you’re a founder, creative, or just AI-curious, this one’s a masterclass.💡 Read The AI Report (it’s free): https://theaireport.beehiiv.com/subscribe📩 Want to work with Andrew? Visit https://adcrunchdigital.com

This week on The AI Report, Liam Lawson is joined by Eric Sui—indie hacker, AI builder, and creator of Agents Playbook—to talk about designing with agents instead of apps.Eric breaks down how he moved from casual GPT-3 experimentation to building structured AI workflows that solve real problems. They dig into agent UX, why many AI tools fall short, and how indie builders can actually move faster by thinking in systems.Also in this episode: • Why agents are more than just automations • How no-code stacks can launch powerful workflows • Lessons from “building in public” on Twitter • How to find product ideas in your own frustration • The future of indie AI projects and agent-led designWhether you’re trying to build smarter tools or just want to understand how agents are reshaping what software can do, this episode is packed with insight.Subscribe to The AI Report:https://theaireport.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin the community:https://www.skool.com/the-ai-report-community/aboutChapters:(00:00) Intro to Eric Sui(01:12) Hacking on GPT-3 Before It Was Popular(03:05) Where AI Products Go Wrong(04:56) User Experience for Agents(06:29) Thinking in Systems, Not Features(08:15) How LLMs Shift the Tool Paradigm(09:53) Launching With No-Code + GPT(11:27) Product Validation as Self-Therapy(13:10) Getting Better Feedback Faster(14:52) Public Building as a Strategy(16:47) Twitter Feedback Loops(19:01) Starting From Zero Audience(20:45) Workflow Design and Mental Models(22:39) How to Think With Agents(24:26) Indiehacking, Investment, and Staying Lean(26:11) Staying Close to Your Problem Space(27:53) Teaching Builders Through Agents Playbook(29:45) What’s Next for Eric(31:22) Where to Connect

This week on The AI Report, Liam Lawson is joined by Quinn Favret, co-founder and COO of Tavus, to explore how digital humans are reshaping communication across industries.Quinn shares how Tavus is building AI agents that can engage in real-time, emotionally intelligent conversations—complete with facial expressions, dynamic tone, and personalized responses. The goal isn’t just automation. Its presence. And Quinn believes AI might actually help humans connect more deeply, not less.They dig into how Tavus trains its models, where conversational AI is already creating real impact, and what it takes to design an experience that feels human, without trying to be one.Also in this episode: • Why the uncanny valley is a storytelling challenge • What it means to create “brand as soul” • How Tavus enables sales, HR, education, and therapy • Why cultural nuance and context matter more than realism • The role of AI in making communication more accessibleThis is a forward-looking episode for anyone building or using AI to solve problems that rely on trust, attention, and human connection.Subscribe to The AI Report:https://theaireport.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin the community:https://www.skool.com/the-ai-report-community/aboutChapters:(00:00) Intro and Quinn’s Background(01:03) Engineering, Startups, and YC(03:20) From ML Forecasting to AI Video(05:08) How Tavus Got Started(06:21) Launching During COVID(07:28) What Tavus Actually Does Today(09:05) Real Use Cases in Sales, Healthcare, and Media(11:35) Developer Tools and Agentic Systems(12:31) Building Machines That Adjust to Us(14:39) What Makes a Conversation Feel Real(16:46) Cultural and Contextual Communication(17:52) How AI Understands People Over Time(20:45) Could AI Be Better at Talking Than We Are?(23:03) Why AI Therapy Isn’t as Crazy as It Sounds(24:40) The Art of Listening and Speaking(28:33) How Quinn Practices Communication in Life and Work(30:41) The Meaning Behind the Tavus Brand(33:29) Tech, Storytelling, and Soul(35:27) UX Gaps and Human Expectations(36:43) Tavus in Context: Not Just Avatars(38:23) What an AI-Powered Future Might Look Like(40:04) Balancing Tech and Humanity(41:19) Quinn’s “Why”(44:54) Where to Connect

This week on The AI Report, Liam Lawson sits down with Gordon Wintrob, co-founder and CTO of Newfront, to talk about bringing AI into one of the slowest-moving industries: insurance.Gordon shares how Newfront is redesigning the broker experience with automation and AI—from parsing 200-page policies in seconds to helping HR teams save weeks of work. They discuss building AI tools that clients actually trust, how to manage risk in regulated industries, and why embedding AI into company culture matters as much as the code.Also in this episode: • Why insurance is one of the last big frontiers for tech • What makes a good AI use case in complex workflows • The story behind Benji, Newfront’s internal AI assistant • How to foster internal adoption from hiring to hackathons • What regulation and SOC 2 mean for AI innovationThis is a real look at what happens when AI goes beyond chatbots and into core business infrastructure.Subscribe to The AI Report:https://theaireport.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin the community:https://www.skool.com/the-ai-report-community/aboutChapters:(00:00) Reimagining the Insurance Stack(01:06) Why Insurance Feels So Behind(02:41) How Brokers Work and Where AI Fits(05:08) Founding Newfront With Future Tech in Mind(06:59) Automating Contract Review at Scale(08:49) Working With Startups and Industry Giants(10:19) What It’s Like Serving Diverse Client Profiles(12:17) Making Room for Value-Add Conversations(13:28) Key AI Tools: Benji, Gap Analysis, and More(15:29) Why Products Succeed or Fail in Legacy Fields(16:39) Creating a Culture of Technical Curiosity(18:25) From Engineering to Recruiting: AI in the Org(19:30) Equity, Values, and Ownership at Scale(21:50) What Keeps Traditional Brokerages Behind(23:43) AI as a Signal of Operator Leverage(25:22) Who Newfront Builds For(25:56) Staying Compliant While Moving Fast(28:39) Managing Data Risk in a Privacy-Critical Industry(29:01) Vendor Security and SOC 2 in AI Development(30:25) Expanding AI Beyond the Frontend(31:58) CTO Strategy and Time Allocation(32:54) Staying Up-to-Date in a Fast-Shifting Landscape(34:42) Building With Purpose in a Legacy System(36:11) Connect With Gordon

On this episode of The AI Report, Liam Lawson is joined by Frey Chu—a directory builder, SEO educator, and creator focused on building long-term, high-leverage digital assets.Frey shares how he builds directories that actually work, why so many fail to get traction, and how to combine AI workflows, structured data, and strong SEO fundamentals to make evergreen content that ranks and converts.They discuss the real art of choosing a niche, when to enrich data manually vs programmatically, and why directories—when done right—are still one of the best internet business models available.Also in this episode: • What separates real directories from content farms • How to validate a niche with Reddit and Ahrefs • Why LLMs are forcing a rethink of “content quality” • The pros and cons of exact-match domains • Frey’s thoughts on time freedom, creative control, and building slow on purposeIf you’ve ever wanted to build a niche site, test an idea, or launch a project that runs without you, Frey’s approach will give you a grounded, tactical blueprint.Subscribe to The AI Report:https://theaireport.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin the community:https://www.skool.com/the-ai-report-community/aboutChapters:(00:00) What Makes a Directory Valuable(01:06) Ranking Local Queries With SEO(02:34) The Difference Between Lists and Real Directories(04:32) Why “Directory of Directories” Doesn’t Work(05:36) Finding Balance Between SEO and Passion(07:55) Evergreen Niches That Print Cashflow(10:05) Reviewing His Portfolio: Hits and Experiments(11:15) Why Directories Are Still Relevant(12:19) LLMs and the Future of Structured Data(13:38) Monetize First or Learn First?(15:11) Validating Demand Without Guesswork(16:35) Data Enrichment Strategies That Work(17:54) Choosing the Right Stack for Directory Projects(18:57) Quality Markers That Matter in 2025(20:00) High-Consequence Niches With Real Need(21:43) Feedback Loops and Iterating in Public(23:03) Do Domains Still Influence Trust and Ranking?(24:12) Frey’s Monetization Framework(25:19) Getting Ready for the Next Phase of LLM SEO(27:50) How Frey Keeps Learning and Evolving(29:04) The People and Projects He’s Studying(30:10) The Multi-Skill Nature of Directory Projects(31:54) Long-Term Goals: SaaS, Marketplaces, and Time Freedom(33:44) Why He’s Teaching Now(35:52) Where to Find and Follow Frey

This week on The AI Report, Liam Lawson is joined by Peter, a startup coach and product strategist who’s helped dozens of early-stage founders avoid one of the most costly mistakes in tech: building before validating.Peter explains why most startup ideas fail not because the tech doesn’t work, but because there’s no real demand. He shares the “sandwich method” he uses to get honest, useful feedback in discovery calls, and how founders can avoid building in a vacuum.They also explore the role AI is starting to play in validation workflows—and why it can’t replace true customer insight.Also in this episode: • Why product-market fit is not a feeling • How to structure conversations to get real signal • The biggest lies founders tell themselves during early validation • How to use AI tools in discovery without getting misled • Why humility might be the most valuable founder skillIf you’re building anything new—especially in AI or SaaS—this episode is a sharp, tactical reset.Subscribe to The AI Report:https://theaireport.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin the community:https://www.skool.com/the-ai-report-community/aboutChapters:(00:00) Misunderstanding Product Validation(01:15) Who Peter Works With and Why(03:40) The Sandwich Method for Better Discovery(06:05) What He Learned From YC and Startup #1(08:12) Founders as Pattern Matchers(10:33) Detecting and Avoiding Bias(13:00) Identifying Real Market Demand(15:18) The Feature Fallacy(17:50) AI Tools vs Product Necessity(19:36) Where AI Can (and Can’t) Help(21:44) Advice for Founders on Day Zero(23:50) Why Peter Keeps Coaching(26:04) Where to Find Him

This week on The AI Report, Liam Lawson talks with Nick Jain, former IdeaScale CEO and founder of Content Hurricane, about how he used AI to completely replace traditional marketing and scale his funnel 50x.Nick shares how a $25 AI agent outperformed his in-house team, created content that outranked McKinsey on Google, and helped him build one of the most efficient B2B funnels in SaaS. He breaks down how he did it, why most marketers are missing the shift, and what the future looks like when AI runs most of your company’s creative output.Also in this episode: • Building a 90% AI-powered inbound funnel • Why content teams will be replaced, not reskilled • The new role of product managers in an AI-led org • How Content Hurricane scales enterprise-quality assets with no human input • The future of education, work, and intellectual leverageThis is not a “how to write prompts” episode. It’s a front-row view into what happens when a founder goes all in on AI and doesn’t look back.Subscribe to The AI Report:https://theaireport.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin the community:https://www.skool.com/the-ai-report-community/aboutChapters:(00:00) Why Content Marketing Is On Its Way Out(01:14) A $25 Agent vs a Whole Marketing Team(02:26) Nick’s Moment of Clarity in Amsterdam(03:28) Scaling Content With ChatGPT in 30 Minutes(05:21) Running Mandatory AI Training at IdeaScale(06:45) Who Actually Adopted the Tech(08:17) From Harvard MBA to Startup CEO(09:00) Inside a 90% Automated Marketing Funnel(10:00) What Good Content Actually Means for SEO(12:31) Why Algorithms Are Not the Point(14:13) Tracking True ROI Across All Content(16:13) The Channels That Still Work(17:08) Nick’s Favorite Prompt Strategy(18:34) The End of the Content Marketing Role(20:21) CEO Ethics in the AI Age(22:04) Why Sales and Product Still Matter(24:03) The Future of Product Management(25:31) Why Generalists Have the Edge Now(27:05) What Happens to Traditional Education(28:10) The Chips Are Coming: Post-Human Thinking(30:13) How Content Hurricane Operates(32:01) Awareness to Action With AI(33:36) The Simplicity Advantage in UX(35:09) Prompting for Depth, Not Generic Output(36:03) Product With Purpose(36:22) Massive Growth Metrics From the Funnel(38:12) Why Nick Keeps Building(39:05) How to Connect With Him

This week on The AI Report, Liam Lawson is joined by Lindsay Rosenthal, founder of Synnc and one of the leading voices in the B2B creator economy. Lindsay shares how she went from building a presence on LinkedIn to launching a software platform that connects brands and professionals for high-leverage collaborations.She breaks down what’s changing in B2B marketing, why creators are becoming critical distribution channels, and how she built and shipped a product without a technical background, leveraging AI tools to move faster and execute smarter.Also in this episode: • The rise of B2B creators and micro-influencers • How Synnc uses AI to match brands and creators • Why a personal brand is now part of your resume • The challenge of balancing content, consulting, and product building • What it really takes to launch a product with limited resourcesIf you’re trying to grow on LinkedIn, launch a tool, or find smarter ways to work with AI, this conversation is full of sharp insights from someone doing all three at once.Subscribe to The AI Report:https://theaireport.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin the community:https://www.skool.com/the-ai-report-community/aboutChapters:(00:00) Why Community is Career Insurance(01:04) AI Meets LinkedIn: What’s Happening Now(02:10) B2B Creators Are the New Growth Engine(03:20) Personal Brand as a Strategic Asset(04:36) Imperfect Content Beats AI-Polished Posts(06:13) The Real Voice of B2B: Messy and Human(07:47) What Synnc Actually Does(09:00) How Brands and Creators Use the Platform(11:09) AI Workflow Automation Behind the Scenes(13:14) Why Creator Rates Are Climbing in B2B(14:21) Big Value From Small Audiences(16:20) Winning With Focused Distribution, Not Virality(17:05) Collabs, Testimonials, and Fractional Roles(18:17) Building and Shipping Without a Tech Background(19:31) The Realities of Building in Public(21:05) Why Speed and Timing Matter Most(22:12) Lindsay’s Origin Story and Customer Zero(24:03) From Student Podcast to Software Startup(25:57) Spotting Trends and Building Early(28:02) Why Non-Technical Founders Are Winning Now(29:08) Using AI for Product Design and Dev Work(31:07) AI-Powered Matching and Briefing(32:48) Reducing Friction With Smarter Systems(34:03) How Lindsay Balances Multiple Lanes(35:15) Tools, Systems, and Mental Clarity(36:07) The Value of Doing More to Think Better(37:07) Synnc’s Next Moves(39:04) What She’s Working on Behind the Curtain(41:12) How to Connect With Lindsay and Try Synnc