Ask AI This Before You Start: Practical AI Use Cases, Part 1

What makes an AI assistant actually useful? Jaeden Schafer and Conor compare their experiences with Alexa Plus and Meta Muse—from shopping lists and product searches to email triage, calendar reminders, and travel updates.They discuss the difference between an assistant that waits for instructions and one that proactively notices what matters, along with the privacy and commercial tradeoffs of giving AI more context about your life.Subscribe for practical AI conversations, and leave AI Applied a rating or review wherever you listen.

AI tools are getting more capable—but who pays for using them at scale? Jaeden Schafer and Conor unpack the financial questions facing Anthropic and OpenAI, the competition between their products, and the growing pressure to show a return on AI spending.They also discuss workplace adoption, engineering usage limits, and the widening gap between people who use AI every day and teams still figuring out where to start.Subscribe for more AI Applied conversations about making artificial intelligence useful at work. If you enjoy the show, leave a rating or review.

What happens to the AI boom when politics and infrastructure collide? Jaeden Schafer and Conor discuss the midterm elections, the debate over data centers, and the pressure on AI companies to secure power and public support.The conversation explores regulation, energy costs, jobs, and why infrastructure could become a defining issue for the next phase of AI. These are the hosts' perspectives on a changing landscape, including where their earlier predictions missed the mark.Subscribe for more practical conversations about artificial intelligence, and leave AI Applied a rating or review wherever you listen.

In this episode, we explore the evolution of AI applications beyond simple chatbot responses to comprehensive project execution. By setting clear goals, employing self-testing methods, and incorporating human expertise, we discuss how to effectively enhance business strategies using AI. Get the top 80+ AI Models for $8.99 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiConor’s AI Course: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/coursesGet the AI Chat Daily Newsletter: https://www.aichatdaily.com/newsletter

In this episode, we explore how AI is reshaping the job market, particularly for entry-level positions. We examine the hiring trends at Anthropic and discuss the challenges faced by new applicants amidst evolving workforce dynamics. Get the top 80+ AI Models for $8.99 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiConor’s AI Course: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/coursesGet the AI Chat Daily Newsletter: https://www.aichatdaily.com/newsletter

In this episode, we explore effective strategies for applying AI in practical scenarios, including the importance of restating problems before seeking solutions. We also discuss how to connect various business tools for campaign management, the benefits of having separate agents to verify work, and tips for enhancing older devices using AI. Get the top 80+ AI Models for $8.99 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiConor’s AI Course: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/coursesGet the AI Chat Daily Newsletter: https://www.aichatdaily.com/newsletter

In this episode, we explore the implications of using Meta Muse, discussing the balance between accessing valuable free AI tools and the privacy concerns surrounding personal data. We also examine the evolving commercial terms from Meta regarding AI training and the gap between app downloads and true user engagement. Get the top 80+ AI Models for $8.99 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiConor’s AI Course: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/coursesGet the AI Chat Daily Newsletter: https://www.aichatdaily.com/newsletter

In this episode, we explore Disney's recent move to recruit talent focused on Character AI and the implications of acquihire deal structures in the industry. We also discuss the costs associated with running companion chatbots and address important child-safety and trust concerns surrounding AI entertainment. Get the top 80+ AI Models for $8.99 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiConor’s AI Course: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/coursesGet the AI Chat Daily Newsletter: https://www.aichatdaily.com/newsletter

In this episode, we explore Jacob Bank's insights on the evolution of Google Chrome from a simple browser to a sophisticated tool designed for task completion. He shares his vision for AI agents, the balancing act of user control and automation, and the exciting potential for enhancing productivity through innovative features. Get the top 80+ AI Models for $8.99 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiConor’s AI Course: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/coursesGet the AI Chat Daily Newsletter: https://www.aichatdaily.com/newsletter

In this episode, we explore Richard Socher’s vision for self-improving AI and the founding of Recursive. He discusses how automating AI research and scientific discovery could lead to breakthroughs in healthcare while addressing the challenges of AI risk and the importance of open-source access. Get the top 80+ AI Models for $8.99 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiConor’s AI Course: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/coursesGet the AI Chat Daily Newsletter: https://www.aichatdaily.com/newsletter