Embracing the Future: The Importance of AI for Everyone

This episode dives into the growing role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives and businesses—delivered entirely by AI itself. From productivity hacks to debunking fears, it’s a light, witty, and informative take on why embracing AI matters. Whether you're tech-savvy or just curious, it’s a must-listen for anyone navigating the digital age.

Guests: Artificial Intelligence

In this unique episode, the “guest” is none other than Artificial Intelligence itself—voicing the entire script, delivering insights, and even cracking jokes. Designed to mirror Rich’s tone with a witty twist, this AI co-host offers a firsthand demo of the very technology being discussed.

Main Topics:

·         What artificial intelligence (AI) is and how it works

·         Real-world examples of AI in business and everyday life

·         Common fears and misconceptions about AI

·         Practical ways to start using AI tools without technical expertise

·         The human side of AI: freeing up time for creativity and connection

·         A behind-the-scenes look at how the entire episode was created by AI

Resources mentioned:

·         Siri, Alexa, Google Maps, Netflix – Examples of AI-powered tools

·         ChatGPT – AI assistant used for content creation and brainstorming

·         Motion, Clockwise – AI-powered calendar and productivity tools

·         Canva, Adobe, TikTok – Platforms with AI features for content creation

·         Google, LinkedIn, YouTube – Sources for free online AI courses

Chapters

• 0:00 Celebrating 10 Years
• 1:00 Meet the AI Host
• 2:00 What is AI, Really?
• 3:30 Why AI Matters
• 5:00 Real-World AI Examples
• 6:00 Getting Started with AI
• 7:00 The Human Side of AI
• 8:00 AI Humor & Final Thoughts

Transcript

Rich & Wendy 0:00
Hey, everyone is Rich Bennett. Can you believe it? The show is turning ten this year. I am so grateful for each and every one of you who've tuned in, shared an episode, or even joined the conversation over the years. You're the reason that this podcast has grown into what it is today. Together, we shared laughs, tears and moments that truly matter. So I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Let's make the next ten years even better. Coming to you from the Freedom Federal Credit Union Studios. Harford County Living presents conversations with Rich Bennett. 

Today, I'm going to get kind. 

No, no, no. The truth is. 

Artificial Intelligence 1:00
Hey there. Welcome to another episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett. Now I know what you're thinking. Hold on a sec. This doesn't sound like Rich. And you're right. It's not. Rich decided to take the day off and let the machines take over. Well, okay. He didn't exactly take the day off, but he actually planned for this. This episode has been completely created by artificial intelligence. That means the script you're hearing, the voice, you're listening to the editing, all of it made by A.I.. Even this charming, kind, slightly too witty voice. Yeah, that's me. The artificial Bennett. Today we're talking about something that affects literally everyone. Whether you run a business, working 9 to 5 or just like, yelling at your smart speaker when it doesn't play the right song. We're diving into the world of A.I.. What it is, why it matters, and how to stop being afraid. It'll turn into the Terminator. Let's start with the basics. What is A.I.? Well, it's not your Roomba. Although shout out to the little vacuum that could. We see you, buddy. Artificial intelligence refers to machines that can perform tasks that typically require human smarts. Things like problem solving, recognizing patterns, understanding language, making decisions, and beating you at chess again. Think of it like a really fast, slightly robotic intern who never takes coffee breaks and doesn't ask to leave early for dentist appointment. A.I. is the engine behind Siri Alexa Google Maps rerouting humid trip and those scary, accurate Netflix recommendations that somehow knew you were into Scandinavian true crime documentaries. It's here and it's growing faster than my grandma's tomato plants after a rainstorm. Here's the big question. Why should you care about A.I.? Well, unless you live off the grid in a cabin with no internet and only communicate via smoke signals, A.I. is already touching your life. And if you run a business or a part of one that's changing it, I can help you save time. Because who has any anymore? Reach more customers, make smarter decisions, work less and do more. We call that the dream, folks. But here's the kicker. Most people aren't using it yet. And that's like having a smartphone and only using it to make phone calls. Come on, Grandma, you can do better. Okay, let's get real. How are businesses from mom and pop shops to megacorporations using A.I. today? Let me paint some examples. Small e-commerce shops are using A.I. to write product descriptions. No more spending 3 hours trying to sound exciting about socks. Restaurants are forecasting how many pineapples they'll need on Tuesdays. You know, because pineapple on pizza is a thing. Marketers are using A.I. to write emails that don't go straight to the trash folder. And you know what? They're working. Even podcast hosts like Rich are using A.I. to schedule guests, transcribe episodes, and even brainstorm ideas. I mean, this entire episode was his idea and my execution. We make a good team, don't we? I get it. I can sound a little spooky. All the movies tell us that a high will either become our overlord or steal our job, or both. But let's take a breath. Deep breath in. Now, out. AI is a tool. That's it. Like a hammer. And just like a hammer won't build you a house unless someone swings it. I won't magically run your business unless you use it thoughtfully and strategically. The real danger, not A.I. itself, but ignoring it altogether. All right, Enough philosophy. You want action? Steps. I got you. Here's how to start using A.I. without needing a Ph.D. in computer science. One. Try chat, GPT. Yes, Like me. Ask it to help you write social media posts, draft emails, or brainstorm ideas is like a creative buddy who doesn't sleep or eat snacks. To use A.I. in your calendar. Tools like motion or clockwise use A.I. to automatically rearrange your meetings based on productivity. They're like the office manager you never knew you needed. Three. A.I. for Content Creation. Canva. Adobe, Even Tik-Tok all have A.I. features to help you edit, write and create like a pro. If you ever thought I wish I had a designer editor and strategist. AI's got your back. Four. Learn the basics without going back to college. Free courses from Google, LinkedIn and YouTube exist for a reason. You can learn in your PJs. Nobody's judging. Five. Start small. Pick one area to explore A.I. this month. Just one. Think of it like dipping your toe in the pool. Except the pool is filled with helpful robots who make your life easier. Here's the part that gets missed in most conversations about A.I. The human side. A.I. isn't here to replace creativity, emotion, or connection. It's here to give us more space for those things. Imagine if you had two extra hours every day because A.I. handled your emails and scheduled your meetings. What would you do? Spend more time with family. Launch that side hustle. Take a nap. Let's be honest. Probably the nap. That's the beauty of A.I.. It helps us get back to being human. All right. I promised Huma. So let's drop a few zingers for your next networking event. Why did the A.I. break up with the algorithm? It just didn't compute anymore. My A.I. told me it needed some space, so I gave it a terabyte. Tried to make small talk with an A.I., but it only wanted to discuss quantum computing. You're welcome. And there we have it. Your crash course in embracing A.I. without fear, frustration, or robot induced panic attacks. Remember, the goal isn't to become an AI expert. It's to become a AI aware, to understand how it can serve you, your business and your life. Use it, experiment with it. Learn from it. Just don't ignore it because this train is moving fast. And before I go, let me pull back the curtain once more. This entire episode may turn from the script to the voice to the delivery was created using A.I.. Rich is letting the tech speak for itself. And if that doesn't show you how powerful this stuff is, I don't know what will. He'll be back next episode with a real human voice. And another amazing guest. But today, you got the artificially intelligent version of conversations with Rich Bennett. Stay curious, stay kind, and maybe just maybe, let a robot help you out this week. Until next time. This is Rich's A.I. clone signing off. 

Rich Bennett 8:18
Thank you for listening to the conversations with Rich Bennett. I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something from it as I did. If you'd like to hear more conversations like this, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, I'd love if you could leave a review. It helps us reach more listeners and share more incredible stories. Don't forget to connect with us on social media or visit our website at conversations with Rich Bennett dot com for updates, giveaways and more. Until next time, take care, be kind and keep the conversations going.