The AI Guys

AI adoption fails far more often because of people and process not because of the technology itself. In this episode, Lee and Rich are joined by AI leader and community builder Maria Becerra to unpack why most organizations struggle to move AI from idea to execution.   They explore the real blockers to AI adoption, including change resistance, poor data readiness, unclear ownership, outdated workflows, and unrealistic expectations of what AI should do. Maria shares firsthand insights from working inside large organizations, explaining why mapping processes, standardizing data, and involving the right people early are essential to building successful AI systems.   The conversation also dives into the rise of the agentic workforce, why every employee will soon manage AI agents, and why simply automating old workflows misses the real opportunity. If your company is talking about AI but struggling to operationalize it, this episode provides a clear framework for what needs to change—and where to start.   Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

AI knowledge transfer is becoming one of the most critical business priorities as companies face employee turnover, retirements, and rapidly evolving technology stacks. In this episode, Lee Dixon and Rich Swier break down why institutional knowledge loss is one of the biggest hidden risks businesses will face in 2026 and beyond.   They explore how AI can capture tribal knowledge that's never been written down, centralize fragmented documentation, and transform scattered insights into a living, evolving intelligence layer for your organization. From onboarding and training to process optimization and employee feedback loops, this conversation highlights why companies that fail to operationalize their knowledge will fall behind.   If your business relies on people-driven expertise, legacy systems, or undocumented workflows, this episode will help you understand how AI-driven knowledge agents can protect, enhance, and scale what your organization knows before it walks out the door.   Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys

In this episode of the AI Guys Podcast, Lee Dickson and Rich Swier break down what it really takes to build and deploy AI agents that deliver value. They cover the full lifecycle from development blueprints and data preparation to training, integrations, testing, and post-launch monitoring. If you are experimenting with AI agents or planning your first deployment, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and build systems that scale. Subscribe to the AI Guys Podcast and follow us for practical conversations on AI, software, and the future of work. https://substack.aiguyspod.com All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB YouTube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia. https://www.raiaai.com/ Produced by Content Supply  

In this episode, Lee and Rich dive into the operating model of the modern company as we approach 2026. The conversation moves beyond simple chatbots and into the realm of AI Agents—software that doesn't just answer questions but performs tasks. Rich argues that knowledge-based businesses (like consultancies) must start thinking like manufacturers, breaking down processes into "conveyor belt" workflows where AI handles the heavy lifting and humans act as supervisors. They discuss the necessity of re-underwriting org charts, the massive productivity potential of the "10x employee," and why resisting this change isn't about protecting jobs—it's about risking obsolescence. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube (or others) https://substack.aiguyspod.com All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB YouTube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia. https://www.raiaai.com/ Chapters 00:00 Intro & Banter 01:29 From Tools to Infrastructure 03:07 The Manufacturing Mindset 06:14 The AI Consultant Model 11:17 Agents vs. Chatbots 14:02 The 10x Employee 16:30 The 2026 Org Chart 21:18 Outro Produced by @ContentSupply  

In this episode, The AI Guys tackle the rapidly widening gap in the software world. On one side, you have "Vibe Coders"—entrepreneurs and new devs using AI to generate entire applications via prompts, bypassing traditional coding struggles. On the other, you have enterprise teams managing 30-year-old legacy systems. Rich Swire breaks down how to bridge this divide using AI Agents trained on your specific data, and why the future of development isn't about replacing humans, but keeping them in the loop while the AI drives. Why should I listen? If you are a technical leader, developer, or entrepreneur, this episode explains the difference between simple AI autocomplete and full-scale AI development. You'll learn a practical framework for modernizing legacy code without rewriting it from scratch. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube (or others) https://substack.aiguyspod.com All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB YouTube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia. https://www.raiaai.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Intro & The "Cold" Open 01:25 - The Evolution: From IDE Autocomplete to Code Gen 02:44 - The Tesla Analogy: When to let AI take the wheel 04:00 - What is "Vibe Coding"? 06:49 - The Framework: Tool-Based AI vs. Agentic AI 10:24 - The Challenge of Modernizing Legacy Code 14:41 - The "Google Maps" Analogy for Senior Devs 19:35 - The "Human in the Loop" Conclusion   Produced by @ContentSupply  

Why is AI adoption so slow when the opportunity feels so massive? In this episode of the AI Guys Podcast, Lee and Rich sit down with Jason Jackson, Group AI Enablement Lead at Vista Software Group, to unpack the real-world challenges holding AI back. They discuss governance friction, legacy systems, legal uncertainty, and why constantly shifting AI technology makes long-term planning difficult. Jason shares practical insights on running better experiments, staying flexible with models and vendors, and building AI systems that deliver measurable value. This episode is essential listening for leaders, builders, and operators navigating AI inside complex organizations. Subscribe to the AI Guys Podcast and follow us for more practical conversations on AI, software, and the future of work. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube (or others) https://substack.aiguyspod.com All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB YouTube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia. https://www.raiaai.com/ This podcast is produced by Content Supply.  

In this episode of the AI Guys, hosts Lee Dixon and Rich Swire wrap up 2025 by outlining the three critical trends that will define the next year of artificial intelligence. They move beyond the "experimental" phase to discuss why 2026 marks the end of "analysis paralysis" and the beginning of mandated business adoption where AI is embedded into the DNA of company workflows. Rich explains why we are approaching a massive "startup churn" as hyperscalers like Google and Amazon vertically integrate features that will likely wipe out early "wrapper" companies. They also touch on the rise of a new "AI Services" industry to help businesses transform their legacy systems , and why leaders need to treat their AI budget just like the salary of a new, high-value employee. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube (or others) https://substack.aiguyspod.com All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB YouTube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia. https://www.raiaai.com/

In this episode of the AI Guys, hosts Lee Dickson and Rich Swier dive into the technical and cultural shifts AI is bringing to software development. They move beyond the basic use cases of GitHub Copilot to discuss the concept of the "Agentic Layer"—training AI on your specific schema, blueprints, and user guides to create a true collaborator. Rich explains why AI is already a superior debugger to humans and why the future of development requires a mindset shift from being the primary "doer" to being a "manager" of agents. They also touch on "vibe coding," the resistance of old-school developers, and why the ultimate goal of AI is to untether us from our screens.   Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube (or others) https://substack.aiguyspod.com All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6VSpotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB YouTube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7dApple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia. https://www.raiaai.com/  

In this episode of the AI Guys, hosts Lee Dickson and Rich Swier tackle the "Build vs. Buy vs. Embed" dilemma. They explore why so many companies are tempted to simply "upgrade" their existing SaaS tools (like CRMs or Support desks) to include AI, and why Rich believes this often results in the "worst version of AI you could imagine." They discuss the economic reality that forces SaaS vendors to use cheap, low-powered models to protect their margins, leaving clients with underpowered tools. The conversation concludes with a look at the "Hybrid" approach—using platforms that offer the security of a purchased product with the flexibility to build custom, autonomous agents that can eventually replace seat-based software. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube (or others) https://substack.aiguyspod.com All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6VSpotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB YouTube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7dApple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia. https://www.raiaai.com/

The "per seat" SaaS model is dead. The AI Guys break down "tokenomics", the new utility-based pricing model for AI that is replacing software subscriptions. Follow along with us as they show how productivity will likely be measured in corporations. Saas companies everywhere will need to pivot, and likely sooner than they think. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube (or others) https://substack.aiguyspod.com All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6VSpotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYBYouTube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7dApple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia. https://www.raiaai.com/   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

Are you feeling the squeeze? The era of free APIs and comfortable user interfaces is over. Lee and Rich discuss why the "battle for the middle"—the space between foundation models and user interfaces—is the new focus for tech giants. Learn the three immediate actions SaaS providers, e-commerce, and service companies must take to protect their revenue and redefine their value. Discover why your old business models (per-seat, per-hour) are obsolete and how the new currency of compute/tokens is forcing a radical shift in strategy and product development. Protect your business before it's too late.   Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

Are high AI usage costs crippling your budget? Many are overspending by defaulting to the newest, most expensive reasoning models for simple tasks. The problem: The temptation to use "the biggest brain" for every job, leading to ballooning token costs and slow performance. The solution: Discover the power of specialized, smaller models and asynchronous agentic workflows to dramatically reduce your usage fees and speed up output. Our credibility: Hosts Lee Dixon and Rich Swier, the "Charles Darwin of AI evolution," dissect model evolution and share the crucial strategies we use daily to build cost-effective, high-performing AI solutions for clients. Learn how to optimize your AI strategy right now before you overspend.   Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

Struggling with the limits of your custom GPT prompts? Lee and Rich discuss the essential shift from simple desktop prompts to full, autonomous, and scalable AI agents. You've hit the memory wall and document limits; it's time to untether your best workflows. Discover how graduating to an agentic platform with vector stores, persistent memory, and security wraps your creations with the enterprise-hardened structure necessary for company-wide deployment. Learn how business users are the spark, and agency is the next logical step to maximize productivity and build an AI-powered workforce. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

A CFO shares how her finance team, initially hesitant about AI, found excitement and a path to business automation by participating in an AI-powered music video contest. The episode details how they went from creating a music video with tools like ChatGPT and Neural Frames to applying those same skills to their day-to-day financial tasks. They discuss the challenges of bridging creative AI use with enterprise-level solutions, highlighting the crucial need for specific prompting and integrated data systems to truly harness the technology's full potential. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

Software as a Service (SaaS) companies are overspending on 'SaaS fat'—bloated software with features nobody uses. The AI Guys reveal how the traditional per-seat licensing model is becoming outdated, inefficient, and expensive. They reveal how AI is set to disrupt the SaaS industry by automating tasks and providing a more efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly experience, making it easier for businesses to slim down their software stack and reclaim ownership of their data.   Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

Offshoring was once a strategic move for cost savings and scalability, but the rules are changing. Join the AI Guys as they discuss how the rise of AI is making it possible for companies to bring jobs back onshore. They break down how AI agents are becoming the new offshore workforce, handling tasks like customer support and routine operations, helping companies save money and work faster—without the headaches of time zones or language barriers.   Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast  

Many businesses are still relying on traditional chatbot builders and live chat solutions that are tethered to a single channel and burdened by expensive seat licensing models. This episode explains why a platform-based approach is the future of business. Learn how to untether your AI agents, orchestrate them across multiple channels, and own your proprietary AI model—the digital employee you can't afford to lose. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

Many businesses confuse a workflow engine with a comprehensive AI platform, leading to "spaghetti code" and unmanageable, brittle solutions. This episode clarifies the crucial difference, explaining why platforms are essential for centralized management, security, and control of your AI agents. Learn how to use a workflow engine as a component of a larger, more robust stack, not as a standalone solution. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

Are you struggling to implement AI in a traditionally slow-to-change industry? Ed Buckley and Marlee Strawn, co-founders of Scholar Education, a platform using AI to transform learning, reveal their strategy for winning over skeptical teachers by co-designing a solution that reduces workload and personalizes student support. Learn how they're tackling the complex "education elephant" and why their approach, which focuses on trust and value, provides a blueprint for successful AI adoption in highly regulated fields. Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys  

Is your company's AI project spiraling out of control? Many organizations get excited and push for rapid development, but without proper governance, a solid plan, and a focus on core problems, these projects can spread like a virus. They lead to chaotic development, wasted spending, and developer burnout. We discuss why a "build versus buy" mentality can backfire, how to prevent projects from failing before they start, and the three essential ingredients for successful, scalable AI deployments. You'll hear why a platform approach is the cure for this common "AI virus." Interested in A.I.? Check out our podcast A.I. Guys. Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, Youtube (or others)   Save time and money by adopting AI agents with raia.  https://www.raiaai.com/   All links: https://lnkd.in/eXDpww6V Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ee9h9GYB Youtube: https://lnkd.in/etDvqQ7d Apple: https://lnkd.in/epYT2GSi   #AI #Podcast #AIGuys