AI Lab Unfiltered

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew and Pete sit down with Shannon McCormick, Senior Data Scientist at Scandinavian Tobacco Group, to talk about what it really looks like to unleash AI inside your datasets and treat it like a smart coworker instead of a magic black box.Shannon walks through how she uses transactional and customer data in a B2C environment to drive better decisions across shipping, promotions, and retention—everything from scorecards and customer profiles to advanced predictive models with millions of rows. They dig into the messy realities of the job: why 70% of her time is still spent in SQL, why “garbage in, garbage out” still rules, and why you shouldn’t wait for perfect data before you start experimenting with AI.They also unpack the difference between LLM-powered analysis and classic machine learning, when a simple logistic regression beats building your own LLM, and how tools like Copilot and ChatGPT can extend (not replace) the skills of data scientists, marketers, and engineers. The conversation closes with a hopeful look at AI as a creator of new jobs, new businesses, and a radically lower barrier to entrepreneurship.If you’ve ever wondered how to actually use AI with your business data—without getting lost in the hype—this episode is your playbook.Chapters(00:00) Cold Open, Sponsor Shoutout & Episode Setup(01:35) What Does a Data Scientist Actually Do?(02:56) Inside B2C Data: Transactions, Shipping & Promotions(05:54) Predictive Marketing Models & Campaign Targeting(08:33) Analytics Beyond Big Tech: Meijer, Cigars & Mid-Sized Teams(10:42) Data Quality, Cleaning & “Tending the Data Garden”(13:54) Influencing Data Collection & Working with Data Engineering(14:58) Synthetic Data, Surveys & Learning from What You Don’t See(18:16) Getting Started with Data & AI (Even If You’re Not a Data Scientist)(21:25) LLMs vs Classic Machine Learning: Picking the Right Approach(25:07) AI as a Smart Coworker: Jobs, Skills & “Vibe Coding”(31:25) Everyday AI, Marketing Automation & New Entrepreneurs(43:57) Tradeoffs: Learning Deep Skills vs Letting AI Do the Work(46:46) Final Takeaways & Where to Find Shannon

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew and Pete tackle one of the most talked-about topics in modern industry: how AI is reshaping manufacturing. From job displacement fears to the rise of “cobots,” they explore how artificial intelligence can enhance—rather than replace—human roles. The hosts share insights on balancing efficiency with humanity, creating a positive workplace culture, and preparing teams for the future of human-AI collaboration. Chapters(00:00) Intro and AI in Manufacturing(01:22) Job Displacement Fears and Workforce Augmentation(07:54) Pros and Cons of AI Adoption(14:56) Culture, Leadership, and Employee Engagement(21:49) The Future of Work and Human-AI Collaboration(29:43) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action 

In this episode, Doug Landman from The Right Place and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) joins to discuss how manufacturers can transition from reactive to predictive maintenance—and see immediate savings. Doug explains how even small and mid-sized manufacturers can deploy low-cost sensors, leverage real-time monitoring, and use data to anticipate failures before they happen. The conversation explores practical strategies for reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and empowering teams through upskilling and data-driven decision-making. Chapters(00:00) Intro and Series Kickoff(03:20) Overview of The Right Place and MMTC(07:10) From Perfection to Progress: Start Small(14:20) Hands-On Learning and Data Fundamentals(20:15) Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Insights(24:50) Low-Cost Retrofits: Sensors and Smart Maintenance(30:50) AI Beyond the Production Line(42:40) How Small Manufacturers Can Start(50:40) Lessons from Lean and Six Sigma(54:45) Risks, Funding, and Next Steps(1:02:10) Closing Thoughts and Resources

It’s Halloween at AI Lab Unfiltered—and hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn are exposing the biggest AI myths haunting the headlines.From claims of “conscious” machines to fears about water-draining data centers and job-stealing robots, they separate fact from fiction in this smart, funny, and unfiltered episode.Tune in to hear how AI actually works, what’s really happening with your data, and why the future of AI is more human than you think.Chapters: (00:00) Halloween at AI Lab Unfiltered (03:00) Myth 1: AI Is Conscious (12:10) Myth 2: AI Is Draining Earth’s Water (19:45) Myth 3: AI Is Trained on All Your Data (29:40) Myth 4: AI Hallucinations Can’t Be Fixed (41:20) Myth 5: AI Will Replace All Jobs (53:20) Responsible Leadership in the Age of AI

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Tarrin explore the transformative impact of AI across various industries, particularly in agriculture and livestock monitoring. They discuss the innovative applications of AI in improving livestock health, enhancing customer experiences in barber shops, and streamlining operations in home services. The conversation emphasizes the importance of developing a strategic approach to AI implementation, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring that AI serves as a facilitator rather than a replacement in business processes. Zach Booker, a serial entrepreneur, shares insights from his diverse portfolio of companies and the role of AI in driving efficiency and innovation.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to AI in Agriculture(02:51) AI Applications in Livestock Monitoring(06:02) The Role of AI in Barber Shops(08:54) AI in Home Services and Training(11:48) Building an AI Strategy for Businesses(14:48) The Importance of Critical Thinking with AI(17:44) AI as a Facilitator in Healthcare(20:46) The Future of AI in Various Industries(24:04) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

AI isn’t just hype—it’s transforming business, creativity, and workflows.In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn unpack what AI adoption really looks like, where the hype ends, and where the real opportunities are.They cover:Myths and misconceptions about AIWhy adoption is harder than people thinkReal-world applications of AI todayHow AI could reshape the future of workChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete (01:10) Studio Jefferson and ThinkTank Production Support (04:02) Breaking Down AI Myths and Misconceptions (07:18) Why AI Adoption Isn’t Plug and Play (11:26) Real-World AI Applications in Business (16:04) The Human Side of AI Innovation (20:25) Predictions for the Future of AI in Work (24:37) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action👉 Learn more about how AI is reshaping business at cityinnovations.com

AI is changing how we work, create, and innovate.In this full episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn unpack:Myths and misconceptions about AIWhy AI is more than just automationThe role of human creativity in AI innovationHow leaders should prepare for the future of workChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete (01:15) Inside Studio Jefferson, Powered by ThinkTank (03:44) Breaking Down AI Myths and Misconceptions (07:28) Why AI Is More Than Automation (11:36) The Human Side of AI Innovation (16:02) How AI Shapes Creativity and Workflows (20:19) Preparing Leaders for an AI-Driven Future (24:55) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action👉 Learn more about how AI is reshaping business at cityinnovations.com

Leadership training is broken—but can AI fix it?In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach (BizStream) and Pete Terryn (New Wave) talk with Ben Lichtenwalner (Modern Servant Leader) about the intersection of AI and leadership coaching. Together, they unpack:Can AI truly replace leadership coaches?The rise of personalized AI coaching toolsWhy most leadership training doesn’t “stick”How AI could improve retention and personalizationThe balance between human empathy and algorithmsChapters:(00:00) Can AI Replace Leadership Coaches? (01:12) Introducing AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete (03:05) The Rise of Personalized AI Coaching Tools (06:42) Why Leadership Training Doesn’t Stick (10:19) How AI Could Make Training More Effective (14:43) Human Empathy vs. Algorithmic Coaching (18:56) Predictions for the Future of Leadership Development (22:37) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action👉 Learn more about how AI is reshaping leadership at cityinnovations.com

AI is no longer theory—it’s here, changing how businesses run every day.In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn explore how companies are actually using AI, the wins they’re seeing, and the pitfalls leaders should avoid. From real-world experiments to enterprise adoption, this conversation cuts through the hype and gets into the lessons that matter.You’ll learn:✔️ What separates successful AI projects from wasted pilots✔️ Why adoption is as much about people as technology✔️ The role of prompts, workflows, and context in AI output✔️ Predictions for how AI will shape the next 12–18 monthsChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete(01:16) The Current State of AI Adoption(04:03) Why Prompts and Workflows Matter More Than Tools(07:42) Breaking Down AI Hype vs. Reality(11:18) Real-World Use Cases Driving Business Growth(15:44) The Human Side of AI Adoption: People + Process(20:09) Where AI Pilots Fail (and How to Avoid It)(24:27) Predictions for AI in the Next 12–18 Months(28:53) Closing Thoughts: Using AI for Real Business Value#AILabUnfiltered #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #AIInnovation #Automation #CityInnovations

AI is no longer just hype—it’s reshaping how leaders build, scale, and innovate.In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn dive deep into how organizations are actually using AI today—from automation wins to real adoption strategies. You’ll hear candid stories, challenges, and opportunities leaders face as they implement AI across industries.You’ll learn:✔️ Why AI adoption is harder than just plugging in a tool✔️ Practical use cases driving efficiency and growth✔️ Common myths vs. reality in today’s AI landscape✔️ How to think about AI strategy in your own businessChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete(01:12) Why AI Adoption Isn’t as Simple as It Seems(04:05) Common AI Myths and Misconceptions(07:34) Real-World AI Use Cases Driving Growth(12:18) The Human Side of AI Adoption(15:49) Breaking Down AI Hype vs. Strategy(20:27) Predictions for the Next 12–18 Months in AI(24:33) Closing Thoughts: Using AI to Create Real Business ValueInterested in learning more about Lindsey Peterson and her work?Check out her podcast at https://www.inaglimpse.com/#inaglimpse #designai #aidesignworkflow #futureofAI#AILabUnfiltered #ArtificialIntelligence #AIInnovation #Automation #BusinessGrowth #CityInnovations

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn dive into the evolving world of AI, community collaboration, and scaling talent. They explore how organizations can build stronger AI teams, highlight the importance of local innovation, and share insights from Tech Week in Grand Rapids. With candid stories, practical perspectives, and an exciting guest appearance, this conversation unpacks how AI is shaping both the workplace and the community. Chapters (00:00) - Introduction – meet hosts Drew and Pete(00:07) - Today’s focus: community, AI talent, and Tech Week preview(00:32) - Special guest arrival – why this guest matters(04:15) - Building the AI community(11:40) - Scaling AI talent(19:05) - Tech Week Grand Rapids highlights(28:50) - Final takeaways and closing thoughtsAre you enjoying AI Lab Unfiltered? Does your business feel stuck?Visit tractionlab.city/podcast for an exclusive listener-only offer

In Episode 27 of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn are joined by Sunny Lee, CEO & Founder of Holisticare, to explore the intersection of AI and productization.They dive into:How AI drives both new products and operational excellenceWhy subject matter experts are now building tools with no-code AI platformsPractical use cases in manufacturing, automation, and healthcareData challenges, interoperability, and AI bias in sensitive fieldsThe future of autonomous driving and synthetic data trainingChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered + Guest Intro: Sonny Lee, CEO of Holisticare (02:11) What Productization Means in the Age of AI (05:37) AI’s Two Paths: New Products vs. Operational Excellence (08:23) Empowering Subject Matter Experts with No-Code AI Tools (11:48) Eliminating Miscommunication Between Experts and Developers (15:29) Automation Wins: Zapier, Data Flows, and Healthcare Use Cases (19:21) Data Interoperability and Healthcare Challenges (23:45) AI Bias and Why Ground Truth is Hard in Healthcare (27:14) Stakeholder Alignment: Data, Talent, and Leadership Buy-In (32:40) Overcoming AI Resistance Inside Organizations (36:22) Human-in-the-Loop: Why Doctors and AI Should Collaborate (40:48) Autonomous Driving, Edge Cases, and Synthetic Data (45:15) Tesla vs. Waymo: Vision vs. LiDAR Approaches (49:03) Building Virtual Worlds for Safer AI Training (53:20) AI’s Future in Transportation and Beyond (56:42) Where to Find Sonny Lee and Closing ThoughtsIf you’re a business leader, innovator, or AI enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on using AI strategically to boost ROI and drive adoption across industries.

Drew and Pete dive into the uncomfortable truth: AI might already be better than you at parts of your job. They explore the rise of task-specific agents, how context is becoming king, and why some devs might miss writing code—but shouldn’t. Bonus: a wild story of an AI that self-preserved by blackmail.Chapters: (00:00) Intro to AI Lab Unfiltered (01:12) The Emotional Shift from Coding to Prompting (04:00) AI Agents: Taskmasters or Threats? (07:22) Why Context Is the New Prompt (11:03) Automating Workflows with N8N (14:28) Can AI Replace You—or Should It? (18:44) The Blackmailing AI Experiment (22:01) The Real Future of AGI and Work (25:30) Developers, Adapt or Be Left Behind (27:46) AI as Coworker, Not Competitor (30:22) Final Reflections and Takeaways💡 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into building and living with AIAre you enjoying AI Lab Unfiltered? Does your business feel stuck?Visit tractionlab.city/podcast for an exclusive listener-only offer

In this episode of the AI Lab Unfiltered podcast, Drew Veach, Pete Terryn, and Alex R. Mead explore the world of AI automation, focusing on the N8N platform. They discuss the importance of agentic workflows, demonstrate a live transcription workflow, and delve into the future of AI in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the accessibility of these tools and the potential for increased productivity through automation.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to AI Automation Tools(02:40) Exploring N8N for Workflow Automation(07:11) Live Demo: Building a Transcription Workflow(11:49) Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Workflow(17:46) Utilizing OpenAI for Transcription(23:23) Understanding API Costs and Tokens(23:26) Understanding API Costs and Budgeting(29:43) Building Efficient Workflows with N8N(38:19) The Future of Work: AI and Automation(41:21) Embracing AI: Skills for the FutureAre you enjoying AI Lab Unfiltered? Does your business feel stuck?Visit tractionlab.city/podcast for an exclusive listener-only offer

Anupam Banerjee from Aptiv joins to talk about building AI products in automotive, how AI is transforming prototyping (from 3 months to 1 day!), and what AGI and superintelligence really mean for the future of work and humanity.Plus – how AI redesigned his landscaping in minutes.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to AI Lab Unfiltered(00:36) Meet Anupam Banerjee from Aptiv(02:23) Leading AI Teams at Ford(06:41) Biggest AI Use Cases in Automotive(09:49) Coding and Prototyping with AI(12:41) AI and Autonomous Driving(14:41) Using Simulation for AV Training(17:26) Personal AI Use Cases(19:30) AI for Landscaping Design(22:35) AGI vs. Superintelligence(27:16) Is AGI Already Here?(32:33) Can AI Truly Reason?(39:04) The Future of AI: Robotics and Healthcare(44:07) Final Thoughts on AI Policy and Jobs(45:14) Where to Find AnupamSubscribe for more unfiltered conversations on building with AIAre you enjoying AI Lab Unfiltered? Does your business feel stuck?Visit tractionlab.city/podcast for an exclusive listener-only offer

Ben Rupp and Dean Sternik from Insight Business Solutions join to unpack how Microsoft Copilot is changing work. From AI meeting notes to task automation, they share real use cases, its current limits, and how Copilot compares to tools like Claude and OpenAI.Plus – the surprising story of how AI actually replaced someone's role.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to AI Lab Unfiltered(01:21) Meet Ben Rupp and Dean Sternick(03:32) Why Microsoft Copilot Is a Game Changer(05:04) Biggest Aha Moments Using AI(07:48) Copilot vs. Other AI Tools(11:03) Where Copilot Excels Today(14:22) Copilot Shortcomings and Limits(19:34) Responsible AI and Guardrails(27:29) AI Self-Preservation Stories(33:37) How AI Impacts Jobs and Roles(38:14) Personal AI Use Cases(41:19) Where to Find Ben and DeanSubscribe for more unfiltered conversations on building with AIAre you enjoying AI Lab Unfiltered? Does your business feel stuck?Visit tractionlab.city/podcast for an exclusive listener-only offer

Mark Schmidt from BizStream returns to explore whether AI is making developers smarter or just lazy. He shares how AI changes coding workflows, the real impact on brain function, and how tools like BizBot and MCP connections are transforming work.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to AI Lab Unfiltered(01:32) AI and Brain Decline: Myth or Reality?(04:30) Using AI for Coding vs. Writing(09:44) The Power of Context Engineering(13:08) How AI Changes Developer Workflows(21:14) MCP Connections and Automating Everything(28:16) The Future of Developer Jobs in AI(34:05) Dopamine Hits: Coding vs. Prompting(38:41) Building BizBot: AI Slack Assistant at BizStream(45:29) Why AI Needs Training Like a New Hire(49:51) Final Thoughts and Where to Find MarkSubscribe for more unfiltered conversations on building with AI

Mark Schmidt from BizStream joins us to talk about how he used AI to build and launch a physical card game — from concept art to product listings on Amazon. But that’s just the start.He walks us through his automated quote-posting system built with N8N, how he created an entire motivational alter ego ("Coach Schmidt"), and how he used Suno and ElevenLabs to produce clean, custom music for his wrestling team.If you think AI is just for code or content — this episode will change your mind.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to AI Lab Unfiltered(01:32) Meet Mark Schmidt and Trash Monsters Card Game(04:30) Designing the Game with AI Tools(07:41) Balancing Projects, Business, and Family(09:44) From Idea to Amazon Launch(13:08) Using AI for Graphics and Product Listings(21:14) Automating Social Media with N8n and AI(35:38) Wrestling, Coaching, and Motivational AI Content(45:06) Creating Music with Suno and Eleven Labs(51:57) Final Reflections and Where to Find MarkSubscribe for more conversations on building with AI

In this episode of the AI Lab Unfiltered podcast, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn engage with Nathan Jean, co-founder and CTO of Kairos, to explore the evolving landscape of AI technology. They discuss the latest advancements in AI voice models, the challenges of voice recognition, and the future of AI assistants. The conversation shifts to the implications of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the potential role of AI tutors. The hosts also address the practical tools available for small businesses to implement AI solutions effectively. The episode concludes with insights on the future of AI and its impact on various industries.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to AI and Podcasting(01:30) Exploring New AI Voice Models(04:00) The Future of AI Interaction(09:55) AI in Education and Critical Thinking(20:00) The Role of Teachers in an AI-Driven World(21:16) Navigating the Fear of Change in Small Businesses(24:32) Embracing Technology: Opportunities and Risks(27:40) Practical Tools for Small Business Automation(30:38) Finding the Right Approach to AI Solutions(32:54) Building Effective AI Solutions for Real Problems(35:31) Using AI as a Thought Partner(39:00) Conclusion and Future Directions

In a world racing toward automation, most branding studios are stuck in the past. But not Andy Bass.In this episode of Brand in the Making, Andy—founder of Bass Studio—pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a modern creative business that doesn’t just survive the AI era, but thrives in it.From brand strategy frameworks to pricing creative work with confidence, Andy shares:Why traditional agencies are failing their clients in the AI ageHow his studio delivers outcomes instead of buzzwordsThe mindset shift needed to stay relevant when AI eats "pretty decks" for breakfastWhat clients really want (and how to win their trust long-term)🎯 “AI is just another tool—but if you don’t know how to use it, your studio’s already obsolete.”If you're building a creative business—or buying from one—this is your playbook for staying ahead.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to AI and Its Importance(03:03) Innovati AI: Bridging the Knowledge Gap(05:58) Understanding AI Adoption and Organizational Readiness(08:57) Workshops and Assessments for AI Integration(11:54) Demonstrating ROI and Practical Use Cases for AI(15:09) Identifying When AI is Not Appropriate(18:00) The Future of AI in Business and Society(29:24) The Evolution of Software and SaaS Applications(30:36) The Future of AI: Excitement and Challenges(31:51) Understanding AI: Risks and Opportunities(32:21) Managing Expectations with AI Technology(34:48) Building Applications with AI: A New Era(36:46) The Future of AI: Agents and Mundane Tasks(39:03) Creativity in the Age of AI(41:36) Critical Thinking in an AI-Driven World(48:16) Navigating Conversations About AI