Using AI to Stress-Test Ideas

In this episode of Business Brain, you’re challenged to stop using AI as a polite yes-man and start treating it like a ruthless sparring partner. You learn how to pressure-test your thinking before you ever type a prompt by defining the real decision, the outcome that actually matters, and the constraints you refuse to break. Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton walk you through using AI to surface opposing viewpoints, rank options by impact instead of effort, and expose second-order consequences that can make or break your strategy. This is how you sharpen judgment instead of outsourcing it.

You’re also reminded that adaptation has no age limit, with a perfect real-world example that proves curiosity beats complacency every time. Whether you’re refining decisions or embracing new tools, the message is clear: stay flexible, stay critical, and keep building your Charmed Life by thinking better, not just faster.

• 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #717 for Casual FridAI, January 9th, 2026
  • January 9th: Static Electricity Day
• 00:01:21 Your Chat AI should be your sparring partner, not your yes-man
  • Ruthless AI Test
    • Before using AI, answer:
      • What decision am I trying to improve?
      • What outcome actually matters?
      • What constraints must not be violated?
      • What would ‘great’ vs ‘average’ look like?
    • Then use AI to:
      • Generate multiple opposing viewpoints
      • Rank options by impact, not effort
      • Simulate second-order consequences
• 00:08:22 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today!
• 00:09:49 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll
• 00:11:03 98-year-old mom using Meta Glasses
  • Keep adapting, folks!
• 00:18:32 Business Brain 717 Outtro
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