How a Digital Frontiersman Uses AI to Scale Exponential Companies

Apr 2, 2025

Join futurist and tech wizard Jonathan Foltz, co-founder of The Collective AI, as he dives deep into the innovative world of artificial intelligence. He shares how he's streamlining business operations and amplifying creativity with custom GPTs and autonomous agents. From AI's role in health and spirituality to its impact on songwriting, Jonathan explores the importance of emotional intelligence and community in the evolving tech landscape. Plus, he offers insights on technology's future and the rising affordability of AI tools in everyday life.

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ANECDOTE

Jonathan’s AI Journey Beginning

Jonathan Foltz’s first exposure to AI concepts was about 15 years ago through Ray Kurzweil’s work.
He sold a company and committed fully to AI adoption after ChatGPT's release in late 2022.

ADVICE

Automate and Replace Roles with AI

Use AI tools and integrations like Zapier, TeamGPT, and custom GPTs to automate workflows and increase efficiency.
Replace traditional roles, like executive assistants, by leveraging AI-driven assistants to save time and improve focus.

INSIGHT

AI Costs Plummet to Empower Users

AI technology costs have dramatically decreased from $100,000+ to under $2,000 monthly.
This cost reduction allows building powerful, affordable AI systems independent of large SaaS platforms.

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Welcome to the very first episode of How I AI. For our premiere episode, I’m joined by futurist, entrepreneur, and tech wizard Jonathan Foltz, co-founder of The Collective AI — the very community that supercharged my own AI journey. Together, we dive into how he’s using AI to streamline operations, amplify creativity, and completely rethink how business gets done.

From building custom GPTs and autonomous agents to using AI in health, spirituality, and even songwriting — Jonathan’s approach is both expansive and deeply personal. We talk about his tech stack (spoiler: it’s wild), lessons from early adoption, the shift from SaaS to custom AI, and what it really means to “download your consciousness” into a digital assistant.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Jonathan sold his company and went all in on AI
• His favorite tools and custom GPTs (you’ll want to take notes)
• How AI is replacing (and upgrading) parts of his business operations
• Ways we both use AI in our personal lives — from wellness to spirituality
• Why emotional intelligence and creativity are your real edge in the age of AI
• The future of tech, business models, and what’s coming next

Mentioned Tools:

Custom GPTs, Team GPTs, Operator, Google AI Studio, Gemini, MidJourney, Sora, Pi.ai, Eleven Labs, Zapier, and more.

Connect with Jonathan: @rain.in.the.making on Instagram

Learn more about The Collective AI on Instagram