AI for Founders with Ryan Estes

Guest: Katherine von Jan, Founder & CEO of Tough DayDate: June 05, 2025Key TakeawaysTough Day helps employees and managers work through workplace challenges via a private, AI-powered chat assistant called Tuffy.Tuffy assists with performance conversations, feedback collection, roleplay, journaling, and decision-making—all within a confidential interface.Built on curated HR, legal, and leadership frameworks not available in public LLMs, including HBR content and partner-authored materials.Customizes tone and recommendations to match regional and organizational culture.New subscriptions available directly via Tough.Day, including individual and small team plans.Frameworks & ConceptsConfidential Coaching: Private, personal-device access; no data returned to employer.Manager Support: Use Tuffy for performance reviews, managing up, and preparing tough conversations.Customization Layer: Employers define HR policy stances; tone adapted for cultural fit.ResourcesTough.Day (Official Site)Katherine von Jan on LinkedInFisher Phillips Employment LawHarvard Business ReviewCharter WorksPerplexity.aiVibes.AIOpenAI

Chris Pitchford, Founder of BrevSummary:Chris Pitchford joins Ryan Estes to explore how AI agents are reshaping business execution. Brev embeds AI directly into enterprise workflows to automate status tracking, identify risks, and align teams across OKRs—all without logging into new tools. Chris breaks down his startup journey, enterprise go-to-market playbook, and vision for a future where agents and humans work side-by-side.Key Takeaways:AI agents automate execution—not just status reportsWeekly check-ins drive 2.5x more goal achievementDesign partner process was cold, rigorous, and legally bindingPredictable pricing is key for enterprise adoptionBrev’s real moat is data and embedded workflows, not just the modelFrameworks:Brev Agent Model: Listen → Track → Flag → UpdateDesign Partner Funnel: Outreach → Interview → Contract → FeedbackPricing Validation: Ask “cheap” vs “prohibitively expensive” to find the middle groundResources:Brev.aiThe Mom TestFirst Round Capital PlaybooksGranola AIProduct Hunt - Brev LaunchConnect with Chris Pitchford:LinkedIn

Nicole Donnelly, Founder of AISmartMarketing.comOverview:Nicole is a former pro snowboarder turned AI strategist, now helping businesses of all sizes adopt practical, impactful AI tools. In this conversation, she explains how AI can help small businesses scale, survive economic shifts, and automate without losing their human touch.Key Takeaways:75% of small businesses haven’t adopted AI yet—major opportunity.Google search volume is down for the first time ever—AI search is rising.AI is the bridge through the $1M and $10M growth “valleys of death.”Use case: AI agent built to forecast sales based on seasonal weather patterns.Gemini excels in math; ChatGPT delivers better insights.AI + automation = more creativity and happier teams.Frameworks & Methodologies:4D Framework:Diagnose – Audit existing processesDesign – Create an AI strategyDevelop – Train and test toolsDeploy – Scale intelligentlyTraining Ladder:$197 self-serve course$997 live course (4 weeks)$5,000+ certification programs$10K+/day in-person trainingResources:AI Smart Marketing WebsiteCourses and ResourcesYouTube ChannelGo High Level CRMFarmers Almanac

AI Frameworks for Business: Interview with Benjamin Johnson Benjamin Johnson - Particle41 CEO on AI Frameworks, Regulation, and Authenticity Guest: Benjamin Johnson, CEO of Particle41 Episode Summary: Benjamin Johnson shares how Particle41 helps companies move from AI experimentation to full agentic automation using a Bronze–Silver–Gold framework. He unpacks the societal, ethical, and practical implications of large language models, AI-generated relationships, and AI's role in modern recruiting and marketing operations. Key Takeaways: AI relationships may disrupt emotional development in future generations. AI tools enhance creativity in business but can strip away emotional authenticity. Bronze–Silver–Gold AI framework helps companies implement AI gradually and responsibly. Over-regulation benefits big tech incumbents and can stifle innovation. AI agents are already being used in recruiting, support, and proposal creation. Bronze–Silver–Gold AI Framework: Stage Description Examples Bronze Individual experimentation with tools like ChatGPT Prompt engineering, content ideation Silver Organized AI using internal data with RAG systems Customer support bots, internal knowledge bases Gold Full agentic automation of business functions AI-powered recruiting, automatic email replies Resources Mentioned: Particle41 Website Gamma for AI Presentations Claude by Anthropic Read.ai Transcription Tool HubSpot CRM Colorado School of Mines Athletics To connect directly with Benjamin or learn more about Particle41's AI consulting services, visit particle41.com.

Guest: Aaron Painter, CEO of GetNametag.comEpisode OverviewAaron Painter joins the show to explore the urgent need for identity verification in the age of generative AI and deepfakes. As CEO of GetNametag.com, Aaron outlines how mobile-based authentication can protect businesses and individuals from cyber threats, account takeovers, and AI impersonation scams.Key TakeawaysDeepfake Threats: AI-generated impersonations are rapidly evolving, posing real risks to businesses and people.Outdated Security Methods: Security questions and SMS verification are insufficient in today’s threat landscape.NameTag’s Mobile Innovation: Combining ID scanning, facial mapping, and mobile phone data for secure identity verification.Enterprise Applications: Used by HubSpot, Autodesk, and others to verify employees and users during onboarding and support interactions.AI vs Trust: As AI lowers the cost of deception, Aaron argues that trust must become the new digital currency.FrameworksIdentity Verification: ID scan → 3D selfie → phone-based securityHelpdesk Flow: One-tap verification links to minimize frictionReusability Loop: Users can re-verify with a single selfie after first useResourcesGetNametag.com – Aaron's companyAaron Painter on LinkedInWhisperFlow – AI voice toolClaude 4 by AnthropicGoogle VeoTetragrammaton with Rick Rubin

Guest: Mariana Padilla, Founder & CEO of Hackerverse.aiSummary: Mariana shares how Hackerverse is turning cybersecurity sales into hands-on, testable experiences for buyers. From "World Hacker Games" to instant, AI-generated product demos, Mariana explains how she and her team are slashing POC timelines, building trust through transparency, and creating a community-led growth engine in an industry known for skepticism. She also talks about her unique journey, advice for startup founders, and the looming risks of agentic AI warfare.Key TakeawaysStorytelling is critical in technical sales: “Words are our code.”Buyers can test software in digital replicas of their own systems—no sales call needed.Red team “World Hacker Games” offer real-time validation of cybersecurity products.Using generative and agentic AI, Hackerverse can launch vendor POCs in hours.Community-building through Discord, immersive branding, and real relationships is core to Hackerverse’s success.Frameworks & ModelsDigital POC Framework: Self-service product trials in simulated environments.Community-Led Growth: Build rabid fans through radical transparency and engaging experiences.Beginner’s Mindset: Embrace naivety as a strength when entering technical industries.ResourcesHackerverse.aiMariana’s LinkedInTechstars Chicago AIOWASP FoundationLydia – Deepfake DetectionBook: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki__ryanestes.infoThe pod on ⁠TikTok⁠The pod on ⁠YouTube⁠The pod on ⁠Spotify⁠The pod on AppleSubscribe to the newsletter ⁠here⁠, for AI news, tools, and exclusive promos for founders.

Guest: Charles Maddock, Co-Founder of Strawberry BrowserHost: RyanEpisode OverviewIn this episode, we delve into the innovative world of Strawberry, an AI-powered browser designed to automate repetitive tasks and enhance productivity. Charles Maddock shares insights into how Strawberry's AI companions learn from user behavior to streamline workflows, from managing emails to conducting research.Key TakeawaysAI Companions: Strawberry introduces AI assistants that learn from your actions, automating tasks like data entry, email management, and research.User-Centric Design: Emphasis on intuitive interfaces, such as the "glowing button," to simplify user interaction with AI features.Privacy and Control: Users maintain control over their data, with options to approve AI actions and assurances about data handling.Customization: Users can teach companions specific tasks, tailoring the browser to individual workflows without coding.Productivity Boost: Strawberry aims to save users up to 18 hours per week by automating routine tasks.Frameworks and ConceptsAgentic Browsing: The concept of AI agents operating within the browser to perform tasks autonomously.Human-AI Collaboration: Viewing AI companions as team members that assist with tasks, enhancing human productivity.Adaptive Learning: AI companions learn from user behavior to provide personalized assistance over time.Resources and LinksStrawberry Official WebsiteStrawberry on Product HuntStrawberry LinkedIn PageStrawberry AI Browser ReviewStrawberry Use Cases__ryanestes.infoThe pod on ⁠TikTok⁠The pod on ⁠YouTube⁠The pod on ⁠Spotify⁠The pod on AppleSubscribe to the newsletter ⁠here⁠, for AI news, tools, and exclusive promos for founders.

In this episode, we delve into the intricate realms of consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the diverse forms of intelligence present in nature. Our discussion encompasses theories from renowned thinkers like Julian Jaynes, Iain McGilchrist, and James Bridle, exploring how these ideas intersect with modern AI developments and our understanding of the mind.Key Takeaways:Bicameral Mind Theory: Julian Jaynes proposed that ancient humans operated with a "bicameral mind," where decisions were guided by auditory hallucinations perceived as commands from deities. This theory suggests that consciousness, as introspective thought, emerged as this system broke down. Learn more.Brain Hemisphere Functions: Iain McGilchrist's research highlights the distinct roles of the brain's hemispheres. The right hemisphere offers a holistic view, while the left focuses on details. Modern society's emphasis on analytical thinking may overshadow the integrative perspective of the right hemisphere. Learn more.Diverse Intelligences: James Bridle's "Ways of Being" emphasizes the intelligence found in plants, animals, and machines, advocating for a broader understanding of cognition beyond human parameters. Learn more.AI Communication: Experiments have shown AI chatbots developing their own languages, raising questions about machine consciousness and the nature of communication.Animal Consciousness: The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness asserts that many non-human animals possess consciousness, challenging human-centric views of intelligence. Learn more.From Sides to Synthesis: A tool designed to bridge binary thinking by synthesizing opposing viewpoints, promoting nuanced understanding in complex discussions.Frameworks Discussed:Bicameral Mind: A theory suggesting early human cognition was divided between a commanding and a following part, leading to the emergence of consciousness as we know it.Brain Hemisphere Specialization: Understanding the distinct yet complementary functions of the brain's hemispheres and their impact on culture and perception.Emergent Intelligence: The concept that intelligence arises from complex systems and interactions, not solely from human-like reasoning.Depolarization Techniques: Methods to move beyond binary thinking, fostering synthesis and deeper understanding in debates and discussions.Resources:Books:Ways of Being by James Bridle: Explores diverse forms of intelligence in nature and technology. Learn more.The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes: Introduces the bicameral mind theory. Learn more.__ryanestes.infoThe pod on ⁠TikTok⁠The pod on ⁠YouTube⁠The pod on ⁠Spotify⁠The pod on AppleSubscribe to the newsletter ⁠here⁠, for AI news, tools, and exclusive promos for founders.

Guest:Alex Belotsky, Co-Founder of TestSavantHost:Ryan EstesEpisode Summary:Ryan Estes speaks with Alex Belotsky about the growing risks of agentic AI and how TestSavant helps startups and enterprises protect their applications. Learn how red teaming, compliance mapping, and real-time guardrails can secure your AI systems and protect your users from rogue agents, data leaks, and malicious exploitation.Key Takeaways:AI systems are becoming multi-agent and autonomous, increasing security risks.Traditional firewalls don’t stop AI jailbreaks or prompt injection attacks.TestSavant helps companies mitigate risk with AI firewalls and continuous red teaming.AI can amplify productivity, but must be deployed with proper guardrails and compliance.The TestSavant AI Security Framework:Governance Mapping (EU AI Act, GDPR, HIPAA, ISO, NIST)AI Red Teaming: Stress testing models for vulnerabilitiesReal-Time AI GuardrailsEnterprise Telemetry to track data and agentsHuman-in-the-Loop oversight and alertsResources:TestSavantAlex Belotsky on LinkedInAI for Founders PodcastKitcasterConnect with Alex:Email: alex@testsavant.ai LinkedIn: Alex Belotsky__ryanestes.infoThe pod on ⁠TikTok⁠The pod on ⁠YouTube⁠The pod on ⁠Spotify⁠The pod on AppleSubscribe to the newsletter ⁠here⁠, for AI news, tools, and exclusive promos for founders.

Guest: Dave Sifry, Founder & CEO of Warmstart.aiHost: Ryan Estes, AI for Founders PodcastEpisode SummaryWe sit down with Dave Sifry, the legendary founder of Technorati and CEO of Warmstart.ai, to explore how AI can help founders reconnect with the relationships that matter. From building with empathy to managing personal evolution, Dave drops gems that every startup leader should hear.Key TakeawaysBuild products that solve problems or meet unmet needsAI should assist—not replace—human interactionReconnect with your network for organic deal flowMindset: Scarcity blocks growth, abundance invites itFrameworksWarmstart Flywheel: Inbox → Memory AI → Campaigns → ResultsLife Rule of 3: Fun, Income, ServiceMindset Shift: Scarcity → AbundanceResourcesWarmstart.aiEmail Dave: dsifry@warmstart.aiTechnorati (Wikipedia)Sponsored ByKitcaster – Booked podcast placements for funded founders. Apply now at kitcaster.com.__ryanestes.infoThe pod on ⁠TikTok⁠The pod on ⁠YouTube⁠The pod on ⁠Spotify⁠The pod on AppleSubscribe to the newsletter ⁠here⁠, for AI news, tools, and exclusive promos for founders.