
Talking AI
Welcome to the Talking AI podcast, where we dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence with host Matt Paige. Formerly known as the Built Right podcast, Talking AI brings you insightful conversations with AI experts, founders of AI products, and industry leaders who are leveraging AI in their businesses. Whether you're an AI expert or a beginner, our episodes will help you understand how AI technology works and how early adopters are deriving value from it.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2025 • 33min
Taming Tech Stack Bloat with AI
In this episode of the Talking AI Podcast, host Matt Paige welcomes Vanessa Heppner, CEO and founder of Altas AI, to discuss the transformative potential of AI in business, particularly in enterprise settings.They explore the shift from 'text to text' AI interactions to 'text to action' and 'action to action' applications, highlighting the efficiency and innovation this brings.The discussion covers the challenges enterprises face with tech bloat, the explosion of SaaS tools, and how Altas AI uses AI to streamline operations and reduce costs.Heppner also shares insights about the evolving job market, the human-centric approach to AI development, and the future of AI pricing models.The episode wraps up with Heppner's experiences from the World Economic Forum and South by Southwest, emphasizing the rapid advancements in AI technology.--Key Moments:The Impact of AI on Business EfficiencyAdoption and Transformation with AIAI's Role in Reducing Tech BloatFuture of AI: Text to Action and BeyondAI Agents and Their PotentialPricing Strategies in the Age of AIGo-to-Market Strategies for AI Startups--Key Links:Altas AIConnect with Vanessa Heppner on LinkedIn

May 20, 2025 • 31min
Building What Couldn’t Be Built Before With AI
In this episode of the Talking AI Podcast, host Matt Page speaks with Jamie Albers, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Mento, about the transformative potential of AI in workplace coaching and mentorship.They explore how Mento integrates AI to democratize access to high-quality coaching, the challenges of scaling two-sided marketplaces, and the technology's current limitations.Jamie shares insights on building an expertise engine, the importance of understanding contextual elements in coaching, and the ethical considerations in AI deployment.The episode also touches on the future vision for AI's role in enhancing human connection and professional development in the workplace.--Key Moments:The Problem with Traditional Workplace LearningMento's Unique Approach to Coaching and MentorshipScaling Coaching with AIThe Evolution of Mento's StrategyThe Future of AI in CoachingChallenges and Opportunities in AI Integration--Key Links:MentoConnect with Jamie Albers on LinkedIn

May 6, 2025 • 46min
From Prompt to Product: How AI Is Disrupting SaaS
In this episode of the Talking AI Podcast, host Matt Page discusses how AI is set to revolutionize the SaaS landscape with guest Michael Luo, a seasoned software engineer now at Stripe.Michael shares his journey of creating Springtime, a free e-signing tool inspired by the high costs of DocuSign.He elaborates on the future of AI in prototyping, coding, and reducing the need for specialized engineering roles.The discussion also touches on SaaS pricing models, potential democratization effects, and Stripe’s innovative collaboration with perplexity.ai for enhanced shopping experiences.Tune in to explore how AI is reshaping product development and SaaS business models.--Key Moments:Building an AI-Powered E-Signing ToolDebate on AI Coding and Technical DebtFuture of AI in Software EngineeringTiny Teams and AI-Driven DevelopmentPrototyping and Production with AI ToolsManaging Chat Context and PromptsAI’s Role in Code RefactoringAI in Project ManagementThe Evolution of SaaS Pricing ModelsThe Importance of Distribution Mechanisms--Key Links:StripeSpryngtimeConnect with Michael Luo on LinkedIn

Apr 22, 2025 • 34min
Prompt, Build, Repeat: The New Software Workflow
In this episode of the Talking AI Podcast, host Matt Page converses with Andrew Miller, an engineer turned designer turned product manager, who has developed the 'Prompt Driven Development' (PDD) methodology aimed at building software with large language models (LLMs).Andrew describes how PDD distills best practices from traditional software development into a framework that allows individuals to build reliable, methodical software without coding. He shares his career journey and how the introduction of ChatGPT inspired his methodology.The discussion includes a comparison between traditional and prompt-driven development workflows, the impact of AI on various software development roles, and the evolving roles in the tech industry.Andrew also shares his experience in building and monetizing a successful product using PDD. The episode emphasizes the disruptive and transformative potential of AI in the software industry.--Key Moments:The Aha Moment: Discovering AI's PotentialFrom Developer to Designer to Product ManagerThe Magic of Chat GPT and Crew AIUnderstanding Prompt Driven Development (PDD)Contrasting Traditional Development with PDDThe Future of AI in Software DevelopmentBuilding a Real Product with PDDDisruption in the Tech Industry--Key Links:RealPageConnect with Andrew Miller on LinkedInYouTubeTikTokSubStackPDD

Apr 8, 2025 • 35min
AI for Life: Tips, Tools, and Transformations with Celia Quillian
In this episode, host Matt Paige chats with Celia Quillian about how everyday people can start using AI to simplify their lives. Celia shares her journey from discovering free tools like ChatGPT to applying AI for tasks ranging from travel planning to organizing daily routines.The conversation breaks down practical tips for effective prompting and building habits with AI. Celia explains how giving clear context and using voice commands can transform simple tasks into major time-savers. She also covers how experimenting with AI tools can gradually build confidence and competence.Wrapping up, the discussion looks ahead at AI’s future in both work and personal life. Celia talks about her new book, AI for Life, which offers actionable guidance on integrating AI into everyday tasks, helping listeners overcome fear of change and embrace new opportunities.--Key Moments:Celia’s AI Journey & BackgroundAdopting AI: Daily Habits & ToolsEffective Prompting TechniquesBoosting Productivity with Voice AIThe Future of AI in Work & LifeBook Launch: AI for LifeEveryday AI Use Cases: Travel & Groceries--Key Links:GreenlightConnect with Celia Quillian on LinkedIn

13 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 35min
The New Era of AI Reasoning with Nate Jones
Nate Jones, an AI expert and Head of Product at Rockerbox, shares his insights on the evolution of AI reasoning models. He explains how methodologies like chain-of-thought enhance AI's problem-solving capabilities, making it much more than a simple autocomplete tool. The conversation also dives into the importance of tokens and compute power in AI development. Nate emphasizes the need for humans to maintain critical thinking skills while using AI and shares personal anecdotes on teaching his daughter to wisely navigate these technologies.

Mar 11, 2025 • 36min
Democratizing AI: How to Empower Your Organization
In this episode, host Matt Paige sits down with AI expert Andreas Welsch to talk about how companies can turn AI hype into real business value. Andreas shares his experience working with big enterprises and stresses the importance of training teams to use AI effectively. He explains that success in AI isn’t just about using new tools—it’s about better leadership and smarter integration into everyday work.They discuss practical ways to boost AI skills through “social blended learning,” which mixes quick lessons with hands-on practice. Andreas also talks about the evolving role of the chief AI officer, who helps bridge the gap between tech and business, and shares thoughts on the future of AI agents and prompt engineering in transforming traditional work.Looking ahead, the conversation covers how AI tools are becoming more accessible and powerful, making it easier for anyone in an organization to experiment and innovate. The discussion highlights the need for clear strategies and training, ensuring that technology supports real business outcomes while preparing teams for a changing work environment.Key Moments: The Importance of AI LiteracySocial Blended Learning ExplainedEmpowering Teams with AI ToolsThe Rise of the Chief AI OfficerAI Leadership as a Transitional RoleUnlocking Potential with AI AgentsShifting from Software to ServiceOrchestrating AI Across DepartmentsHuman-Centered AI DesignKey Links:Andreas' WebsiteConnect with Andreas Welsch on LinkedInLinkedIn Learning Courses:Agentic AI: Challenges and Opportunities for LeadershipAI Agents: Preparing Your Organization for Change as a Business Leader

Feb 25, 2025 • 47min
Transforming Data from 2D to 3D with Graphs and AI
How can high-reliability organizations transform their data from flat, 2D spreadsheets into a dynamic, 3D world of interconnected insights? In the Season 4 premiere of the Talking AI podcast, host Matt Paige dives deep with Jon Brewton, Founder & CEO at data², and Daniel Bukowski, CTO at data², to explore how leveraging knowledge graphs and AI is revolutionizing data transparency and explainability.Jon and Daniel share their journey from traditional analytics to building a modular, cloud-agnostic, zero-trust AI platform that empowers industries such as defense, intelligence, energy, finance, and healthcare. They break down the core concepts of graph databases versus relational systems, discuss how graphs provide the connective tissue needed to support AI-driven decision making, and reveal how integrating LLMs with structured graph data can overcome challenges like hallucinations and unreliable outputs.Learn how data² is transforming complex data into contextualized, three-dimensional insights that not only answer hard questions but also elevate the work of analysts and decision-makers. Whether you’re curious about how to improve data reliability or interested in the future of AI-augmented workflows, this episode is packed with practical insights and forward-thinking strategies.Key Moments:The data² Journey: From Flat Data to GraphsDemystifying Knowledge Graphs & Their ValueGraphs vs. Relational Databases: What’s the Difference?Integrating LLMs with Graph Data for Better AccuracyTransforming 2D Data into 3D InsightsReal-World Use Cases in High-Reliability IndustriesEmpowering Teams with Transparent, Explainable AIThe Future of AI-Driven AnalyticsKey Links:Data²Connect with Jon Brewton on LinkedInConnect with Daniel Bukowski on LinkedIn

Feb 18, 2025 • 31sec
Get Ready to Talk Some AI! - Season 4 Trailer
Don't want to get behind an AI? You're in luck! Season four of the Talking AI podcast is almost here, and we're gearing up to bring you even more in-depth conversations with the pioneers shaping our future. This season, prepare to dive into the minds of AI startup founders, enterprise AI leaders, and some of the top voices in the field.What to Expect:Expert Insights: Hear from the innovators and early adopters who are redefining what’s possible with AI.Bonus Episodes: Enjoy special bonus content featuring our CTO, Omar Shanti, who will deep dive into specific topics, tools, and approaches that are revolutionizing the industry.Diverse Perspectives: Whether you’re an AI aficionado or just starting to explore the landscape, our lineup of guests will offer valuable insights tailored to every level of interest.While you wait for season four to drop, be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Seriously, go do it!Key Links:Talking AIGet ready to talk some AI—Season 4 is coming soon!

Dec 10, 2024 • 35min
The Father of Data Contracts - AI’s New Best Friend
How can organizations ensure that their data pipelines deliver consistent, trustworthy insights without frequent disruptions? In this episode of the Talking AI podcast, host Matt Paige co-host Omar Shanti, CTO of HatchWorks AI, speak with Andrew Jones, Principal Engineer at GoCardless, about the concept and practice of data contracts. Andrew explains what data contracts are, why they emerged, and how they improve data reliability and collaboration.The discussion explores how data contracts relate to data mesh and platform thinking, helping teams share responsibility for data while maintaining clear standards. Andrew and Omar share examples of data contracts addressing issues like schema changes, governance, and data quality.They also consider how data contracts support AI initiatives by ensuring that the data feeding into models is accurate and reliable. Practical steps are given, including starting with a clear problem and involving the right people.Andrew provides resources for deeper learning, including his book and online materials. Matt and Omar also mention an upcoming webinar on data contracts, inviting listeners to learn more and move toward more structured, dependable data practices.Key Moments:Introduction to data contracts and their purposeHighlighting the common reliability issues that data contracts can preventLinking data contracts to data mesh and other modern data architecturesExploring how data contracts help maintain governance and complianceDemonstrating how data contracts ensure quality for AI-driven applicationsDiscussing platform thinking and its role in scaling data contract implementationsOffering practical advice on how to begin using data contracts in your organizationKey Links:Connect with Andrew on LinkedInConnect with Omar on LinkedIn