AGI Podcast — Advance, Grow, Innovate with AI
For people who got stuck making AI work and educators preparing students for what's next.
Our mission is to cut through AI hype with practical insights for workforce development, education, and small to medium businesses → where AI implementation happens in the trenches, not the headlines.
3 shows, 1 mission:
*Saturdays: School's Out - Educators and students preparing for an AI-driven future
schoolsout.agipodcast.ai/
Mondays: The Weekly Blitz - AI news recaps with cohost Julie Koehrer
Monthly: The Vibe - Long-form deep dive conversations
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"I Didn't Know a Fourth Grader Could Change the World": AI in K-12
Season 1 · Episode 37
Saturday, October 11, 2025 • Duration 58:17
School's Out Saturdays on the AGI Podcast - The most important conversation with the people shaping tomorrow one lesson at a time. Where educators of all kinds join Jason Padgett to explore preparing students for 'their tomorrow' not 'our yesterday'
Episode Summary: Solutions Architect Karisa Schwanekamp shares how a single pandemic moment transformed her teaching forever—and why the future of education depends on educators who aren't afraid to learn alongside their students. Discover how AI tools like MagicSchoolAI are helping teachers reclaim time for what matters most: being front and center with kids.
Guest Karisa Schwanekamp, Solutions Architect at MagicSchoolAI | Former Special Education Teacher | STEM Integration Specialist | 21-year veteran educator passionate about project-based learning and bringing AI safely into K-12 classrooms
Key Timestamps:[04:32] - The pandemic moment that changed everything: when teaching couldn't be taken for granted[09:15] - Career chats unlock hidden potential: from architects to astronauts in fourth grade classrooms[15:47] - Fourth graders solve real problems: pitching solutions to National Mall engineers about cherry blossoms[21:38] - Why kids are better at divergent thinking: the power of not being afraid to be wrong[26:45] - First student reactions to AI writing feedback: "It told me what I did well first"[31:20] - Teaching daughters the difference: AI as collaborator versus AI replacing your voice[36:52] - Efficiency versus effectiveness: freeing teachers from paperwork to be with students[42:18] - Second graders explain AI better than adults: the literacy conversation we need[48:25] - Anthropomorphism concerns: constant teaching moments versus one-time lessons[52:40] - Message to hesitant teachers: talk to others, explore tools, get uncomfortable
Phoenix Solutions GroupAffordable, pragmatic education, training, and consulting in AI literacy, policy, and projects.🌐 https://www.phoenixsolutionsgrp.com
Riverside.fm → Turn one recording into a week's worth of contenthttps://riverside.fm
AGI 4th Quarter Kickoff - AI First Movers May Take All
Season 1 · Episode 36
Sunday, October 5, 2025 • Duration 58:30
AGI - Advance, Grow, and Innovate with AI (Podcast) - Building the future, one human-AI collab at a time.
Episode Summary:
Quarter four belongs to the bold. Steve Iskander, fintech founder and AI-first mover, breaks down why waiting on AI adoption isn't strategy—it's surrender. This isn't your typical AI hype conversation. It's a hard look at velocity, risk, and the competitive moat being built right now by organizations that refuse to hesitate.
Guest Steve Iskander, Founder & CEO at Intrepid Finance | Transforming Financial Services Through Enabled AI Tech | Fintech Entrepreneur | Finance Veteran
Guest LinksSteve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveiskander
[00:30] - Intrepid Finance's AI-powered lending model and industry-agnostic approach
[03:45] - Funding the first AI company in 2022 before the hype cycle
[08:20] - Government shutdown implications and AI-driven efficiency opportunities
[12:15] - Why AI forces every business owner to audit their operations
[16:40] - The nonprofit sustainability crisis and over-dependence on grants
[19:30] - First movers take all: Why this isn't like early dot-com failures
[24:10] - 95% of employees already using AI whether you know it or not
[28:45] - The hidden liability of unregulated employee AI usage
From Hollywood Dreams to AI Education
Season 1 · Episode 27
Saturday, September 6, 2025 • Duration 47:38
Luis Chavez, Director of Product at MindStudio, shares his journey from film production to AI education and reveals how we can revolutionize K-12 learning by embracing rather than banning AI tools.
[02:15] Luis's backstory - From film production dreams to AI startup success [06:30] The transferable skills lesson - Why saying "give me anything to do" launched a career [09:45] Building the Metaverse before Meta - The evolution from AR to AI agents [13:20] The state of education crisis - Why we're falling behind China's engineering output [18:40] YouTuber vs. Engineer - How career aspirations have shifted for Gen Z [24:15] AI as the creative equalizer - Why technology work is more creative than ever [29:30] The prompt engineering debate - Domain expertise vs. design thinking [35:45] Teaching across skill levels - From complete beginners to 20-year developers [42:10] Will AI kill universities? Luis's surprising answer about higher education's future [47:25] The Congressional testimony - Three actionable steps to integrate AI in K-12 [52:40] Embracing AI in essay writing - Show your work, not just your output [58:15] The equity challenge - Addressing AOC's concerns about access and gender gaps
Embrace, Don't Ban AI in Schools Rather than fighting students' natural inclination to use ChatGPT for essays, Luis advocates for teaching critical thinking skills by having students act as editors, show their prompting process, and iterate on AI-generated content.
The Communication Imperative Success with AI requires strong communication skills. Luis's advice: "If you were to give instructions to a real person to do this specific task, write that down and prompt the agent to do that."
Process Mapping Is Critical Before leveraging AI effectively, businesses and individuals need clearly mapped processes. Context engineering becomes as important as prompt engineering.
On-Premise AI Solutions for Privacy and Security
Season 1 · Episode 26
Monday, September 1, 2025 • Duration 40:12
In this episode, we delve into the world of on-premise AI solutions, exploring how they are revolutionizing privacy and security. Discover the benefits of keeping AI operations in-house, from enhanced data protection to compliance with stringent regulations. Join us as we discuss real-world applications and insights from industry experts, shedding light on the future of secure AI technology.
Our conversation features **Brian Winchester**, representing **Reach Networks** and its storefront, **Computers and Code**, both located in **New Castle, Indiana**. Brian leads a growing team dedicated to making technology operational for businesses and individuals. He is joined by briefly **Eric Moss** head of business development and enterprise sales.
Jason and Brian discuss their innovative on-premise AI boxes – powerful, internet-disconnected systems that let businesses harness AI without compromising security or compliance.
What You'll Learn:
How disconnected AI protects sensitive data while enabling powerful document analysis and insights
Why regulated industries (healthcare, DoD contractors) are choosing on-premise over cloud AI
Practical applications: "chat with your documents," organizational culture insights, and combating shadow AI
How SMBs and nonprofits can affordably introduce AI as "training wheels" for their teams
The surprising connection between gaming hardware and AI power
Perfect for: Business leaders concerned about AI security, regulated industry professionals, and anyone curious about accessible AI implementation without the privacy trade-offs.
Connect with Brian Winchester
School's Out Pre-Launch Special - Bridging AI and Human Transformation
Season 1 · Episode 25
Saturday, August 30, 2025 • Duration 49:16
Join host Jason for a special pre-launch conversation with transformation leadership coach Lena Morris of Authentic Encounters. This candid discussion explores the intersection of AI adoption and human behavioral change in education and the workforce.
AI in the Workforce Reality CheckLena shares her frontline experience working with healthcare organizations and electric cooperatives, revealing the gap between AI's potential and actual adoption. From initial skepticism to successful implementation, she breaks down what it really takes to get teams on board with AI tools.
The Human Element in Tech AdoptionWhy emotional intelligence is crucial for AI integration success. Lena discusses how leaders need both technical curiosity and people skills to effectively deploy AI across organizations, especially in "lean" workplaces where employees are already stretched thin.
Education System TransformationA frank conversation about K-12 AI integration challenges. Should we revamp education entirely or enhance existing approaches? Lena advocates for multi-level implementation that meets people where they are while creating space for innovation and exploration.
Entrepreneurship as Career StrategyWith rapid technological change reshaping the job market, Lena strongly advocates for entrepreneurship as the most viable path forward, even encouraging her Butler University graduate son to consider starting his own venture.
Bridging Divides Through Authentic EncountersDrawing from her unique experience working across diverse communities, from corporate America to rural Indiana, from urban churches to suburban townships, Lena explains how authentic relationship-building is key to technology adoption and organizational change.
AI adoption requires ongoing coaching and behavior change support, not just one-time training
Curiosity and emotional intelligence are more valuable than technical expertise for AI implementation
Human behavior patterns remain consistent regardless of technological advancement speed
Exposure and authentic relationships drive acceptance of new technologies
AI as a Neurodivergent Superpower - With Carolina Johnson
Season 1 · Episode 24
Sunday, August 24, 2025 • Duration 37:29
In this powerful episode of "AGI: Advance, Grow, and Innovate with AI," host Jason Padgett welcomes Carolina Johnson (CJ), a neurodivergent mother and AI innovator from San José, Costa Rica, who's revolutionizing how we think about ADHD, autism, and learning differences in the age of artificial intelligence.
As a neurodivergent adult raising two neurodivergent children, Carolina discovered that AI isn't just a tool—it's a game-changer for minds that work differently. When traditional education systems failed her family, she turned to AI to level the playing field, creating her groundbreaking "Clarity Loop" to ensure her advocacy messages for her children's IEPs were bulletproof and couldn't be misinterpreted across language barriers.
This isn't another "AI will save education" conversation. This is a deep dive into how neurodivergent individuals are already using AI as cognitive scaffolding, communication bridges, and focus enhancers—while neurotypical educators are still debating whether students should be allowed to use ChatGPT for essays.
Carolina reveals how she teaches her children to use AI as an executive function tool, helping them stay on task and organize scattered thoughts into coherent communication. From her own struggles with ADHD-driven conversation tangents to her son's autism-influenced language preferences, this episode explores the intimate reality of neurodivergent life and how AI can amplify strengths while supporting challenges.
Stay in the Loop Future-proof your organization, your team, and your career.
Work with Jason Podcasts, keynotes, educational workshops, and one-on-one coaching 📧 jason@phoenixsolutionsgroup.org
Navigating AI and Philosophy with Cristina DiGiacomo
Season 1 · Episode 23
Monday, August 18, 2025 • Duration 49:44
Join Jason as he delves into a thought-provoking conversation with Cristina DiGiacomo, an AI philosopher and founder, about the intersection of artificial intelligence and philosophy. Discover how Cristina's unique journey from digital media to practical philosophy has shaped her insights on AI's role in society. Explore the philosophical underpinnings of AI, the importance of critical thinking, and the potential for collaboration over competition in the business world.
38:00 - The future of AI and philosophical thinking
48:30 - Closing thoughts and advice for future generations
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn @AGIPodcast
Stay in 'The Loop' and Future-Proof your organization, your team, or your career.
Jason is available for podcasts, keynotes, educational workshops, and one-on-one coaching. jason@phoenixsolutionsgroup.org
Stay competitive with AI Literacy, Policy, and Projects. Phoenix Solutions Group offers affordable, pragmatic education, training, and consulting.
Bears, Business, and AI part 3 - Sturgeon Moon
Season 1 · Episode 22
Monday, August 11, 2025 • Duration 34:11
A MIND-BENDING AI CONVERSATIONS: What Does It Really Mean to Be Human?
Get ready to have your perspective completely shifted.
In this absolutely riveting episode, Jason and Julie sit down for a conversation that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about artificial intelligence, humanity, and our shared future. This isn't your typical tech talk—it's a deep dive into the soul of what makes us human in an age of rapidly advancing AI.
Ever wondered what happens when we stop asking "Can AI replace us?" and start asking "How can we evolve together?" We tackle the big questions that keep AI researchers, ethicists, and forward-thinkers up at night. From the philosophical rabbit holes of machine consciousness to the very real challenge of maintaining our humanity in a digital-first world, no stone is left unturned.
But here's what makes this episode truly special: It's not about fear-mongering or blind optimism. It's about finding the sweet spot where cutting-edge technology meets timeless human values—and why that balance might be the key to our species' next evolutionary leap.
A completely new framework for thinking about AI's role in society (hint: it's not what you think)
Practical insights on how to maintain authentic human connections while embracing digital transformation
Eye-opening perspectives on AI safety that go beyond the usual doom-and-gloom scenarios
Thought-provoking questions that will have you seeing technology through a completely different lens
A fresh take on everything from extraterrestrial life to the future of human community
Anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pace of AI advancement
Leaders struggling to balance innovation with ethical responsibility
Curious minds who love exploring the intersection of technology and philosophy
People who want to think critically about our digital future without getting lost in the hype
[0:00] Introduction and Opening ThoughtsSetting the stage for a conversation that challenges everything
AI in Healthcare: What Every Patient and Provider Needs to Know
Season 1 · Episode 21
Monday, August 4, 2025 • Duration 56:41
In this compelling conversation, Jason talks to Dr. Umbereen S. Nehal, pediatrician, former chief medical officer, and AI innovator, opens up about how artificial intelligence is shaking up healthcare communication. With a background that includes Harvard, MIT, and nearly a quarter million followers on LinkedIn, she’s actively shaping the conversation.
We dive into how she’s using custom GPTs to solve real, messy problems, like helping doctors better communicate with hospital leadership. Think AI-powered executive coaching, but with a stethoscope. And her comparison of these medical GPTs against traditional resources like the Mayo Clinic? Surprisingly insightful, and maybe even a bit disruptive.
But this episode goes way beyond tools and tech. We challenge the conventional narrative that AI should just help doctors be “a little more accurate.” Instead, arguing it should be used to elevate community health workers and bridge gaps in underserved areas. Based on her Medicaid and population health work, she makes a powerful case for AI as a force for healthcare equity.
The conversation also gets real about tradeoffs. Will AI give clinicians more time with patients, or will it just crank up productivity expectations? And when AI gets things wrong, how do we make sure medical judgment still belongs to humans, not machines? Her take on training future physicians to ask better questions, instead of just trusting AI outputs, is especially thought-provoking.
Sprinkled throughout are Dr. Nehal’s candid reflections as both a doctor and a patient. Her insights into safety protocols, the human cost of burnout, and even how gender shapes communication styles give the discussion a rare emotional depth. If you work in healthcare, or care about how technology will shape it, this one’s worth your time.
In this milestone 20th episode, explore AI's impact on education, energy infrastructure, and career preparation. Why are teachers resisting AI tools that could solve their biggest challenges? We visited data centers converted from abandoned malls, and discuss America's AI Action Plan.
Julie and Jason debate whether AI can be less biased than humans.
Plus: preparing the next generation for an AI-dominated workforce, the importance of human connection skills, and why STEM might be the only career insurance.
Special guest Jim Stone shares a glimpse at his radio station's AI policy.
A thoughtful conversation bridging technical innovation with human adaptation in our rapidly evolving world.
Stay in 'The Loop' and Future-Proof your organization, your team, or your career.
Jason is available for podcasts, keynotes, educational workshops, and one-on-one coaching. jason@phoenixsolutionsgroup.org
Stay competitive with AI Literacy, Policy, and Projects. Phoenix Solutions Group offers affordable, pragmatic education, training, and consulting. https://www.phoenixsolutionsgroup.org/\
Check out The Silicon Heartland Today Newsletter in English and Spanish
Phoenix Solutions GroupAffordable, pragmatic education, training, and consulting in AI literacy, policy, and projects.🌐 https://www.phoenixsolutionsgroup.org/
Tools We Recommend
MindStudio → Automate your workflowshttps://get.mindstudio.ai/q7n7u5cttkdq
Riverside.fm → Turn one recording into a week's worth of contenthttps://riverside.sjv.io/e1xyBr
Domain Knowledge Still Matters While AI democratizes access to tools, domain expertise remains crucial for getting quality outputs - whether you're an artist using image generators or a business strategist using planning tools.
MindStudio.ai - No-code AI agent building platform
Riverside.fm - Podcast recording and content creation
AI.gov - First Lady's K-12 AI competition initiative
Ready Player One (book) - Early metaverse concepts
Phoenix Solutions GroupAffordable, pragmatic education, training, and consulting in AI literacy, policy, and projects.🌐 https://www.phoenixsolutionsgroup.org/
The future workforce will likely require more entrepreneurs and hybrid skill sets
This conversation sets the stage for the upcoming "School's Out Saturdays" series, which will feature in-depth discussions with educators about AI's transformative impact on learning and workforce development.
Stay in the Loop - Work with Me Future-proof your organization, your team, and your career. Podcasts, keynotes, educational workshops, and one-on-one coaching 📧 jason@phoenixsolutionsgroup.org
Phoenix Solutions Group Affordable, pragmatic education, training, and consulting in AI literacy, policy, and projects. 🌐 https://www.phoenixsolutionsgroup.org/
Timestamps:[00:00] - Meet Carolina: Neurodivergent advocate and AI pioneer[03:15] - The IEP crisis that sparked the Clarity Loop innovation[07:30] - ADHD, pattern recognition, and why neurodivergent minds "get" AI[12:20] - Teaching neurodivergent children AI as an accommodation tool[16:45] - The executive function revolution: AI as cognitive scaffolding[22:10] - Twice exceptional learners: when giftedness meets processing differences[27:30] - Language preferences in autism: English vs. Spanish processing[31:15] - Why the "AI cheating" narrative hurts neurodivergent students most[36:00] - Cross-platform AI verification: turning hyperfocus into research superpower[40:45] - The future of neurodivergent education in an AI world
Essential listening for: Parents of neurodivergent children, educators working with diverse learners, neurodivergent adults seeking AI strategies, special education professionals, and anyone who believes different minds deserve different tools.
This episode challenges every assumption about learning disabilities, revealing them as learning differences that, when paired with AI, become cognitive superpowers. Carolina's story proves that the future of education isn't one-size-fits-all—it's personalized, AI-enhanced, and designed for minds that think outside traditional frameworks.
Keywords: neurodivergent AI, ADHD tools, autism education, executive function support, twice exceptional learners, IEP advocacy, AI accommodation, special education technology, cognitive diversity, neurodiversity AI applications
https://www.phoenixsolutionsgroup.org/
Check out The Silicon Heartland Today Newsletter in English and Spanish
[3:00] Discussion on AI and Human Evolution Are we witnessing the next chapter in human development?
[10:00] Philosophical Implications of AIWhen machines think, what does it mean for human consciousness?
[18:00] Ethical Considerations and AI SafetyMoving beyond fear to find practical solutions
[25:00] Extraterrestrial Life and UAPsAn unexpected twist that connects cosmic possibilities to AI realities
[30:00] Community and Human Connection in a Digital WorldWhy our most ancient need—belonging—might be our greatest strength
[35:00] Closing Thoughts and Future OutlookA roadmap for navigating tomorrow's challenges with today's wisdom
Warning: This episode will challenge your assumptions, expand your thinking, and leave you with more questions than answers—and that's exactly the point. Because in the age of AI, learning to ask better questions isn't just useful; it's essential for human flourishing.
Ready to join the conversation that's shaping our future? Hit play and prepare to see the world differently.
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn @AGIPodcast
Stay in 'The Loop' and Future-Proof your organization, your team, or your career.
Jason is available for podcasts, keynotes, educational workshops, and one-on-one coaching. jason@phoenixsolutionsgroup.org
Stay competitive with AI Literacy, Policy, and Projects. Phoenix Solutions Group offers affordable, pragmatic education, training, and consulting. https://www.phoenixsolutionsgroup.org/
Check out The Silicon Heartland Today Newsletter in English and Spanish
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn @AGIPodcast Stay in 'The Loop' and Future-Proof your organization, your team, or your career. Jason is available for podcasts, keynotes, educational workshops, and one-on-one coaching. jason@phoenixsolutionsgroup.org Stay competitive with AI Literacy, Policy, and Projects. Phoenix Solutions Group offers affordable, pragmatic education, training, and consulting. https://www.phoenixsolutionsgroup.org/
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