Explore every episode of the podcast AI Automation Alchemist
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| AI agents aren’t the future: They’re an expensive solution to a problem you don’t have | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:33:43 | |
content type Interview primary goal Educational summary Rey Ortega discusses the realities of agentic AI versus traditional AI models, emphasizing when to use each and the importance of human oversight in AI systems. keywords AI, agentic AI, artificial intelligence, automation, business automation, AI models, AI tools, AI systems, AI in business, AI automation key topics Difference between AI and agentic AI Cost implications of AI systems When to use AI agents vs traditional AI Building multi-agent workflows for software development Importance of human oversight in AI systems takeaways AI models already include brain, memory, and tools; the autonomy is what differentiates agentic AI. Overusing AI agents can be costly and unnecessary for many business processes. Human oversight remains crucial to ensure AI outputs are accurate and appropriate. Building multi-agent systems can optimize complex workflows like software development. Choosing the right level of AI automation depends on the specific business need and budget. guest name Rey Ortega Titles Understanding Agentic AI: When Human Oversight Matters AI vs Agentic AI: What Your Business Needs to Know sound bites "Agentic AI can be overkill for many business processes." "Models already come with brain, memory, and tools." "Autonomy is what truly sets agentic AI apart." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Agentic Systems 00:30 The Client Story and Overkill of Agentic AI 01:57 Simplifying Business Processes with AI 04:02 Why Overusing Agents Can Be Costly 06:54 Difference Between AI and Agentic AI 10:07 Building Multi-Agent Workflows for Software Development 13:09 The Human Element in AI Oversight 17:01 Skills and Hierarchies in AI Systems 19:56 Cost and Complexity of Agentic AI 23:04 How AI Models Work: Brain, Memory, and Tools 27:56 Autonomy in Agentic AI 29:59 Recap and Final Thoughts on AI Implementation resources Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com/claude ChatGPT by OpenAI - https://chat.openai.com/ Eleven Labs - https://elevenlabs.io/ Go Digital Strike - https://godigitalstrike.com/ guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/reyortega Twitter - https://twitter.com/reyortega | |||
| 3 Zero-Budget AI Marketing Moves That Can Save Small Businesses 20+ Hours a Week | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:49:27 | |
Rey Ortega discusses his recent podcast episode, his work on the Digital Strike program, and the impact of AI on marketing for beginners. He also shares insights on the use of AI agents in business operations and the successful launch of a software application by Grata Software. Rey Ortega shares his journey of learning sales and marketing through trial and error, the frustration of hiring ineffective marketing companies, and the subsequent self-education in AI-driven marketing. He emphasizes the importance of human judgment in marketing and the role of AI as an assistant rather than a replacement. Takeaways
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| The Truth About AI in Business: Myths, Risks, and Strategies | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:49:31 | |
AI is everywhere right now, but what actually works in business and what is just hype? In this episode, Kyler Cheatham breaks down the reality of AI and automation in both enterprise and small business settings. He shares why so many companies get distracted by flashy promises, where AI can create real value, and what business owners need to watch out for when adopting new tools. This conversation covers the biggest myths around AI, the risks tied to cybersecurity and contracts, the limitations of AI agents, and why strategic implementation matters more than chasing trends. Kyler also explains how businesses can focus on speed to value, avoid overpriced software, and make better technology decisions that actually support growth. If you want a practical look at AI, automation, business strategy, and implementation risks, this episode gives you a grounded perspective without the hype. In this episode:
Kyler Cheatham Guest Links:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham #AI #Automation #BusinessStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #SmallBusiness #EnterpriseTechnology #AIAgents #TechImplementation #BusinessGrowth | |||
| Unlock Business Efficiency with Claude: Your AI Assistant | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:00:42 | |
Are you a small business owner overwhelmed with daily tasks? Discover how to work smarter, not harder, by effectively using AI tools like Claude to streamline your operations and focus on growth! Key Points:
You will learn how to harness the power of AI to automate mundane tasks, synthesize data for better decision-making, and create a seamless marketing strategy that reflects your brand's voice. By the end of this video, you’ll be equipped with actionable insights to enhance your business efficiency and focus on what truly matters, growing your business.
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| How to Get Better ChatGPT Results with Context, Strategy, and Smart Prompting Without Guessing | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:47:30 | |
In this episode, I show how I actually use ChatGPT to run my business: settings, models, custom GPTs, and Projects.
ChatGPT updates constantly. New models, new features, new hype cycles. But the real advantage isn’t the latest update — it’s how you use the tool. In this episode, I walk you through my real ChatGPT workflow:
Sponsored by:
Comment what you want me to show next: 00:00 We’re finally using tools (ChatGPT) #ChatGPT #AI #Automation #SmallBusiness #Marketing | |||
| Bonus Episode: How Large Language Models Actually Work (A Simple Story) | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:23:25 | |
Most people don’t understand how AI actually works — and that’s okay.
Neural networks, transformers, hallucinations, and RAG are usually explained with math, code, and diagrams that look like spider webs. So I did something different. In this bonus episode of the AI Automation Alchemist podcast, I use a simple story — a flat tire and a cocktail party — to explain:
No code. No math. No hype. If you’ve ever nodded along pretending to understand neural networks — this episode is for you. Sponsored by:
#ChatGPT #LLM #ArtificialIntelligence #AIExplained #Automation | |||
| The Tech Behind AI Chat Tools (LLMs) | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:12:25 | |
ChatGPT isn’t thinking — it’s calculating probabilities. Most people use ChatGPT daily without understanding what it’s actually doing. In this episode of the AI Automation Alchemist podcast, I break down:
This is not hype, not marketing, and not theory — it’s a practical explanation for business owners and builders who want to use AI correctly. 00:00 What this episode covers Resources & Links: Connect with Rey Ortega: #ChatGPT #LLM #ArtificialIntelligence #AIExplained #Automation | |||
| Stop the AI Hype! Here’s the Tactical Plan | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:07:44 | |
Next week we go tactical: AI tools that help you find customers, target them, message them, and convert them. This week we talked about AI hype, conferences, and the wild claims people make about “AI expertise.” Next week’s episodes focus on tactical AI tools for business owners, especially:
Sponsored by:
Drop a comment with the #1 thing you want AI to help you with:
00:00 This week recap: AI hype + misinformation #AI #Automation #SmallBusiness #Marketing #CustomerAcquisition | |||
| Marketers Are Lying About AI (Here’s Why) | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:10:20 | |
Using AI tools doesn’t make you an AI expert — and pretending it does is hurting businesses.
I’m recording this episode from an indie game jam where I’m mentoring engineers, and it perfectly highlights a growing problem in the AI industry. Too many people — especially marketers — are calling themselves “AI experts” after learning a handful of tools or getting certified. Using tools does not equal expertise. In this episode, I break down:
If you want to learn AI properly, check out Digital Strike. | |||
| The Truth About AI Modes | 25 Jan 2026 | 00:23:57 | |
The conversation delves into the misconceptions surrounding AI and automation, particularly focusing on the Chat GPT technology. It addresses the false notion of 'genius mode' and the reality of how the technology functions. Additionally, it explores the Chat GPT ecosystem and its various components. Takeaways
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| The 70/20/10 Rule for AI (Why Most AI Projects Fail) | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:13:22 | |
Most AI implementations fail because people start with tools (the 10%) instead of culture (70%) and process (20%).
In this episode you’ll learn:
If you want our AI + Automation implementation guide, comment: NEED A PLAN. Sponsored by:
#AI #Automation #BusinessSystems #SOP #AIImplementation Chapters00:00 The 70/20/10 rule for AI | |||
| The 10,000-Hour Rule vs “AI Experts” | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:24:10 | |
Someone told a room full of people: ‘I know AI like nobody else… I started in 2022.’ That’s when I knew we had a problem. AI was everywhere at the conferences I attended — especially PodFest — and a lot of it was oversold. You’ll learn:
👋 I’m Rey Ortega, a 26-year software engineer & automation builder (250+ business applications).
✅ Links mentioned in this episode (add yours here):
#ai #automation #podcasting #chatgpt #businessautomation 00:00 AI wasn’t supposed to be the topic… but it was | |||
| Unmasking AI Myths: A Deep Dive with Rey Ortega | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:37:05 | |
Rey Ortega shares insights on artificial intelligence, its current state, misconceptions, and future challenges, sparked by a social media interaction. This episode explores the depth of AI knowledge, industry realities, and the importance of research and expertise. keywords Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks, AI Industry, Tech Entrepreneurship, Deep Research, AI Costs, AI Future, Tech Industry Cycles key topics Current state of AI and social media misconceptions The importance of deep research in AI Industry challenges: costs, hardware, and market dynamics The cycle of tech innovation and industry giants' strategies The importance of expertise and research in AI development sound bites "Expand the video. Complete the post." "Getting ready to have this conversation about AI." "Using ChatGPT doesn't make you an AI expert." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:17 Rey Ortega's Personal Background and Journey 06:04 The Social Media Incident and Its Significance 09:52 Episode 20 Introduction and Focus on AI 10:35 Current Perceptions of AI on Social Media 11:42 Debunking the Myth: How Well Do We Know the Brain? 14:33 The Foundations of Neural Networks and AI Development 16:24 The Frustration with Superficial AI Knowledge 17:38 The Dangers of Overconfidence and Lack of Research 20:33 The Passion and Deep Knowledge of Early AI Engineers 25:00 The Evolution of Software Engineering and AI 29:42 Building True AI: Deterministic Solutions 32:49 The Economics and Cost of AI Development 36:10 The Misconception of Cheaper AI and Hardware Advances 41:38 The Exponential Cost of AI Processing 44:48 Future Hardware Innovations and Industry Challenges 46:23 Industry Cycles and Big Tech Strategies 50:14 Supporting Small Businesses with AI and Tech 51:02 Upcoming Guests and Future Episodes | |||
| Build An App In 15 Minutes or Less! Or Not! | 18 Jan 2026 | 00:03:16 | |
If someone could teach you how to build your own apps that make you millions of dollars in 15 minutes or less, would you run to that opportunity? | |||
| The Context Problem Most Businesses Get Wrong with AI | 17 Jan 2026 | 00:18:42 | |
Summary In this introductory episode of the AI Automation Alchemist podcast, host Rey Ortega discusses the significance of artificial intelligence and automation in business. He clarifies the distinction between AI and automation, addresses common misconceptions, and emphasizes the importance of context in AI applications. The episode also explores practical applications of AI in business workflows, customization options, and how to measure the success of AI tools. Rey encourages listeners to engage with the podcast and share their questions for future episodes. Takeaways
Sound bites "AI and automation can solve repetitive tasks." "AI can help you focus on the selling." "Automation can be customized for my workflow." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Automation 06:00 Understanding AI and Automation in Business 11:14 Addressing Common Misconceptions about AI 14:04 Practical Applications of AI in Business 16:57 Customization and Implementation of AI Solutions 19:49 Measuring Success with AI Tools Keywords AI, automation, business, technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, workflow, customer acquisition, implementation, success metrics | |||
| Claude, ChatGPT: The Truth AI "Experts" Don't Want You To Know About Jobs | 05 Jul 2026 | 00:24:02 | |
Rey Ortega discusses the realities of AI in the workforce, its capabilities, limitations, and the importance of expert involvement in AI development and deployment. He addresses common fears about AI replacing jobs and emphasizes the need for security and expertise in AI applications.
keywords AI, artificial intelligence, jobs, automation, security, neural networks, large language models, AI safety, AI in business key topics AI's probabilistic nature and limitations The role of human expertise in AI Security concerns with AI systems Real-world examples of AI failures The importance of skilled AI development Takeaways AI is probabilistic, not deterministic, and will never be 100% accurate. Human expertise is essential for building and maintaining secure AI systems. AI has been used in various applications for years, including in games and physics engines. AI failures in quality control and customer service highlight the need for human oversight. Security and proper development practices are crucial to prevent malicious use of AI. Sound bites "AI doesn't have true reasoning or experience" "AI is just a bunch of ones and zeros" "You need an expert in AI and security" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of AI's impact on jobs 03:21 Rey Ortega introduces himself and his companies 04:44 Common fears about AI replacing jobs 05:14 Rey explains his background in software and AI 07:07 AI's history and current capabilities 08:29 Understanding large language models and transformers 10:25 Probabilistic vs deterministic AI solutions 13:48 AI's limitations in reasoning and nuance 15:36 Case study: Ford rehires human engineers 16:36 AI's lack of true reasoning and experience 20:37 Failures of AI in quality control and customer service 23:00 Security risks and malicious AI models 30:31 The importance of expert development and security in AI 31:45 Services offered by Rey Ortega for AI and automation Resources Grata Software - https://gratasoftware.com Go Digital Strike - https://godigitalstrike.com | |||
| Unlocking Business Growth: Master AI Tools for Marketing Success | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:40:21 | |
Rey Ortega provides an update on his podcast and discusses his recent public speaking engagements on artificial intelligence. He delves into the rise of agentic AI experts, the challenges with AI models, and the government's push for AI education. Rey also covers the fundamentals of computer science, AI sales and marketing systems, email automation, and the anatomy of a social media post. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging AI and SaaS platforms, and shares insights on upcoming presentations and events. Additionally, Rey discusses the importance of video views and engagement, the role of large language models in AI, and the balancing of work and podcasting. Takeaways
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| The Hidden Cost of AI Hype: Why Companies Get Lied To About Automation | 24 May 2026 | 00:41:53 | |
Rey Ortega shares insights on AI hype, misconceptions, and practical tools for small businesses, including his experiences with public speaking, social media strategies, and AI resource management. keywords: AI automation, AI misconceptions, small business AI, public speaking, social media marketing, Gamma presentation tool, digital marketing, AI influencers, AI resource management key topics:
sound bites "AI agents can't be put into modes" "AI token costs won't get cheaper" "There are no modes in AI models" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 04:31 The Current State of AI and Automation 13:43 The Role of Influencers in AI Marketing 27:21 Debunking AI Myths and Misconceptions 33:54 Leveraging AI Tools for Presentations 40:26 Conclusion and Audience Engagement resources Gamma Presentation Tool - https://gamma.app Digital Strike Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17ruSkscU6/ Grata Software - https://gratatech.com | |||
| AI for Small Business: BizFest Lessons, AI Agents, Automation & the “Train Track” Theory | 06 May 2026 | 00:43:58 | |
In this episode of the AI Automation Alchemist Podcast, Rey Ortega breaks down a busy day speaking at BizFest on Florida’s Space Coast, where small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals gathered to learn practical ways to use artificial intelligence. Rey shares the five quick AI wins he presented at the event, including writing faster emails, creating short-form video scripts, building a reusable prompt library, reviewing contracts and RFPs with AI, and generating graphics or brand imagery. He also dives into deeper conversations from the event’s AI roundtable, including agentic AI, automation triggers, AI agents, cron jobs, webhooks, and why many business owners still hit a wall when trying to use AI beyond basic prompting. This episode also covers Rey’s “train track theory,” explaining why companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and X own the foundational AI models while many startups are simply building “trains” on top of those tracks. Rey also gives his honest take on whether AI will replace people, why human oversight still matters, and how small businesses can start using AI without getting lost in the hype. If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, consultant, or operator trying to understand how AI and automation can actually help your business, this episode will give you practical ideas and a clearer framework. Learn more about Grata Software: Learn more about Digital Strike: 00:00 Introduction: A busy day at BizFest 01:20 About Grata Software and small business automation 04:00 What BizFest is and why SCORE matters 06:30 Speaking to small business owners about AI 08:45 The challenge of explaining AI as a software engineer 10:30 Getting cut short during the presentation 12:15 AI quick win #1: Writing faster emails 13:25 AI quick win #2: Creating short-form video content 14:50 AI quick win #3: Building a reusable prompt guide 15:55 AI quick win #4: Reviewing contracts and RFPs 17:45 Why every business needs a brand voice document 18:55 AI quick win #5: Images, graphics, and professional branding 19:51 The AI roundtable discussion 22:20 Questions about AI agents and automation 24:00 What AI agents really are 26:10 Why agentic AI still confuses many business owners 28:00 The WordPress comparison: simple tools become complex 30:00 Will AI replace people? 32:30 Why human-in-the-loop still matters 34:00 The “AI won’t replace you…” conversation 35:00 Rey’s train track theory for AI companies 37:30 Why AI wrappers are vulnerable 39:30 Cursor, Composer, and owning the coding train track 41:30 Digital Strike: AI consulting and training for small businesses 43:10 LATAM event and international AI opportunities 46:00 How to connect and become a podcast guest 47:30 Closing thoughts on AI and automation #AIForBusiness #SmallBusinessAutomation #ArtificialIntelligence #AIAutomation #AIAgents #Entrepreneurship #GrataSoftware #DigitalStrike #PromptEngineering #BusinessGrowth | |||
| Intention Hacking AI with Max Kyllonen | 27 Apr 2026 | 01:18:22 | |
AI is moving fast, but most people are still stuck at the starting line. In this episode of the AI Automation Alchemist Podcast, Rey Ortega sits down with Max Kyllonen for a deep conversation about where AI is really headed, why most business owners are overwhelmed by it, and why the future may not be about better prompts… but better intentions. We talk about:
Max also breaks down why he teaches AI from a relationship and personality perspective first, because when AI feels like a true collaborator, people start using it differently. If you are a business owner, entrepreneur, marketer, engineer, or just trying to understand how AI fits into your future, this conversation is for you. Connect with Max KyllonenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_real_max_k/ Grata Software: https://www.gratasoftware.com/ 00:00 Intro #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIAutomation #PromptEngineering #ClaudeAI #ChatGPT #GrokAI #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAutomation #MarketingAutomation #FutureOfWork #AIForBusiness #SmallBusinessAI #Intentioneering #AIAgents | |||
| The Future of AI in Business Operations: A Conversation with Rob Wright | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:51:43 | |
In this episode, Rey Ortega interviews Rob Wright, a member of Waffle, a company that leverages artificial intelligence for small businesses. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the AI industry, the distinction between AI and automation, and the impact of AI on various business functions. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to AI, token usage, and the impact of AI on small businesses. It delves into the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption, as well as the complexities of token usage and pricing models. The discussion also explores the role of AI in small business growth and the need for a deeper understanding of AI's capabilities and limitations. Takeaways
sound bites "AI and automation are not the same thing" "Show your expertise, not just use AI tools" "Leverage AI to level up small businesses" resources GoWaffle - https://gowaffle.com OpenClaw - https://github.com/openclaw Perplexity - https://perplexity.ai Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com Cursor - https://cursor.com guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/rob-wright Website - https://gowaffle.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Waffle 02:14 The Evolution of Waffle and AI Integration 04:45 Understanding AI vs Automation 10:08 The Dunning-Kruger Effect in AI Consulting 11:46 Evaluating AI Expertise and Influencers 18:58 Context Windows and AI Performance 21:12 Swarm Agents in AI Development 23:36 OpenClaw and Its Impact on AI Tools 27:45 Integrating AI Skills for Business Automation 30:14 Challenges with Token Usage in AI Tools 34:59 Pricing Models and Token Economics 39:59 Navigating the Wild West of AI Adoption 48:31 The Future of AI in Business Strategy 51:37 NEWCHAPTER | |||
| Why Perplexity Is Outsmarting ChatGPT in 2026 | 19 Mar 2026 | 01:03:32 | |
The conversation covers the challenges faced by small businesses, the journey of Grata Software, the importance of automation and AI, the promise of Perplexity, the challenges of podcasting and AI automation, the evolution of technology in business, the complexity of new tools and technologies, the power of Perplexity in research and analysis, and an exploration of the Perplexity interface and features. The conversation delves into the capabilities of AI and agentic systems, highlighting their ability to perform complex tasks and automate processes. It also emphasizes the importance of personalization and customization in AI usage, showcasing the need for tailored solutions to specific business needs. Takeaways
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