The ChatGPT Experiment - Simplifying AI For Curious Beginners

Episode Summary
In this episode, Cary talks about the difference between work that is created by AI and work that is executed by AI. He shares a personal example of using Claude to take his own recorded thoughts, pull the transcript from Descript, shape it into an article using his own writing rules and style, and prepare it in WordPress for review. His point is simple: the idea, thinking, voice, and final judgment are still his. AI is just helping shrink the "busy middle" so more time can go toward the valuable human part of the work.
3 Key Takeaways
There's a big difference between "created by AI" and "executed by AI." Cary makes the case that using AI to carry out your own process does not make the work any less yours.
AI can help shrink the "busy middle." The repetitive, tedious, time-consuming parts of a project can drain energy away from the final polish, where your real expertise matters most.
Your ideas, voice, and judgment still matter. Cary's example shows AI being used as a tool to organize, draft, and move work forward based on resources, rules, and thinking he already created.
By the way - here's the article: https://chatgptexperiment.com/you-dont-have-to-apologize-for-using-ai/
 
Cary offers customized one-on-one ChatGPT training in 60 minute sessions. Find out more information on the sessions, answers to frequent questions, and how to register at www.ChatGPTExperiment.com
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CONNECT WITH CARY
ChatGPT Podcast Website: www.ChatGPTExperiment.com Marketing Podcast: www.PracticalMarketingShow.com Cary's Agency Website: www.CMWeston.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryweston
LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER The Chat GPT Experiment is also a LinkedIn Newsletter and you can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-chat-gpt-experiment-7110348839919702016/
MUSIC CREDITS The instrumental music used in this podcast is called "Curious" by Podington Bear".

Episode Summary
In this listener mailbag episode, Cary answers questions from listeners about how to get more practical with ChatGPT. He talks through where to find useful AI training, how to "just talk to it" using his four-part framework, and how someone working alone can use ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner. The big message is simple: don't overthink the prompt. Treat ChatGPT like a capable coworker, give it context, explain what you need, and invite it to ask questions.
3 Key Takeaways
Look for AI training that matches your real work. Cary recommends finding resources that are practical, honest, and relevant to your role or industry instead of relying only on broad success stories or random prompt lists.
Use Cary's four-part framework when talking to ChatGPT: What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What does success look like? Do you have any questions for me?
ChatGPT can be a brainstorming partner, especially if you work alone. Cary suggests explaining your situation, what you miss from having coworkers, and asking ChatGPT how it can help you think through ideas, decisions, or projects.
AI Institute Link referenced in show: https://academy.smarterx.ai/courses#departments
Cary offers customized one-on-one ChatGPT training in 60 minute sessions. Find out more information on the sessions, answers to frequent questions, and how to register at www.ChatGPTExperiment.com
+++++++++
CONNECT WITH CARY
ChatGPT Podcast Website: www.ChatGPTExperiment.com Marketing Podcast: www.PracticalMarketingShow.com Cary's Agency Website: www.CMWeston.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryweston
LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER The Chat GPT Experiment is also a LinkedIn Newsletter and you can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-chat-gpt-experiment-7110348839919702016/
MUSIC CREDITS The instrumental music used in this podcast is called "Curious" by Podington Bear".

In this episode of The ChatGPT Experiment, Cary walks through three simple ways to personalize tools like ChatGPT and Claude so they feel more useful, relevant, and tailored to how you work. He covers custom instructions, memory, and connectors or sources, explaining how each one can help you get better answers, cut down on annoying habits, and connect AI tools to the apps and files you already use.
3 Key Takeaways
Custom instructions are a great starting point. Cary explains how they help shape the way ChatGPT or Claude responds, including tone, length, writing style, and things you do or don't want.
Memory is worth checking once in a while. Cary compares memory to a backpack and encourages listeners to review what the tool remembers, delete what is no longer useful, and correct anything that feels off.
Connectors and sources can make AI more useful. By connecting tools like Google Drive, Gmail, Canva, Fireflies, Adobe PDF, or other apps, users can create smoother workflows and get more value from their AI tool.
Resources Mentioned In The Show:
Find downloadable files to customize your own set of instructions for both ChatGPT and Claude here.
Link to Episode 93 - the AI Prompt Master - as mentioned in the show
Cary offers customized one-on-one ChatGPT training in 60 minute sessions. Find out more information on the sessions, answers to frequent questions, and how to register at www.ChatGPTExperiment.com
+++++++++
CONNECT WITH CARY
ChatGPT Podcast Website: www.ChatGPTExperiment.com Marketing Podcast: www.PracticalMarketingShow.com Cary's Agency Website: www.CMWeston.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryweston
LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER The Chat GPT Experiment is also a LinkedIn Newsletter and you can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-chat-gpt-experiment-7110348839919702016/
MUSIC CREDITS The instrumental music used in this podcast is called "Curious" by Podington Bear".

Episode Summary
In this episode, Cary talks about a common pattern he is seeing in workshops and keynotes: people are using AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude, but they are only using them in small ways, like rewriting emails or checking spelling. He describes this as being "stuck in first gear." The bigger opportunity, Cary says, is to treat AI like a capable intern that can help shrink the "busy middle" of work — the part where most of the time and mental energy gets spent. The key is to have real back-and-forth conversations with the tool, give it context, ask questions, and stay curious.
3 Key Takeaways
Using AI is not the same as benefiting from AI. Cary shares that many organizations have people using AI, but only a small number feel they are getting meaningful results from it.
AI can help with more than quick fixes. Instead of only using it to polish emails or spell-check documents, Cary encourages listeners to use it as a problem-solving partner.
The best results come from conversation. Give the tool context, ask how it can help, follow up with "tell me more," and keep exploring. That is where the real value starts to show up.
Cary offers customized one-on-one ChatGPT training in 60 minute sessions. Find out more information on the sessions, answers to frequent questions, and how to register at www.ChatGPTExperiment.com
+++++++++
CONNECT WITH CARY
ChatGPT Podcast Website: www.ChatGPTExperiment.com Marketing Podcast: www.PracticalMarketingShow.com Cary's Agency Website: www.CMWeston.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryweston
LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER The Chat GPT Experiment is also a LinkedIn Newsletter and you can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-chat-gpt-experiment-7110348839919702016/
MUSIC CREDITS The instrumental music used in this podcast is called "Curious" by Podington Bear".

Episode Summary
In this episode, Cary shares a keynote-style talk about how to think about AI without getting overwhelmed. He compares AI to a capable intern: adaptable, available, and ready to help, but only as useful as the direction you give it. Cary walks through the current AI landscape, why so much money is being invested, and why tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are just the beginning. The heart of the message is simple: you do not need to master every tool or chase every trend. Start with curiosity, find one useful task, and learn how to work with AI in a way that saves time, improves communication, and helps people do better work.
3 Key Takeaways
Treat AI like an intern, not a magic box. The better the context, direction, and feedback you give it, the better the results will be.
Start with one thing. Do not worry about what everyone else is doing. Find one repeatable task that eats up your time and see how AI can help shrink the "busy middle."
Curiosity matters more than certainty. The tools will keep changing, but the habit of asking better questions, testing ideas, and learning as you go will stay valuable.
Cary offers customized one-on-one ChatGPT training in 60 minute sessions. Find out more information on the sessions, answers to frequent questions, and how to register at www.ChatGPTExperiment.com
+++++++++
CONNECT WITH CARY
ChatGPT Podcast Website: www.ChatGPTExperiment.com Marketing Podcast: www.PracticalMarketingShow.com Cary's Agency Website: www.CMWeston.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryweston
LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER The Chat GPT Experiment is also a LinkedIn Newsletter and you can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-chat-gpt-experiment-7110348839919702016/
MUSIC CREDITS The instrumental music used in this podcast is called "Curious" by Podington Bear".