Ep 84 - Why Curious Minds Are Winning in the Age of AI: An Interview With Michael Stelzner

Ep 84 - Why Curious Minds Are Winning in the Age of AI: An Interview With Michael Stelzner

Author: Cary Weston September 2, 2025 Duration: 44:21

UPCOMING FREE WORKSHOP: "Creating A Marketing Strategy Project With ChatGPT", 9/17/25 - Register Here

Episode Summary

In this episode of The ChatGPT Experiment, Cary welcomes Michael Stelzner, founder of Social Media Examiner and host of the AI Explored podcast. Michael shares his journey from launching Social Media Examiner to becoming a leading voice in helping marketers and entrepreneurs understand and apply AI. They dig into how AI mirrors the early days of social media, the importance of empathy and clarity in podcasting, and how to smartly navigate emerging trends without getting overwhelmed. It's a deep, honest, and practical conversation for anyone looking to stay ahead in a changing world.


3 Key Takeaways

  • Empathy Leads the Way: Whether podcasting or creating content, always bring it back to the listener's level. Make things clear, practical, and useful—especially when the topic (like AI) can be overwhelming.

  • Experiment Before You Invest: Michael's approach to new trends—like AI—is to test, track, and validate before going all in. From podcasts to events, he uses surveys and behavior data to guide decisions.

  • Hire for Strategy, Not Just Tasks: Instead of filling a role with one person, think AI-first. Use tools to handle the busywork, and if you do hire, make it someone who can build AI-enhanced systems and strategy.


About Michael Stelzner

Michael Stelzner is the founder and CEO of Social Media Examiner, one of the most trusted sources for marketing insights and trends. He's the host of two top-rated podcasts: Social Media Marketing and AI Explored, where he breaks down complex topics into digestible, practical advice. Michael is also the creator of Social Media Marketing World, a major annual event that brings together marketers from around the globe. Known for his deep curiosity and clear teaching style, Michael is a longtime guide for marketers navigating change—now with a strong focus on AI.

Explore more of Michael's work at Social Media Examiner


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


LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER

The Chat GPT Experiment is also a LinkedIn Newsletter and you can find it here:
The Chat GPT Experiment Newsletter


MUSIC CREDITS

The instrumental music used in this podcast is called "Curious" by Podington Bear.


Ever wondered how AI tools like ChatGPT could actually fit into your daily work or creative projects without the technical overwhelm? The ChatGPT Experiment-Simplifying Chat GPT For Curious Beginners is built for that exact moment of curiosity. Host Cary Weston demystifies artificial intelligence in a way that feels like a helpful conversation, stripping away the jargon to focus on practical, actionable steps. This podcast moves beyond theory, offering listeners a chance to hear how prompts are crafted and how responses can be shaped for real tasks in business, marketing, education, and personal growth. Each episode feels like a guided session, where Cary’s approachable style turns abstract concepts into clear tools you can use immediately. Whether you're looking to streamline a workflow, generate fresh ideas, or simply understand the buzz, the content meets you where you are. The natural flow of the podcast makes complex topics accessible, ensuring that every listener, regardless of their starting point, can build genuine capability. It’s about transforming that initial interest into tangible skill, one straightforward explanation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The ChatGPT Experiment - Simplifying Chat GPT For Curious Beginners
Podcast Episodes
Ep 89 - Murder Jury & ChatGPT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:28
Episode Summary In this solo episode, host Cary Weston reflects on his experience serving on a murder trial jury over 20 years ago and draws powerful connections between that experience and how we use ChatGPT today. With…
Ep 88 - The Near Future Of Conversational Technology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:58
Episode Summary In this solo episode, host Cary Weston shares his vision for the future of "conversational technology"—a shift from static, click-based interfaces to dynamic, two-way conversations with the tools we use e…
Ep 87 - Using Projects in ChatGPT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:04
In this solo episode, Cary Weston dives into a feature in ChatGPT Projects to help help you get more from them. Designed for those with the paid version of ChatGPT, Projects offer a powerful way to build focused workspac…
Ep 86 - Replicating A Document With ChatGPT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:14
Episode Summary In this solo episode, host Cary Weston tackles a common question: How do I replicate a document, memo, or report using ChatGPT to save time and make the process easier? Cary shares real-world tips on how…
Ep 83 - Memory in ChatGPT: What Is it And How's It Work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
Episode Summary: In this solo episode, host Cary Weston dives deep into one of the most commonly asked features about ChatGPT: Memory. As summer winds down and routines return, Cary uses this time to unpack what memory a…
Ep 82 - ChatGPT: Listener Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:03
Episode Summary: In this solo episode, host Cary Weston dives into a batch of real listener questions submitted through the podcast's website. He shares his perspective, tips, and best practices for using ChatGPT effecti…
Ep 81 - ChatGPT: Can You Trust It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:47
Episode Summary Cary tackles one of the most common questions he hears in workshops: "Can I trust ChatGPT—or AI in general?" He explains that trust in AI depends on what you're trusting it for, and that the real key is w…
Ep 80 - ChatGPT Conversations, Curiosity, and Customization [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:27
Episode 80 Summary: In this solo episode, host Cary Weston shares stories from a recent trip to the National Sports Card Collecting Show in Chicago with his 14-year-old son—a heartwarming moment that sets the tone. Cary…