We sit down with Trent Kalisch-Smith, a brilliant and engaging AI expert working at the forefront of data analytics and targeted advertising. From Snowplow’s innovative approach to data transparency to the ethical dilemmas of using AI to sell, this episode uncovers the truths and trade-offs of how data fuels modern technology. Key Topics Discussed: • How AI and behavioral data are transforming targeted ads—and why you might be the product. • The ethical challenges of using AI for personalized selling, including the psychological effects on consumers. • Privacy battles: Apple’s fines in Europe and the evolving tension between regulators and tech innovators. • Why Trent believes data transparency is key to building trust in an AI-driven world. • A candid conversation about the future of AI: Utopia or dystopia? Are you ready to question how AI shapes your world? Trent brings a thoughtful, balanced perspective on innovation, ethics, and the incredible potential of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and more. What You’ll Learn: • The hidden mechanics of AI-driven ads—and whether they’re necessary or manipulative. • Practical tips to protect your privacy in a data-hungry world. • How Trent uses AI for 10x productivity gains in coding and communication. • The real-world impact of AI on data transparency, privacy, and trust. Join the conversation in the comments: Are targeted ads a breach of ethics, or just smart innovation? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more deep dives into AI’s impact on society! 00:00 - Intro: Setting the stage for the discussion with Trent Kalisch-Smith. 00:01:47 - Trent’s introduction and an overview of the innovative work he’s focused on. 00:03:16 - Snowplow data analytics: Understanding its role in driving transparency and functionality. 00:04:16 - Legacy media and the recurring themes in common news content. 00:06:16 - Social media age restrictions and how the US is tackling TikTok. 00:06:47 - Yuka app: How data is helping consumers make informed food choices. 00:08:15 - Data transparency: How we are entering a new era powered by accessible information. 00:09:17 - Data access limitations on platforms like Stack Overflow. 00:11:10 - The role of data in fueling AI functionality and its applications. 00:14:48 - Image metadata tagging and indexing for enhanced AI learning. 00:17:25 - Targeted ads: Behavioral data and its influence on advertising strategies. 00:19:09 - The power and rise of social selling. 00:20:30 - How COVID impacted smartphone usage and data collection trends. 00:22:30 - Custom ChatGPT solutions for personalized customer communication. 00:23:19 - The ethics of using AI to target children in sales strategies. 00:24:31 - Psychological pressures created by AI-driven selling techniques. 00:25:46 - Apple privacy fines in the UK and France: The growing regulatory pushback. 00:29:07 - Top advice for improving personal data security and privacy practices. 00:31:19 - Privacy controls and how to better manage personal information. 00:31:48 - Daily AI tools: Trent’s use of ChatGPT, Claude, and Codeium for productivity. 00:33:00 - Achieving 10x productivity gains with AI tools. 00:36:12 - Defining AI: What it is and what it isn’t. 00:38:53 - How engineers tackle failures and challenges in AI development. 00:41:14 - ChatGPT’s experimental phase and the validation of its responses. 00:43:05 - Handling AI-driven calls and emails: Opportunities and annoyances. 00:43:41 - The paradox of AI prescriptive selling versus unwanted sales interactions. 00:45:31 - Do we trust our devices? Exploring consumer trust in technology. 00:50:12 - Future improvements in AI reliability over the next five years. 00:51:56 - Agentic AI: Fully autonomous workflows and their implications. 00:52:47 - Utopia or dystopia: Trent’s closing thoughts on the future of AI.