AI Automation Alchemist

Rey Ortega
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Practical AI for small business entrepreneurs! AI shouldn’t be overwhelming or overhyped. AI Automation Alchemist breaks the noise into actionable playbooks for small business owners and scrappy founders. We cover the headlines that matter, de-risk adoption (security, compliance, costs), and walk through real workflows for leads, service, and back-office. Informational, honest, and inspiring, so you can do less manual work and drive more growth.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    AI for Small Business: BizFest Lessons, AI Agents, Automation & the “Train Track” Theory

    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: https://gratasoftware.com Learn more about Digital Strike: https://godigitalstrike.com Chapters / Timestamps00:00 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

    44 min

  2. 27 APR

    Intention Hacking AI with Max Kyllonen

    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: Why AI feels “alien” to most peopleThe problem with basic prompt engineeringWhy Max believes “intentioneering” is the next major AI skillClaude vs. ChatGPT vs. GrokHow AI changes marketing, software, business, and decision-makingWhy humans still matter in AI systemsThe real danger of optimizing AI for the wrong outcomeHow business owners can start using AI without getting overwhelmedMax 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/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/max.kyllonen Website: https://www.maxoutloud.com/ COYOU AI: https://www.coyou.ai/ Sponsored ByGrata Software: https://www.gratasoftware.com/ Digital Strike: https://godigitalstrike.com/ Chapters00:00 Intro 00:52 Why everyone is talking about AI 01:48 Why AI feels amorphous and hard to explain 06:07 Why Max starts AI training with pen and paper 07:05 Building AI-powered marketing systems 10:04 How few people are really using AI deeply 14:00 Why AI adoption is different from the internet 17:09 Will AI create massive unemployment? 20:14 The dangerous middle period of AI disruption 27:19 Why AI may never become fully autonomous 32:40 Why intention matters more than tools 34:00 AI and the prisoner’s dilemma 36:04 Using AI as a collaborator 40:20 Max’s AI training framework 41:36 ADHD, associative thinking, and AI 47:52 The moment AI copywriting changed everything 50:26 Claude, Sonnet, Opus, and model selection 57:39 Using Grok for brainstorming 58:26 Intention defines context 01:01:16 Where intentioneering is going 01:06:49 Open-source models and local AI 01:12:10 Hybrid AI systems and local models 01:15:20 Why your intention is the real unlock 01:17:42 Where to find Max #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIAutomation #PromptEngineering #ClaudeAI #ChatGPT #GrokAI #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAutomation #MarketingAutomation #FutureOfWork #AIForBusiness #SmallBusinessAI #Intentioneering #AIAgents

    1hr 18min

  3. 13 APR

    The Future of AI in Business Operations: A Conversation with Rob Wright

    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 AI and automation are not synonymous; using AI does not guarantee a competitive advantage.The Dunning-Kruger effect highlights the challenge of accurately assessing one's own skills and knowledge in the AI industry. Token usage and pricing models are critical considerations for businesses leveraging AI.AI adoption in small businesses presents both challenges and opportunities.Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI is essential for leveraging it effectively in business growth. 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

    52 min

  4. 19 MAR

    Why Perplexity Is Outsmarting ChatGPT in 2026

    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 Small business challengesAI automation and optimizationPerplexity and its features AI and agentic systems perform complex tasksPersonalization and customization are key in AI usage Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Strike Hub15:51 The Evolution of Technology in Business28:18 Exploring the Perplexity Interface and Features50:18 AI and Agentic Systems56:07 Personalization and Customization

    1hr 4min

  5. 12 MAR

    The Truth About AI in Business: Myths, Risks, and Strategies

    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:The truth about AI and automation in businessCommon myths and misconceptions around implementationWhy strategy matters more than trend-chasingRisks involving cybersecurity, contracts, and SaaS toolsAI agents and where they fall shortSmall business automation challengesHow to focus on speed to valueChoosing the right technology for real business outcomesGuest:Kyler Cheatham Guest Links:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham Website: https://confluential.com/ #AI #Automation #BusinessStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #SmallBusiness #EnterpriseTechnology #AIAgents #TechImplementation #BusinessGrowth

    50 min

  6. 24 FEB

    Unlock Business Efficiency with Claude: Your AI Assistant

    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! In this video, we dive deep into the capabilities of Claude and how it can transform your daily workflow. Here’s what we cover: Key Points: Understanding the Difference (0:00): The crucial distinction between working in your business versus on your business.Introduction to Claude (2:10): An overview of Claude and what makes it a powerful business tool.Three Major Ways Claude Can Help Your Business (5:45):Task Automation: How Claude can take over repetitive tasks like email sorting and summarization.Data Synthesis: Learn how Claude can pull together information from multiple sources to create insightful reports.Marketing Consistency: Utilizing Claude to maintain a consistent marketing message and customer engagement.Real-Life Applications (12:30): Examples showcasing how Claude has been implemented in various business scenarios, including customer inquiries and document creation.Best Practices for Using Claude (18:40): Tips on how to set up and maximize Claude’s features for your specific business needs.Watch the Interface in Action (22:15): A live demonstration of Claude’s interface and how to navigate its features effectively. 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. Join us as we explore Claude, the AI tool designed to save you time, energy, and money while keeping your business running smoothly. Don’t forget to like this video, subscribe for more insights, and share your thoughts in the comments below! If you found this video helpful, please hit the thumbs up, subscribe for more content, and leave a comment with any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes! #SmallBusiness #AI #Claude #BusinessAutomation #Efficiency

    1hr 1min

  7. 16 FEB

    How to Get Better ChatGPT Results with Context, Strategy, and Smart Prompting Without Guessing

    In this episode, I show how I actually use ChatGPT to run my business: settings, models, custom GPTs, and Projects. Then we do a live demo: I ask ChatGPT to write the prompt, and we generate an ad image from 2 photos. 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: Free vs Plus plan (and why I use Plus)The settings that matter (personalization + memory)Model selection (thinking vs instant)Uploading files/images for better contextCustom GPTs (shareable) vs Projects (internal)How I build a business GPT (Customer Avatar Finder)My favorite trick: ask ChatGPT to write the promptLive demo: combine two photos into a photorealistic ad image Sponsored by: Grata Software — custom AI + automation for small businessesDigital Strike — DIY training for AI + automation Comment what you want me to show next: Lead gen, sales follow-up, customer avatars, offers, or automations. 00:00 We’re finally using tools (ChatGPT) 01:10 AI hype cycles & why strategy matters 04:37 ChatGPT plans: Free vs Plus 06:58 Personalization settings 09:27 Why I keep Memory OFF 11:47 Data controls + privacy reality 14:11 Protecting data (local models) 15:00 Models: thinking vs instant + training dates 16:33 RAG explained in plain English 18:56 Files, context windows, and uploads 21:13 Agent mode warning 23:35 Sidebar: chats, images, apps, codex 25:51 Custom GPTs vs Projects 30:25 Why ChatGPT changed business research forever 32:42 Building a Custom GPT (Avatar Finder) 35:06 Knowledge base “secret sauce” 37:29 Projects example (travel budget) 39:53 Ask AI to write the prompt (pro move) 44:25 Live image generation results 46:44 CTA + next episode #ChatGPT #AI #Automation #SmallBusiness #Marketing

    48 min

  8. 9 FEB

    Bonus Episode: How Large Language Models Actually Work (A Simple Story)

    Most people don’t understand how AI actually works — and that’s okay. In this episode, I explain Large Language Models using a simple story anyone can understand. 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: How Large Language Models actually workWhat input layers and hidden nodes really doWhy AI hallucinatesHow transformers keep context intactHow Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) injects factsWhy AI feels intelligent without “thinking” No code. No math. No hype. If you’ve ever nodded along pretending to understand neural networks — this episode is for you. Sponsored by: Grata Software — custom AI & automationDigital Strike Hub — learn AI the right way #ChatGPT #LLM #ArtificialIntelligence #AIExplained #Automation

    23 min
See All (16)

About

Practical AI for small business entrepreneurs! AI shouldn’t be overwhelming or overhyped. AI Automation Alchemist breaks the noise into actionable playbooks for small business owners and scrappy founders. We cover the headlines that matter, de-risk adoption (security, compliance, costs), and walk through real workflows for leads, service, and back-office. Informational, honest, and inspiring, so you can do less manual work and drive more growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Rey Ortega
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Rey Ortega
  • Show Website
    AI Automation Alchemist