WIT (What I Think) - with Derek Ting - Your edge in Artificial Intelligence

Derek Ting

Come on a journey with me to gain from multiple perpectives on Artificial Intelligence so you can learn and form your own opinion of what it is and where it's going. I ask personal and ethical questions to see if those perspectives align with your own. Discard what doesn't work for you, but also absorb the hidden gems. I'm looking to simplify what seems so complex so that I might integrate AI into my life and yours. Who are the people I'm interviewing? I'm in search of hearing from people immersed in AI, the ones who have been successful at using it, teaching it, investing in it.

  1. AI Agents and the Solopreneur: A New Era with Richard Hobbs

    May 20

    AI Agents and the Solopreneur: A New Era with Richard Hobbs

    Building a One‑Person AI Agent Team: Agentic AI, Automation, and the Future of Agentic Commerce (with Richard Hobbs)Derek and co-host Olivia interview Richard Hobbs, a former fashion professional now building ventures in digital identity and agentic systems, about how agentic AI is transforming solo workflows and commerce. Richard explains his shift from early ChatGPT experimentation to building multi-agent setups after frameworks like Eliza OS (Nov 2024), emphasizing daily learning, debating outputs across models (Claude, Perplexity, Gemini), and keeping agents on a “tight rein” to control cost and mistakes. He describes running seven to eight specialized agents via tools like Nanobot, using Notion as a shared knowledge and memory layer, and turning manual processes into automated flows—cutting brand onboarding for his agentic commerce platform Real/Genuine from about an hour to 3–4 minutes. The conversation also covers trust infrastructure (e.g., 8004 registration, World ID), the shift from image-led shopping to enriched data, and a future where consumer and business agents negotiate and transact rapidly.00:00 AI Onboarding in Minutes00:27 Meet the Guests01:59 From ChatGPT to Agents04:15 Staying Ahead Daily05:14 Building Your Agent Team07:04 Richard’s Agent Stack08:40 Ground Zero Tools11:03 Autonomy and Agent Design13:30 Notion Memory and Automation14:55 Brand Onboarding Case Study18:06 Agentic Commerce Future19:33 High Ticket Negotiation Example23:11 Getting Started and Platforms26:10 Trust and Identity Layers28:45 Wrap Up and Thanks

    30 min
  2. Writing for the Vertical Age: Insights on Microdramas from Lauren Delisle

    May 7

    Writing for the Vertical Age: Insights on Microdramas from Lauren Delisle

    How to Write Vertical Microdramas: Cliffhangers, Retention Data & Adapting Chinese IP | WIT w/ Lauren DeLisleIn this episode of WIT, Derek talks with Lauren Delisle, a full-time writer at COL Group developing vertical microdrama series for the Fairflow app, about what it takes to create high-retention, emotionally impactful stories in 1.5–2 minute episodes across 45–50 episode seasons. Lauren explains how microdramas are often written solo with limited feedback, why the format parallels feature structure, and how studios use trending data and proven (often Chinese) IP to guide development, with adaptations focused on hooks, cliffhangers, cultural localization, and fully rewritten dialogue. She shares lessons from working with data engineers on attention drop-off points, outlines three effective cliffhanger types, discusses why vertical framing emphasizes faces and quick establishing cuts, and describes fast production realities, rewrites, and her career path from film school and podcasting to Pocket FM promos and vertical drama writing, plus where she sees the format heading alongside traditional TV and film.00:00 Hollywood Eyes Vertical00:24 Welcome And Guest Intro00:57 Solo Writing And Episode Math02:31 Briefs Trends And Proven IP04:32 Adapting China For US06:36 Retention Data And Cliffhangers09:38 Top Cliffhanger Types10:36 Writing For Vertical Frame13:10 Emotion On The Page16:07 Production Changes And Rewrites17:33 Speed Writing And Output20:08 Film School To Microdrama Career26:06 Future Of Vertical Drama31:04 Dream Shows And Influences33:04 Sponsor Thanks And Wrap

    34 min

  3. Apr 21

    Ultra Marathon Mindset for HYROX: Derek Kwik on Getting Comfortable With Uncomfortable

    Ultra Marathon Mindset for HYROX: Derek Kwik on Getting Comfortable With UncomfortableThis health and wellness episode features Derek, a seasoned ultramarathoner and investor/operator with 25+ years of experience across Asia Pacific and the US, discussing how endurance training and mindset can translate to HYROX-style events. He describes progressing from 5Ks to 250km+ multi-day races, the self-supported 12–18kg gear load, and the six-day cycle of running, camp recovery, and accumulated fatigue. Derek explains why the Amazon jungle in Brazil was his toughest environment due to constant hazards and mental stress, reinforcing his theme of “getting comfortable with uncomfortable.” He shares unconventional training methods (weighted running, sandbags, treadmill 5K with 500 pushups), long-term jiu-jitsu practice, and practical approaches to rest, aging, travel, scheduling workouts, and prioritizing sleep.00:00 Comfort With Discomfort00:22 Welcome And Wellness Focus00:43 Meet Derek The Ultramarathoner03:17 Ultra Racing Basics And Gear04:27 Camp Life And Fatigue05:50 Worst Terrain The Amazon08:25 Why Chase Hard Things09:13 Hyrox Explained And Fitness Ethos12:02 Training Hacks For Hyrox14:47 Jiu Jitsu And Recovery Strategy16:44 Aging Tapering And Mindset20:15 Balancing Work Travel And Sleep24:11 Sponsor Thanks And Final Message

    25 min
  4. How Sebastien Borget plans to revolutionize the creator economy

    Mar 23

    How Sebastien Borget plans to revolutionize the creator economy

    This episode unpacks the creator economy beyond followers and ads, focusing on sustainability, ownership, and community-driven value. Sebastien Borget explains how creation has exploded with social platforms and AI, yet most creators earn only $100–$1,000/month and remain dependent on Web2 algorithms, delayed payouts, platform fees, and limited access to audience data. He argues creators need better education in financial literacy and data ownership, plus systems that reward loyal engagement over vanity metrics. SandChain aims to provide infrastructure for creator-run loyalty programs using points and “quests” that work on existing platforms via links/QR codes, enabling perks, tiers, and eventually an open market for points. The discussion covers converting platform audiences to owned channels (e.g., websites/email), potential partnerships, and broader challenges like banking access for creators and emerging young creators in ecosystems like Roblox.00:00 Sustainable Creator Economy00:21 Meet the Guests02:01 Defining the Creator Economy03:23 Web2 Monetization Problems07:20 Ownership and Platform Lock In11:59 Loyalty Programs for Creators18:03 Why Sand Chain Exists19:08 Points Quests and Creator Rewards23:48 Driving Engagement and Actions28:17 Making Blockchain Invisible29:43 From Social to Owned Media33:14 Point Value and Open Markets37:26 Roadmap and Future39:46 Global Creator Challenges43:16 Wrap Up and Sponsor Thankshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/borgetsebastien/https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivialee3/

    45 min
  5. AI can rent humans? Underground AI pimp my ride culture? Talking Culture and tech with innovator Lewis Lupton

    Mar 5

    AI can rent humans? Underground AI pimp my ride culture? Talking Culture and tech with innovator Lewis Lupton

    AI, Creativity & Agentic Futures: Lewis Lupton on Tools, Dependency, and the Next MetaverseHost Derek and co-host Olivia Lee interview Lewis Lupton, a trilingual creative technologist leading sales at ID Nerd Studios and former chief digital officer at Shadow Factory, about AI’s impact on creativity, culture, and the metaverse. Lewis links early sci‑fi influences to today’s mainstream AI and compares doomsday narratives like Terminator with the more human, dependency-focused themes of the film Her. They discuss AI companionship, autonomous experiences, and emerging agentic setups like “Claude Bot” running on a Mac Mini with smart glasses, plus the concept of Rent a Human.ai for tasks requiring physical presence. The conversation explores generative music via Suno.ai, tensions around artistry, jobs, and IP, and argues AI is a tool that can accelerate learning while risking over-dependency. Lewis also explains how AI may reshape gaming by shrinking teams, raising standards, and empowering builders.00:00 Creators in the AI Age00:28 Meet Lewis and Olivia03:48 Why AI Feels Familiar05:41 From Skynet to Her10:27 AI as a Companion13:29 Autonomous Rides and Personalities16:13 Claude Bot and Life Hacking21:10 Suno and AI Music Making24:21 What Happens to Artists26:40 Tools vs Dependency29:42 AI Music Ethics30:53 Tech Creates New Jobs32:21 AI As Thought Partner33:54 Hype And Obsolescence35:36 Rent A Human Agents38:01 Who Controls Agents40:22 Culture And Control Fears45:09 Open Loop Safety47:46 Gaming As Culture51:22 AI Raises Gaming Bar55:46 Build Fast With AI58:03 Play For Joy Wraphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-m-lupton/https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivialee3/

    1 hr
  6. From Avatar to Ultraman: Hollywood's trusted creative producer Jeff Gomez talks story and more

    Jan 28 ·  Bonus

    From Avatar to Ultraman: Hollywood's trusted creative producer Jeff Gomez talks story and more

    Exploring Transmedia & Storytelling with Jeff Gomez: From Avatar to AIJoin us for an in-depth conversation with Jeff Gomez, the Chief Creative Officer at Starlight Runner Entertainment and a pioneer in transmedia storytelling. Discover Jeff's groundbreaking work on legendary franchises like Avatar, Transformers, and Halo. Learn about the concept of transmedia storytelling, the intricacies of crafting narratives across multiple platforms, and the unique challenges of working with colossal intellectual properties. Get insights into Jeff's methodologies, including the famous mythology documents and the action drive system. Delve into his collaboration with notable figures like James Cameron, and hear about his innovative approach to new story worlds and systemic narrative design. Plus, explore his thoughts on the future role of AI in storytelling. This episode is a masterclass in narrative creation and an exploration of the vast possibilities within the world of imagination.00:00 Introduction to Jeff Gomez00:38 Defining Transmedia Storytelling02:30 Role of a Creative Producer04:09 The Origin of Starlight Runner Entertainment04:54 The Action Drive System06:24 Expanding the Ultraman Universe13:38 Working with James Cameron on Avatar19:09 Building Original Story Worlds23:12 Exploring Star Trek's Narrative Depths24:07 Challenging Traditional Storytelling Norms26:07 The Collective Journey Storytelling Model32:20 The Role of AI in Modern Storytelling42:10 Personal Insights and ReflectionsAbout Jeff Gomezhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgomez/About Derek Ting: http://www.dkting.comSponsored by Saicho Tea. https://hk.saichodrinks.com/

    47 min
  7. The Future of AI in Filmmaking: Minh Do

    11/29/2025

    The Future of AI in Filmmaking: Minh Do

    Join host Derek Ting in an engaging conversation with AI visionary Minh Do as they delve into the dynamic interplay between artificial intelligence and creativity. In this episode, Minh Do discusses the potential of AI to democratize filmmaking, allowing more people to create high-quality films effortlessly. They examine the current and future state of AI tools in entertainment, the convergence of different media like music, video games, and film, and the increasing role of AI-generated content. The episode also covers practical aspects of AI adoption, the evolving roles within creative industries, and the exciting possibilities for co-creation and global collaboration facilitated by AI. Sponsored by Side Show Tea, this episode offers insightful and forward-thinking perspectives on the cutting edge of AI and storytelling.00:00 Introduction to AI Storytelling00:24 Meet Minh: A Visionary in AI and Storytelling00:46 Minh's Journey and Achievements01:30 Defining Artificial Intelligence02:35 AI in the Bay Area and Beyond03:53 AI Tools and Innovations04:41 AI in Music, Video Games, and Film05:42 The Future of AI in Creative Roles09:45 Preparing for an AI-Driven Future14:16 The SORA2 Moment19:20 Co-Creation and Machine Cinema22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About the Speaker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minhsmind/ About the host: http://www.dkting.com

    23 min
  8. REINVENTING MARKET RESEARCH WITH AI AND WEB 3

    11/18/2025

    REINVENTING MARKET RESEARCH WITH AI AND WEB 3

    Revolutionizing Market Research with AI: Insights from Tamara Abdel Waha - Preferences AIIn this exciting episode, Tamara Abdel Waha, co-founder and CEO of Preferences AI, discusses how her company is transforming the $140 billion market research industry using AI for predictive analytics. With a decade of experience in finance and Web3, and having successfully scaled two companies, Tamara, along with her co-founders Jason Lau and Frankie Fung, is changing the way businesses understand customer preferences. Join hosts Derek and Olivia Lee, a digital retail expert, as they dive into how AI and Web3 technology are reshaping business decision-making and market research. Learn about the challenges, successes, and the innovative future of the market research industry with Preferences AI. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:41 Meet the Co-Host: Olivia Lee 01:21 Defining AI and Its Misconceptions 02:34 The Challenges of Market Research 06:11 The Role of Web3 in Data Privacy 08:22 Operational Benefits of Web3 17:29 User Experience and Web3 Integration 19:55 Challenges in Client Surveys 20:22 Digital Identity and Trust Factors 22:17 Success Stories with Preference AI 22:30 Crypto Trading Platform Insights 24:16 Market Research and Customer Preferences 24:55 Glowing Star and Product Market Fit 31:57 Distribution Channels and Client Engagement 35:14 Future of AI and Career Advice 39:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts PREFERENCES AI:https://www.preferencesai.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamirabdelwahab/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaylauhk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-fung-1b99aaa7/ About Derek Ting: http://www.dkting.com About Olivia Lee: https://www.livvium.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivialee3/?originalSubdomain=hk https://www.instagram.com/livvium/?hl=enhttps://x.com/livvium?lang=en Sponsored by Saicho Tea. https://hk.saichodrinks.com/ #whoownstheip #ipcreation #intellectualproperty #intellectualpropertylaw

    40 min
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About

Come on a journey with me to gain from multiple perpectives on Artificial Intelligence so you can learn and form your own opinion of what it is and where it's going. I ask personal and ethical questions to see if those perspectives align with your own. Discard what doesn't work for you, but also absorb the hidden gems. I'm looking to simplify what seems so complex so that I might integrate AI into my life and yours. Who are the people I'm interviewing? I'm in search of hearing from people immersed in AI, the ones who have been successful at using it, teaching it, investing in it.

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