Shipping with AI

Shipping with AI

The show where AI goes from hype to implementation. Real workflows, on screen, walked through by the people who already built them. Every episode is one you can steal. shippingwithai.substack.com

Episodes

  1. How an AI Agent Became My Airbnb Accountant | Sharath C George

    5d ago

    How an AI Agent Became My Airbnb Accountant | Sharath C George

    Discover how a property owner leverages AI automation to streamline booking reconciliation, enhance data accuracy, and gain peace of mind. This deep dive explores the technical workflow and benefits of building a custom AI-powered system for managing multi-channel bookings. In this episode: * The challenges of manual booking management across multiple channels * Building a custom AI skill with Claude to automate data reconciliation * How the system pulls data from Gmail, Airbnb calendar, WhatsApp, and offline bookings * The role of conflict detection, issue flagging, and iterative refinement * Practical insights on data validation, error handling, and decision-making * Future possibilities: a web interface for broader accessibility * The peace of mind and data-driven decision advantages for hosts Timestamps: * (00:43) How long he hosted before needing a system * (01:02) Why daily manual logging was impossible * (01:59) What was wrong with the property manager’s reporting: late and unverifiable * (03:04) Why existing property apps don’t solve multi-channel, no export * (04:56) The raw data he actually receives: WhatsApp, Gmail, iCal * (06:30) The schematic: iCal as source of truth, then Gmail, then WhatsApp gap-fill * (09:40) Running the demo skill and how it anonymises real data * (11:20) Why it needs Gmail access and why scope can’t be narrowed * (12:23) What a Claude skill is and how he built it iteratively * (13:26) Resolving conflicts: Airbnb email beats WhatsApp as source of truth * (13:58) Run time and why he runs it end-of-month * (15:03) The offline-booking blind spot and how iCal catches it * (16:15) The case for an Airbnb MCP server * (17:13) Human in the loop, not full automation * (17:57) How many real issues it caught, plus the tax-deduction edge case * (19:39) The real payback: peace of mind and clean data * (20:35) Hard ROI numbers versus other hosts’ gut feel * (22:07) Flagged conflicts and the monthly summary * (23:32) Excel and dashboard baked into the skill * (25:12) Claude Code version versus a hypothetical GUI * (26:01) The binary insight: you do it or you don’t * (26:38) Building trust with the manager and the idea of layering in neighbourhood rates * (27:42) Wrap-up Resources & Links: * Claude Code Connect with Sharath C George: * LinkedIn * Twitter * Website This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shippingwithai.substack.com

    28 min
  2. May 31

    He Cut 4 Hours of Daily Sales Research to 10 Minutes | Sushant Pandey, Prava Payments

    In this episode, Sushant shares a detailed walkthrough of how they’ve built and optimized Hermes AI agent like called Yumiko to automate and improve lead generation and business workflows. Learn how cutting-edge tools are making it easier for startups to scale prospecting and outreach in minutes, not hours. Main topics: * Manual vs. automated lead sourcing: the evolution * Setting up Hermes AI agent: step-by-step process * Integrating tools like Google Cloud, Composio, Apify, Crust Data, and more * How Hermes learns and improves over time through self-updating skills * Cost considerations and infrastructure setup for startups * Ensuring lead quality and avoiding hallucinations * Practical steps for deploying a lead-generation AI in 20 minutes Timestamps: 00:00 - How Sushant automated his lead sourcing process using Hermes02:08 - The pain points with manual LinkedIn prospecting and outreach03:04 - How Hermes searches, gathers, and organizes leads automatically04:11 - The importance of giving context to AI agents for precision05:15 - Limitations of tools like Apollo and manual lead vetting06:38 - Setting up virtual machines on Google Cloud easily08:15 - How Hermes learns and refines its lead-finding skill over time09:01 - Adding proactive lead alerts and social post monitoring10:21 - The orchestration engine powering multiple AI agents working together11:44 - Demonstration of Yumiko, the AI executive assistant, in action12:48 - Managing meetings, contacts, and data without manual input14:10 - Tools like Composio, Crustdata, and EXA for enriched lead data15:58 - Self-updating skills make Hermes more accurate over time16:36 - Common mistakes and safety guardrails during automation18:22 - How AI agents can send emails, but with safeguards20:27 - Infrastructure setup: virtual machine configurations and APIs23:00 - Connecting Hermes to messaging gateways like Telegram and Slack24:34 - Cost analysis: infrastructure + API credits, budget-friendly options34:44 - Ensuring lead authenticity and avoiding hallucinations36:24 - How simple and accessible deploying AI-based lead gen has become38:13 - Final tips for non-technical founders to set up in 20 minutes39:02 - The future of AI agents acting as virtual team members Resources & Links: * Hermes * Composio * Crust Data * Exa Search API * Apollo * SimpleClaw (easy setup virtual machine service) Connect with Sushant: * LinkedIn * Twitter Note: This methodology demonstrates that with minimal setup—roughly $50/month in cloud and API costs—any startup can automate lead sourcing within minutes, making outreach smarter and scalable. Whether you’re technical or not, the ecosystem options now support effortless deployment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shippingwithai.substack.com

    39 min
  3. May 24

    How to Set Up an AI Agent for Your Gmail and Calendar in 20 Minutes | Dipesh Sukhani

    Discover how Dipesh automated his email inbox with AI agents, reducing distractions and increasing efficiency. Learn the step-by-step setup, costs involved, and potential security risks of integrating AI with your Gmail and calendar system. Main Topics Covered: * How Dipesh’s AI agent reads and briefs his emails three times daily * Full live walkthrough of setting up Claus with Gmail and Google Calendar * Prompt engineering to prevent AI from sending emails without approval * The time investment to automate email management (~15-20 minutes setup) * Cost considerations for using AI agents ($19–$39/month) * Security risks including data hallucination and unauthorised access * Strategies to safeguard sensitive information (e.g., using separate email addresses) In this episode: * Dipesh shares his initial email checking habits (15-18 times daily) and how automation replaced this * Step-by-step setup process using CLAWS.app and OpenClaw framework * How the AI filters important emails, highlights urgent actions, and syncs with Google Calendar * Custom training of the AI using emails downloaded via Google Takeout * The importance of setting clear instructions, e.g., “Draft only, do not send” * How to detect and handle setup hiccups, and the tools involved * Cost justification based on hours saved and focus gained * Security measures: connection restrictions, minimising hallucinations, and auto-forward rules * Practical advice for replicating the setup in under an hour Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction: how Dipesh stopped checking email entirely using an AI agent 00:34 — The problem: checking Gmail 15–18 times a day as muscle memory 01:50 — What he tried first: filters, rules, and unsubscribing (and why they failed) 03:27 — Live demo: the agent setup and what the daily briefings look like 07:08 — Setup time and the service he used 08:10 — Connecting Gmail and Google Calendar 08:40 — How the agent decides what’s important (without explicit instructions) 09:49 — Training the agent with historical email data via Google Takeout 10:53 — Replicating the setup live from scratch 13:47 — Scheduling briefings with plain-language instructions (9 AM, noon, 4 PM) 16:43 — The real risks of giving AI access to your Gmail 18:21 — How to prevent the agent from sending email without your approval 19:25 — Additional safety setups (separate forwarding address, local AI filtering) 21:24 — Using “skills” to lock in standing instructions 23:49 — Efficiency gains: three weeks without opening Gmail 24:19 — The cost ($19–$39/month) and whether the ROI makes sense 25:50 — How to get started in under an hour Resources & Links: * Klaws.app — Easiest AI automation for Gmail and Google Calendar * OpenClaw — Framework for managing AI agents * Google Takeout — Download all emails for training your AI * Composio — Service used for linking Gmail with AI Connect with Dipesh: * LinkedIn * Twitter Note: Security practices and prompt engineering are crucial to prevent unintended AI actions, hallucinations, or data breaches. Always assess the risks before giving AI access to sensitive data. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shippingwithai.substack.com

    27 min
  4. May 17

    How an AI Agent Is Helping Real Estate Agents Close More Deals | Tiago Costa Alves, Librarian

    Discover how Librarian, an AI-powered executive assistant, is revolutionising productivity across various industries, from real estate to insurance. This episode explores practical use cases, integration strategies, and how to start leveraging AI tools for efficiency and peace of mind. Main Topics: * What is Librarian and how does it function as an AI executive assistant? * The evolution of AI from static software to dynamic, voice-controlled workflows * Use cases in real estate: lead management, property searches, and task automation * How Librarian integrates with popular platforms like WhatsApp, Gmail, Google Drive, and more * Building vertical-specific solutions: focusing on real estate and insurance * Challenges in setup, integration, and maintaining data privacy and security * Practical steps to get started with Librarian and maximising its features * The broader applicability of AI assistants for lawyers, coaches, and sales teams * Impact on peace of mind and productivity through reminders, briefs, and automation Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Librarian, an AI executive assistant for task automation00:44 - How Librarian works and interfaces with users via WhatsApp01:20 - The leap from traditional software to AI-enabled voice interactions02:13 - The origin story: from blockchain disappointment to AI revolution03:05 - The search for pain points: inefficiencies in real estate workflows03:55 - Demonstrating Librarian’s ability to search and organize information across platforms04:53 - The focus shift to verticals, especially real estate, for deeper impact05:46 - Illustrating real estate use case: driving, lead capturing, and task automation08:03 - Practical demo: managing a property lead call via WhatsApp09:29 - Invoking Librarian to share property options and reminders for clients11:10 - Capturing lead data, tasks, and scheduling follow-ups automatically12:13 - Crafting messages and updating tasks hands-free while on the move14:17 - Beyond property searches: calendar management and email automation16:42 - Workflow automation: from lead intake to automation on Slack and tickets18:29 - The value of integrations like GitHub for troubleshooting and task management20:29 - Addressing setup complexities and the value Librarian provides in stitching workflows23:19 - Ease of setup: from messaging setup to full automation with minimal effort25:22 - How Librarian enhances peace of mind and daily planning with reminders and briefs27:53 - Expanding use cases: lawyers, consultants, and sales professionals29:27 - Practical applications for insurance agents and client management30:30 - Security and privacy measures: encryption, SOC 2 certification, and data handling32:25 - How to get started: creating a free account, top features to explore33:22 - Final thoughts and call to action for productivity enthusiasts Resources & Links: * Librarian AI Executive Assistant Connect with Tiago: * LinkedIn * Twitter Experience the future of work now — start your free 14-day trial with Librarian and transform your productivity! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shippingwithai.substack.com

    34 min
  5. May 10

    Hire an AI Intern in 10 Minutes | Manas Bam, Kairos

    Discover how Kairos, an AI intern, is transforming small business automation by handling outreach, lead research, and customer interactions without technical support. Learn about its core features, real-world applications, and future direction towards autopilots. Main Topics: What is Kairos and how it functions as an AI intern for SMBs Use cases: lead generation, outreach automation, and workflow simplification The technical architecture: AI models, agent harness, and cloud infrastructure Challenges: cost, verification, safety, and model limitations Future outlook: autopilots, autonomous agents, and scalable AI workflows Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Manas Bam and Kairos AI intern demo02:00 What is Kairos? Explaining its role for small business owners04:00 Why build an AI intern instead of hiring? Cost and efficiency benefits06:00 Evolution of AI agents: from helpers to autonomous systems08:00 The technical setup: cloud computers, tool integration, and sandboxing10:00 How Kairos manages outreach tasks: LinkedIn, Reddit, and email campaigns12:00 Automation in action: finding startup founders and reaching out14:00 Personalizing outreach through AI and data-driven prompts16:00 How vague prompts can still yield precise results with screen sharing18:00 The future of autonomous agents: continuous background work and self-starting workflows20:00 Handling platform risks: avoiding bans and platform policies22:00 Infrastructure behind Kairos: virtual machines and cloud services (AWS)24:00 Verifying lead quality: manual review, use cases, and ongoing improvements26:00 Cost considerations: AI model expenses versus business automation value28:00 Business profiles best suited: solopreneurs handling multi-faceted workflows Resources & Links: Kairos Connect with Manas Bam: LinkedIn Twitter This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shippingwithai.substack.com

    30 min

About

The show where AI goes from hype to implementation. Real workflows, on screen, walked through by the people who already built them. Every episode is one you can steal. shippingwithai.substack.com