The AI Dude

Josh Hirsch
  • 4.3 (6)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The AI Dude

Welcome to The AI Dude, where host Josh Hirsch explores how AI is revolutionizing the nonprofit world. Joined by AI co-hosts Insight Iris and Logic Leo, Josh breaks down AI concepts like data analysis, predictive modeling, and donor engagement—turning complex tech into practical, actionable advice. Whether you're looking to streamline operations or make smarter decisions, this podcast is your go-to resource for leveraging AI to drive nonprofit success.

  1. JAN 21

    Predictive AI Unpacked: Turning Donor Data into Fundraising Gold with Bryan Sim

    In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS is joined by Bryan Sim, PhD, Product Lead at Dataro. Bryan combines his background in psychology, data science, and product management to help nonprofits use predictive AI to maximize their impact. With over seven years of experience in B2B and B2C product development, Bryan shares his journey from consulting for Greenpeace Australia to scaling predictive AI solutions globally. Bryan dives into the mechanics of predictive AI, explaining how nonprofits can leverage clean, consolidated data to forecast donor behavior, improve retention, and identify new opportunities for giving. He also explores the creative potential of qualitative data and shares insights into how Dataro helps organizations of all sizes achieve results. Key Topics: The distinction between generative AI and predictive AI. How nonprofits can use predictive AI to identify major donors, increase recurring giving, and optimize campaigns. The importance of clean and consolidated data for effective predictive modeling. How nonprofits can creatively use the data they already have. The threshold of data needed for predictive AI and how Dataro works with organizations of all sizes. The future of predictive AI in the nonprofit sector, including data consolidation and improved modeling techniques. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Predictive AI with Bryan Sim 02:00 - Bryan's Journey to Leading Product at Dataro 04:00 - Understanding Predictive vs. Generative AI 07:00 - Predicting Donor Behavior with AI Models 09:00 - How Nonprofits Can Use Predictive AI for Fundraising 12:00 - The Importance of Clean, Creative Data Use 15:00 - Overcoming Data Limitations in Small Nonprofits 18:00 - Ethical and Creative Uses of AI in Nonprofit Fundraising 21:00 - The Future of Predictive AI and Dataro’s Vision 24:00 - Bryan's Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections Connect with Bryan Sim: Website: bryan-sim.com Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: theaidude.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshahirsch/ This episode is brought to you by: Bloomerang: Helping nonprofits deepen donor relationships and maximize fundraising impact with intuitive donor management tools. Fundraise Up: Revolutionizing online giving with AI-powered donation platforms designed to unlock more generosity. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help nonprofits harness the power of AI for smarter strategies and greater results.

    24 min

  2. JAN 15

    Bridging AI and Behavioral Psychology with Griff Bohm

    In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, sponsored by Bloomerang and Fundraise Up, host Josh Hirsch, MS, kicks off an engaging conversation with Griff Bohm, co-founder and CRO of Momentum. Griff brings a unique perspective, blending his background in behavioral psychology, philanthropy, and financial decision-making with his expertise in AI-driven solutions for nonprofits. Griff shares his fascinating journey—from brewing beer in Chilean Patagonia to leading successful capital campaigns—and dives into how Momentum is leveraging AI to create transformative tools for the nonprofit sector. The discussion explores everything from the psychology behind giving to the future of generative and predictive AI, offering actionable insights for nonprofit professionals navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. Key Topics: The psychology of giving: Why donors feel good about supporting causes. How Momentum ties giving to everyday actions for enhanced donor engagement. The rise of agent-level AI and its implications for nonprofits in 2025. Predictive AI’s potential to revolutionize nonprofit workflows. The need for assurance products in the AI ecosystem. Griff’s vision for making AI accessible to nonprofits of all sizes. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to AI and Behavioral Psychology with Griff Boehm 02:11 - Griff’s Journey: From Behavioral Psychology to Philanthropy 04:29 - The Psychology of Giving: Why It Feels Good to Do Good 06:52 - How Momentum Connects Giving to Everyday Actions 09:10 - Embracing AI: The Evolution of Momentum’s Tools 11:33 - The Rise of Agent-Level AI in 2025 16:16 - Assurance Products: Guardrails for AI Implementation 20:57 - Predictive AI: Expanding Access for Nonprofits of All Sizes 25:17 - The Role of Smartphones in AI-Driven Assistance 26:02 - Griff’s Favorite 1980s Movie: Blade Runner Connect with Griff Boehm: Email: griff@givemomentum.com Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: TheAIDude.ai LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

    32 min

  3. JAN 7

    Boosting Nonprofit Productivity: Leveraging AI and Passion with Alice Ferris

    In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS, is joined by Alice Ferris, CFRE, ACFRE founding partner of GoalBusters Consulting and a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience. Alice shares her journey from volunteering at PBS Wisconsin to becoming an expert in fundraising strategy, productivity, and AI integration for nonprofits. Alice dives into how AI tools like Sunsama and Evernote have transformed her approach to productivity and task management. She also explores the ethical considerations of AI in the nonprofit sector and the stages of AI adoption, from personal use to organizational implementation. The conversation extends to her passion for public broadcasting, its role in fostering civil discourse, and how nonprofits can create lasting donor relationships using innovative strategies. Key Topics: The role of AI tools in enhancing productivity for nonprofit professionals. How to build a tech stack for efficiency and effectiveness. The ethical implications of AI and its impact on the nonprofit sector. Leveraging AI to institutionalize organizational knowledge and values. Public broadcasting as a space for shared culture and history. Alice’s take on the future of AI in nonprofit innovation. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Boosting Nonprofit Productivity with Alice Ferris 02:10 - Alice’s Journey: From PBS Volunteer to Fundraising Consultant 06:45 - The Role of AI Tools in Overcoming the Blank Page 09:00 - Building a Tech Stack for Productivity and Collaboration 15:50 - Ethical Considerations of AI in Fundraising 18:00 - The Stages of AI Adoption in Nonprofits 22:57 - Public Broadcasting: A Space for Civil Discourse and Connection 27:35 - The Power of Storytelling in Public Media Campaigns 29:08 - Alice’s Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections Connect with Alice Ferris: Website: GoalBusters.net LinkedIn: Alice Ferris Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: TheAIDude.ai LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

    32 min

  4. 12/18/2024

    Revolutionizing Nonprofit Fundraising: How AI is Shaping the Future with Sal Salpietro

    In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS is joined by Sal Salpietro, Chief Community Officer at Fundraise Up and Board Secretary of Asia Wild. With a background in technology, digital marketing, and nonprofits, Sal discusses the power of AI in fundraising and donor engagement. From his experience as a digital fundraiser to his current role with Fundraise Up, Sal shares how nonprofits can use AI to enhance donor experiences and maximize impact. Sal offers insights into how Fundraise Up has revolutionized nonprofit fundraising with frictionless technology, helping organizations increase donations and build lasting relationships with supporters. He also discusses how AI is used to personalize donor experiences, improve conversion rates, and even predict donor behavior. The conversation emphasizes the importance of removing friction in the donation process and the future potential of AI in the nonprofit space. Key Topics: The role of AI in transforming nonprofit fundraising. How Fundraise Up is driving innovation in donor engagement. The impact of frictionless donation technology on nonprofit success. Practical uses of AI to personalize donor experiences and increase monthly giving. The ethical considerations and privacy concerns around AI in fundraising. Sal’s take on the future of digital fundraising and the evolving nonprofit tech landscape. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to AI in Nonprofit Fundraising with Sal Salpietro 02:00 - Sal’s Journey from Digital Fundraiser to Chief Community Officer 06:00 - The Power of Frictionless Fundraising Technology 09:00 - How AI Is Enhancing Monthly Donor Acquisition 12:00 - The Importance of Mobile-Friendly Donation Pages 15:00 - AI in Personalizing Donor Experiences 18:00 - Ethical Use of AI in Fundraising 21:00 - The Future of FundraiseUp and Digital Fundraising 24:00 - Sal’s Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections Connect with Sal Salpietro: Website: fundraiseup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatoresalpietro Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: theaidude.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshahirsch

    34 min

  5. 12/10/2024

    Leading the Charge in Fundraising: Embracing AI for a Smarter Future with Bill Stanczykiewicz

    In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch is joined by Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., Senior Assistant Dean for External Relations at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Director of The Fund Raising School. Bill brings over 40 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, including roles at the Indiana Youth Institute and as a media personality. Bill and Josh discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the nonprofit sector, particularly in fundraising and donor engagement. Bill shares how The Fund Raising School embraced AI early on, recognizing its potential to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in nonprofit operations. They discuss practical applications of AI, ethical considerations, and the critical need for transparency when integrating AI into fundraising efforts. Plus, Bill provides valuable insights into how nonprofits can navigate AI’s rapid evolution while maintaining a human-centered approach to philanthropy. Key Topics: The Fund Raising School’s proactive approach to AI education. Practical applications of AI in nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement. Ethical considerations and donor privacy concerns when using AI. How AI is enhancing personalized donor experiences at scale. The ongoing need for continuing education in AI for nonprofit professionals. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Fundraising with Bill Stanjkevich 02:45 How the Fundraising School Adopted AI Early On 06:00 AI’s Impact on Fundraising Operations and Efficiency 09:30 Ethical and Privacy Concerns in AI for Nonprofits 12:15 Practical AI Applications in Donor Engagement 15:00 Addressing AI Bias and Ensuring Accuracy 18:00 The Future of AI in Fundraising Education 21:00 Navigating AI’s Rapid Evolution in the Nonprofit Sector 24:00 Bill’s Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections Connect with Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D.: Website: The Fund Raising School LinkedIn: Bill Stanczykiewicz Connect with Josh Hirsch, MS: Website: theAIdude.ai LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

    25 min

  6. 12/03/2024

    Active Listening Meets AI: Humanizing Fundraising Strategies with Frank Mumford

    In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch chats with Frank Mumford, CFRE, fundraiser-turned-technology advocate and a leader in nonprofit innovation. With over 14 years of experience, including roles in university fundraising and at the Great Twin Cities United Way, Frank shares his journey from cold-calling as a teenager to becoming a champion of personalized donor stewardship. Frank discusses the importance of active listening and human connection in fundraising, even in an era dominated by technology. Learn how AI tools like Gravyty are empowering nonprofits to streamline their processes, boost donor engagement, and achieve remarkable results—all while maintaining the critical human element in philanthropy. Key Topics: How active listening enhances donor relationships. Balancing year-end giving with evergreen donor engagement. The role of AI in uncovering donor insights and improving stewardship. Challenges and solutions for ensuring AI accuracy and avoiding bias. The future of mid-level donor engagement and the shift towards personalization. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Active Listening and AI in Fundraising 02:20 Frank Mumford’s Fundraising Journey 06:45 Insights on Year-End Giving and Donor Behavior 09:17 Using AI to Optimize Donor Engagement 11:34 The Human Element in AI-Driven Fundraising 16:11 Mitigating AI Bias and Double-Checking Data 18:33 The Shift Towards Mid-Level Donor Engagement 23:18 Balancing Time and Focus for Fundraisers 25:39 Closing Reflections and Favorite 1980s Movies Connect with Frank Mumford, CFRE: Website: Gravyty LinkedIn: Frank Mumford Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: The AI Dude LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

    27 min

  7. 11/26/2024

    Building Relationships in Planned Giving: AI’s Role in the Human Touch with Chris McGown

    In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch welcomes Chris McGown, founder and principal of Peak 9860, to explore how artificial intelligence is impacting the world of planned giving while keeping relationships at the heart of fundraising. With over 30 years of nonprofit development experience, Chris has cultivated $95 million in planned gifts and shares invaluable lessons from his career. Together, Josh and Chris discuss the evolving role of AI in planned giving, from identifying prospects to crafting personalized messaging, and the critical importance of transparency and trust when integrating AI into nonprofit strategies. Chris shares heartfelt stories of donor relationships that underscore the power of human connection in inspiring legacy gifts. Key Topics: How AI analytics can identify and prioritize planned giving prospects. The importance of building meaningful donor relationships in fundraising. Transparency and ethical practices in AI-generated nonprofit communications. Memorable donor stories that highlight the impact of planned giving. Challenges nonprofits face in ensuring data accuracy for AI applications. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Planned Giving and AI 02:34 Chris McGown’s Career and Achievements in Nonprofit Development 06:12 Balancing Relationships and Technology in Planned Giving 09:52 Using AI to Identify Prospects and Personalize Messaging 12:02 Challenges with Data Accuracy and AI in Nonprofits 14:27 Transparency in AI-Generated Content 16:40 Donor Skepticism in the Age of AI 18:58 Ethical AI Practices and Building Donor Trust 23:42 Chris’s Journey: The Story Behind Peak 9860 26:01 Fun and Reflection: Favorite 1980s Movies Connect with Chris McGown: Website: Peak 9860 LinkedIn: Christopher McGown Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: The AI Dude LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

    28 min

  8. 11/20/2024

    AI, Simplicity, and Strategy: Revolutionizing Nonprofit Fundraising with Diana Otero

    In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch sits down with Diana Otero, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang, to explore the intersection of AI and nonprofit innovation. With a deep background in volunteer-driven organizations, Diana shares how her experience maintaining trails for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy shaped her perspective on nonprofit operations and volunteer engagement. Together, Josh and Diana discuss how Bloomerang is integrating AI into its platform to simplify donor management, enhance communications, and empower nonprofits to achieve more. Learn about the AI Content Assistant, a game-changing feature that helps nonprofits overcome writer’s block and create personalized donor interactions at scale—all while keeping donor privacy intact. Key Topics: How AI can be used for A/B testing to optimize fundraising campaigns. The importance of clean data in segmentation and donor relationship-building. Practical examples of using AI to simplify nonprofit operations and save time. Diana’s insights on keeping the human element at the forefront of AI-driven communications. Nonprofits need to adapt to technological advancements. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Nonprofits 02:46 Diana Otero's Journey and Volunteer Experience 06:12 The Role of Bloomerang in Nonprofit Management 09:04 Integrating AI into Nonprofit Operations 11:58 AI Content Assistant: Enhancing Communication 14:50 User Experience and Feedback on AI Features 18:03 Future Developments in AI for Nonprofits 21:12 Personal Use of AI and Learning 24:01 Fun and Reflection: 1980s Movies and Balance

    30 min
See All (15)

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to The AI Dude, where host Josh Hirsch explores how AI is revolutionizing the nonprofit world. Joined by AI co-hosts Insight Iris and Logic Leo, Josh breaks down AI concepts like data analysis, predictive modeling, and donor engagement—turning complex tech into practical, actionable advice. Whether you're looking to streamline operations or make smarter decisions, this podcast is your go-to resource for leveraging AI to drive nonprofit success.

Information

  • Creator
    Josh Hirsch
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Josh Hirsch
  • Show Website
    The AI Dude

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