Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9

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What makes a story resonate?

Tim Kalinowski, founder of Lore Creative, joins Mike Montague to unpack the storytelling strategies that actually connect with real people and how SMBs can use AI to amplify them without losing the human heartbeat of their brand. From five-star reviews as a narrative starting point to the “aha moments” that trigger buyer action, this episode explores how modern tools like AI can help you find your story, but not tell it for you.

You’ll hear how to test story arcs with AI, the psychology behind memorable content, and why Tim believes brand storytelling still drives the best results in a world obsessed with quick content and clickbait. If you're a small business owner or marketing director trying to make your content feel more authentic, more scalable, and more effective, this conversation will change how you see both AI and storytelling.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome
Mike introduces Tim Kalinowski, founder of Lore Creative, and sets the stage for the AI + storytelling conversation.

01:00 – The Truth About AI and Storytelling
Tim explains why AI can help tell a story, but it can’t create the experience that makes it human.

02:00 – The “Five-Star Review” Method
How asking clients to describe a five-star review reveals your real brand narrative.

03:30 – Testing Stories with AI
Tim shares how Lore uses AI to test story resonance, ad performance, and audience fit—without losing authenticity.

04:45 – Creating “Aha” and “Hell Yes” Moments
The psychology behind stories that instantly make customers want to act.

06:00 – Finding Your Brand’s Core Experience
Why your story needs to be rooted in lived moments to feel real—and how to capture them.

07:00 – The Evolution of Storytelling Formats
From TikTok to long-form podcasts: how the medium is shifting, but the fundamentals stay the same.

08:30 – Scaling Creative Output with AI Tools
The difference between using AI as a crutch vs. a force multiplier for creative teams.

10:00 – The Power of Personalization in Modern Storytelling
How AI allows brands to tell many versions of the same story—to the right person, at the right time.

12:00 – The Future of Story-Driven Marketing
Tim and Mike explore where AI-driven creative is heading, and why human-first brands will win the long game.

14:00 – Building Content Ecosystems Around Stories
How one great conversation or customer quote can generate weeks of content across formats and platforms.

15:30 – Final Thoughts: Creativity, Connection & Clarity
Why marketers need to think like mentors, not machines—and how to turn experience into engagement.

The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.
Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients.

No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Send us a text

Jordan Ledwein, the AI Sales Guy, joins us for a look into the world of AI-enhanced sales. We explore the human-first approach, where AI serves to amplify human interaction, not replace it. Discover how AI can sharpen vital skills like listening and alleviate mundane tasks, allowing sales professionals to forge authentic relationships with clients. From chatbots handling routine inquiries to CRM systems automating data entry, we discuss how these tools simplify the buying and selling process, saving time and boosting productivity for everyone involved.

We consider AI's transformative role in B2B sales strategies. We talk about how AI agents might take over tasks like prospecting, potentially reshaping the workforce landscape. Learn about essential sales tools like CRM, conversational intelligence, and account-based marketing, and their role in improving sales outcomes. We also ponder the future where AI buying and selling agents interact, raising questions about regulation and reskilling. Tune in as we balance optimism with caution, reflecting on the swift strides in AI and the bright minds that will steer this technology into the future.

(00:06) Human-First AI Sales and Marketing
(10:35) Sales Tools and Future Technologies
(19:06) The Future of Sales With AI

The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.
Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients.

No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Send us a text

Burton Kelso, technology expert at Integral, joins us in unraveling the complexities of AI cybersecurity. Burton's infectious enthusiasm and expertise shine as we explore the intersection of digital safety and human interaction with AI. We talk about the art of translating advanced tech concepts into relatable terms, tackling everything from human errors in cybersecurity to the importance of personal firewalls. Burton emphasizes the necessity of protecting individuals from social engineering attacks, highlighting how bridging the gap between IT professionals and everyday users can transform the digital landscape.
We explore AI in business content creation, spotlighting innovations like Meta AI's ability to turn images into animated GIFs, how crafting detailed prompts can enhance AI chatbot interactions, drawing inspiration from sci-fi classics such as Star Trek and Star Wars to understand AI's potential impact.
Burton's passion for making technology fun, safe, and easy to use shines through, offering valuable insights into staying informed through resources like digital manuals and TEDx talks. Whether you're a tech aficionado or just dipping your toes into the digital world, Burton Kelso is your go-to guide for navigating safely in this ever-evolving AI era.

(00:05) Human-Centered AI Marketing and Cybersecurity
(14:46) AI Content Creation and Utilization
(29:11) Empowering Technology for All

The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.
Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients.

No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Send us a text

Heather Leigh Flannery, the visionary founder and CEO of AI Mindsystems Foundation, joins us for an insightful conversation about the future of AI and humanity's integral role within it. We navigate the complex terrain of privacy, data rights, and ethical data usage in our increasingly digital-first society, highlighting the tension between the open-source nature of technologies and the vital need for safety guardrails. Heather shares her compelling perspective on empowering individuals amidst the growing influence of corporate and governmental tech giants, emphasizing a shift toward personal control and empowerment in a tech-driven world.

Our discussion extends to the transformative potential of AI and blockchain technologies, particularly for military families, veterans, and first responders. Through the lens of initiatives like the National Hero Initiative, we explore how these technologies can democratize access to resources, leveling the playing field for small businesses and individuals against larger corporate entities. Heather's insights paint a picture of a future where self-sovereign AI and digital personas enhance personal capabilities, enabling individuals to compete and thrive in an evolving digital landscape.

From the impact of AI on society to the integration of blockchain and Web3 for secure AI applications, our conversation considers both the promises and pitfalls of these technologies. We reflect on how AI might amplify societal divisions or foster harmonious coexistence, drawing on sci-fi scenarios and cultural touchstones like Dune for context. We dive into the potential of crypto technologies to revolutionize outdated financial systems, advocating for a future where personal data is intrinsically linked to one's identity. This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of how technology can shape a balanced and equitable future.

(00:05) The Future of AI and Humanity
(09:58) Empowering Individuals Through AI and Blockchain
(27:33) The Power of AI and Humanity
(36:42) Blockchain and Web3 in AI

The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.
Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients.

No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Send us a text

Lisa Oda, founder of HiveStir and Director of AI at Infinite Marketing, explores how AI is transforming modern marketing practices. Mike and Lisa dive into practical applications, including content repurposing, funnel optimization, prompt engineering, and persona-driven strategies. They also discuss how to effectively stack AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gamma to elevate marketing performance.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the buzz around AI or unsure of its true value, this episode will provide you with a clear and actionable understanding of how AI can help marketers work faster, sharper, and more effectively to deliver exceptional results.

CHAPTERS

01:02 – What “Human-First” Means in AI Marketing
Lisa defines what it means to keep marketing human-centric, even as AI tools become more powerful.

02:58 – The Rise of AI in Marketing
Discussion about how marketers are the leading adopters of AI, and how good marketers are using AI as an “Iron Man suit,” not a shortcut.

05:03 – The Power of Thoughtful AI Collaboration
Why slowing down and thoughtfully integrating AI tools can actually accelerate better outcomes.

07:00 – Task-Based Thinking: AI vs. Human Roles
Lisa discusses her past work on the “Human Approach to AI” and how marketers should choose tasks wisely when integrating AI.

09:03 – Lisa’s Favorite AI Tools & Workflow Hacks
A walkthrough of Lisa’s toolstack—Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gamma—and how she blends them to create effective workflows.

11:19 – Collaborating with AI as a ‘We’
Why marketers should see AI tools as collaborators, not one-click solutions.

12:19 – AI in Content Repurposing and Presentation Design
How AI tools like Zoom, Gamma, and ChatGPT reduce post-production time and boost creative efficiency.

14:30 – Staying Focused: AI as a Clarity Amplifier
Lisa explains how AI helps prioritize messages and skip time-consuming design choices.

16:29 – Cross-Platform AI Stack Tactics
Mike and Lisa share how they use AI for image generation, website copy, social scheduling, and more.

18:23 – The New SEO? AI Optimization & Discovery Channels
An in-depth look at SEO in the age of AI, attribution, and the future of discoverability.

22:37 – Marketing Funnel Optimization with AI
Lisa shares how AI can support marketers across every stage—from awareness to conversion.

25:56 – Persona Simulations and Real-Time Feedback
Using ChatGPT personas to get “focus group” style feedback and refine content strategy.

28:12 – Short-Term Strategies for 2025
Where marketers should spend time this year: analytics, personalization, and ethical automation.

30:26 – Future-Gazing: AI, Robots, and Breakfast?
A fun, futuristic look at where marketing—and life—might go with

The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.
Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients.

No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!