Ep 84 - Why Curious Minds Are Winning in the Age of AI: An Interview With Michael Stelzner
The ChatGPT Experiment - Simplifying Chat GPT For Curious Beginners
Release Date: 09/02/2025
The ChatGPT Experiment - Simplifying Chat GPT For Curious Beginners
Episode Summary In this episode, host Cary Weston checks in from Atlanta after his travel plans were disrupted by snow on the East Coast. He had just wrapped up presenting at a transportation and logistics conference and shares two foundational takeaways that continue to resonate with people learning to use ChatGPT. The core message? Talk to it. Cary explains that many people still don’t realize ChatGPT is a tool you can actually converse with — not just query. He emphasizes the power of simply identifying one repetitive task and asking ChatGPT how it can help. This episode is all...
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Episode Summary In this solo episode, host Cary Weston shares updates on two major announcements from OpenAI: the launch of ChatGPT Health and the upcoming integration of ads into ChatGPT. Cary breaks down what these updates might mean for users, especially in terms of privacy, personalization, and trust. He also answers listener questions on using ChatGPT for book writing, maintaining motivation, understanding the difference between chats and projects, and how platform choice affects performance. He closes the episode with shoutouts to community members using AI in thoughtful ways and...
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Episode Summary In this solo episode of The ChatGPT Experiment, host Cary Weston breaks walks through a real-world example where he helped a trade advocacy group automate and streamline their time-consuming research process using ChatGPT’s Projects feature. Cary shares his 4-part framework for setting up successful prompts and emphasizes the importance of engaging ChatGPT in dialogue, not just handing it a task and hoping for the best. 3 Key Takeaways Use Cary’s 4-Part Framework: When talking to ChatGPT, always explain: 1) What are we doing? 2) Why are we doing it? 3) What...
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Episode Summary In this solo episode, host Cary Weston rings in 2026 by sharing his annual tradition of choosing three guiding words for the year ahead. Instead of making resolutions, Cary focuses on building intentional habits and goals that align with both his personal and professional growth. He reflects on last year's words—Connect, Routine, Smile—grading himself on each and offering insight into how they shaped his year. For 2026, Cary’s chosen words are Framework, Make, and Study, and he dives into how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini will support him in these areas. 3 Key...
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Episode Summary In this “from the vault” episode originally released in March 2024, Cary dives into how to use ChatGPT for document creation, editing, and analysis. This is one of the most frequently asked topics he encounters, and even with new platform updates, the core principles remain solid and useful. Cary walks through real-world use cases—like responding to RFPs, summarizing long research documents, training employees, and using documents as templates for repeatable processes. He also shares how you can give ChatGPT context and goals to get better results, and how you can even...
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Episode Summary From the Vault: Originally recorded in February 2024 In this episode from the vault, Cary Weston walks listeners through a structured and practical framework to help ChatGPT write in your voice. With writing being one of the top use cases—and frustrations—for users, Cary shows you how to define and train ChatGPT using your own writing samples, audience details, and repeatable prompts to create content that actually sounds like you. Whether you're just starting or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice. 3 Key Takeaways Voice, tone, and style...
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Episode Summary From the Vault: Originally recorded in December 2023 In this episode of The ChatGPT Experiment, Cary pulls a powerful conversation from the archive with Chris Duprey, partner at The Question First Group. Chris is a leadership coach with a unique background—former Army officer, business leader, and someone who’s deeply passionate about helping people grow. Together, Cary and Chris unpack how AI—especially ChatGPT—can be used in real, practical ways to save time, boost productivity, and supercharge teams. This episode is all about cutting through the noise. Forget the...
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Episode Summary In this episode of The ChatGPT Experiment, host Cary Weston welcomes listener-turned-guest Jon Accamando, a former corporate retail executive who made a dramatic life shift to become a full-time Uber and Lyft driver in San Diego. But Jon didn’t just change jobs ... he reinvented his life. Driven by the desire for more freedom and family time, Jon leaned heavily on ChatGPT (which he’s named “Jarvis”) to optimize not only his rideshare work but also his personal well-being. From real-time demos for passengers to launching a new consulting business, Jon shares how AI...
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Episode Summary In this episode, Cary talks with Keven Ellison, Vice President of Marketing at AIS, a technology company that evolved from selling office equipment to providing IT services, telecom, security solutions, and now AI tools. Keven shares how, even at age 63, he’s fully embraced the potential of AI and has become the self-appointed “AI Ambassador” at his company. His excitement and curiosity shine through as he breaks down how businesses can better understand and use AI tools—especially ChatGPT—to solve real problems. He also introduces “Prompt Master,” a tool he...
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Episode Summary In this solo episode, host Cary Weston returns after a month-long recovery from deviated septum surgery. He shares updates on his health, the delay in launching the "Curiosity Club," and recent speaking engagements. Cary also dives into a powerful ChatGPT tip for complex tasks and answers listener mail covering real-life questions about using ChatGPT for business, writing, caregiving, and parenting. 3 Key Takeaways Best phrase for complex prompts: When working with ChatGPT on multi-step tasks, use this exact line: [pause and then wait to proceed] at the end of...
info_outlineUPCOMING FREE WORKSHOP: "Creating A Marketing Strategy Project With ChatGPT", 9/17/25 - Register Here
Episode Summary
In this episode of The ChatGPT Experiment, Cary welcomes Michael Stelzner, founder of Social Media Examiner and host of the AI Explored podcast. Michael shares his journey from launching Social Media Examiner to becoming a leading voice in helping marketers and entrepreneurs understand and apply AI. They dig into how AI mirrors the early days of social media, the importance of empathy and clarity in podcasting, and how to smartly navigate emerging trends without getting overwhelmed. It’s a deep, honest, and practical conversation for anyone looking to stay ahead in a changing world.
3 Key Takeaways
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Empathy Leads the Way: Whether podcasting or creating content, always bring it back to the listener’s level. Make things clear, practical, and useful—especially when the topic (like AI) can be overwhelming.
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Experiment Before You Invest: Michael’s approach to new trends—like AI—is to test, track, and validate before going all in. From podcasts to events, he uses surveys and behavior data to guide decisions.
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Hire for Strategy, Not Just Tasks: Instead of filling a role with one person, think AI-first. Use tools to handle the busywork, and if you do hire, make it someone who can build AI-enhanced systems and strategy.
About Michael Stelzner
Michael Stelzner is the founder and CEO of Social Media Examiner, one of the most trusted sources for marketing insights and trends. He's the host of two top-rated podcasts: Social Media Marketing and AI Explored, where he breaks down complex topics into digestible, practical advice. Michael is also the creator of Social Media Marketing World, a major annual event that brings together marketers from around the globe. Known for his deep curiosity and clear teaching style, Michael is a longtime guide for marketers navigating change—now with a strong focus on AI.
Explore more of Michael’s work at Social Media Examiner
Cary offers customized one-on-one ChatGPT training in 60 minute sessions. Find out more information on the sessions, answers to frequent questions, and how to register at www.ChatGPTExperiment.com
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CONNECT WITH CARY
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ChatGPT Podcast Website: www.ChatGPTExperiment.com
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Marketing Podcast: www.PracticalMarketingShow.com
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Cary's Agency Website: www.CMWeston.com
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LinkedIn: Cary Weston
LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER
The Chat GPT Experiment is also a LinkedIn Newsletter and you can find it here:
The Chat GPT Experiment Newsletter
MUSIC CREDITS
The instrumental music used in this podcast is called “Curious” by Podington Bear.