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What's up everyone, welcome to our first episode of 2025 – today we have the pleasure of sitting down with Austin Hay, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Clarify and Martech Teacher at Reforge. Summary: Something extraordinary is brewing in the world of martech. In the near future, Austin thinks AI agents will turn into an omniscient digital butler, anticipating your needs with uncanny precision while vanishing into the background of your workday. But the real revolution unfolds in the seemingly mundane machinery of marketing operations, where innovative companies are transforming their spaghetti mess of data pipes and platforms into something approaching digital poetry. The fundamental building blocks of our systems aren't disappearing, they're gaining superpowers. Hear it from one of our industry's most thoughtful builders. About AustinAustin started his career at Accenture but he left the Fortune 500 world to join a startup called Branch where he became the 4th employeeAustin then created his own boutique mobile growth engineering consultancy. He grew the practice to 1.5M with big names like Walmart, Jet, Airbnb, Foursquare and more.His consulting practice was aqui-hired by mParticle – a leading CDP solution where he would eventually become VP of Growth He later joined Runway as VP of Business OperationsHe also started building The Marketing Technology Academy – an online learning center for martech which he would eventually sell to Reforge and become the Instructor for the new Martech courseHe was also Head of Martech at Ramp, a fintech startupLast year, Austin strapped on his jetpack and became a product founder at Clarify conquering SF and Hubspot and building the first flexible, intelligent CRM that people actually enjoy using. AI Agents and the Hidden Promise of Ambient ComputingLet's face it, manually feeding context to AI feels a bit like teaching a fish to ride a bicycle. Current AI systems, brilliant as they may be at crunching numbers and crafting responses, still stumble around our digital workspaces like a tourist without a map. Sure, they can write a decent blog post or solve complex equations, but they're essentially working with one hand tied behind their virtual back.Now, imagine your AI assistant as more of a digital detective, quietly observing and understanding everything happening on your screen. No more copying and pasting chunks of text or explaining what's in your Notion workspace for the hundredth time. Picture having a conversation with your computer while it maintains an almost supernatural awareness of your digital environment, from those buried Slack threads to that spreadsheet you've been avoiding. Recent demonstrations, like Kieran Flanagan's adventure with Gemini's screen reader, hint at this future, even if current versions move with all the grace of a sleepy sloth.The real magic kicks in when we start thinking about operating system-level integration. Platform-specific AI agents are like horses wearing blinders; they can only see what's directly in front of them. But desktop applications from companies like GPT and Anthropic are pushing toward something far more interesting: AI that can understand your entire digital world, not just a tiny slice of it. It's the difference between having a personal assistant who can only help you in the kitchen versus one who can manage your entire house.Here's where things get particularly juicy: this isn't some far-off sci-fi fantasy. We're looking at a five-year horizon where the clunky, permission-asking AI of today evolves into something far more sophisticated. The transformation won't happen overnight (sorry, instant gratification seekers), but when it does, we're talking about a 10x boost in productivity that makes current productivity hacks look like using a butter knife to cut down a forest.Key takeaway: While today's AI assistants feel like overeager interns requiring constant supervision, the next five years will usher in truly ambient AI that seamlessly integrates with our operating systems. The future isn't about teaching AI to understand us; it's about AI that already knows what we need, when we need it, across our entire digital landscape.The Limitations of AI Agent MarketplacesThe AI marketplace concept raises important questions about automation's role in our daily work. While downloading specialized AI agents for every task might sound appealing, reality suggests a different path forward. Current marketplace models mirror the Chrome extension ecosystem, where tools often remain peripheral rather than becoming essential to core workflows.Austin frames the central debate in venture capital circles clearly: will we depend on AI agents that require explicit commands, or will we embrace ambient intelligence that works proactively in the background? Looking at the CRM space, Austin points out a crucial consideration that many futurists overlook. You can't simply discard two decades of sales methodology and expect professionals to embrace a completely alien interface. Instead, sellers need familiar elements: contacts, companies, opportunities, and tasks, all presented in recognizable formats that align with established workflows.The intersection of traditional software and AI becomes particularly interesting when Austin discusses CDP platforms. Users expect certain fundamentals, like accessing persona views and tracking customer behavior. The innovation opportunity lies not in replacing these elements but in enhancing them through intelligent automation. Austin suggests that the key difference emerges in how these agents operate: will users actively assign tasks, or will agents run continuously in the background, performing expected functions without explicit direction?While some platforms champion what Austin calls the "jack of all trades" approach with Notion-style customizable workflows, he makes a compelling case for specialized, industry-specific solutions. This focused approach, where AI agents operate autonomously within well-defined parameters, might prove more valuable than a marketplace full of generic tools. Austin emphasizes that the more specialized you are in understanding user needs, the more effective your agentic experience can be, particularly when it runs seamlessly in the background without requiring constant configuration.The reality likely lies somewhere in between these two extremes. Certain straightforward tasks, like data enrichment for new records or basic categorization, seem well-suited for autonomous AI agents. However, more complex decisions involving customer lifecycle management, timing of promotional offers, or predictive modeling for next-best-action recommendations require deeper integration with historical data and sophisticated propensity models. The key to success may not be choosing between marketplace agents or integrated solutions, but rather understanding which approach best suits specific use cases and organizational needs.Key takeaway: Success in AI automation won't come from marketplace-driven point solutions but through deeply integrated, industry-specific AI that enhances existing workflows while maintaining familiar interfaces. Austin's insights suggest focusing on building AI that complements rather than replaces established business processes, creating tools that feel natural rather than revolutionary.The Core Primitives of Martech and the Path to Self-Designing APIsEver tried explaining Bitcoin to your grandparents? That's roughly how it feels watching companies try to skip straight to AI automation without understanding their data foundations. Austin breaks down the concept of primitives in martech, those fun...
Podfic Text-to-Speech (TTS) reading of Starting A Stone by synonomy Summary Something dark and deeply primitive rumbled with satisfaction at the sight of Sirius so full, whispered mine in a way that was somehow different to the word in Remus' own mouth. (Or: Remus frets about the wolf and imminent parenthood.) Creators synonomy| Tumblr | AO3 BurningAurora | Tumblr | AO3 | Linktree Kaleana | Tumblr | AO3
Summary: Something just happened in my business that if you had told me a year ago would happen so soon, I would have told you that you were crazy. You'll have to listen to the episode to find out what it is. But take a moment and consider this. What if your dreams are closer than you could ever imagine? What if you could reach out and touch them and feel them and know that they're tangible? What if you just need to trust God and walk through the open doors to get there? That's the lesson I've really been learning and applying in my life. I hope that this can encourage you because if you would've told me a year and a half ago that this would have happened now, I would have never believed you. I would have laughed you out the door. I simply did not think it was possible. What are the dreams that you don't think are possible that might just be right in front of you, closer than you think, and more attainable than you have imagined so far?
Summary: Something is definitely needed. Grin and bear it won't get it. Embrace Pentecost. Disciples of Christ, Pilgrims, must be filled with the Spirit and follow Christ with joy.
Teach Hustle Inspire: Classroom Management | Student Engagement | Educator Lifestyle
Summary: Sometimes, when we have things on our mind that impact our emotions it makes it very difficult to concentrate, let alone get things done. And just like us, kids have emotions too. Many times, student emotions can impact what can be accomplished in the classroom. Today, we’re discussing how to recognize and redirect students to help them deal with their emotions to promote achievement in the classroom. Today's Guest: Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown is a certified psychologist who at the time of the recording of this episode was teaching at Clark Atlanta University, but has since elevated to the Director of the Honors College at Hampton University. Dr. Fry Brown gives us the rundown on how to effectively handle our students’ as well as our own emotions in the classroom. You'll Learn: How to help students navigate their emotions How social media can impact student emotions and behavior in school How to determine what’s really going on when undesirable behavior finds it way into your classroom What it is we as educators can do to alleviate stress in the classroom Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. In the words of the great Randy Watson, “I believe the children are our future” and simply put we have to teach them well! As a college professor, I've given my students, from all across this country, the tools they need to truly excel in the classroom. Now, I bring these same tools to you! Subscribe to the podcast and tap into this wealth of knowledge, offered from game-changing educators so that you, too, can flourish in the classroom. You make the difference for our students... thank you for listening! Let me know what's on your mind - share your thoughts by: Leaving a comment below Sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Leaving a positive review on iTunes/Google Play If you liked this episode, you'll love these! Summary: Sometimes, when we have things on our mind that impact our emotions it makes it very difficult to concentrate, let alone get things done. Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. April 9, 2018 Summary: In this episode of The Urban & Educating Podcast, our guest Mr. Mike Brown takes us on a his educational journey, discussing in detail Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. February 20, 2018 Summary: If you’ve ever tried to teach a student, with whom you do not have an established relationship, you already know it’s next to Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. October 2, 2017 Summary: Something as simple as walking through your classroom to establish presence – you may have seen teachers who are masters at this seemingly Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. September 6, 2017 Summary: You probably know, or have heard of educators taking their talents overseas to teach, but how can one do this? What are the Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. August 23, 2017 Summary: Life outside of the classroom is just as important as life inside of the classroom. For that reason, this episode is about fantasy Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. August 7, 2017
Teach Hustle Inspire: Classroom Management | Student Engagement | Educator Lifestyle
Summary: In this episode of The Urban & Educating Podcast, our guest Mr. Mike Brown takes us on a his educational journey, discussing in detail his methods and strategies to transform a severely underperforming school to a school that was rated to exceed expectations and standards in only a year’s time. Through intentional efforts to foster a school-wide sense of community, both inside and outside the walls of his building, Mr. Brown tells how this helped to shape his extraordinary success as a classroom educator and school leader. Today's Guest: From his days as an educator literally writing lesson plans on Post-It notes, Mr. Mike Brown came into education with a heart to serve and make a difference - and he did just that! Understanding the power of relationships early in his career helped catapult him to success that would soon be called upon to help other educators and serve on a larger platform. You'll Learn: The biggest variable in student achievement in the classroom To help students internalize how to be the best versions of themselvesHow intention actions to foster community can improve school culture Shaun Woodly, Ph.D.In the words of the great Randy Watson, “I believe the children are our future” and simply put we have to teach them well! As a college professor, I've given my students, from all across this country, the tools they need to truly excel in the classroom. Now, I bring these same tools to you! Subscribe to the podcast and tap into this wealth of knowledge, offered from game-changing educators so that you, too, can flourish in the classroom. You make the difference for our students... thank you for listening! Let me know what's on your mind - share your thoughts by: Leaving a comment belowSharing this on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Leaving a positive review on iTunes/Google Play If you liked this episode, you'll love these! Summary: In this episode of The Urban & Educating Podcast, our guest Mr. Mike Brown takes us on a his educational journey, discussing in detail Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. February 20, 2018 Summary: If you’ve ever tried to teach a student, with whom you do not have an established relationship, you already know it’s next to Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. October 2, 2017 Summary: Something as simple as walking through your classroom to establish presence – you may have seen teachers who are masters at this seemingly Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. September 6, 2017 Summary: You probably know, or have heard of educators taking their talents overseas to teach, but how can one do this? What are the Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. August 23, 2017 Summary: Life outside of the classroom is just as important as life inside of the classroom. For that reason, this episode is about fantasy Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. August 7, 2017 Summary: You might be saying to yourself “No way! Absolutely not!” But I’m here to tell you that it is possible! Not 50%, not Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. July 31, 2017
Teach Hustle Inspire: Classroom Management | Student Engagement | Educator Lifestyle
Summary: If you’ve ever tried to teach a student, with whom you do not have an established relationship, you already know it’s next to impossible. However, we know that student relationships are a critical factor in not just classroom management, but overall student achievement. The challenge here is that this is not always as easy as it may seem, even with our best efforts. Today's Guest: Ms. Kate Jones is a master educator out of Atlanta, GA. Her intent going into college was to be an oral surgeon, but she quickly realized she was not passionate about science...at all! With some awesome advice from her mother, she quickly began to realize her calling was the classroom and she hasn’t looked back since! Ms. Jones is a teacher who loves what she does, has immense success with student achievement and classroom management, which all starts with her intent focus on building the best possible student relationships. She masterfully gets her students to recognize and embrace their worth, igniting them with the desire to want to do their absolute best - everyday! You'll Learn: How to establish a genuine and authentic relationship with your students The difference between acceptance vs tolerance, and leveraging this can open doors to student achievement How to get students to recognize their own worth to channel true growth Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. In the words of the great Randy Watson, “I believe the children are our future” and simply put we have to teach them well! As a college professor, I've given my students, from all across this country, the tools they need to truly excel in the classroom. Now, I bring these same tools to you! Subscribe to the podcast and tap into this wealth of knowledge, offered from game-changing educators so that you, too, can flourish in the classroom. You make the difference for our students... thank you for listening! Let me know what's on your mind - share your thoughts by: Leaving a comment below Sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Leaving a positive review on iTunes/Google Play If you liked this episode, you'll love these! Summary: If you’ve ever tried to teach a student, with whom you do not have an established relationship, you already know it’s next to Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. October 2, 2017 Summary: Something as simple as walking through your classroom to establish presence – you may have seen teachers who are masters at this seemingly Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. September 6, 2017 Summary: You probably know, or have heard of educators taking their talents overseas to teach, but how can one do this? What are the Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. August 23, 2017 Summary: Life outside of the classroom is just as important as life inside of the classroom. For that reason, this episode is about fantasy Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. August 7, 2017 Summary: You might be saying to yourself “No way! Absolutely not!” But I’m here to tell you that it is possible! Not 50%, not Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. July 31, 2017 Summary: If you’ve ever stepped foot inside the classroom, you are very aware that building relationships with students is important. However, a successful relationship Read More » Shaun Woodly, Ph.D. July 24, 2017
Why do a Summary? Something that I look for on podcasts, but don't find often. A summary of recent activities or "wake" helps me generate perspective. What have we done so far? How have We Done? This type of review also reminds me of something I intended to do.. and ooops, I forgot. My son and I spoke about his organizational skills. Then we pause a moment and assess how is current effort and techniques are working. It is so easy to get caught up in our current frustrations, focused on current barriers, demands of our time, that we forget what we have worked through. Where we have made progress and we can see motion if we take time to look. This applies to work, home, learning bagua, understanding a strategy, performing a technique, I encourage you to take a moment and assess. So, to practice what I am encouraging. Thank You Dawn for your recent kind Facebook comment, "Wow! Another treasure! I am happy and so very grateful to know that the wisdom and lessons you are sharing, both in the podcasts and in the kwoon are a part of my evolution and growth. Thank you!" Announcements Kats Yang 9 Tai Chi Course is doing great Knox is ready for Kung Fu Boot Camp "Learn Mindful Meditation Without Theories and Religion" Workshop already has signups :) Last Quarter of Workshops and Courses is coming It really helps us when you subscribe at Itunes, Stitcher or any of our Podcast providers (look on right menu -->). If you leave an honest review, that is even better. Break out the Assessment Tools: Episodes 1 Thru 9 Episode 01 : Introduction to the Kwoon It began by addressing a few common questions that we received about training with us. Episode 02 : Beach Retreat Posted June 19, very popular download. Time where we reset ourselves. Got a new foundation Episode 03 : Weaving KungFu Styles Benefits and challenges of weaving different styles through the course of years Examples of historical figures that started in one spot, then built to many, such as Bruce Lee Behind the Scenes My ability to stay focused over long courses of time is part of my gift and curse Our little space by the KungFu Kitchen. Episode 04 : Boots on the Ground My son joins me to do our Boots on the Ground Mind-Set Meditation We establish our priorities, so we don't have to make as many decisions. Life is simplier when you have priorities Episode 05 : Mortar for the Bricks Training Your Mind to Overcome Difficult Situations If techniques and reactions are the Bricks, then your confidence and thought is the Mortar First YouTube PDF/Audio Version Episode 06 : BaGua CornerStones Look at BaGua from a Historians Perspective It was a Meditation hundreds of years before it was a martial art The Monthly bagua fundamentals class 2nd Saturday of each month, 11 am went great. PDF Version Also on YouTube Episode 07 : Find the Common Denominator Story of Ava, who is frustrated with being in the similar situation again and reflects on how she got there. She considers what she owns as being the only common link of several circumstances What am I supposed to be learning? Three in a row on Kung Fu Internal Development (KFID) Translate to self development Carries over into handling fluid situations Students get your discount code for White Bamboo Store if you register online Episode 08 : Building the KungFu Frame Bagua Workshop went great, next one in September 13, 11 am: www.tibetankungfu.net/bagua How fascia, the soft tissues work together to develop framework Episode 09 : Cutting thru the Chaos : 4 Steps to Getting Thru the Fog Life gets cloudy and we sometimes lose direction How did old-timers navigate when they couldn't see, before the compass? How can you do exactly the same thing in your life? Your browser does not support native audio or Flash, but you can download this MP3 to listen on your device. How to Subscribe to the Tibetan KungFu Podcast Tutorial Summary: My Comfort much better Still takes a lot of time to develop each show Concern about doing a good job Listen to lots of other shows for what to do and not to do's Need to Rely on our Shownotes (what are they?) Facebook, Twitter Google Pluse and website more for announcements I trying to keep up Where are we going, in the next few Episodes? Kwoon is evolving Finding a "Root" Why PushHands New Questions