1. Introduction
Welcome to a special behind-the-scenes edition of our podcast, Impact of AI: Explored. We—James O’Regan and Gerjon Kunst—are excited to take you a little deeper into our journey, share how this show came to life, and offer some honest thoughts about what it’s really like to build an AI-focused podcast.
You can watch the episode here:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi6v52BpN2U&t=17s
Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2317233/episodes/18020509
Or your favorite streaming platform.
2. Meet us
We’re James O’Regan and Gerjon Kunst, co-hosts of the Impact of AI: Explored podcast. Our backgrounds are rooted in the IT community—James has spent nearly two decades designing and architecting end-user computing (EUC) solutions across Ireland and the US, building technical communities, and evangelizing new ways to work smarter. Gerjon, CTO at RawWorks and Microsoft MVP in AI, has worked in IT for 25+ years—exploring everything from workspace and cloud solutions to business automation and AI innovation.
What brought us together? A bit of luck (and a shared AI presentation slot), but mostly curiosity, mutual respect, and a passion for helping IT professionals, developers, and leaders navigate the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence. We’re tech optimists who believe in sharing honest lessons, driving real innovation, and building a community where learning never stops. Together, we’re committed to filtering out the hype and delivering grounded insights—with laughs, honest takes, and a few unexpected stories along the way.
3. Setting the Stage
Why focus on this topic now? Honestly, the pace of AI is wild. It’s tough to keep up, and even tougher to find time for reflection amid the hype. Through this episode—and this blog post—we wanted to share the why behind our podcast project: documenting our learning, fostering real conversations, and making sure impact matters more than metrics. We hope you’ll take away ideas that support your own creative or professional journey.
4. Episode Highlights
Our Origin Story
“We both applied for an AI slot at an industry event and—thanks to the organizer (shout-out to Alex Cooper!)—we ended up as partners. We didn’t really know each other, but bonding at the pub set this whole thing in motion.”
Searching for Impact, Not Just Analytics
“It’s tempting to drown in stats, but the real moments—the people you meet, the feedback you get, the places you’re recognized—these are what make all the effort worthwhile.”
5. Deep Dive: Staying Grounded in AI
As we discussed with our guest, it’s easy to get caught up in the next-big-thing mindset. But for us, groundedness means sticking to our core values—being consistent, learning out loud, and focusing on genuine progress over viral moments or fleeting trends. Whether it’s experimenting with new podcast tech, or talking through an AI challenge, we find value in the journey itself.
6. Real-Life Stories & Examples
- Podcast Beginnings: From that first industry event to setting up domains, experimenting with Riverside, and navigating podcast platforms, we took every step as a learning opportunity—often with a dash of trial and error.
- Unexpected Connections: The day Gerjon was recognized at an MSP event because someone listened to our podcast made us realize: reach isn’t always about big numbers. Sometimes, it’s about making a difference for just a handful of people.
- Turning Points: We’ve been genuinely surprised by the way a simple podcast can spark deeper conversations and collaborations—even hearing our own theme in a customer’s office!
7. Key Takeaways
- Consistency and passion keep a podcast alive (most fade by episode ten).
- Focus on quality, not going viral—we’d rather help a few listeners than chase a million plays.
- Teamwork fuels creativity; having each other (and great guests) makes it all possible.
- Every episode (including the less polished ones) brings growth.
- Analytics matter, but they’re not our motivation.
- AI moves fast, but it’s all about filtering out the noise and driving real value.
8. Closing Thoughts
Reflecting on this episode, we’re reminded that creative work—especially in AI—thrives on connection, learning, and a willingness to experiment. Thanks for coming along for the ride. Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Reach out, and help shape our next episode. See you soon on Impact of AI: Explored!
