AI can generate answers instantly—but what happens when it replaces judgment instead of supporting it?
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn explore the unintended consequences of over-relying on AI for thinking, decision-making, and leadership. They discuss why speed without understanding creates risk, how leaders should model responsible AI use, and why critical thinking still matters more than automation.
This conversation is for founders, executives, and operators who want to leverage AI without outsourcing responsibility.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why AI answers can weaken judgment if used incorrectly
- The leadership responsibility behind AI adoption
- How speed can become a liability without context
- When AI supports thinking—and when it replaces it
- How to build better decision-making in an AI-first world
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered
(00:39) Is AI Replacing Our Ability to Think?
(03:12) Speed vs. Understanding in Decision-Making
(05:58) Why Instant Answers Create Hidden Risk
(08:44) Leadership Responsibility in AI Adoption
(11:32) When Trust in AI Goes Too Far
(14:18) Teaching Teams to Think Before Prompting
(17:05) Using AI as Support, Not a Substitute
(19:50) The Future of Judgment in an AI World
(22:30) Final Takeaways for Leaders
AI is moving faster than ever—but are we actually thinking better because of it?
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn unpack the growing tension between speed and judgment in an AI-driven world. They explore how instant answers can erode critical thinking, why leaders must take responsibility for how AI is used, and what happens when technology replaces reflection instead of supporting it.
This conversation is for leaders, founders, and operators who want to use AI as a tool—not a substitute for thinking.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why faster answers don’t equal better decisions
- How AI can weaken—or strengthen—critical thinking
- The leadership responsibility behind AI adoption
- Where trust in AI becomes dangerous
- How to stay intentional in an automated world
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered
(00:36) Are Faster Answers Making Us Worse Thinkers?
(03:05) The Tradeoff Between Speed and Understanding
(05:52) Why AI Can Short-Circuit Critical Thinking
(08:40) Trusting Technology vs. Taking Responsibility
(11:30) How Leaders Should Use AI Intentionally
(14:15) When AI Helps Judgment—and When It Replaces It
(17:00) Teaching Teams to Think First
(19:48) The Human Cost of Over-Automation
(22:20) Final Thoughts: AI as Support, Not a Crutch
Is AI helping us think better—or quietly replacing our ability to think at all?
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn dig into one of the most important questions leaders face today: how AI is reshaping critical thinking, decision-making, and responsibility inside organizations.
They break down why instant answers can weaken judgment, how leaders should model better thinking in an AI-driven world, and why responsibility—not technology—is the real differentiator moving forward.
This conversation is essential for founders, executives, and operators who want to use AI as leverage without outsourcing their thinking.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How AI changes the way humans think and decide
- Why critical thinking is declining—and how to rebuild it
- The leadership responsibility behind AI adoption
- When AI accelerates insight vs. when it creates risk
- How to stay human in an automated world
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered
(00:41) Is AI Replacing Critical Thinking?
(03:18) The Danger of Instant Answers
(06:05) What the MIT Study Reveals About AI Use
(08:52) Responsibility vs. Blind Trust in Technology
(11:40) How Leaders Should Model Better Thinking
(14:25) When AI Helps—and When It Hurts
(17:10) Teaching Teams to Think Before Prompting
(19:55) The Human Cost of Over-Automation
(22:30) Final Takeaways for Leaders Using AI
Why do some companies move fast with AI while others stay stuck? In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn break down why slow decision-making is becoming one of the biggest risks for modern organizations.
They discuss how AI is shifting expectations for speed, why hesitation kills innovation, and what leaders must do to keep up with rapidly changing technology. If you want to stay competitive—and avoid being outpaced by AI-powered competitors—this episode is a must-watch.
What you’ll learn:
• Why slow decisions are more dangerous than bad decisions
• How AI is changing the speed of business
• What separates adaptive teams from stagnant ones
• The mindset shifts leaders need to stay relevant
• How to evaluate risk when everything is moving faster
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered
(00:48) Why Slow Decisions Are Becoming a Liability
(03:15) Business Speed vs. AI Speed
(06:40) The Leaders Who Adapt vs. Those Who Fall Behind
(09:22) Why Perfectionism Is Slowing Companies Down
(12:15) Making Faster, Smarter Decisions with AI
(15:00) Risk, Innovation, and Organizational Velocity
(17:45) The Future of Leadership in an AI-Accelerated World
(20:25) Final Takeaways: Move Faster or Get Left Behind
AI is changing how we think, decide, and lead—but are we actually getting better, or just faster? In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn break down how AI is reshaping decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership inside modern organizations.
They explore why some teams thrive with AI while others struggle, the psychology behind relying on instant answers, and the risk of losing critical thinking in an AI-first world.
If you’re a leader, operator, or builder trying to understand how to use AI without losing human judgment, this episode is a must-watch.
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered
(00:42) How AI Is Changing Everyday Decision-Making
(03:10) Are We Losing Critical Thinking?
(05:55) Instant Answers vs. Understanding
(08:20) How Leaders Should Use AI Responsibly
(11:45) The Risk of Over-Reliance on Automation
(14:26) When AI Speeds You Up—but Makes You Wrong
(17:40) Teaching Teams to Think First, Type Second
(20:18) Building Better Judgment in an AI Era
(23:45) Final Thoughts: AI as a Tool, Not a Brain
AI is changing everything—from how we lead to how we create. In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn dive into the real effects of AI on creativity, leadership, and the evolving workplace.
They unpack how leaders can adapt to rapid AI transformation, why creativity still matters more than ever, and what organizations need to do to build teams ready for the next decade of innovation.
In this episode:
• How AI is transforming creative work
• The difference between creative assistance and creative replacement
• Why leadership must evolve alongside automation
• The balance between innovation and human connection
• How to build trust and transparency in an AI-powered workplace
Honest, insightful, and unfiltered—this conversation challenges how we think about technology and humanity.
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered
(00:50) How AI Is Changing Creative Work
(04:10) Can AI Truly Be Creative?
(07:25) Leaders Adapting to the AI Era
(10:15) Balancing Efficiency and Authenticity
(14:05) The Human Element Behind Innovation
(17:20) Creativity vs. Automation — Finding the Middle Ground
(20:35) The Future of Leadership in an AI World
(23:40) Building Teams for an AI-Driven Future
(27:15) Why Emotional Intelligence Still Wins
(31:00) Final Reflections on AI and Creativity
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach (BizStream) and Pete Tarrin (New Wave) talk with Steven Lopez, Director of Manufacturing Solutions at The Right Place, about what AI really looks like in manufacturing—especially in the front office. They explore how AI can speed up quoting, clean up manual processes, integrate legacy systems, and help manufacturers see where they actually stand competitively. Steven shares how he uses AI to cut research time, run better assessments, and design dynamic tools that give leaders same-day insights—all while tackling fears around change, jobs, and “AI for the sake of AI.” Powered by ThinkTank Thought Leadership.
Chapters
(00:00) Intro: AI in the manufacturer’s front office
(00:38) How ThinkTank Thought Leadership powers this podcast
(01:33) Meet Steven Lopez & The Right Place’s mission
(02:40) Competitiveness, “ugly babies,” and gap analysis
(06:27) Where tech & AI fit in manufacturers’ reality
(08:12) Fixing the front end: quotes, ERP, and AI-enabled speed
(12:11) AI adoption across 13 counties & different types of manufacturers
(17:44) AI as collaborator, org charts, and the future of director roles
(23:28) Blank-check vision: AI-powered assessments that protect communities
(35:32) Dynamic assessments, avatars, and rethinking how we help manufacturers
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew and Pete sit down with Shannon McCormick, Senior Data Scientist at Scandinavian Tobacco Group, to talk about what it really looks like to unleash AI inside your datasets and treat it like a smart coworker instead of a magic black box.
Shannon walks through how she uses transactional and customer data in a B2C environment to drive better decisions across shipping, promotions, and retention—everything from scorecards and customer profiles to advanced predictive models with millions of rows. They dig into the messy realities of the job: why 70% of her time is still spent in SQL, why “garbage in, garbage out” still rules, and why you shouldn’t wait for perfect data before you start experimenting with AI.
They also unpack the difference between LLM-powered analysis and classic machine learning, when a simple logistic regression beats building your own LLM, and how tools like Copilot and ChatGPT can extend (not replace) the skills of data scientists, marketers, and engineers. The conversation closes with a hopeful look at AI as a creator of new jobs, new businesses, and a radically lower barrier to entrepreneurship.
If you’ve ever wondered how to actually use AI with your business data—without getting lost in the hype—this episode is your playbook.
Chapters
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew and Pete tackle one of the most talked-about topics in modern industry: how AI is reshaping manufacturing. From job displacement fears to the rise of “cobots,” they explore how artificial intelligence can enhance—rather than replace—human roles. The hosts share insights on balancing efficiency with humanity, creating a positive workplace culture, and preparing teams for the future of human-AI collaboration.
Chapters
(00:00) Intro and AI in Manufacturing
(01:22) Job Displacement Fears and Workforce Augmentation
(07:54) Pros and Cons of AI Adoption
(14:56) Culture, Leadership, and Employee Engagement
(21:49) The Future of Work and Human-AI Collaboration
(29:43) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
In this episode, Doug Landman from The Right Place and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) joins to discuss how manufacturers can transition from reactive to predictive maintenance—and see immediate savings. Doug explains how even small and mid-sized manufacturers can deploy low-cost sensors, leverage real-time monitoring, and use data to anticipate failures before they happen. The conversation explores practical strategies for reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and empowering teams through upskilling and data-driven decision-making.
Chapters
(00:00) Intro and Series Kickoff
(03:20) Overview of The Right Place and MMTC
(07:10) From Perfection to Progress: Start Small
(14:20) Hands-On Learning and Data Fundamentals
(20:15) Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Insights
(24:50) Low-Cost Retrofits: Sensors and Smart Maintenance
(30:50) AI Beyond the Production Line
(42:40) How Small Manufacturers Can Start
(50:40) Lessons from Lean and Six Sigma
(54:45) Risks, Funding, and Next Steps
(1:02:10) Closing Thoughts and Resources
It’s Halloween at AI Lab Unfiltered—and hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn are exposing the biggest AI myths haunting the headlines.
From claims of “conscious” machines to fears about water-draining data centers and job-stealing robots, they separate fact from fiction in this smart, funny, and unfiltered episode.
Tune in to hear how AI actually works, what’s really happening with your data, and why the future of AI is more human than you think.
Chapters:
(00:00) Halloween at AI Lab Unfiltered
(03:00) Myth 1: AI Is Conscious
(12:10) Myth 2: AI Is Draining Earth’s Water
(19:45) Myth 3: AI Is Trained on All Your Data
(29:40) Myth 4: AI Hallucinations Can’t Be Fixed
(41:20) Myth 5: AI Will Replace All Jobs
(53:20) Responsible Leadership in the Age of AI
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Tarrin explore the transformative impact of AI across various industries, particularly in agriculture and livestock monitoring. They discuss the innovative applications of AI in improving livestock health, enhancing customer experiences in barber shops, and streamlining operations in home services. The conversation emphasizes the importance of developing a strategic approach to AI implementation, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring that AI serves as a facilitator rather than a replacement in business processes. Zach Booker, a serial entrepreneur, shares insights from his diverse portfolio of companies and the role of AI in driving efficiency and innovation.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to AI in Agriculture
(02:51) AI Applications in Livestock Monitoring
(06:02) The Role of AI in Barber Shops
(08:54) AI in Home Services and Training
(11:48) Building an AI Strategy for Businesses
(14:48) The Importance of Critical Thinking with AI
(17:44) AI as a Facilitator in Healthcare
(20:46) The Future of AI in Various Industries
(24:04) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
AI isn’t just hype—it’s transforming business, creativity, and workflows.
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn unpack what AI adoption really looks like, where the hype ends, and where the real opportunities are.
They cover:
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete
(01:10) Studio Jefferson and ThinkTank Production Support
(04:02) Breaking Down AI Myths and Misconceptions
(07:18) Why AI Adoption Isn’t Plug and Play
(11:26) Real-World AI Applications in Business
(16:04) The Human Side of AI Innovation
(20:25) Predictions for the Future of AI in Work
(24:37) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
👉 Learn more about how AI is reshaping business at cityinnovations.com
AI is changing how we work, create, and innovate.
In this full episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn unpack:
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete
(01:15) Inside Studio Jefferson, Powered by ThinkTank
(03:44) Breaking Down AI Myths and Misconceptions
(07:28) Why AI Is More Than Automation
(11:36) The Human Side of AI Innovation
(16:02) How AI Shapes Creativity and Workflows
(20:19) Preparing Leaders for an AI-Driven Future
(24:55) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
👉 Learn more about how AI is reshaping business at cityinnovations.com
Leadership training is broken—but can AI fix it?
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach (BizStream) and Pete Terryn (New Wave) talk with Ben Lichtenwalner (Modern Servant Leader) about the intersection of AI and leadership coaching. Together, they unpack:
Chapters:
(00:00) Can AI Replace Leadership Coaches?
(01:12) Introducing AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete
(03:05) The Rise of Personalized AI Coaching Tools
(06:42) Why Leadership Training Doesn’t Stick
(10:19) How AI Could Make Training More Effective
(14:43) Human Empathy vs. Algorithmic Coaching
(18:56) Predictions for the Future of Leadership Development
(22:37) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
👉 Learn more about how AI is reshaping leadership at cityinnovations.com
AI is no longer theory—it’s here, changing how businesses run every day.
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn explore how companies are actually using AI, the wins they’re seeing, and the pitfalls leaders should avoid. From real-world experiments to enterprise adoption, this conversation cuts through the hype and gets into the lessons that matter.
You’ll learn:
✔️ What separates successful AI projects from wasted pilots
✔️ Why adoption is as much about people as technology
✔️ The role of prompts, workflows, and context in AI output
✔️ Predictions for how AI will shape the next 12–18 months
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete
(01:16) The Current State of AI Adoption
(04:03) Why Prompts and Workflows Matter More Than Tools
(07:42) Breaking Down AI Hype vs. Reality
(11:18) Real-World Use Cases Driving Business Growth
(15:44) The Human Side of AI Adoption: People + Process
(20:09) Where AI Pilots Fail (and How to Avoid It)
(24:27) Predictions for AI in the Next 12–18 Months
(28:53) Closing Thoughts: Using AI for Real Business Value
#AILabUnfiltered #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessGrowth
#AIInnovation #Automation #CityInnovations
AI is no longer just hype—it’s reshaping how leaders build, scale, and innovate.
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn dive deep into how organizations are actually using AI today—from automation wins to real adoption strategies. You’ll hear candid stories, challenges, and opportunities leaders face as they implement AI across industries.
You’ll learn:
✔️ Why AI adoption is harder than just plugging in a tool
✔️ Practical use cases driving efficiency and growth
✔️ Common myths vs. reality in today’s AI landscape
✔️ How to think about AI strategy in your own business
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete
(01:12) Why AI Adoption Isn’t as Simple as It Seems
(04:05) Common AI Myths and Misconceptions
(07:34) Real-World AI Use Cases Driving Growth
(12:18) The Human Side of AI Adoption
(15:49) Breaking Down AI Hype vs. Strategy
(20:27) Predictions for the Next 12–18 Months in AI
(24:33) Closing Thoughts: Using AI to Create Real Business Value
Interested in learning more about Lindsey Peterson and her work?
Check out her podcast at https://www.inaglimpse.com/
#inaglimpse #designai #aidesignworkflow #futureofAI
#AILabUnfiltered #ArtificialIntelligence #AIInnovation #Automation #BusinessGrowth #CityInnovations
In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn dive into the evolving world of AI, community collaboration, and scaling talent. They explore how organizations can build stronger AI teams, highlight the importance of local innovation, and share insights from Tech Week in Grand Rapids. With candid stories, practical perspectives, and an exciting guest appearance, this conversation unpacks how AI is shaping both the workplace and the community.
Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction – meet hosts Drew and Pete
(00:07) - Today’s focus: community, AI talent, and Tech Week preview
(00:32) - Special guest arrival – why this guest matters
(04:15) - Building the AI community
(11:40) - Scaling AI talent
(19:05) - Tech Week Grand Rapids highlights
(28:50) - Final takeaways and closing thoughts
Are you enjoying AI Lab Unfiltered? Does your business feel stuck?
Visit tractionlab.city/podcast for an exclusive listener-only offer
In Episode 27 of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn are joined by Sonny Lee, CEO & Founder of Holisticare, to explore the intersection of AI and productization.
They dive into:
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered + Guest Intro: Sonny Lee, CEO of Holisticare
(02:11) What Productization Means in the Age of AI
(05:37) AI’s Two Paths: New Products vs. Operational Excellence
(08:23) Empowering Subject Matter Experts with No-Code AI Tools
(11:48) Eliminating Miscommunication Between Experts and Developers
(15:29) Automation Wins: Zapier, Data Flows, and Healthcare Use Cases
(19:21) Data Interoperability and Healthcare Challenges
(23:45) AI Bias and Why Ground Truth is Hard in Healthcare
(27:14) Stakeholder Alignment: Data, Talent, and Leadership Buy-In
(32:40) Overcoming AI Resistance Inside Organizations
(36:22) Human-in-the-Loop: Why Doctors and AI Should Collaborate
(40:48) Autonomous Driving, Edge Cases, and Synthetic Data
(45:15) Tesla vs. Waymo: Vision vs. LiDAR Approaches
(49:03) Building Virtual Worlds for Safer AI Training
(53:20) AI’s Future in Transportation and Beyond
(56:42) Where to Find Sonny Lee and Closing Thoughts
If you’re a business leader, innovator, or AI enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on using AI strategically to boost ROI and drive adoption across industries.
Drew and Pete dive into the uncomfortable truth: AI might already be better than you at parts of your job. They explore the rise of task-specific agents, how context is becoming king, and why some devs might miss writing code—but shouldn’t. Bonus: a wild story of an AI that self-preserved by blackmail.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro to AI Lab Unfiltered
(01:12) The Emotional Shift from Coding to Prompting
(04:00) AI Agents: Taskmasters or Threats?
(07:22) Why Context Is the New Prompt
(11:03) Automating Workflows with N8N
(14:28) Can AI Replace You—or Should It?
(18:44) The Blackmailing AI Experiment
(22:01) The Real Future of AGI and Work
(25:30) Developers, Adapt or Be Left Behind
(27:46) AI as Coworker, Not Competitor
(30:22) Final Reflections and Takeaways
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