From Rock Bands to AI Companions: Mike Rizkalla's Journey of Innovation and Resilience

From Rock Bands to AI Companions: Mike Rizkalla's Journey of Innovation and Resilience

In this episode, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Mike Rizkalla, who shares his experiences from starting an AI and robotics lab in Halifax to creating Snorble, a companion AI for kids. Mike discusses the importance of authenticity and value in entrepreneurship, drawing from his early days playing in a band alongside Green Day and raising $1 million without a label. He reflects on the lessons learned from scaling companies like Televix and Kaleidoscope, emphasizing the significance of creating value-driven products. Mike also shares insights into the challenges and rewards of developing Snorble, a smart companion designed to help children develop routines without screens or cameras, and the impact it has on education and family dynamics. The conversation touches on the complexities of integrating AI in children's products and the importance of designing technology that enhances the human experience. Watch the full recording of the interview on YouTube [https://youtu.be/c--HLjuBAsI?si=0PLoseU-05nVmoCL] Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture.   As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live.   Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast.   Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today! Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live. Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast. Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today!

Rippling's Data Cloud, Anthropic's AI Growth, and Europe's Ransomware Surge: A Tech Shift

In this episode of AI in Marketing, we explore Rippling's strategic shift from HR software to business intelligence, introducing the Rippling Data Cloud to consolidate data analytics and optimize organizational performance. We then delve into Anthropic's AI model, Claude, which is gaining popularity among consumers, despite recent controversies with the U.S. government. Next, we discuss the rise of ransomware attacks in Europe, highlighting the need for a unified cybersecurity approach. We also examine a study by NP Digital on the evolving marketing forecasting strategies of high-performing organizations. In legal news, Sarah Wynn-Williams sues Meta over alleged attempts to silence her memoir detailing Meta's toxic work culture. We also cover the impact of AI on healthcare marketing compliance, with the FDA and FTC deploying AI systems to enforce regulations. TechCrunch reports on Unconventional AI's efforts to reduce AI power consumption with a novel computer architecture. Finally, we discuss the shift in AI focus from chatbots to "world models," with significant investments and developments in this emerging field. Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live. Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast. Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today! Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live. Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast. Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today! 📚 SOURCES: * HTTPS://TECHCRUNCH.COM/2026/06/25/PARKER-CONRAD-KNOWS-WHICH-EMPLOYEES-ARE-WORTH-THEIR-AI-SPEND-AND-SAYS-RIPPLING-CAN-HELP-YOU-TOO/ [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/25/parker-conrad-knows-which-employees-are-worth-their-ai-spend-and-says-rippling-can-help-you-too/] * HTTPS://TECHCRUNCH.COM/2026/06/25/ANTHROPICS-CLAUDE-IS-WINNING-OVER-PAID-CONSUMERS-A-MARKET-OWNED-BY-CHATGPT/ [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/25/anthropics-claude-is-winning-over-paid-consumers-a-market-owned-by-chatgpt/] * HTTPS://WWW.DARKREADING.COM/CYBERSECURITY-ANALYTICS/EUROPE-EVOLVES-RANSOMWARE-FAVORITE-REGION [https://www.darkreading.com/cybersecurity-analytics/europe-evolves-ransomware-favorite-region] * HTTPS://NEILPATEL.COM/MARKETING-STATS/BEST-FORECASTS-MEASURE-PIPELINE-NOT-TRAFFIC/ [https://neilpatel.com/marketing-stats/best-forecasts-measure-pipeline-not-traffic/] * HTTPS://WWW.THEGUARDIAN.COM/TECHNOLOGY/2026/JUN/25/WHISTLEBLOWER-SARAH-WYNN-WILLIAMS-SUES-META-ATTEMPTS-TO-SILENCE-HER-CARELESS-PEOPLE [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jun/25/whistleblower-sarah-wynn-williams-sues-meta-attempts-to-silence-her-careless-people] * HTTPS://CHRISWASDEN.SUBSTACK.COM/P/IF-YOU-ARENT-USING-AI-FOR-MLR-YOU [https://chriswasden.substack.com/p/if-you-arent-using-ai-for-mlr-you] * HTTPS://TECHCRUNCH.COM/2026/06/25/DATABRICKS-FORMER-AI-CHIEF-THINKS-HE-CAN-CUT-AIS-POWER-BILL-BY-1000X/ [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/25/databricks-former-ai-chief-thinks-he-can-cut-ais-power-bill-by-1000x/] * HTTPS://WWW.PERPLEXITY.AI/PAGE/AI-RACE-SHIFTS-TO-WORLD-MODELS-MPXNOPXHS0O9YVKIBFAQXA [https://www.perplexity.ai/page/ai-race-shifts-to-world-models-mpxNOPxHS0O9yvkIbFaqxA]

AI Reshapes ERP Systems, Facebook's New Creator App, Qualcomm Acquires Modular, and More

In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, moving from task automation to restructuring operations with AI-native solutions. These solutions, built as networks of autonomous agents, offer significant efficiency improvements and cost reductions for early adopters. We also discuss Facebook's new AI companion app designed to help creators expand their audiences, and Qualcomm's acquisition of chip startup Modular to enhance its AI software capabilities. Additionally, we cover Orange's appointment of Usman Javaid as its next AI chief, Levi's and Heinz's creative marketing strategies during the World Cup, and Riviera Partners' acquisition of Lateral Labs to boost AI talent recruitment. Finally, Dan Hollaway delves into the concept of ethos, exploring its roots in ancient Greek philosophy and its relevance in today's digital age. Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live. Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast. Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today! Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live. Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast. Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today! 📚 SOURCES: * HTTPS://WWW.MCKINSEY.COM/CAPABILITIES/MCKINSEY-TECHNOLOGY/OUR-INSIGHTS/THE-END-OF-ERP-AS-WE-KNOW-IT-FIVE-WAYS-AI-IS-DISRUPTING-ERP [https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-technology/our-insights/the-end-of-erp-as-we-know-it-five-ways-ai-is-disrupting-erp] * HTTPS://TECHCRUNCH.COM/2026/06/24/FACEBOOK-ROLLS-OUT-AN-AI-COMPANION-APP-FOR-CREATORS/ [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/24/facebook-rolls-out-an-ai-companion-app-for-creators/] * HTTPS://WWW.WIRED.COM/STORY/QUALCOMM-BUYS-BUZZY-CHIP-STARTUP-MODULAR-FOR-NEARLY-DOLLAR4-BILLION/ [https://www.wired.com/story/qualcomm-buys-buzzy-chip-startup-modular-for-nearly-dollar4-billion/] * HTTPS://WWW.MOBILEWORLDLIVE.COM/AI-CLOUD/ORANGE-READIES-AI-CHIEF-SUCCESSION/ [https://www.mobileworldlive.com/ai-cloud/orange-readies-ai-chief-succession/] * HTTPS://WWW.PRDAILY.COM/THE-SCOOP-LEVIS-AND-HEINZ-ARE-STEALING-THE-WORLD-CUP-SPOTLIGHT/ [https://www.prdaily.com/the-scoop-levis-and-heinz-are-stealing-the-world-cup-spotlight/] * HTTPS://THENEXTWEB.COM/NEWS/RIVIERA-PARTNERS-ACQUIRES-LATERAL-LABS-AI-RECRUITING [https://thenextweb.com/news/riviera-partners-acquires-lateral-labs-ai-recruiting] * HTTPS://DANHOLLAWAY.SUBSTACK.COM/P/ETHOS-THE-CHARACTER-THAT-SPEAKS-BEFORE [https://danhollaway.substack.com/p/ethos-the-character-that-speaks-before]

Anthropic's Claude Tag in Slack, MoEngage Acquires Aampe, and Coherence Neuro's Cancer Implant

In this episode of AI in Marketing, we explore the latest developments in AI and technology. Anthropic has launched Claude Tag, an AI feature integrated into Slack, designed to function as a virtual team member, enhancing collaboration with persistent context and memory. MoEngage has acquired Aampe, a startup specializing in AI-driven personalized messaging, to strengthen its position against competitors like Salesforce. Coherence Neuro is testing a brain implant to detect and treat cancer using electrical stimulation. Anthropic's AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, have been disabled due to national security concerns. Fika Jobs is developing a video-first hiring platform to improve the job application process. Google Fitbit Air introduces AI-enhanced health tracking, though it faces some challenges. Marketing teams are divided between Generative Users and Builders in AI usage, with Builders gaining a competitive edge. Finally, Outfront Media emphasizes experiential marketing over AI, focusing on real-life media to foster connections. Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live. Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast. Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today! Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live. Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast. Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today! 📚 SOURCES: * HTTPS://TECHCRUNCH.COM/2026/06/23/ANTHROPICS-CLAUDE-TAG-IS-LEARNING-YOUR-COMPANY-ONE-SLACK-MESSAGE-AT-A-TIME/ [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/anthropics-claude-tag-is-learning-your-company-one-slack-message-at-a-time/] * HTTPS://TECHCRUNCH.COM/2026/06/23/INDIAS-MOENGAGE-BETS-MARKETINGS-FUTURE-ON-MILLIONS-OF-AI-AGENTS/ [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/indias-moengage-bets-marketings-future-on-millions-of-ai-agents/] * HTTPS://WWW.WIRED.COM/STORY/THREE-PEOPLE-HAVE-GOTTEN-CANCER-DETECTING-BRAIN-IMPLANTS/ [https://www.wired.com/story/three-people-have-gotten-cancer-detecting-brain-implants/] * HTTPS://WWW.PERPLEXITY.AI/PAGE/ANTHROPIC-S-MYTHOS-AI-FOUND-FL-.MRTE0DJQQMIZPR8X9D8LW [https://www.perplexity.ai/page/anthropic-s-mythos-ai-found-fl-.MRTE0DJQQmIZPr8x9d8Lw] * HTTPS://TECHCRUNCH.COM/2026/06/23/FIKA-JOBS-RAISES-4M-TO-BUILD-A-VIDEO-FIRST-HIRING-PLATFORM-WHERE-AI-AGENTS-INTERVIEW-CANDIDATES/ [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/fika-jobs-raises-4m-to-build-a-video-first-hiring-platform-where-ai-agents-interview-candidates/] * HTTPS://WWW.THEVERGE.COM/TECH/954768/GOOGLE-FITBIT-AIR-REVIEW-FITNESS-TRACKER-WEARABLE-AI-HEALTH-COACH [https://www.theverge.com/tech/954768/google-fitbit-air-review-fitness-tracker-wearable-ai-health-coach] * HTTPS://CODEMEETSCREED.SUBSTACK.COM/P/THERE-ARE-TWO-TYPES-OF-AI-USERS-IN [https://codemeetscreed.substack.com/p/there-are-two-types-of-ai-users-in] * HTTPS://WWW.MARKETINGBREW.COM/STORIES/CANNES-LIONS-OUTFRONT-MEDIA-STACY-MINERO-INTERVIEW [https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/cannes-lions-outfront-media-stacy-minero-interview]

AI Revolution: EchoNext's Life-Saving Diagnosis, Google DeepMind's Film Venture, and More

In this episode, we explore the transformative role of AI in healthcare, as The New York Times reports on EchoNext, an AI tool that accurately diagnosed a severe heart condition in Louie Quiros, leading to a life-saving transplant. We then shift to the entertainment industry, where Google DeepMind's $75 million investment in A24 aims to integrate AI into filmmaking, enhancing creative storytelling. Next, we delve into AI development with Boris Cherny's insights on agentic loops, highlighting their potential to revolutionize code improvement. OpenAI's new cybersecurity initiative, featuring the GPT-5.5-Cyber model, addresses AI vulnerabilities, while communication leaders are urged to guide employees through workplace changes with resilience and purpose. Jonathan Glazier's analysis challenges traditional audience demographics, emphasizing values over age in media consumption. Tools for Humanity faces scrutiny over alleged misconduct in Thailand, impacting its Worldcoin project. Finally, Cannes Lions 2026 promises to be a landmark event for creators, with expanded programming and networking opportunities. Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live. Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast. Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today! Stan Berteloot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berteloot/] is a French-American journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Chief Innovation Officer at Nytro Marketing [https://www.nytromarketing.com/], he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. His personal site, Altilead [https://altilead.com/], is where his independent writing and projects live. Enjoy the show? Leave AI in Marketing a five-star rating [https://getvoicestream.com/rate/ai-in-marketing]. It takes ten seconds and helps more people find the podcast. Start your VoiceStream [https://getvoicestream.com/] free trial today! 📚 SOURCES: * HTTPS://WWW.NYTIMES.COM/2026/06/22/HEALTH/ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-HEART-DAMAGE.HTML [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/health/artificial-intelligence-heart-damage.html] * HTTPS://TECHCRUNCH.COM/2026/06/22/GOOGLE-DEEPMIND-BETS-75M-ON-AIS-FUTURE-IN-HOLLYWOOD-WITH-A24-DEAL/ [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/22/google-deepmind-bets-75m-on-ais-future-in-hollywood-with-a24-deal/] * HTTPS://TECHCRUNCH.COM/2026/06/22/THE-AI-WORLD-IS-GETTING-LOOPY/ [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/22/the-ai-world-is-getting-loopy/] * HTTPS://WWW.WIRED.COM/STORY/OPENAI-LAUNCHES-FULL-SCALE-EFFORT-TO-PATCH-OPEN-SOURCE-BUGS-AS-IT-TAKES-ON-ANTHROPICS-MYTHOS/ [https://www.wired.com/story/openai-launches-full-scale-effort-to-patch-open-source-bugs-as-it-takes-on-anthropics-mythos/] * HTTPS://WWW.PRDAILY.COM/OPPORTUNITY-IN-CHAOS-HOW-COMMS-LEADERS-CAN-HELP-TEAMS-THRIVE-THROUGH-CHANGE/ [https://www.prdaily.com/opportunity-in-chaos-how-comms-leaders-can-help-teams-thrive-through-change/] * HTTPS://ALTMEDIAJG.SUBSTACK.COM/P/THE-AUDIENCE-ISNT-A-DEMOGRAPHIC-ITS [https://altmediajg.substack.com/p/the-audience-isnt-a-demographic-its] * HTTPS://WWW.BIOMETRICUPDATE.COM/202606/TOOLS-FOR-HUMANITY-HIRED-TWO-LAW-FIRMS-TO-PROBE-BRIBERY-AND-FINANCIAL-MISCONDUCT [https://www.biometricupdate.com/202606/tools-for-humanity-hired-two-law-firms-to-probe-bribery-and-financial-misconduct] * HTTPS://WWW.MARKETINGBREW.COM/STORIES/CREATOR-MARKETING-TRENDS-CANNES-LIONS-2026 [https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/creator-marketing-trends-cannes-lions-2026]