Median User

ChatGPT Maxxing: Prompting Tips, Custom Instructions, Voice Mode, and More

After an unexpectedly long summer hiatus, Median User is back with a dive into getting the most out of ChatGPT, covering essential features, advanced prompts, and productivity hacks. We walk through how model selection has become nearly automatic with GPT-5, discuss what “reasoning” really means, and share real-world prompting habits: negative prompts, research-first priming, and a clever “expert insights primer” trick.  We also unpack less-known features like Custom Instructions, Memory, Voice Mode, Projects, and Docs, sharing how these matter more than switching between the latest models. The conversation ends on philosophical notes about reliance, kids and AI, and how prompts might become the new apps. Whether you're a daily user or just getting started, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to elevate your ChatGPT experience. * (00:00) - — Getting the Most from ChatGPT * (03:13) - — Models, Reasoning, and Pattern Matching * (06:30) - — Prompting Like a Pro * (15:24) - — Priming, Roles, and Meta-Prompting * (24:56) - — Threats, Praise, and Asking Better Questions * (27:33) - — Custom Instructions, Memory, and Voice Mode * (39:31) - — Projects, Docs, and the Future of ChatGPT * (43:03) - — Closing Thoughts

AI for Productivity: The best AI apps for email, meetings, diagrams, slides, and more

In this episode, we explore how AI tools are transforming everyday productivity—from managing email and writing documents to generating diagrams and pitch decks. They break down which tools are actually saving time today, which ones still fall short, and tips to get the most out of AI apps. Whether you’re a founder buried in emails, a marketer cranking out content, or a team leader mapping out workflows, there's a useful change you can make today to get work done faster and make your life easier. Chapters * (00:00) - Welcome + Episode Overview * (01:08) - Why Productivity Tools Feel Broken * (03:03) - AI for Email: Superhuman & Fixer * (10:45) - AI-Powered Note-Taking Tools * (16:33) - Writing with AI: Tools and Tactics * (19:47) - Prompting Tips & Personalization * (27:28) - AI for Diagrams * (33:47) - Slide Decks with AI: What Works & What Doesn’t * (40:37) - Assembling Your AI Workflow * (43:00) - Wrap-Up + What’s Next Resources & Tools Mentioned Email & Inbox Management * Superhuman [https://superhuman.com] – AI-enhanced email client with personalized replies and summaries * Fyxer [https://www.fyxer.com] – Email + meeting assistant with tagging and note-taking Meeting Notetakers * Spinach [https://www.spinach.io] – AI meeting assistant with full video, transcripts, and action summaries * Otter [https://otter.ai], Fireflies [https://fireflies.ai] – Meeting note tools * Crisp [https://crisp.chat] – Real-time feedback on call tone * Chorus [https://www.chorus.ai] – AI insights during sales calls Writing & Content Creation * Byword [https://byword.ai] – SEO-optimized long-form content from prompts * ChatGPT [https://chat.openai.com] – General-purpose LLM * Claude [https://claude.ai] – Strong writing model alternative * Blaze [https://blaze.today] – Social media AI trained on your voice * Jasper [https://www.jasper.ai] – Marketing content generator * Grammarly [https://www.grammarly.com] – Real-time grammar and AI writing assistant Diagramming & Visual Thinking * Miro [https://miro.com] – Whiteboard + diagramming with AI generation * Whimsical [https://whimsical.com] – Diagrams, wireframes, and docs with AI support * FigJam [https://www.figma.com/figjam] – Figma’s collaborative diagramming tool Pitch Decks & Presentations * Pitch [https://pitch.com] – Collaborative pitch deck tool with evolving AI features * Gamma [https://gamma.app] – Narrative-first slide decks with AI * Templates & storytelling strategy discussion throughout

Vibe Coding: Talk to AI to Build Sites/Apps!

Vibe Coding has been one of the buzziest and most exciting trends of 2025. We get into the kind of apps and sites you can build with vibe coding tools, and how it can empower you to launch an idea you may have been feeling blocked from pursuing. We explore: * Tools like Cursor, Bolt, Lovable, Replit, and v0 * Real examples of apps built using these tools (like a DJ music triage app) * Why the first 80% of an AI-built app is easy — and the last 20% is hard * Tips for debugging with AI (including how tone affects AI behavior!) * Who can benefit from these tools — from developers to total beginners * Where vibe coding falls short (e.g., large-scale or secure apps) * The future of rapid prototyping and AI-assisted entrepreneurship Chapters * (00:00) - What Is Vibe Coding? * (02:05) - From Matrix Moments to Mundane Realities * (05:24) - Why the Last 20% Is So Hard * (09:26) - Building a Real App with AI * (15:53) - Does the AI Care About Praise or Pressure? * (17:25) - Who Can Actually Use Vibe Coding? * (22:24) - When Simplicity Isn’t Enough * (26:00) - The Vibe Coding Revolution * (32:41) - Wrapping Up Tools & Resources Mentioned * Cursor [https://www.cursor.com] * Bolt [https://bolt.new/] * Lovable [https://www.lovable.dev/] * Replit [https://replit.com/] * Windsurf [https://windsurf.dev/] Got Questions? Send them to human at medianuser dotcom — we’d love to hear from you!

AI Ouroboros: Content Slop and Dead Internet Theory

We kick off Median User with a look at how AI is changing your social media feeds, Google search results, and killing the incentives for original human content. R.I.P. Internet? Chapters * (00:00) - Introduction & Hosts * (03:24) - AI in Social Media: Creativity and Slop * (09:35) - Email, Content Creation, and Brand Voice * (17:12) - AI Ouroboros / RIP Internet? * (30:06) - Wrap Up & Next Episode Mentioned in This Episode * ChatGPT [https://chat.openai.com/] – conversational AI assistant * Runway [https://runwayml.com/] – generative video + creative tools * Sora by OpenAI [https://openai.com/sora] – AI video generation * Superhuman [https://superhuman.com/] – AI-powered email client * Perplexity AI [https://www.perplexity.ai/] – AI-powered research and search engine Hosted by Ramsey Shallal and Ahmad Kadhim Click here to view the episode transcript. [https://share.transistor.fm/s/7cb28906/transcript]