AI Beginner Academy Podcast: AI for Beginners in Plain English

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Welcome to the AI Beginner Academy Podcast — a simple, friendly show that helps everyday people learn AI in plain English, one clear lesson at a time. Each episode is designed for true beginners, with real-world examples you can actually use at work, at home, or in your own projects.

Every week you’ll get three segments: a Listener Question where we break down a real concern about AI, a practical AI Hot Tip you can try right away, and a short, encouraging Positive AI Thought of the Week to keep you feeling confident about the future. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by tech jargon or worried you’re “behind” on AI, this podcast will help you catch up step by step—without feeling lost. You’ll also see occasional bonus episodes featuring chapters from my audiobook AI Made Simple: The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence, so you can learn AI one short chapter at a time. For deeper guided learning beyond the podcast, you can explore The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to AI, AI Basics Explained, and Essential AI Skills to Become AI-Proof.


Listen on Spotify

Use the player below to listen to the AI Beginner Academy Podcast on Spotify. You can follow the show, queue episodes, or keep it playing in the background while you work.

Featured Episodes

Start with any of the episodes below — they’re beginner-friendly, a little humorous, and packed with practical ideas you can try right away.

Episode 0: Introducing the AI Beginner Academy Podcast

Welcome to the AI Beginner Academy Podcast — a simple, friendly place to learn AI one clear lesson at a time. In this short trailer, you’ll discover what the show is about, who it’s for, and what you can expect each week. Every episode includes: • A Listener Question • A practical AI Hot Tip • A Positive AI Thought of the Week.

Episode 1: Will AI Take My Job?

Listener Kate asks one of the biggest questions in the AI world: “Will AI take my job?” In this episode, we break it down in a simple, honest way that beginners can understand. You’ll learn why AI tends to replace tasks, not entire people — and why the real key to job security is learning how to work with AI, even in small daily ways. In this episode: • Listener Question: Will AI take my job? • AI Hot Tip: A 5-minute daily routine to make yourself “AI-proof” • Optimistic AI Thought of the Week: A grounded reminder about your future with AI.

Episode 2: Is AI Going to Kill All of Us? (Spoiler: No.)

Is AI going to wipe us out? In this episode, we unpack the big, scary headlines and separate science fiction from the real risks. You’ll learn why most experts are focused on practical challenges like bias, misuse, and bad incentives — not robot uprisings — and why there are good reasons to feel cautiously hopeful about the future of AI.

Episode 3: The Biggest Mistake People Make When Starting With AI

In this episode, we break down the number one mistake beginners make when using AI: treating it like a magic button instead of a tool that needs clear guidance. You’ll learn why vague prompts lead to vague results, and how small changes instantly make AI more helpful. Steve shares three simple fixes—giving AI a role, adding context, and showing examples—along with real-world prompt examples you can use right away. If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or disappointed by AI’s answers, this episode will help everything finally click.

Bonus: Audiobook Episodes – AI Made Simple

In this short announcement, Steve explains a new addition to the AI Beginner Podcast: bonus episodes featuring chapters from his audiobook, AI Made Simple: The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence, Revision 3. Throughout the season, you’ll see episodes labeled “Bonus – Audiobook Chapter 1,” “Bonus – Audiobook Chapter 2,” and so on. Each chapter delivers a simple, beginner-friendly lesson on AI in plain English, without jargon or overwhelm. These bonus episodes won’t replace the regular weekly format — they’re extra content to help you learn AI one easy chapter at a time. If you enjoy the chapters and want the full audiobook and AI Beginner Toolkit, you can find them inside the AI Beginner Academy at learn.aibeginner.net.

Bonus: Audiobook Introduction — AI Made Simple

This bonus episode features the full audiobook introduction from AI Made Simple: The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence. You’ll hear how the book is structured, who it’s for, and how it helps real beginners finally feel less overwhelmed by AI. It’s a great way to sample the audiobook experience before diving into the full set of chapters inside the AI Beginner Academy.

Episode 4: The Future of AI – What’s Coming

In this episode, we launch the “Future of AI” series by stepping back and asking: what is AI really, and where is it headed? You’ll learn the difference between Narrow AI, AGI, and ASI in plain English — and why you don’t need to fear every headline you see. Plus: this week’s listener question, a practical AI Hot Tip, and an optimistic thought to help you stay grounded while the world talks about AI nonstop.

Episode 5: The Next 12 Months of AI – What’s Actually Coming

What’s coming with AI in the next 12 months? In this episode, we take a calm, hype-free look at the near future of AI — the changes you’ll actually notice in your daily life, at work, and in the tools you already use. We break down the realistic upgrades arriving over the next year, including much smarter AI assistants, AI built directly into email, search, documents, and everyday apps, more natural voice interactions, automation of repetitive tasks, and small, meaningful improvements that quietly make life easier. You’ll also learn a powerful “future self” prompt that can help you gain clarity, reduce stress, and think ahead — without treating AI like a fortune teller. If you’d like simple, friendly ways to keep learning at your own pace, you can visit AIBeginner.net or explore the AI Beginner Academy.

Episode 6: The Next 3–5 Years of AI: What’s Actually Coming

What will AI actually look like in the next 3–5 years? In this episode, we continue our mini-series on the future of AI — moving beyond the next 12 months and exploring the bigger changes that are coming a little further down the road.

We revisit Sarah’s listener question: “How fast is AI really moving, and what should normal people expect over the next few years?” — and take it head-on with a grounded, hopeful look at what you can realistically expect by 2028–2030.

We cover: accelerated scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs and earlier detection, AI agents that help run your day, useful real-world robots, AI’s role in the search for intelligent life, the growing conversation around UBI, how jobs will evolve (not disappear), and everyday conveniences that quietly improve your life.

No hype. No panic. Just practical insight — plus this week’s AI Hot Tip and an Optimistic AI Thought of the Week.

🌐 Learn more at AIBeginner.net  🎓 Explore the AI Beginner Academy

Bonus: Chapter 3 — The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence (Revision 3)

This bonus episode features Chapter 3 of the audiobook version of AI Made Simple: The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence (Revision 3).

Chapter 3: The Invisible AI Around You

Short, easy-to-follow chapters designed to help absolute beginners understand AI with confidence and clarity.

Free guides, resources, and beginner tools → https://aibeginner.net
Learn at the AI Beginner Academy → https://aibeginner.net/academy

Episode 7: 5 Years and Beyond: What’s Actually Coming

What does AI look like five years from now — and beyond? In this episode, we continue our future-of-AI mini-series by zooming out further and exploring the longer-term changes AI is likely to bring to science, medicine, work, and everyday life.

This isn’t science fiction or hype. It’s a calm, realistic look at where things are heading once today’s AI tools have had time to mature and compound.

We cover: faster research breakthroughs, healthcare shifting from reactive to predictive, AI agents becoming long-term digital partners, robots integrating into real-world jobs, AI’s growing role in space exploration and the search for intelligent life, evolving conversations around work and productivity, and a future built around human + AI collaboration.

Plus this week’s AI Hot Tip and an Optimistic AI Thought of the Week to keep the future feeling grounded, practical, and hopeful.

If you’d like to go beyond listening and actually build confidence using AI, the AI Beginner Academy is designed specifically for beginners — with clear lessons, real examples, and no technical background required.

🌐 Learn more at https://AIBeginner.net
🎓 Explore the AI Beginner Academy: https://aibeginner.net/academy

Episode 8: How to Become AI-Proof (and Protect Your Job Without Panicking)

How do you become AI-proof — without learning to code or panicking about your job?

This episode answers one of the most common questions people are asking right now: how to stay valuable as AI evolves. Using a listener question from Greg, Steve breaks down what “AI-proof” really means in plain English.

You’ll learn: why AI-proof doesn’t mean competing with AI, the human skills AI can’t replace, how to use AI to amplify your work, a simple mindset shift that keeps you valuable, and a practical 30‑day approach to building AI confidence.

The episode also includes an AI Hot Tip with a powerful prompt and an Optimistic AI Thought of the Week focused on empowerment, not replacement.

Bonus: Chapter 4 — The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence (Revision 3)

This bonus episode features Chapter 4 of the audiobook version of AI Made Simple: The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence (Revision 3).

Chapter 4 – Meet the Modern AI Tools

In this chapter, we take a no‑jargon tour of today’s most popular AI tools — including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and AI image generators — and explain what each tool is good at, where they fall short, and who they’re best for.

This chapter helps beginners choose the right AI “home base” without overwhelm.

Free guides → AIBeginner.net
Learn at the Academy → AI Beginner Academy

Episode 9: Feeling Behind on AI? How to Protect Your Job Without Panicking

AI headlines are everywhere — and if you’ve ever wondered what this means for your job, this calm, practical episode is for you.

Steve addresses common fears about AI at work, explains what “AI-proof” really means, and shares reassurance for beginners and non‑technical professionals.

We cover: why anxiety around AI is normal, how to stay valuable without becoming technical, a practical AI Hot Tip that turns anxiety into clarity, and an optimistic AI thought to keep things in perspective.

Listener question from Tina, plus guidance to help you stay grounded and confident as AI evolves.

Bonus - Chapter 5 – How to Talk to AI (Prompting Without the Pain) The “golden prompt” formula

If there’s one skill that separates frustrated AI users from confident ones, this is it. In this episode, we break down one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of using AI: how to talk to it effectively. No secret commands. No technical jargon. No “prompt engineering panic.”

You’ll learn why AI isn’t about programming at all — it’s about communication. We introduce a simple, beginner-friendly framework called the “Golden Prompt” formula and show how small changes in how you ask can lead to dramatically better results.

Through real-world examples, common mistakes, and hands-on practice prompts, this episode will help you stop fighting with AI and start collaborating with it — confidently, clearly, and naturally. If you’ve ever thought “Why isn’t this giving me what I asked for?” — this chapter is for you.

Episode 10 - AI Won’t Take Your Job — But This Might

AI isn’t coming for your job overnight — but something else might. In this episode of the AI Beginner Academy Podcast, Steve breaks down the real risk many professionals are facing right now — and it’s not a lack of technical skills or knowing the latest AI tools.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, behind, or unsure how to stay valuable at work as AI becomes more common, this episode is for you. We’ll start with a listener question from Calvin, who recently completed the AI Made Simple course and is wondering what actually matters next.

From there, we’ll talk about why thinking clearly with AI is more important than racing to learn it — and how you can protect your value at work without panic, pressure, or reinvention. This episode is calm, practical, and designed specifically for non-technical professionals who want clarity instead of hype.

Bonus - Chapter 6 – AI for Work, Business, and Everyday Life

AI isn’t just a future concept — it’s already showing up in everyday work, small businesses, and daily life. But knowing how to use it safely and effectively is what really matters.

In this bonus episode of the AI Beginner Academy Podcast, Steve walks through Chapter 6 of The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence (Revision 3) — focused on how AI can boost productivity at work, support small businesses, and fit into everyday routines without replacing human judgment.

This episode is designed for beginners who want practical clarity — not hype, fear, or technical complexity. You’ll hear simple examples, safe use cases, and a short “what to try this week” guide to help you take confident, low-risk steps with AI.

Episode 11 - How to Use AI at Work Without Replacing Yourself

AI is becoming more common at work — but using it the wrong way can actually make you less valuable, not more.

In this episode of the AI Beginner Academy Podcast, Steve explains how to use AI at work safely and responsibly, without handing over judgment, context, or decision-making.

This is a beginner-friendly conversation designed for non-technical professionals who want to work with AI — not compete with it, rush into automation, or panic about job security.

You’ll learn simple rules, low-risk workflows, and practical habits that help you stay confident, capable, and clearly accountable for your work.

Episode 12 - Tired of Using AI for Work? Let’s Use It for Fun Instead

AI doesn’t always have to be about work, productivity, or staying relevant. In this lighter episode, Steve explores fun, low‑pressure ways to use AI — stories, trivia, creative twists, and silly experiments — to build confidence through curiosity.

Bonus - Chapter 7 – The Big Question — “Will AI Take My Job?”

Honest, hopeful, and human — a calm look at the big career question and how to adapt and future‑proof your work without panic.

New AI for beginners podcast episodes are added regularly. Follow the show on Spotify or subscribe via RSS so you never miss a new plain-English AI conversation.

Free AI Starter Pack

Want a calm, guided way to start using AI (beyond just listening)? This free starter pack includes simple rules, beginner prompts, and examples to help you practice safely and confidently.

Ready for a Next Step?

If you’d like a clear learning path after the podcast, you can explore the full beginner journey — or simply pick a single course that fits what you need right now.


Podcast FAQ

Who is this podcast for?
This show is designed for absolute beginners and non-technical professionals who want plain-English explanations of AI, practical tips, and calm guidance — without hype or jargon.
Do I need to be “good with tech” to follow along?
No. Episodes are intentionally beginner-friendly, with simple examples you can understand and try immediately.
Where should I start?
If you’re brand new, start with the trailer (Episode 0) and then pick any episode that matches what you’re curious about. There’s no required order.
How often are new episodes released?
New episodes are added regularly. The easiest way to stay updated is to follow the show on Spotify or subscribe using the RSS feed.
What if I want a structured learning path beyond the podcast?
If you want step-by-step lessons and a clear progression, explore the AI Beginner Academy — including the Full Learning Path bundle and beginner-friendly courses.

How can I help you today?

Whether you want to simplify your daily life or build professional AI workflows for your business, we’ve built a clear, jargon-free path for you.

“I’m just curious.”

Free Resources

Free guides, podcast, basics, & more

“I want a structured path.”

Join the Academy

Individual courses or a Full Learning Path

“I need to train my team.”

Business Options

Bulk access / team licenses & customization

All paths are designed to be calm, practical, and 100% beginner-friendly.