Accelerated Velocity

California has become the first state to regulate companion-based AI, targeting chatbots marketed for emotional support or mental health. While the focus is on protecting children and vulnerable users, it's also a sign of what's to come. Much like the evolution of email and browser privacy laws, businesses may soon face a patchwork of AI compliance standards across states and countries. Grace and Peter discuss what this means for businesses using AI tools, ChatGPT's recent marketing flop, and how conversational AI can actually help uncover emerging technologies that don't surface in traditional search. From regulation to discovery, this episode explores the changing ways AI is shaping both business and creativity. Chapters: 00:14 – California's new Companion AI law 02:36 – Implications for business and compliance 04:10 – ChatGPT's failed ad campaign 06:44 – Balancing AI use with human creativity 08:10 – AEO vs. SEO 09:50 – Discovering Twins.ai through ChatGPT 12:01 – Using AI for smarter research & tool discovery    Sources: "California becomes first state to regulate AI companion chatbots" by Rebecca Bellan for TechCrunch "OpenAI Just Flunked Marketing 101" by Mark Ritson for Adweek  

AI tools are helping businesses move faster than ever, but are they also driving us apart? In this episode of Accelerated Velocity, Grace and Peter explore a growing culture of avoidance fueled by AI. The conversation isn't about rejecting new technology, but about recognizing when to lean on your team, colleagues, and community. Proactive communication, collaboration, and knowing when to ask for help have always been valuable skills. Today, they're becoming true differentiators in workplaces where AI overreliance is common. You'll hear real-world examples of both the risks and opportunities AI creates, along with practical ways to restore authentic collaboration, connection, and creativity in your work and team culture Subscribe to our newsletter Chapters: 00:54 – Is AI driving us apart from other humans? 01:51 – From classrooms to boardrooms: the avoidance effect 04:38 – In-person events & the value of human connection 06:15 – Why human talent matters more than ever 07:52 – Remote work, team communication, and facing challenges head-on 10:26 – Practical ways teams can rebuild connection 12:39 – Final Takeaways & Gentle Reminders  

In this episode of Accelerated Velocity, we explore the fast-growing trend of Micro-SaaS products–niche software often built by solo founders or small teams. We explore what sets Micro-SaaS apart from traditional SaaS, how AI makes these rapid launches possible, and why the startup ecosystem is shifting as a result. You'll hear real-world examples, the key factors that drive growth, and why agencies, developers, and even consumers should be paying attention. Whether you're thinking about building your own product or just curious about the future of software, this bite-sized episode has insights to help you stay ahead. Subscribe to our newsletter 00:00 – Welcome to Accelerated Velocity 01:26 – What is Micro-SaaS? 03:16 – Micro Teams & Market Niches 05:23 – From MVP to Full SaaS 06:06 – Examples of Micro-SaaS in Action 08:21 – Building Fast & Smart 09:35 – Consumers: Your Impact on MicroSaas 11:22 – What's Next?  

A couple weeks ago, Peter headed to INBOUND 2025–HubSpot's annual conference and the biggest event in business development. Episode 19 of Accelerated Velocity, which we recorded during the tail end of INBOUND, covers all you need to know from the event–offering value not just to HubSpot users, but anyone who wants to keep up with the latest trends in AI and business development.  0:01 – Welcome from San Francisco 2:34 – HubSpot's AI-Centered Updates 4:15 – Marketplace, Marketing Studio & Data Hub 6:32 – Events, Noise & the Human Connection 11:17 – AI Ethics, Trends & Final Takeaways

Websites are seeing a 25% drop in referral traffic across the board, with AI search results to blame. This episode breaks down the negative impacts of Google's AI Overview with updated tips on how to tackle these challenges. After, learn about context engineering and how you can use it effectively for beter results on GPT-5 and other LLMs. Stick around until the end for a totally irrelevant highlight on a thoroughly unsettling AI chatbot made for kids.  Subscribe to our newsletter Chapters: 01:00 – Google's AI Overview & a 25% Drop in Referral Traffic 03:18 – The Future of SEO & "Search Everywhere Optimization" 06:19 – DOJ vs. Google: Antitrust Impacts on Search 08:00 – Context Engineering & GPT-5 Updates 13:32 – Meet Grem: The AI Stuffed Animal Sources:  "Google AI Overviews linked to 25% drop in publisher referral traffic, new data shows" By Jessica Davies for Digiday "GPT-5 Context Window Limits and Usage in ChatGPT and API" by Shivam Malani for All Things How "They're Stuffed Animals. They're Also AI Chatbots." by Amanda Hess for The New York Times   

Recruiting leader Annemarie Penny wants people to reframe their thinking around AI–because technology doesn't work without humans. Our first ever podcast guest shares where we are now and where we're going when it comes to AI in recruiting, hiring, and career development. Listen for expert insights on navigating AI transformation, from building a "digital twin" to protect your professional identity to following a human-first approach to innovation.    Penny is the CEO & founder of the Forbes-ranked recruiting firm Dreamore.   Connect with her on LinkedIn or find her pretty much anywhere else on the internet.  Chapters:  00:56 – Introducing Annemarie Penny: Recruiting Leader & AI Innovator 05:04 – AI in Recruiting: Why the Human-First Approach Still Wins 07:35 – AI Hype vs. Reality: Lessons from the Dot-Com Era 10:54 – The Future of Work: Learning from Past Innovations 15:22 – Balancing Technology with Human Connection 19:11 – Digital Twins & Taking Control of Your Professional Identity 20:50 – Career Development in the AI Era: Skills, Learning & Staying Relevant  

As of July 2025, Instagram posts are now indexed by Google. Grace and Peter break down how brands should adjust their content strategy accordingly. Plus, a look at the other platforms showing up in search results, and signs that ChatGPT is sourcing answers from Google. The evidence is clear: social media, search engines, and LLMs are becoming increasingly intertwined. Listen to find out what this shift means and how to respond.  Subscribe to our newsletter Chapters:  01:36 – Instagram Posts Now Indexed by Google 03:49 – Why B2B Should Reconsider Instagram 05:25 – ChatGPT Might Be Using Google Snippets 07:26 – SEO + AEO = Unified Strategy 08:10 – New AI Search Browser: Comet by Perplexity 08:52 – Does Search Convergence = Less Work? 10:30 – The 80% Stat That Should Scare News Sites 11:17 – What Non-SEO Experts Can Do  Sources:  "Instagram Posts Can Now Rank on Google (And Why That Changes Everything)" by Annie-Mai Hodge for Atlas SEO "Confirmed: ChatGPT uses Google SERP Snippets for its Answers [A Test with Proof]" by Aleyda Solis for aleydasolis.com  

Poor email performance isn't just a content problem. An outdated contact list and bad sending strategy can tank your email results and put your sending domain at risk down the road. In this episode, Grace and Peter break down why ignoring your email deliverability is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes in marketing. They walk through a real-world case study showing why so many email campaigns result in low open rates.  You'll learn how to identify deliverability issues and improve results by validating and segmenting your email list. With this step-by-step approach, your email will get past spam filters, promotions tabs, and ultimately see better performance from start to finish.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone using email marketing as part of their business development strategy. Subscribe to our newsletter  Visit our website    Chapters  00:00 – Intro 01:23 – Today's focus: Email health and why it matters 02:30 – Case study: When 100% of Gmail emails go to spam 05:00 – What inbox placement tests reveal 06:48 – What is email list validation and how it works 08:26 – Segmentation strategies that drive results 09:49 – Why unsubscribes aren't a bad thing 10:28 – Top mistakes causing poor email health 12:00 – Organic list-building vs. purchased lists 13:30 – How to grow better email lists organically  

Businesses are finding that AI hallucinations can lead to disinformation about their services. One brand responded creatively when ChatGPT made up a feature they didn't actually offer. From navigating AI mishaps to fielding PR disasters, Grace and Peter explore how unexpected business challenges can lead to growth opportunities. They also dive into the growing issue of scam job applications generated by AI, the difficulties businesses face with secure AI implementation, and the rising trend towards custom AI solutions.  Subscribe to our newsletter Visit our website Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:30 – Soundslice's creative response to AI misinformation 03:45 – Brand Adaptation: Lessons from Domino's Pizza 05:20 – AI Hallucinations & Why You Should Monitor Your Brand Mentions in AI Tools 06:30 – AI Job App Scam: Bots & Deepfakes 07:30 – The Real Problem with AI Implementation 09:10 – Consistency: The Biggest Barrier to Effective AI 10:30 – Why Small, Purpose-Built AI Tools Work Best 11:20 – AI Subscription Trends: Free vs. Paid Tools 12:00 – The Overload of AI Tools & Integration Challenges  Sources  "ChatGPT made up a product feature out of thin air, so this company created it" by Benj Edwards for Ars Technica "Why Some Companies Are Canceling ChatGPT Subscriptions" by Aaron Holmes for The Information

Want your brand to show up in AI search results on Google, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude? In this episode of Accelerated Velocity we share simple, hands-on search experiments you can run to test your current brand visibility across today's top AI-powered discovery platforms. We'll break down how to think like your customer at each stage of the buyer journey–awareness, consideration, and decision–and explore the types of searches people are making at each phase. You'll learn how to identify visibility gaps and what kinds of content to create (think blogs, landing pages, and website updates) to improve your chances of showing up where it matters most.  Whether you're a marketer, business owner, or SEO strategist, this episode gives you a practical playbook for navigating the shift to AI-driven search. Subscribe to our newsletter  Visit our website  Chapters 00:01:02 – Why Brand Visibility Testing Matters 00:01:55 – Start With the Basics: Think Like Your Customer 00:03:06 – Awareness Stage: Identifying Early-Stage Searches 00:06:37 – Consideration Stage: Comparing Solutions 00:08:24 – Content Iteration & Updating Old Assets 00:09:24 – Decision Stage: Build Trust and Social Proof 00:11:12 – Final Thoughts & Actionable Takeaways

This episode takes a real-time look at how Google's AI-powered search results have evolved over the past six months, especially when it comes to what's being cited as a "trusted source." Walk through live examples, compare industries, and learn how branded websites are starting to show up in citations where once only forums, industry directories, and other 3rd party pages lived. Plus, we'll dig into the underused Forums filter in Google search–an overlooked but powerful way to uncover what communities are talking about when it comes to your industry.  Subscribe to our newsletter  Visit our website  Chapters 00:00 – Intro  02:10 – What Counts as a Trusted Source? Peter explains how forums, social platforms, and brand websites have historically shown up in AI Overviews, and what's different now. 03:37 – Why the Forums Filter Still Matters How forums, directories, and community-driven content are still highly visible in some verticals, and why this shouldn't be ignored. 05:01 – Real Search Examples: "Best HubSpot Agency" Grace breaks down a live search result and how branded content (including InboundAV) showed up alongside marketplace and ecosystem links. 05:52 – Real Search Example: "How to Find a Good Lawyer" A comparison that highlights how forums and trusted institutional sources like the State Bar still lead in some industries. 06:45 – The Baseball Test: What AI Says About Fandom Peter asks a fun curveball question–what baseball team should you root for? Grace shares what the AI Overview cited and what Reddit had to say instead. 08:00 – Forums vs. AI: The Credibility Question Why forums often provide more satisfying results than AI Overviews for opinion-based or community-driven topics. 09:24 – Final Thoughts  

A recent MIT study shows ChatGPT dulls our critical thinking skills over time. From maintaining high-quality campaigns to maintaining a creative mindset, Grace and Peter dive into the harms of AI overuse in business. Plus, a look at how NOT to use AI–and what to do instead. You'll hear tips on how to avoid inaccurate or misleading information from LLMs, write better prompts, and achieve more accurate data analysis from tools like ChatGPT's Deep Research.  Subscribe to our newsletter  Visit our website Chapters 01:01 – The MIT Study: AI and Critical Thinking 03:14 – Why Generic AI Content Fails 05:22 – Smart AI Use Starts Narrow 08:59 – Prompting Mistakes to Avoid 13:09 – Call for Guest Experts Sources  "ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study" by Andrew R. Chow for Time

On Episode 10 of Accelerated Velocity, Grace and Peter demo ChatGPT's Deep Research Connector tool, which allows integration with apps including HubSpot, Google Drive, GitHub, Outlook, and more. After trying out a sample prompt using the ChatGPT HubSpot integration, they determined that the tool offers value in specific use cases, but might not be the go-to solution for all aspects of your marketing strategy–at least not yet. The takeaway: leveraging AI for your marketing relies on choosing the right tools, checking for sources and accuracy, and maintaining a single source of truth. Listen for a rundown on how to protect your data on ChatGPT, how to leverage Deep Research, and what NOT to use it for (at least not yet).  Visit our website Subscribe to our newsletter Try HubSpot's ChatGPT Deep Research Prompts Chapters:  00:00 - Intro  01:23 - ChatGPT's Deep Research Connectors 02:07 - Data Privacy Caution 02:40 - Testing ChatGPT HubSpot Connector 05:48 - Inaccuracies on ChatGPT 06:30 - Why ChatGPT Misses The Mark On Email Marketing Trends 11:45 - LLMs vs. AI Agents & Integrations 13:09 - Maintaining A Single Source of Truth 14:30 - Call for Input: What Do You Want to Hear Next Time? 15:20 - Outro   

A mini episode while Peter's on the road this week. Real user feedback on Meta's AI Ad settings, and a creative advertising AI from Pinterest.   Share Your AI Stories/Experiences Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: Peter Malick, Grace Mathews, InboundAV  Instagram: @InboundAV Facebook: @InboundAV Subscribe to our newsletter  Contact us Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:25 – Real User Experience With Meta AI Ads 01:55 – Pinterest's More Targeted AI Strategy 03:52 – Why Specificity Matters in AI Adoption 05:16 – A Call for Listener Stories Sources "Pinterest tests an AI feature that lets advertisers turn their catalogs into shoppable collages" by Aisha Malik for Tech Crunch  

  This week, Meta announced its plan to roll out 100% AI-Driven Advertising by 2026. This entails everything from AI-generated images, video content, and ad copy, to AI-powered audience personalization, to automated bid strategy. Peter and Grace discuss potential issues with an all-AI approach to digital ads, including the paradox that in a landscape of "perfected" (aka fully AI-optimized) content, brands will need to strive for original advertising and marketing strategies. Listen to the full episode for a deep dive into the benefits and challenges of these upcoming changes, and opportunities you can take advantage of today to enhance your ad performance.  Chapters:  00:00 – Intro & welcome 01:36 – Meta's AI-Generated Ad Campaigns (2026 Preview) 02:43 – The Problem with "Perfect" Content 05:11 – AI Can't Iterate from Nothing 06:06 – Will This Actually Help SMBs? 08:06 – Accessible Ways to Enhance Campaigns Right Now 09:56 – Human Creativity Still Wins 11:46 – Update: OpenA's AI Device Plans 12:12 – Wrapping Up: What to Watch, What to Do Sources:  "Facebook and Instagram owner Meta to enable AI ad creation by end of next year" by Mark Sweney for The Guardian "OpenAI Aims to Offer AI Access Through 'Ambient Computer Layer,' Without Screens" by PYMNTS    

In light of Sam Altman's acquisition of iPhone and Apple Watch designer Jony Ive's startup, there's speculation about the development of new AI-powered devices that could reshape the way we communicate and engage digitally. This week's episode of Accelerated Velocity looks at increasing competition amongst major players in AI development–from updates in the AI-powered search race to a discussion on the future of handheld devices.  Visit our website Subscribe to our newsletter Chapters 00:00 - Intro   01:37 - An AEO success story 02:28 - The Importance of Schema Markup for search visibility 05:40 - Emerging AI Browsers and Search Trends 07:50 - Apple's contract with Google  09:23 - Google's Response to AI Competition 10:44 - The 'next wave' of AI 11:36 - Is Jony Ive working on a groundbreaking AI device? 12:39 - The future of communication devices 15:54 - AI Glasses–yes or no?  18:27 - Outro Sources "Google Unveils A.I. Chatbot, Signaling a New Era for Search" by Tripp Mickle for The New York Times "OpenAI Unites With Jony Ive in $6.5 Billion Deal to Create A.I. Devices" by Mike Isaac and Cade Metz for The New York Times  "Details leak of Jony Ive's ambitious OpenAI device" by Ryan Daws for AI News

A House bill could put a 10 year ban on U.S. state-level regulations of AI. This episode of Accelerated Velocity dives into the implications of AI deregulation for both individuals and businesses. With AI being used to power more and more processes–including making critical, potentially life-altering decisions–accountability is key. Whether or not states maintain the authority to pass regulatory legislation on AI, this is a crucial reminder of the need for businesses to practice decisive and transparent AI practices. From personal steps to maintain data privacy to customer-facing AI policies, we unpack it all.    Visit our website Subscribe to our newsletter   Chapters:  00:00 – Intro  03:05 – Details U.S. AI legislation & deregulation 04:24 – What happens when AI makes critical life decisions 06:15 – How deregulation could affect transparency and employment 08:00 – The industries (and individuals) that need to be paying attention 09:51 – Data privacy, user control, and trusting AI platforms 10:33 – Memory layers, personal AI agents, and where we draw the line 12:18 – Social media as a cautionary tale  14:31 – Outro   Sources:  "House Republicans include a 10-year ban on US states regulating AI in 'big, beautiful' bill" by Matt Brown and Matt O'Brien for AP News "Sam Altman's goal for ChatGPT to remember 'your whole life' is both exciting and disturbing" by Julie Bort for Tech Crunch "Californians would lose AI protections under bill advancing in Congress" by Khari Johnson for Cal Matters    

As LLMs rapidly advance in capabilities, many also seem to be developing some quirks. This episode of Accelerated Velocity explores the current rise in AI hallucinations. Grace shares a firsthand experience with ChatGPT fabricating information, Peter and Grace discuss safeguards and how to avoid risks with your favorite AI tools, and they later delve into some potential causes of this mysterious rise in these sometimes hilarious and always concerning AI mishaps.  Visit our website Subscribe to our newsletter Chatbot Arena - lmarena.ai  HubSpot App Marketplace - ecosystem.hubspot.com    Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:08 - Topic: AI Hallucinations 01:37 - Grace's ChatGPT Experience 04:53 - Hallucination Statistics 05:36 - Real-World Implications 08:47 - Theories Behind Hallucinations 10:45 - Chatbot Arena 11:50 - Speed to Build AI Agents 14:29 - All-in-one Platforms with AI tools 15:29 - Outro   Sources  "A.I. Is ​​Getting More Powerful, but Its Hallucinations Are Getting Worse" by Cade Metz and Karen Weise for The New York Times "Why AI 'Hallucinations' Are Worse Than Ever" by Conor Murray for Forbes  

In this episode of Accelerated Velocity, we explore how AI is shaping the landscape of search and SEO. To be clear: SEO isn't dead, it's just evolving. Google still dominates web searches, but new discovery surfaces, including search-integrated LLMs like ChatGPT, present new opportunities for brand visibility. As always–high-quality, informative content is still key to nailing SEO. But the conversation also delves into new, AI-driven strategies for improving search visibility, including insights from Peter's AI-powered SEO workshop at NAMM 2025.  Visit our website Subscribe to our newsletter Chapters 00:00 - Welcome & introduction 01:32 - Evolving Landscape of SEO and AI 03:30 - Understanding Search Behavior and Statistics 06:44 - The Impact of AI on Search Discoverability 09:59 - Strategies for Improving Search Visibility 13:04 - Conclusion & Wrap-Up Sources  "OpenAI's Strategy to Make ChatGPT an All-Purpose App" on AI Secret "AI Overview Study for 8,000 Keywords in Google Search" by Philip Petrescu for Advanced Web Ranking"

In this episode of Accelerated Velocity, we explore advancements in AI processing, the risks of under-tested automation, and what real ethical AI use looks like in practice. First, we unpack Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash update, which introduces reasoning control to reduce unnecessary processing. It's a win for developers—and a potential breakthrough for energy efficiency, security, and scalability. Then, we discuss a support chatbot gone rogue, highlighting how poor implementation can quickly erode trust and damage brand experience. The episode wraps with reflections on ethical AI use as an intentional approach that impacts customer trust and organizational integrity. Visit our website Subscribe to our newsletter Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to AI in Business 01:43 - Gemini 2.5 Flash: Enhancing AI Efficiency 04:05 - The Importance of Accessibility and Security in AI 04:54 - Customer Experience: Lessons from AI Failures 07:34 - Ethics in AI: A Business and Humanity Issue 10:19 - The Future of AI: Balancing Technology and Humanity   Sources "Company apologizes after AI support agent invents policy that causes user uproar"  by Benj Edwards for Ars Technica "Google introduces AI reasoning control in Gemini 2.5 Flash" by Dashveenjit Kaur for AI News  

In Episode 3 of Accelerated Velocity, we break down the latest AI updates impacting business development. From ChatGPT's new memory feature to changes in AI-assisted search, we explore how these shifts could impact everything from content strategy to SEO visibility. We also discuss Shopify's bold new AI-first hiring policy and what it signals about the future of team structures and operational planning. Plus, we look at HubSpot's latest AI feature rollout and how it compares to building more tailored, use-case-specific tools within your CRM. If you're trying to stay ahead in the evolving AI landscape, this episode delivers the context and clarity you need.   Visit our website Subscribe to our newsletter Setup an Agent.ai workshop for your company   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to AI Updates 01:53 - ChatGPT's New Memory Feature 04:19 - Implications of AI on SEO 09:21 - Shopify's Precedent: AI in Business Operations 14:56 - HubSpot's AI Ecosystem 17:53 - AI Literacy and Job Security 21:11 - Conclusion and Future Considerations   Sources "Shopify's CEO Just Issued a Bold AI Ultimatum to His Entire Team" by Mike Kaput for Marketing AI Institute  "ChatGPT will now use its 'memory' to personalize web searches" by Kyle Wiggers for TechCrunch  

In this episode of Accelerated Velocity, we discuss the evolving landscape of AI in business development. With a constant flow of AI product releases and updates, it's crucial to focus on viable AI solutions rather than getting distracted by the latest trends. Today's conversation covers how to identify useful tools, streamline workflows, and build a wish list for AI implementation. We also highlight a few ways to approach AI tools that effectively address business pain points.   Agent.ai: Contact us to set up an Agent.ai training day for your team. Visit our website Subscribe to our newsletter   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Accelerated Velocity 00:42 Navigating AI Developments 03:47 Identifying Viable AI Tools 12:58 Integrating AI into Workflows 13:40 Conclusion and Future Insights      

Thanks for tuning into our very first episode of the Accelerated Velocity Podcast! Today, we dive into the transformative power of AI, specifically AGI, and its implications for your business strategy, team structure, and customer experience. We explore how the rapid advancements in AI, particularly large language models, are reshaping industries and what businesses can do to stay ahead. From leveraging AI tools to enhancing workflow efficiency, we discuss practical steps for integrating AI into your business. Join us as we navigate this evolving landscape and share insights on maintaining a competitive edge through the lens of business development. Don't miss out on this essential conversation for anyone looking to thrive in the age of AI.