The ChatGPT Experiment - Simplifying ChatGPT For Curious Beginners
Episode: Ep 72 - The Origin Story Of The Experiment
Host: Cary Weston
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 72 of The ChatGPT Experiment, host Cary Weston delves into his personal and professional journey, unveiling the origins of the podcast and the motivations that drive his passion for making AI, particularly ChatGPT, accessible and practical for beginners. This episode serves as both a reflective narrative and a roadmap for listeners interested in harnessing curiosity to transform their lives through AI.

Update from Last Week

Cary begins by sharing a heartfelt personal success story that underscores the practical benefits of ChatGPT. He recounts how his eldest daughter, Maddie, successfully secured her first post-college job by using ChatGPT as a preparation tool for her interviews.

"She was very well prepared, which is no surprise. She's always been well prepared. But the ability to have a case study where ChatGPT helped prepare, help make her more comfortable, help lessen the anxiety—that's really, really cool."
— Cary Weston [04:15]

This anecdote not only highlights the effectiveness of ChatGPT in real-world applications but also sets the tone for the episode's focus on personal growth and professional development through curiosity and technology.

Origin Story: How the Podcast Began

Cary transitions into sharing his "origin story," providing listeners with a comprehensive background of how The ChatGPT Experiment came to life. He reflects on his early career aspirations, struggles, and the pivotal moments that shaped his path.

"In college, the first paper I ever got back was a big old F because I handwrote it. That failure sparked my curiosity and drive to learn and improve."
— Cary Weston [10:30]

This foundational experience instilled in Cary a relentless pursuit of efficiency and problem-solving, traits that have been instrumental in his journey as a consultant, coach, and podcast host.

Embracing Curiosity in Business

Cary emphasizes the importance of curiosity in both personal and professional realms. He recounts his initial foray into the business world, where his inquisitive nature led him to explore opportunities beyond his accounting degree.

"Curiosity has driven me throughout life. I'm always looking at problem solving, not for the sake of being right, but for the sake of creating better outcomes for others."
— Cary Weston [18:45]

This mindset not only facilitated the growth of his early ventures but also laid the groundwork for his later successes, including the establishment of his marketing agency.

The Impact of ChatGPT on the Host's Journey

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Cary's encounter with ChatGPT and its transformative impact on his business. He vividly describes the moment he first witnessed ChatGPT in action during a conference, creating complex social media schedules in seconds—a revelation that underscored the tool's potential.

"Watching ChatGPT generate a three-month social media calendar in seconds was like seeing a process improvement tool come to life. It was a game-changer for my agency."
— Cary Weston [25:10]

Cary details how this experience propelled him to integrate ChatGPT into his workflows, fostering innovation and efficiency within his team. He also shares his commitment to spreading this knowledge through weekly training sessions, encouraging his employees to leverage ChatGPT in their roles.

Building the Curiosity Club

Looking ahead, Cary introduces his vision for the Curiosity Club, a membership program designed to cultivate a community of like-minded individuals eager to explore and utilize AI tools like ChatGPT. He outlines the club's objectives, including resource sharing, collaborative learning, and networking opportunities.

"The Curiosity Club is about building a community where we can learn from each other's experiences, share resources, and collaboratively solve problems using AI."
— Cary Weston [29:20]

This initiative underscores Cary's commitment to fostering a supportive environment where curiosity is nurtured and practical solutions are co-created.

Reflections on Personal and Professional Growth

Cary reflects on his evolution from a business owner burdened by managerial tasks to a solopreneur focused on consultancy and coaching. He discusses the lessons learned from scaling his agency and the importance of aligning one's work with personal passions and strengths.

"I cherish my roles as a dad, coach, and consultant. These roles allow me to use my experiences and skills to make a tangible difference in others' lives."
— Cary Weston [30:45]

This introspection highlights the profound personal growth that accompanies professional endeavors driven by genuine curiosity and a desire to add value.

Conclusion and Future Directions

In closing, Cary expresses gratitude to his listeners, acknowledging the community that has formed around the podcast. He reiterates the podcast's mission to provide actionable insights and encourages listeners to maintain their curiosity.

"Whether it's ChatGPT or anything else in your personal or professional life, curiosity is a necessary ingredient. Stay curious and be good."
— Cary Weston [32:00]

He hints at future developments, including the full launch of the Curiosity Club, and leaves listeners with an inspiring message to continue exploring and learning.

Notable Quotes

• "She was very well prepared, which is no surprise. She's always been well prepared. But the ability to have a case study where ChatGPT helped prepare, help make her more comfortable, help lessen the anxiety—that's really, really cool."
  — Cary Weston [04:15]

• "In college, the first paper I ever got back was a big old F because I handwrote it. That failure sparked my curiosity and drive to learn and improve."
  — Cary Weston [10:30]

• "Curiosity has driven me throughout life. I'm always looking at problem solving, not for the sake of being right, but for the sake of creating better outcomes for others."
  — Cary Weston [18:45]

• "Watching ChatGPT generate a three-month social media calendar in seconds was like seeing a process improvement tool come to life. It was a game-changer for my agency."
  — Cary Weston [25:10]

• "The Curiosity Club is about building a community where we can learn from each other's experiences, share resources, and collaboratively solve problems using AI."
  — Cary Weston [29:20]

• "I cherish my roles as a dad, coach, and consultant. These roles allow me to use my experiences and skills to make a tangible difference in others' lives."
  — Cary Weston [30:45]

• "Whether it's ChatGPT or anything else in your personal or professional life, curiosity is a necessary ingredient. Stay curious and be good."
  — Cary Weston [32:00]

Final Thoughts

Episode 72 of The ChatGPT Experiment offers listeners an intimate look into Cary Weston's journey, emphasizing the pivotal role of curiosity in both personal fulfillment and professional success. Through his stories and insights, Cary inspires others to embrace curiosity, leverage AI tools like ChatGPT, and strive for continuous improvement in their respective fields.