Podcast Summary: The Nikki & Brie Show

Episode: Ask an Expert: Let's Talk AI with Eddie Pinto
Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Nikki and Brie Garcia (Bella)
Special Guest: Eddie Pinto (Head of Product, Plan Source)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the timely and sometimes overwhelming topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Nikki and Brie, sharing their candid experiences as moms, entrepreneurs, and public figures, welcome guest expert Eddie Pinto to break down what AI really means for everyday people. The trio explores how AI already permeates daily life, its potential risks and rewards, its environmental impact, privacy issues, the future of work, and practical ways to benefit from these technologies—while keeping things human and mindful.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Even Is AI? Understanding the Basics

• AI Is Everywhere: It's not just sci-fi robots; AI is already embedded in streaming services (Netflix, TikTok), search engines, social media, cars, and countless apps.
  • Eddie Pinto (18:53): “I like to think of AI as a spectrum… On the very left you’ve got things like your TikTok algorithm, your Netflix homepage, where AI is just feeding you content... do you want to have your time consumed watching content that is just fed by an algorithm?”
• Levels of Control: AI’s presence ranges from subtle content recommendations to more direct features (like Tesla’s full self-driving). People can opt into or out of these as comfort allows.

2. Everyday Uses, Perceived Risks, and Real Concerns

• Convenience vs. Critical Thinking: Nikki and Brie reflect on their own use of ChatGPT for business, parenting, and health, while worrying about over-reliance and lost problem-solving skills.
  • Brie (04:07): “At what point do you stop relying heavy on AI giving you the answers and you actually need to figure them out for yourselves?”
• Protecting Kids & Privacy: Nikki expresses fears over deepfakes and the misuse of images—especially of children—by AI.
• Data Use & Privacy: Your questions and uploads to AI apps (including photos) can be used to train AI models unless you opt out.
  • Eddie (47:06): “By default [AI models] are using your information unless you’ve turned that setting off... Just be smart about it.”

3. How To Use AI in Practical, Positive Ways

• For Beginners: Downloading ChatGPT or Gemini and using them instead of a traditional search can save time and provide better-summarized info with sources. You can also ask it to “explain it like I’m five.”
  • Eddie (25:17): “The next time you want to do a Google search for something, try ChatGPT or try Gemini instead… Wouldn’t you rather just be able to— I like to think of it as talking to a friend who can summarize stuff for you.”
• For Parents & Students: Use the Socratic method—ask AI to coach you step-by-step instead of just giving the answer, so kids actually learn.
  • Eddie (33:16): “We’ve given her one rule with AI use: don’t just ask for the answer. Ask for hints... You say, use the Socratic method to help me understand how to solve this.”

4. AI's Environmental Footprint

• Energy & Water Use: Each ChatGPT question uses about as much energy as a 60-watt bulb lit for 15-20 seconds, and much more than a Google search.
  • Eddie (38:48): “Here’s the bad news: each question you ask ChatGPT, it uses the same amount of energy as leaving a 60-watt lightbulb on for about 15 to 20 seconds… That’s 100 to 1,000 times more than a Google search.”
• Environmental Hope: Companies like Google are improving efficiency and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, investing in renewable energy solutions.
• Water-Saving Solutions: Currently, water cooling is the cheapest, most efficient data center solution, but alternative technologies and recycling are developing.

5. Ethical & Social Questions: Jobs, Creativity, and Fairness

• Will AI Replace Jobs—or Make New Ones? Entry-level knowledge jobs are increasingly at risk, leading to worries about opportunities for young workers.
  • Eddie (50:36): “Dario, the leader of one of the large AI hyperscalers, came out last week and said that he sees AI replacing some of the entry level jobs... How do you get the kids coming out of school those jobs that they learn the industry in?”
• Creative Industries & AI Content: As AI starts to create art, films, and more, the entertainment industry faces tough questions about compensation and job security (e.g., AI films, reality TV AI likeness).
• Learning from History: Previous tech “scares” (like calculators) show society tends to adapt—but vigilance and thoughtful regulation are needed.

6. Listener Q&A Highlights

• Q: Is it safe to upload personal photos to ChatGPT?
  • A: Technically yes, but photos can be used to train models unless you opt out (47:06).
• Q: Are there fair AI-related protections in entertainment?
  • A: It’s still an evolving issue—current laws often lag behind new technology (49:12).
• Q: Can AI help me reclaim time, not just take over my life?
  • A: Use AI for tasks you don’t value, like scheduling, inbox management, or news summarization—ask AI how it can help save time (53:24).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Fear vs. Hope on AI’s Future

  • Nikki (13:20): “Is there a moment where the human in you... just like, man, like maybe this is enough or this maybe wasn't good?”
  • Eddie (43:48): “Right now we're in the stage in that cycle where there is a lot of energy use... but there's a lot of hope on the horizon.”

• On Raising the Next Generation with AI

  • Brie (32:48): “Do you at all think... we’re going to lose that technique [of finding answers on our own]?”
  • Eddie (33:16): “The risk here is you lose the ability to think... You lose the ability to have those questions that you are able to... get the answers to.”

• Eddie’s Affirmation to Close

  • (56:20): “Think about what a good place the world would be if everyone treated everyone else as if they were God… and try and feel that joy for the other person. Couple that with treating everyone else as if they are God, and you’ll just have a way happier time of it.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [18:53-24:58] — Eddie Pinto unpacks where AI is in our daily lives, explains content algorithms, and debunks the “your phone is listening” myth.
• [25:17-30:07] — Practical AI: how to use ChatGPT/Gemini, avoiding misinformation, and creative tricks for daily life (e.g., personalized skincare advice).
• [32:48-35:22] — Parenting with AI, Socratic method, and AI’s place in learning.
• [38:48-44:06] — AI’s environmental impact: facts, hope, and listener Q&A on water/energy use.
• [47:06-50:24] — Privacy, photo uploads, and AI in entertainment/residuals.
• [50:36-53:24] — The job question: Will AI take over—or enhance—work opportunities?
• [53:24-56:03] — Listener asks: How to delegate to AI, buy back time, and practical advice.
• [56:20-57:59] — Eddie’s affirmations: Treat others as sacred, find joy in others' happiness.

Episode Takeaways

• AI is already woven into daily routines, often unnoticed.
• You can control how much AI shapes your experiences.
• Familiarize yourself with AI privacy settings—opt out if you don’t want your data used for training.
• AI will continue to influence creative work and the job market, but humans retain the power to adapt the rules.
• The tech’s environmental cost is real, but industry efficiency and green investments are improving.
• Use AI meaningfully—to save time, free up mental energy, and learn, but don’t let it replace critical thinking or empathy.
• Approach AI with hope, mindfulness, and responsible curiosity.

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