Voices of Search Podcast Episode: How will consumer discovery evolve over the next 12 months? Date: December 16, 2025 Host: Tyson Stockton
Guest: Brian Stempak, Co-founder & CEO at Evertune

Overview

This episode explores the future of consumer discovery as Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly drives search behavior. Tyson Stockton and guest Brian Stempak discuss the forthcoming evolution in how users find products and information, focusing on trust in AI agents and generational shifts in search habits. They address the impact of these changes on different product categories and offer a snapshot of how marketers can adapt.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Crystal Ball Question: How Will Consumer Discovery Change?

[00:43 – 01:10]

• Tyson kicks off with a forward-looking question about the next year of consumer discovery, asking how AI agents will influence search.

2. Shifting Trust to AI Agents

[01:10 – 01:53]

• Brian Stempak: Predicts a pivotal change as consumers begin to trust AI agents for everyday decisions.
  • Draws a parallel between initial online credit card use and the emerging comfort with AI-powered choices.
  • “I’m old enough to remember the first time I used a credit card on the Internet...For a little while there, we were all a little freaked out...But it worked out and you built trust to enable E-commerce.” (01:13)
  • Sees the same evolution as consumers accept AI as a decision-maker, particularly for tasks like grocery selection via Instacart.
  • Argues that agent-led product decisions will become a significant phenomenon as trust grows.

3. Generational Adoption and Consumer Group Nuances

[03:21 – 03:48]

• Tyson Stockton: Notes that adoption rates will differ across consumer groups, especially with younger generations embracing AI agents faster.
  • Suggests that commodity goods—where brand sensitivity is low—are the natural starting point for AI-driven choices.

4. Evidence from Today’s Students: The Death of Traditional Search

[03:48 – 04:25]

• Brian Stempak: Shares an anecdote from a University of Virginia guest lecture with juniors (approx. age 20–21):
  • “Not a single person was using Google. They were all using ChatGPT, they’re using Claude, they’re using Grok, they’re using Copilot. But I mean it’s here, it’s happening. People in their 20s are using their AI-first searchers.” (03:55)
  • These “AI-first searchers” signal a generational shift: younger users automate low-consideration and low-differentiation purchases rapidly.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Building Trust in AI:
  “I think we’re going to see that same evolution of people saying, I trust this agent or this existing app that I use. I trust Instacart to go pick these groceries for me and pick this brand for me. And I think that’s going to be a really interesting phenomenon when you have agent-led product decisions happening. It’s going to be super interesting.” — Brian Stempak (01:22)

• On The Youth Moving Past Google:
  “I asked them what their primary search engine was...not a single person was using Google. They were all using ChatGPT, they’re using Claude, they’re using Grok, they’re using Copilot. But I mean it’s here, it’s happening.” — Brian Stempak (03:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:43: Start of “crystal ball” segment about consumer discovery in the next 12 months
• 01:10: Brian elaborates on trust in AI agents and historic parallels
• 03:21: Tyson discusses generational differences in AI adoption
• 03:48: Brian describes college students abandoning Google for AI-first tools

Tone & Style

The conversation is forward-thinking, pragmatic, and grounded in anecdotal evidence with an optimistic yet realistic tone about near-term industry changes. Both speakers focus on actionable trends and real-world observations, making the discussion engaging and relevant for marketers and SEO professionals.

Summary Takeaway:
AI agents are rapidly changing how consumers discover and select products, with significant adoption among younger generations. Building trust in these agents will be key, and the shift is already underway—especially for routine or commodity purchases. SEO and marketing professionals must prepare for a future where AI-first search behavior eclipses traditional search engines, starting with today's youngest consumers.