Podcast Summary: Voices of Search

Episode: Optimizing for AI Agents over Traditional Methods?

Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Tyson Stockton
Guest: Killian Dunn (Telepathic)

Overview

This episode explores the growing relevance of AI agents in the context of search engine optimization (SEO) and digital content strategy. Tyson Stockton and guest Killian Dunn from Telepathic discuss whether optimizing for AI-driven agents is a passing trend or the imminent future of SEO, comparing its significance to traditional optimization methods. They provide actionable insights into how SEOs should adapt their strategies as web browsing habits shift toward automation and agent-based search.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Shift Toward AI Agents in Web Search

[00:25-01:15]

• Killian Dunn predicts that the use of AI agents to navigate the web will surpass human-driven browsing in the next few years.
  • Quote:
    • “The number of users navigating the web will shift from being mostly people to mostly agents in about two years, I think.” – Killian Dunn [00:32]
• Both Tyson and Killian agree that AI agents are set to become the default user experience in the near future.
  • Quote:
    • “Yeah, I think AI agents is going to be the default very soon.” – Killian Dunn [00:30]

Google’s Continued Importance

[01:16-01:35]

• Google is expected to remain dominant, possibly even benefiting from the rise of AI agents as they integrate these technologies.
  • Quote:
    • “Google will definitely, maybe even be the winners of it.” – Killian Dunn [01:20]

When Should Businesses Optimize for AI Search?

[01:36-02:50]

• Tyson asks if 2026 is too soon to plan strategies around AI agent optimization.
• Killian emphasizes the necessity of mastering traditional SEO fundamentals before advancing to AI search.
  • Quote:
    • “I would say don't do AI search before doing SEO. I think SEO is still more fundamental and still covers more of the basics.” – Killian Dunn [01:45]
• AI search optimization is described as an advanced step, suitable only for mature organizations or niche, high-tech startups.

The Foundational Role of SEO

[02:51-03:20]

• Both agree that technical SEO (indexation, health, crawlability) forms a non-negotiable baseline.
  • Quote:
    • “If you don't have that fundamental, it's like you're not even in the game to begin with.” – Killian Dunn [03:05]
• AI search enhancements are likened to advancing from “level two to level three” in optimization; without a strong foundation, these efforts are premature.
  • Quote:
    • “Yeah, AI search can take you from level two to level three, but if you're not at level one, then don't worry about it.” – Tyson Stockton [03:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I think AI agents are going to be the default very soon.”
  – Killian Dunn [00:30]
• "The number of users navigating the web will shift from being mostly people to mostly agents in about two years.”
  – Killian Dunn [00:32]
• “Don't do AI search before doing SEO. SEO is still more fundamental.”
  – Killian Dunn [01:45]
• "AI search can take you from level two to level three, but if you're not at level one, then don't worry about it."
  – Tyson Stockton [03:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:25 – Are AI agents a trend or trash?
• 00:32 – Prediction: Majority web use by AI agents in two years
• 01:20 – Google’s ongoing relevance in the AI era
• 01:45 – Why SEO must come before AI search strategies
• 03:05 – The primacy of SEO fundamentals
• 03:13 – AI search as an advancement, not a starting point

Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a clear consensus: while AI agents are rapidly shaping the future of search, solid SEO fundamentals remain the bedrock for any successful content strategy. Businesses should prioritize building a robust SEO foundation before venturing into advanced AI agent optimization, reserving such tactics for later stages of maturity or highly specialized contexts.

Guest Info:

• Killian Dunn (Telepathic) – LinkedIn | telepathic.com

Host: Tyson Stockton