In this episode of the Sure Oak podcast, Nick is joined by Michael Sengbusch and Suprit Patel, experts in product management and marketing, to dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of UI/UX in AI. They discuss the following key topics:
Key Topics Covered:
The impact of Perplexity's new AI browser, Comet, and its potential to challenge industry giants like Google.
How AI is evolving to be more than just a tool, becoming a companion to assist in personal and professional tasks.
The rise of companion AIs and how they could replace traditional browsers and redefine how we interact with technology.
Exploring the line between assistants and companions, and how AI could become a personalized part of your daily routine.
Discussing the potential of AI hardware and even brain implants, and how these innovations could change the future of tech.
Perplexity Comet Introduction: https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-comet
Google Gemini Live in Chrome: https://chromeunboxed.com/google-is-officially-bringing-gemini-live-to-the-chrome-browser/
OpenAI Browser News: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/openai-release-web-browser-challenge-google-chrome-2025-07-09/
Additional Resources:
Raunchy Grok companionshttps://share.google/Ub6iosrdJ6criVluS
Meta’s Wristband for Controlling Computers With Hand Gestureshttps://share.google/fitxpO1BnYycaeLXD
Meta acquires voice startup Play AI https://share.google/OwWtgLqGZrAf4EgEL
Jack Dorsey’s new apphttps://share.google/rKfjluqzu5y7FMCVs
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Meeting the Guests
02:00 – The Browser Wars: Perplexity's AI Browser, Comet
05:20 – The Future of Automation: AI for Daily Tasks
08:00 – AI’s Role in Business Productivity and the Workspace Revolution
10:00 – The Transition from Browser to Workspace: What Does It Mean for Search?
15:00 – Companion AIs: A Deep Dive into the Future of AI in Personal and Professional Settings
20:00 – Will AI Replace Traditional Browsers? Analyzing Perplexity’s Strategy
25:00 – How Loyal Are Users to Their Ecosystems? Understanding Switching Costs
30:00 – Exploring AI in Communication and Virtual Assistants
35:00 – AI-Powered Companions in Marketing and Brand Interactions
40:00 – The Future of Human-AI Interaction: Voice, Gestures, and More
45:00 – Brain-Computer Integration: Is It the Future of AI?
50:00 – AI’s Impact on the Job Market and Workforce Automation
55:00 – Closing Thoughts: The Future of Tech, AI, and Humanity
SummaryNick Fraunfelder interviews Jeff Tucker, Senior Director of SEO at SoFi, where he shares his unique journey from studying psychology to leading SEO and earned media at SoFi. He discusses the challenges of managing multiple product lines, the evolving landscape of organic search, and the impact of AI on SEO strategies. Tucker emphasizes the importance of authority and trust in the financial services sector and offers insights into future trends in search engines and content generation.
To find Jeff Tucker : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdavidtucker/
Key Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 From Psychology to SEO: A Unique Journey
03:03 Navigating Multiple Product Lines and Stakeholders
08:51 The State of Organic Search in a Changing Landscape
16:03 The Role of AI in SEO and Content Generation
21:49 The Importance of Authority and Trust in SEO
27:00 Future Predictions for SEO and Search Engines
In this conversation, Nick and interviews Nicole MacLean of Composely to discuss the evolving landscape of content marketing, particularly in relation to AI and SEO. They explore the importance of creating valuable content that cuts through the noise in a saturated market, the role of human touch in AI-generated content, and the metrics that matter in measuring success. They also highlight common mistakes in content strategy and provide tactical takeaways for effective content creation.
Takeaways
To Contact Nicole:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
https://www.compose.ly/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:17 The Importance of Content in SEO
06:20 Cutting Through the Noise in Content Creation
09:18 Navigating AI and Search Engine Changes
12:14 The Role of Authority and Expertise in Content
15:14 Metrics and Measuring Success in Content Marketing
18:13 Future Trends in SEO and Content Strategy
22:44 Embracing AI in Content Creation
27:23 Common Mistakes in Content Strategy
31:17 The Importance of Brand Voice
33:14 Leveraging Human Expertise in Content
34:47 Optimizing Content for AI and SEO
38:02 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Summary
Host Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak sits with Seth Turnoff, founder of Custom Medical Marketing, to discuss the challenges and strategies in healthcare marketing. He emphasizes the importance of identifying high-value patients, the rise of consumerism in healthcare, and the need for a seamless patient experience. Seth shares insights on leveraging data for targeted marketing, the role of social media, and the impact of AI on marketing efforts. He highlights the significance of building trust with patients and the human element in healthcare marketing.
To Contact Seth:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethturnoff/
https://custommedicalmarketing.com/
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Seth Turnoff and Custom Medical Marketing
05:40 The Importance of High-Value Patients
11:38 Challenges in Healthcare Marketing
18:37 Building Trust Through Relevant Messaging
24:45 The Importance of Patient Experience
33:38 The Role of Personal Connection in Healthcare Marketing
42:06 Navigating Patient Acquisition and Retention
Summary:
In this conversation, Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak sits with Cody Prentice, founder of Elevate DDS, shares his journey from Chicago to Whitefish, Montana, and the inception of his dental marketing agency. He discusses the challenges dentists face in marketing, the importance of effective website design, and the metrics that matter most in measuring success. Cody emphasizes the significance of building relationships with clients and the evolving landscape of SEO, particularly with the rise of AI. He provides practical tips for dentists looking to enhance their local presence and offers insights into budget allocation for marketing efforts. Throughout the discussion, Cody reflects on the joys and challenges of running an agency, highlighting the personal connections formed with clients and the responsibility that comes with delivering results.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Cody Prentice: From Chicago to Whitefish
01:39 The Birth of Elevate DDS
04:46 Understanding Dental Marketing Challenges
06:12 Common Mistakes in Dental Websites
09:11 Measuring Success: Reporting and Analytics
12:34 The Role of AI in Dental Marketing
17:46 Navigating Local SEO Strategies
21:51 Automating Patient Engagement
25:07 Balancing PPC and SEO Strategies
29:16 Understanding Marketing Budgets for Dentists
31:56 The Long Game of SEO
34:07 The Joys and Challenges of Agency Ownership
Reach out to Code and Elevate DDS:
https://www.elevatedds.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycumminsprentice/
Summary
Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak leads a panel consisting of Tom Casano of Tamarind Agency, Weaver Ellard of Dodeka Digital, and Michael Sengbusch of Strata Decision Technology. In this conversation, the panel discusses the intersection of AI and marketing, exploring various themes such as the ethical implications of AI, the concept of AI blackmail, the future of advertising, and the challenges posed by walled gardens in digital marketing. They also delve into the role of influencers in the marketing landscape and the sustainability concerns surrounding AI's power consumption. The discussion highlights the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their impact on marketing strategies.https://sureoak.com/
https://www.stratadecision.com/
https://www.dodekadigital.com/
https://www.tamarind.agency/
Stories Covered:
Claude AI Model Tries to Blackmail https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/22/anthropics-new-ai-model-turns-to-blackmail-when-engineers-try-to-take-it-offline/
Even a16z VCs say no one really knows what an AI agent is
https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/12/even-a16z-vcs-say-no-one-really-knows-what-an-ai-agent-is/
Google Links To Itself: 43% Of AI Overviews Point Back To Google
Klarna goes back to Humans
Unprecedented Investment in AI
https://epoch.ai/trends?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Lex Friedman Demos Beam and XR Glasses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmrgN-yuPnQ
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI and Marketing Discussions
02:29 The Blackmail Incident in AI Models
07:30 Ethical Implications of AI in Marketing
10:15 AI in Advertising and Product Placement
17:54 Understanding AI Agents and Their Capabilities
24:26 The Role of AI in Customer Service
29:16 Walled Gardens in Marketing Data
32:48 The Future of AI and Consumer Trust
35:41 Navigating the New SEO Landscape
39:49 The Rise of Influencer Marketing
44:06 Power Consumption and AI's Future
50:25 Innovations in Augmented Reality
57:12 The Future of Voice Technology
Nick Fraunfelder CEO of Sure Oak interviews James Charles of E-Impact Marketing. He shares insights into the evolution of his agency, the importance of niching down in marketing, and how AI is reshaping the industry. He discusses his journey from photography to digital marketing, emphasizing the need for understanding client needs, especially in the construction sector. James also defines marketing as a bridge between problems and solutions, highlights the significance of expectation management, and offers advice for small business owners looking to navigate digital marketing effectively.
To Contact James:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-charles-709461162/
https://eimpact.marketing/
Takeaways:
- E-Impact Marketing started in a shed and has grown significantly.
- James transitioned from photography to marketing, leveraging his diverse background.
- Understanding client needs is crucial, especially in niche industries like construction.
- Niching down allows for more effective marketing strategies and client engagement.
- Marketing should focus on bridging the gap between problems and solutions.
- Expectation management is vital for agency-client relationships.
- AI is transforming the marketing landscape, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
- Small businesses should start with low-funnel strategies to maximize ROI.
- Filling knowledge gaps is essential for effective marketing and client education.
- The demand for affordable housing presents new opportunities in the construction industry.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to E-Impact Marketing
02:56 James Charles' Journey from Photography to Marketing
05:00 Understanding Client Focus and Industry Niches
10:07 Defining Marketing: Bridging Problems and Solutions
18:26 The Role of AI in Marketing and Agency Operations
29:00 Advice for Small Business Owners on Digital Marketing
In this conversation, Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak and Alex Thomas Founder of Stealtnet.ai discuss the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, focusing on the emergence of AI agents and their implications for penetration testing and data security. Alex shares insights on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, particularly in SaaS environments, and emphasizes the importance of compliance frameworks and practical cybersecurity measures. He also reflects on his journey as a founder, offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech space.
To Contact Alex Thomas:
stealthnet.ai
x.com/ghostlulz1337
linkedin.com/in/alex-thomas-262a472a6/
Takeaways
- AI is rapidly changing the cybersecurity landscape.
- AI agents are becoming a new attack surface.
- Prompt injection attacks pose significant risks.
- Compliance frameworks may not guarantee security.
- Persistence and grit are essential for founders.
- Understanding vulnerabilities in SaaS is crucial.
- Data privacy concerns are heightened with AI integration.
- The future may involve personal AI on devices.
- Sales and marketing are critical for startup success.
- OWASP top 10 vulnerabilities should be prioritized.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI and Cybersecurity
04:06 Building AI Agents for Penetration Testing
06:46 Understanding Cybersecurity Risks in SaaS Companies
09:34 The New Attack Surface: AI Agents
12:23 The Rapid Evolution of AI and Security Concerns
15:21 Data Privacy and Security in AI Training
18:10 The Future of Personal AI and Data Protection
20:58 Practical Advice for Securing Data in AI Usage
22:55 The Cat and Mouse Game of AI Security
24:49 Navigating Compliance Frameworks in Cybersecurity
28:37 The Journey of a Serial Founder
32:16 Finding Product-Market Fit
33:51 Cost-Effective Penetration Testing Solutions
Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak interviews Dr. Stephen Murphy, COO of Focal Point Education, discussing the intersection of education technology, leadership, and the impact of AI on the education sector. They explore the challenges of managing student data, navigating government contracts, and the importance of authentic leadership in fostering effective teams. The discussion also highlights the evolving role of AI in education and the necessity of maintaining human relationships in a technology-driven world.
Takeaways
- Focal Point Education focuses on automating data management in education.
- Building strong relationships is crucial for securing government contracts.
- RFP processes are extensive and require detailed compliance.
- AI is transforming how proposals are written and evaluated.
- Authentic leadership fosters trust and accountability in teams.
- The use of AI in education can help close achievement gaps.
- Maintaining human relationships is essential in a tech-driven environment.
- Effective leadership involves being introspective and vulnerable.
- AI can enhance the learning experience for students.
- Technology should not hinder the student experience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to EdTech and Leadership
03:34 Career Journey and Insights in EdTech
06:21 FocalPoint's Role in Education Technology
09:28 Data Management and Student Privacy
12:22 Navigating Government Contracts and RFPs
15:20 The RFP Process and Proposal Writing
18:22 The Impact of AI on RFPs and EdTech Solutions
21:01 AI in Government RFPs and Education
23:44 Diverse Engagement with AI in Schools
25:53 Addressing Achievement Gaps with AI
29:24 Leveraging AI for Educational Technology
30:38 Authentic Leadership and Management
37:45 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Leadership
In this episode, the hosts, Nick Fraunfelder and Roberto Murphy discuss the evolving landscape of AI with Weaver Ellard of Dodeka Digital and Suprit Patel, focusing on Gemini's AI mode, Google's declining market share, and the implications for advertising and user preferences. They explore the importance of AI personality, the ethical concerns surrounding data usage, and the potential for niche AI tools to thrive in a competitive market. The conversation also touches on the future of AI agents and the challenges posed by security risks, concluding with thoughts on the necessity for companies to adapt to these changes.
Stories Covered in the Cast:
Google AI Mode is Mainstream
Apple reevaluates its deal with Google????
Google is losing to ChatGPT
The race for the everything app
Zuck declares war on advertisers?
https://www.theverge.com/meta/659506/mark-zuckerberg-ai-facebook-ads
Google to share Real Time Bids
What personality do you like for your model?
https://www.interconnects.ai/p/switched-to-claude-from-chatgpt?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
GPT 4 is such a brown noser
https://openai.com/index/expanding-on-sycophancy/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/29/openai-explains-why-chatgpt-became-too-sycophantic/
Please Visit us at sureoak.com for any SEO needs
Visit Weaver Ellard and hist team at dodekadigital.com
Nick Fraunfelder sits with Mark Scrivner, founder of Snapshot Interactive, who shares his journey of building a successful digital marketing agency in Nashville. He discusses the evolution of his agency, the importance of mentorship, and how AI is transforming the marketing landscape. Mark emphasizes the need for agencies to adapt to market demands and the significance of building strong client relationships through retainer models. He also highlights the role of AI in enhancing agency operations and the expectations clients have for agencies to leverage new technologies.
Visit us at:
sureoak.com
Check out our other Content:
https://youtu.be/Xn6uf0R9Crg
https://youtu.be/Qoz7EwJ0oG0
Takeaways
- Mark Scrivner founded Snapshot Interactive in 2010, focusing on video marketing.
- Listening to the market is crucial for agency success and pivoting when necessary.
- Snapshot grew by offering video, website, and animated video services.
- AI is revolutionizing the marketing industry, making processes more efficient.
- Agencies must adapt to client expectations regarding AI and technology.
- Building a strong team is essential for agency growth and success.
- Mentorship plays a vital role in guiding young agency owners.
- The future of marketing will heavily involve AI and automation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mark Scrivner and Snapshot Interactive
02:35 The Birth of Snapshot Interactive
07:47 Evolving Business Models and Client Relationships
11:53 The Importance of Referrals and Mentorship
14:51 Core Values and Team Dynamics
17:57 The Evolution of Video and AI in Marketing
25:38 AI in Content Creation
28:49 The Role of AI in Search and Marketing
31:49 Client Expectations and AI Integration
35:34 Agency Evolution and Retainer Models
39:59 Creative Assembly and Mentorship in the Industry
Nick and Roberto of Sureoak.com sit with Michael Sengbusch and Suprit Patel, local Atlanta, GA angel technology investors who have deep product backgrounds in martech and data. We discussed the latest news stories in A.I. and it's impact on marketing....the good and bad.
Stories we covered:
GPT Search's Popularity in Europehttps://techcrunch.com/2025/04/21/chatgpt-search-is-growing-quickly-in-europe-openai-data-suggests/Meta using AI for Child Protectionhttps://techcrunch.com/2025/04/21/instagram-is-using-ai-to-find-teens-lying-about-their-age-and-restricting-their-accounts/ Latest Reasoning Models are Hallucinating Morehttps://techcrunch.com/2025/04/18/openais-new-reasoning-ai-models-hallucinate-more/ WSJ reports on CMO's giving more control to AIhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/marketers-are-putting-more-content-and-qmuality-control-in-the-hands-of-ai-de844638?mod=hp_minor_pos1&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI and Robotics
02:57 The Rise of AI in Search Engines
06:00 The Role of AI in Content Creation and Attribution
08:59 Hallucinations in AI Models
12:07 Using AI for Fraud Detection
15:12 Ethical Considerations of AI in Social Media
27:42 The Evolution of Digital Footprints
29:18 Global Perspectives on AI and Privacy
30:34 The Role of AI in Free Speech and Ethics
32:55 User Experience and AI Interaction
37:34 The Future of AI in Business and Startups
42:04 AI in Marketing and Content Creation
SummaryIn this podcast, Suprit Patel, a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor in healthcare IT, shares insights on founding startups, achieving product-market fit, and the impact of AI in healthcare. He discusses his recent startup experience, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the challenges of data privacy. Suprit emphasizes the need for consumer empowerment in health management and the role of proactive AI in enhancing patient engagement. He also explores the future of healthcare technology and the investment landscape.Contact Suprit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suprit-patel-a752914/Contact Sure Oak Digital Marketing: www.sureoak.comRelated Content:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qoz7EwJ0oG0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r76fL3Sa1XEKeywords healthcare, AI, startup, investment, product market fit, go-to-market strategy, data privacy, consumer engagement, health management, technology, sureoakTakeaways-Suprit Patel has over 20 years of experience in healthcare IT.-The startup developed a product to improve efficiency in operating rooms.-Understanding customer pain points is crucial for product success.-Founders must be willing to take feedback and pivot their strategies.-AI can enhance patient engagement by being proactive.-Data privacy is a significant concern for consumers.-Consumer empowerment is key in managing health data.-Effective marketing relies on relevant and targeted ads.-The healthcare industry is moving towards a bottom-up approach.-Investments are focused on health management and longevity solutions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Supreet Patel and His Journey03:02 Startup Experience During COVID-1906:00 Go-to-Market Strategy and Product Market Fit08:52 Challenges in Customer Engagement12:01 The Role of AI in Healthcare15:00 Data Utilization and Insights18:11 The Future of AI in Healthcare20:06 The Data Battle: Social Media and Healthcare23:10 Navigating Privacy: Founders and Customer Data26:40 Empowering Patients: The Shift in Healthcare Data30:14 Marketing in Healthcare: The Fine Line of Data Use34:32 Investing in Health: Innovations and Opportunities
In this conversation, the Sure Oak team discusses the latest advancements in AI, particularly focusing on ChatGPT 4o's new image generation capabilities and the implications for businesses and copyright. They explore the evolving landscape of SEO and social media, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and user engagement. The discussion also touches on Elon Musk's AI ventures, the potential of Perplexity in the market, and the future of AI in everyday life, including the challenges of regulatory frameworks and market disruption.takeawaysFor more information on our SEO services visit: sureoak.com
In this conversation, Michael Sengbusch discusses his journey from software development to digital marketing, particularly in the healthcare sector. He shares insights on how AI is transforming marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and the role of search engines. The discussion also touches on the importance of high-quality content in the age of AI and the future of advertising in a rapidly changing digital landscape. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of digital marketing and SEO in the age of AI. They discuss the importance of authority in content creation, the integration of AI in marketing strategies, and the need for businesses to adapt to changing consumer behaviors. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of using AI, the challenges it presents, and the necessity of maintaining human oversight in AI-generated content. Overall, the discussion highlights the transformative impact of AI on marketing and the importance of evolving strategies to stay relevant.
In this conversation, Kevin Sandlin shares his journey from a chance meeting at a gala to building a successful wireless networking business. He discusses his early career in marketing, the challenges he faced, and how he stumbled upon effective content marketing strategies that led to the creation of a certification program in wireless networking. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and understanding the target audience in business growth. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of their business strategies, particularly focusing on the importance of trade shows, content marketing, and understanding customer pain points. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with startups, co-founder dynamics, and the significance of engaging with their community through effective communication, especially via email. The dialogue emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to identify their 'why' and align their values with their target audience to foster meaningful connections and drive business success. In this conversation, Kevin Sandlin discusses the importance of building a strong community through effective communication, the evolution of marketing strategies, and the significance of content creation in today's digital landscape. He emphasizes the role of AI in content development while highlighting the necessity of maintaining a human touch in marketing efforts. Additionally, Kevin shares insights on leadership dynamics and the value of recognizing team contributions, culminating in his transition to new ventures in commercial real estate.
Join us for an inspiring episode of Mindset Matters featuring Casey Cunningham as she shares her insights on family success. Don't miss this empowering conversation!
Curious about SEO in 2025? In this video, we'll cover everything you need to know about the latest trends and strategies in search engine optimization for the future.
Are objections holding you back from achieving SEO success? In this video, we'll explore common objections that prevent businesses and individuals from maximizing their online visibility and provide actionable tips to overcome them. From "SEO is too complex" to "I don't have the budget," we'll tackle the most common excuses and show you how to turn them into opportunities for growth. Learn how to build a strong SEO foundation, drive more traffic to your website, and increase conversions. Stop letting objections hold you back and start achieving the SEO success you deserve.
Meet the expert who's got the secret to converting visitors into customers! In this exclusive interview, we're sitting down with a renowned Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) specialist who's worked with top brands and has a wealth of knowledge to share. From A/B testing and user experience to heat maps and analytics, we're diving into the world of CRO and uncovering the strategies that drive real results. Whether you're a marketing newbie or a seasoned pro, you won't want to miss this opportunity to learn from the best. So sit back, relax, and get ready to take your conversion rates to the next level!
