Prompting Curiosity

Dr. Shanté Cofield aka The Maestro · promptingcuriosity.com

Prompting Curiosity is a podcast for the AI-curious, no coding background required. Join Dr. Shanté Cofield, also known as the Maestro, to explore what these AI tools actually are, how to use them, and what they might mean for how we think, work, create, and move through life. Tune in every Thursday to get your fix. Stay curious.

58 episodes

10d ago latest

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English language

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Episodes 59

Ep. 58: WTF are Claude Skills?
3d ago · 23:43
In this episode I break down the best way to teach Claude how to complete specific tasks in a repeatable way: Claude Skills. I explain how Skills work, walk through how to build your own, and cover the real differences between Skills and Projects. As per always, the best way to understand this stuff is to try it yourself first hand, but hopefully this episode will give you some ideas and a nice jumpstart. Main Topics Covered What Claude Skills areDefinition of Skills (from Anthropic)How Skills load and fire automaticallyProgressive disclosure explainedClaude's skill directory and the GitHub sk
Ep. 57: Mark My Words: Exploring AI Watermarking
10d ago · 21:02
In this episode I get into AI watermarking, starting with Claude's new invisible watermark and Substack's "Scan for AI text" feature with Pangram. I break down the EU AI Act rules driving this, how OpenAI, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Mistral, and xAI are (or aren't) handling it, and my thoughts as to the actual motives behind why companies are rolling out these changes. Main Topics Covered AI models escaping sandbox testingSubstack's "Scan for AI text" feature with PangramAnthropic's new invisible Claude watermarkThe EU AI Act and Article 50How OpenAI, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Mistral, and xAI st
Ep. 56: 1 Year of Prompting Curiosity: My Current Thoughts About AI
17d ago · 28:29
In this episode we’re celebrating one year of Prompting Curiosity and I’m sharing my unfiltered thoughts about where I stand on AI. I get into why the discourse on Threads is such a mess, why AI is an easy target given the enshittification of everything, and why capitalism (not AI capability) is the real driver behind the issues at hand. No predictions, no hype, just my two pennies on data centers, adoption, and why I'm not willing to give up something that genuinely helps my brain and my business. Main Topics Covered Celebrating one year of Prompting CuriosityRiffing on unfiltered thoughts ab
Ep. 55: Weight, What? An Introduction to Open Source AI Models
24d ago · 32:38
In this episode I dig into open weight and open source AI models: what they actually are, why they keep showing up in AI news, and why I think they’re central to future-proofing our AI usage. I cover a bit of the technical aspect, the economic factors at play, and make the case that open weight models are a true hedge against getting stuck forever paying whatever a handful of AI companies decide to charge while simultaneously worrying that access could just be stripped away at any moment. Main Topics Covered What open weight and open source models actually areWhy open models matter: market pri
Ep. 54: An Introduction to Perplexity, the Answer Engine
1mo ago · 20:26
In this episode I get curious about Perplexity, a name I'd heard used a ton in the AI space but never actually knew what the heck it was. I break down what it is, how its citation-first approach set it apart from ChatGPT early on, and what it can actually do today: Deep Research, Labs, and its push into the agent space with Computer, Brain, and Comet. I also cover the legal issues that are serving as a sneak peek into the future of agent wars, and give my honest take on whether Perplexity is worth using. Main Topics Covered Why this episode What Perplexity actually is Pro and Max pricing tiers
Ep. 53: Using Deep Research and Getting the Robots to Do Your Homework
1mo ago · 17:30
After years of not knowing what to do with it, I finally decided to give deep research mode a try. In this episode I break down what deep research actually is, how it works under the hood, and how ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok stack up against each other. I also walk through real use cases, prompting tips for getting a better report, and a safety reminder about hallucinations and bad citations. Main Topics Covered What deep research actually isRelease datesHow deep research worksPrompting tipsExample use cases for deep researchThe tool landscape: ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, GrokHow to use Res
Ep. 52: AI Agents Explained (For Non-Coders)
1mo ago · 28:34
In this episode I break down what AI agents actually are and how they differ from regular chat tools. Before diving in, I run through the recent flood of new model releases from Anthropic, OpenAI, and xAI, including the full story on the Fable 5 suspension and reinstatement. The episode ends with a practical mini cheatsheet on when an agent is actually the right tool for your workflow. Main Topics Covered The eleventy billion releases: Anthropic, OpenAI, and xAIFable 5: the jailbreak, the suspension, and the fixGPT-5.6, Grok 4.5, and what this means for everyday usersSo WTF is an agent?"Buildi
Ep. 51: WTF is MCP?
1mo ago · 24:28
In this episode I break down MCP (Model Context Protocol): what it is, why Anthropic created it, and why it matters for anyone using AI tools. I cover MCP servers, the two-party connection, the API relationship, and the three main concerns to keep in mind when using MCPs. Fair warning: this one is mildly techy, far less than past episodes, but I do believe MCP is a term we're going to start hearing a lot more, so we’re getting curious and talking about it now. Main Topics Covered Model Context Protocol broken down simplyWhy MCP was developedWhy MCP became the industry standardOpenAI adopts MCP
Ep. 50: The AI Price Hike Is Coming
1mo ago · 15:28
This entire episode is dedicated to discussing a prediction I've brought up eleventy billion times: AI prices are gonna go up, and it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. I break down Microsoft Copilot Cowork's usage-based pricing rollout, what it signals for the rest of the industry, the concept of tokenmaxxing, and how Anthropic's existing usage limits and Fable 5's pay-per-usage model are early signs of what's ahead. Main Topics Covered Episode 50 celebrationMicrosoft Copilot Cowork's usage-based pricing announcementUsage-based billing vs. flat-fee subscription modelsPrediction: oth
Ep. 49: Stop Asking AI to Write for You
2mo ago · 13:06
In this episode I make a direct ask: stop asking AI to write for you. I cover what makes AI writing bad, why it's a bad business move for client-facing copy, and how to use AI as a thought partner instead of a ghostwriter. Main Topics Covered The ask: stop using AI to write for youThe dopamine appeal of AI writingWhat to use AI for (ideas, outlines, organizing thoughts)What makes AI writing badFeelings and EQUsing AI as a thought partner, not a ghostwriterWriting as a skillThoughts on AI acceptanceHow I Used AI This Week: A big-time shed door repair Links & Resources for This Episode Read this
Ep. 48: When the Most Powerful Model Comes With a Bouncer
2mo ago · 15:16
In this episode I cover Anthropic's latest model release, Fable 5, the publicly available version of their most powerful tech to date. I get into what it is, why it probably isn't for most people, how the safety features actually work in practice, and the backstory on why the rollout was so carefully controlled in the first place. Worth noting: Fable 5 was taken offline by the US government shortly after this post was written. The information provide still stands however, and honestly, the shutdown just adds another layer to the story. Main Topics Covered Fable 5 overview and full disclosure W
Ep. 47: How Are People Using AI in 2026? Here’s What the Data Says
2mo ago · 26:26
In this episode, I dig into five data sources to break down how people are actually using AI in 2026. The numbers cover everything from adoption rates and top use cases to the personal versus work, along with growing concerns about AI-enabled cognitive laziness. Perhaps most interesting, the data tells a very different story than the productivity narrative dominating the headlines, and speaks to the ultimate reason that I personally believe AI is here to stay. Main Topics Covered The five data sources driving this episodeWho's using AI and the age divideThe three behavior types: Asking, Doing,
Ep. 46: Web Development Basics for Aspiring Vibe Coders
2mo ago · 22:12
Let’s explore some development basics for aspiring vibe coders, shall we?! In this episode I break down what a web app actually is, explain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in plain language, and get into two things that tend to get gatekept online: deploying your app so you can use it from anywhere, and setting up a database. It’s not the sexiest stuff to learn, but it’s super helpful to learn some of these basics instead of just asking Claude to make stuff and hoping for the best. Main Topics Covered Curmudgeonly coders and vibe coding context Karpathy's definition of vibe coding What you inevitabl
Ep. 45: Stop Typing, Start Talking: Wispr Flow Explained
3mo ago · 18:46
In this episode, I break down Wispr Flow, one of my favorite AI-powered tools: an AI dictation software that lets you press a button, speak naturally, and get clean, polished text inserted directly wherever your cursor is. I cover how it works, what makes it better than native dictation, my honest experience with the speed claims, and just using it in general. Watch out Siri, there’s a new sheriff in town. Main Topics Covered What Wispr Flow isHow it worksThe founding storyWhere the AI comes inWhat makes it better than native dictationAdditional featuresMy honest experienceHow I used AI this w
Ep. 44: How to Become an AI Whisperer
3mo ago · 19:23
Fam, prompting is super important…but it’s not that serious. In this episode I dive into the two things that matter most when looking to become an “AI whisperer”: your ability to articulate what you want, and your willingness to iterate with the model. The better you can communicate with the model, the better your results are going to be. None of this is revolutionary, and honestly, that's kind of the whole point. Main Topics Covered Prompting isn’t that seriousAI marketing is 100% backwardsAI isn't for everyone, including information workersThe two things that make you an AI whispererCommunic
Ep. 43: AI Isn’t Coming for Your Job
3mo ago · 25:12
In this episode I make the case that AI isn't actually coming for most people's jobs, backing it up with real examples like Klarna's AI customer service reversal and Amazon's quietly-human Just Walk Out technology. The central argument is that when human interaction is baked into the product itself, that part of the job simply can't be outsourced to AI. My hope is that this episode serves as a springboard for a bigger discussion about destroying community in the name of efficiency, and the myth of rugged individualism. Main Topics Covered Fearmongering and dramatizations around AI and jobsCEOs
Ep. 42: Google Apps Script: Build Your Own Automations for Free
3mo ago · 17:55
In this episode, I break down one of my favorite tools, Google Apps Script, Google's free, low-code automation platform that has been built into Google Workspace since 2009. I cover what it is, a simplified version of how it works, and a non-exhaustive list of things you can actually build with it, including how to use AI to write all the code for you. The episode was inspired by a genuinely cool real-world use case from my friend and client, Dr. Ali Marty, who uses Google Apps Script as part of her coaching workflow. The best part? It’s all FREE! Tune into the full episode for all the deets.
Ep. 41: Who Is All This AI Actually For?
4mo ago · 32:16
In this episode I do a brief rundown of the biggest AI releases and updates from the past few weeks, fully through the lens of who is all this AI actually for, and whether you actually need to care. I cover usage stats, new releases from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and Meta, and share my take on what all of this activity means for everyday users. Spoiler: most of these updates are for builders, coders, and developers, and folks like us would be better served focusing on learning how to most effectively use what already exists. Main Topics Covered Who all this AI is actually for (the framing)AI
Ep. 40: Claude Has a Desktop App, Here’s What You Need to Know
4mo ago · 16:29
In this episode I cover a very simple, but very helpful (IMO) bit of tech: Claude's desktop app. I cover what it is (Claude but as a native app on your computer instead of a browser tab), who it's actually for, system requirements, and how to download it, along with a quick walk-through of the desktop interface, and why it’s become my daily driver. Main Topics Covered Celebrating 40 episodesMythos update (Anthropic's newest model)What Claude Desktop isWhy you'd want Claude DesktopWho can download it and system requirementsHow to downloadThe interface: Chat, Cowork, and Code tabsSimple personal
Ep. 39: Claude in Chrome: Your Browser Just Got a Helpful Roommate
4mo ago · 18:42
In this episode I cover Claude in Chrome, a Chrome browser extension that lets Claude see your browser and take actions on your behalf. I walk through what Claude in Chrome is, how it works, how to get it installed, and what it can and can't do, plus the real use case that finally made me understand its utility. Also in this episode: a quick update on Anthropic's new Mythos model and a case of “just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” Main Topics Covered What Claude in Chrome is and how it worksHistory and availability (who can use it and when it launched)The backstory: how I found out a
Ep. 38: Using Claude to Build Custom Tech Solutions
4mo ago · 30:40
In this episode I walk through how I used Claude Code to check off the second item on my AI wishlist: a custom dashboard for my 1:1 messaging coaching clients. I cover the planning process, the tech stack I used, and what connecting external tools like Acuity and Google Drive actually entailed. I cover what I believe to be the biggest limitations of vibe coding with AI, namely usage limits and not knowing what you don't know, and round out the episode by making the case that personal custom tech solutions are already the next big thing, just siloed to the early adopters for now. Main Topics Co
Ep. 37: Automating My Podcast Workflow with Claude Code
5mo ago · 20:59
The podcast workflow automation is officially done! In this episode I walk through what the new process looks like end-to-end, how Claude Code was used to build a custom Node.js command line tool, and what APIs actually are and why they matter for making it all connect. This is a practical (and yes, somewhat techy) look at agentic AI doing exactly what it's supposed to do: handling the repetitive stuff so the creative work stays yours. Main Topics Covered Recap of my podcast workflow What got automated (and what didn't) The full pre-automation podcast process What Claude Code built: a Node.js
Ep. 36: My AI Wishlist
5mo ago · 25:56
In this episode I share my AI wishlist, two specific things I plan to build (one day) using Claude Code: an automated podcast production workflow and a custom client dashboard for my 1:1 messaging coaching services. I make the case that the era of exponential AI capability growth has leveled off, and the real gains now come from how you use it and what you build with it. Overall, this episode is a grounded, practical look at agentic AI and what it actually looks like to start putting it to work. Main Topics Covered New site + cover art celebration Growth spurts and the horizontal curve of AI p
Ep. 35: Put Your Money Where Your Prompt Is
5mo ago · 14:59
The Prompting Curiosity rebrand is officially here and this episode breaks down exactly why the switch happened. I cover the three big reasons for the name change, take a detailed look at OpenAI's behavior that made staying with them feel untenable, and share a clear-eyed take on Anthropic as the alternative. Main Topics Covered The rebrand: ChatGPT Curious to Prompting Curiosity Three reasons for the name change Why ChatGPT was originally in the name OpenAI's bad behavior: specific receipts Anthropic's imperfections and brownie points "Do the least harm" as a decision framework What stays the
Ep. 34: 8 AI Writing Patterns that Are Dead Giveaways
5mo ago · 18:37
For the love, please stop using AI to write your copy. We can all tell. In this episode I call out the 8 most obvious AI writing patterns, and provide specific names for those specific styles that are just so characteristically robotic. From em dashes and antithesis structures to hollow opens and metronomic cadence, I break down why these patterns appear, why AI defaults to them, and why the best solution is usually just writing it yourself. Main Topics Covered Why I'm naming these patterns Antithesis structure ("It's not X, it's Y") Em dashes Parallel structure overload Metronomic cadence The

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Prompting Curiosity

Episodes 59

Ep. 58: WTF are Claude Skills?

Ep. 57: Mark My Words: Exploring AI Watermarking

Ep. 56: 1 Year of Prompting Curiosity: My Current Thoughts About AI

Ep. 55: Weight, What? An Introduction to Open Source AI Models

Ep. 54: An Introduction to Perplexity, the Answer Engine

Ep. 53: Using Deep Research and Getting the Robots to Do Your Homework

Ep. 52: AI Agents Explained (For Non-Coders)

Ep. 51: WTF is MCP?

Ep. 50: The AI Price Hike Is Coming

Ep. 49: Stop Asking AI to Write for You

Ep. 48: When the Most Powerful Model Comes With a Bouncer

Ep. 47: How Are People Using AI in 2026? Here’s What the Data Says

Ep. 46: Web Development Basics for Aspiring Vibe Coders

Ep. 45: Stop Typing, Start Talking: Wispr Flow Explained

Ep. 44: How to Become an AI Whisperer

Ep. 43: AI Isn’t Coming for Your Job

Ep. 42: Google Apps Script: Build Your Own Automations for Free

Ep. 41: Who Is All This AI Actually For?

Ep. 40: Claude Has a Desktop App, Here’s What You Need to Know

Ep. 39: Claude in Chrome: Your Browser Just Got a Helpful Roommate

Ep. 38: Using Claude to Build Custom Tech Solutions

Ep. 37: Automating My Podcast Workflow with Claude Code

Ep. 36: My AI Wishlist

Ep. 35: Put Your Money Where Your Prompt Is

Ep. 34: 8 AI Writing Patterns that Are Dead Giveaways

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Episodes 59

Ep. 58: WTF are Claude Skills?

Ep. 57: Mark My Words: Exploring AI Watermarking

Ep. 56: 1 Year of Prompting Curiosity: My Current Thoughts About AI

Ep. 55: Weight, What? An Introduction to Open Source AI Models

Ep. 54: An Introduction to Perplexity, the Answer Engine

Ep. 53: Using Deep Research and Getting the Robots to Do Your Homework

Ep. 52: AI Agents Explained (For Non-Coders)

Ep. 51: WTF is MCP?

Ep. 50: The AI Price Hike Is Coming

Ep. 49: Stop Asking AI to Write for You

Ep. 48: When the Most Powerful Model Comes With a Bouncer

Ep. 47: How Are People Using AI in 2026? Here’s What the Data Says

Ep. 46: Web Development Basics for Aspiring Vibe Coders

Ep. 45: Stop Typing, Start Talking: Wispr Flow Explained

Ep. 44: How to Become an AI Whisperer

Ep. 43: AI Isn’t Coming for Your Job

Ep. 42: Google Apps Script: Build Your Own Automations for Free

Ep. 41: Who Is All This AI Actually For?

Ep. 40: Claude Has a Desktop App, Here’s What You Need to Know

Ep. 39: Claude in Chrome: Your Browser Just Got a Helpful Roommate

Ep. 38: Using Claude to Build Custom Tech Solutions

Ep. 37: Automating My Podcast Workflow with Claude Code

Ep. 36: My AI Wishlist

Ep. 35: Put Your Money Where Your Prompt Is

Ep. 34: 8 AI Writing Patterns that Are Dead Giveaways