ScreamingBox Technology & Business Rundown

You’re worried that using AI Speech-To-Text for your business will make your communication feel Robotic and it will be full of errors - “No! I ordered 10 cats, not 10 Bats!” The reality is that AI is quietly transforming many human-facing - AND - communication - orientated parts - of many businesses. Welcome to the ScreamingBox Technology and Business Rundown podcast. In this episode of the ScreamingBox Technology and Business Rundown podcast, Dave Erickson and his human speech orientated co-host Botond Seres - will explore how AI speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies are redefining what it means to interact with a business - With Gene Sigalov - co-founder of Upfirst.AI Gene is a serial entrepreneur, attorney, and technologist. Before Upfirst, he founded SimpleTexting, the business SMS platform that became one of the most widely used messaging tools in the U.S., serving over 17,000 customers. He bootstrapped SimpleTexting from Zero to $20M ARR, before selling it for nine figures. His multidisciplinary background a B.S. in Computer Science and a J.D. in Law gives him a rare ability to blend technical insight with real-world business and legal experience. As co-founder of Upfirst.ai, he has worked to build an AI-powered receptionist platform that is built to replace the traditional virtual front desk staff - with a smarter, more capable and a dramatically more cost-effective solution. TIMELINE SUMMARY: 00:00 Intro. 02:14 Background discussion on early interest in technology. 05:17 Transition from messaging technology to AI receptionist concept. 07:35 Overview of virtual receptionist services and industry challenges. 09:49 Reflection on early speech-to-text tools and their limitations. 11:49 Comparison of modern AI systems with older intent-based systems. 16:11 Commentary on difficulty of jailbreaking modern AI systems. 18:48 Exploration of AI memory limitations and context handling. 20:56 Breakdown of speed versus quality tradeoffs in speech recognition. 24:29 Identification of needed improvements in turn-taking detection. 27:39 Mapping of the speech-to-text and text-to-speech processing pipeline. 28:51 Consideration of video avatars and current practicality issues. 35:02 Analysis of why video calling lacks universal adoption. 36:50 Methods for making AI responses sound empathetic and patient. 40:54 Prediction of future industries benefiting from AI advancements. 43:09 Assessment of accuracy limits in speech-to-text systems. 47:54 Summary of common user complaints such as latency and noise issues. 51:57 Explanation of semantic spam detection for incoming calls. 53:06 Discussion on broader future of AI and rapid technological progress. 58:18 Overview of multilingual capabilities and language support. 59:01 Outro If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here: Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/ Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/ GUEST: Gene Sigalov = https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigalov/ Website = https://upfirst.ai/

Strategic networking has always been essential for career growth and business success, but today’s professional landscape is noisier, faster, and crazier than ever. So how do you form meaningful professional relationships in a world overflowing with information and competing priorities? In this ScreamingBox Technology and Business Rundown podcast, Botond Seres and Dave Erickson are going to science out how you can use neuroscience insights, and AI tools to build genuine, opportunity‑creating relationships - with Dr. Elizabeth Fried, award‑winning executive coach and author of Strategic Networking: A Practical Playbook. Elizabeth has spent more than 40 years advising senior leaders, business owners, and professionals who are trying to navigate complex decisions and career transitions. Her work distills decades of coaching into clear, actionable strategies that help people build authentic, mutually beneficial connections; not just collecting business cards or “working a room.” She developed her strategic networking framework while coaching elite military special operators, including Navy SEALs and Marine Raiders; in helping them transition into civilian careers by building trust, communicating value, and forming relationships that open doors. Today, she applies the same methodology to business leaders and professionals seeking influence, opportunity, and long‑term success. Elizabeth also focuses on how modern AI research tools can help people prepare more effectively for meetings, understand others more deeply, and create greater value in every interaction. Summary Timeline: 00:00 Intro 02:40 What drew you to neuroscience for relationship building 10:17 How do people deal with fear in networking 13:58 Is talking about people’s interests a real neuroscience benefit 20:19 How to approach targeted networking 26:25 When does networking behavior become too much 28:29 Is reading social cues part of avoiding “too much” 29:53 How to move toward a business ask without being blunt 34:50 Is oxytocin from mirror neurons similar to skin‑to‑skin contact 37:27 Are special operators’ amygdalas more or less active 50:02 How introverts can become more comfortable networking 52:36 How to nurture a relationship when you have little in common 54:55 What is the future of networking 56:32 Outro If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here: Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/ Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/ GUEST: Dr. Elizabeth Fried = https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfried/ Website = https://executivecoachingfirms.com/

Coming up with a million dollar product idea - is easier than coming up with million dollar product idea that is based on solving a real world problem that will allow that idea to actually succeed. In this podcast, Dave Erickson and his co-host Botond Seres are going to examine How Field Experience Can Drive Technology Innovation - with John Downing - Co-Founder & Chief Product Architect of Leteligence. John is the co-founder of Lateligence and founder of Latel, and he began his career in heavy civil construction, operating equipment and later working as a civil estimator manually calculating dirt quantities. That firsthand experience led him to invest early in high‑end drone technology, long before it was common, and grew Latel into a nationwide LIDAR service helping contractors uncover change orders and optimize dirt movement. Today, as Chief Product Architect, he’s leading the development of new AI‑enabled software built from the ground up for field users, already deployed by national developers and major contractors. John brings a rare blend of practical field insight, technical vision, and a deep commitment to empowering the people doing the work on the ground. Timeline Summary: 0:00 INTRO - Field Experience and Technology Product Innovation 2:22 John Downing's Early Career and Passion for Heavy Equipment 3:35 The Birth of Littell and Early Adoption of Drone Technology 11:51 Challenges and Frustrations in Early Adoption 16:05 Transition to Lidar and Advanced Drone Technology 34:35 Developing Litelligence and Addressing Industry Needs 1:05:47 The Future of Surveying and Technology 1:09:04 Outro If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here: Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/ Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/ GUEST: John Downing = https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndowning-letel/ Website = https://leteligence.com/

Even though many in the IT industry are worrying about how AI will replace them, we need to recognize the advantages AI brings to business. In this podcast, Botond Seres and Dave Erickson are going to examine strategies for using AI to scale up your business - with Phil Masiello, CEO & Founder of CrunchGrowth. Phil is a seasoned entrepreneur who has built and sold four companies. He launched his first venture at age 27, and went on to pioneer early eCommerce in the meals industry with The Daily Market before co-founding Raw Essentials Skin Care with Carol Alt. His work spans food, fashion, beauty, and personal care, with standout projects like 800razors.com showcasing his ability to use creative PR and cost-effective tactics to accelerate growth. As founder and CEO of CrunchGrowth, Phil has become known for spotting emerging trends, blending technology with customer insight, and developing digital and social strategies that help consumer brands scale quickly and efficiently. Alongside his entrepreneurial career, Phil has written influential books such as The Why Behind The Buy and Think Engage Thrive - and he also hosts Crunching Growth on e360tv. Timeline Summary: 0:00 Introduction to AI and Business Strategies 4:00 Initial AI Implementation and Challenges 7:10 AI in Advertising and Content Creation 16:39 Data Analytics and AI Integration 33:57 Price Optimization and Messaging Consistency 41:52 AI in Traditional Advertising and Marketing 52:19 Future of Advertising and AI 54:32 Phil Masiello's Current Endeavors 55:23 Outro If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here: Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/ Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/ GUEST: Phil Masiello = https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-masiello/ Website = https://philmasiello.com/

Everyone is realizing the opportunities that AI can bring to business, unfortunately this also includes people whose business is taking advantage of other people’s business. Those people are realizing the AI can help them commit their crimes and help them steal millions of dollars. In this podcast Dave Erickson and Botond Seres are going to look at how AI can be twisted into a force of evil and crime with Guy Morris - Author and IT Executive. Guy is a retired business executive who spent over 38 years in leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies - in software, high-tech, and global energy. This includes senior positions at Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM. He has a background as a thought-leader and innovator in early-stage technologies, including computer modeling and artificial intelligence. Guy is an author of intelligent thrillers and writes about subjects such as AI, national security, and cybersecurity. His upcoming book, The AI Tsunami - A Survival Guide for Humanity, is expected in June 2026. He is also a published songwriter for Disney Records, a patented inventor, and a Coast Guard charter captain. Timeline Summary: 0:00 Introduction to AI and Cybercrime 4:47 Technology and People-Related Risks of AI 6:17 Emerging Phishing Tactics and Solutions 7:56 Future AI-Related Threats and Solutions 12:13 Impact of AI on Jobs and Societal Changes 19:23 The Role of Government and Legislation 43:39 Public Awareness and Education 43:51 Strategic Investments in Cybersecurity 45:43 The Future of AI and Ethical Considerations 48:38 Conclusion and Call to Action 51:30 Outro If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here: Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/ Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/ GUEST: Guy Morris = https://www.linkedin.com/in/guybmorris/ Website = https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/ LONG BIO: Retired from a 38-year executive career with Fortune 100 software, high-tech and global energy, Guy Morris has also been a published song writer for Disney Records, a patented inventor, a Coast Guard charter captain, an adventurer, and now, a self-published author of thrillers. From cartel death threats in Latin America to the shark diving in Moorea – from a Board Room to a recording studio - from child homelessness to corporate jets, Guy pulls from a rich life of diverse experience to write books that thrill, educate, and inspire thoughtful dialogue on genuine issues facing humanity. Since his 2021 debut, Guy has released three pulse-pounding thrillers inspired by true stories, actual technologies, global politics and history. His Kirkus recommended books have earned BookTrib’s Best 25 Books of 2021, Reader’s Favorite Gold and Silver Awards, finalist for IAN Book of the Year, and semi-finalist for Cinematic Book. His articles have been published in SD Voyager and Mystery & Suspense magazines. In early 2022, he formed the non-profit Author Event Network association, where local accomplished authors collaborate to sign books at community events and festivals to engage readers, build platform and sell more books at higher margins.