AI Isn’t Magic, Its’s Math: How to Put Intelligence in your Pocket and Use it Today (with Michael Todasco)

What if the most powerful tool in the world wasn't locked in a lab—but sitting in your pocket, waiting to be used?

Michael Todasco led innovation at PayPal with no budget, uses AI to parent and interpret emergency medical data, and now publishes under an AI pen name to raise money for charity. This isn't hype. This is what happens when you put intelligence in the hands of real people.

In this episode, Michael breaks down why AI isn't magic (it's math), why constraints breed creativity, and how to actually use ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools in everyday life—without the fear.

We talk about:

• Why innovation through constraints (Jugaad) made PayPal's team stronger
• Voice mode: the killer AI feature most people aren't using
• Taking a picture of your grocery store ad and asking AI to meal plan
• Using AI as a patient advocate (and why doctors will soon be required to use it)
• The Abraham Lincoln leadership coach Michael built for himself
• Why people won't be replaced by AI—but they WILL be replaced by people who use AI

If you've been watching AI from the sidelines, this is your invitation to jump in. Leave the fear at the door. Come with an open mind. Let's learn together.

You'll learn:

• How to use voice mode for natural AI conversations (it's free!)
• Practical ways to use AI for parenting, meal planning, health advocacy, and more
• Why AI gets you from zero to 0.5 (faster research, better starting points)
• The 1% shift: Just start using it—the software will teach you

Guest Bio: Michael Todasco is an innovation strategist, AI educator, and former PayPal innovation lead who built groundbreaking programs with skeleton teams and zero budget. He teaches AI courses at the university level and is on a mission to democratize artificial intelligence—making tools that were once locked behind corporate walls accessible to everyday people.