Face AI Anxiety To Bear Attacks Plus Women Bronc Riders

Afraid of AI? We share how to start small and take control using AI fear-free. Also: bear attacks in Missouri and British Columbia raise outdoor safety concerns, and women bronc riders are defying rodeo stereotypes. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Real Fear, Real Change: Why It's Time to Embrace AI, Respect Wildlife, and Cheer on Women in Rodeo Don't Fear the Future: How to Start Using AI in Everyday Life Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Curious about AI but a little nervous to try it? Learn how to start using AI fear-free with beginner-friendly tools, simple tasks like meal planning, and trusted platforms to get you started.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech experts, coders, or Silicon Valley. In fact, AI is already helping everyday people solve everyday problems—and you can start using it right now, even if you’re a complete beginner.

If you've been feeling hesitant or even afraid of AI, you're not alone. But the truth is, learning how to use AI doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right mindset and a few simple tools, you can start making your life easier today.

Why Are People Afraid of AI?

Many people fear AI because of myths and misunderstandings—like the idea that it’s going to take over jobs or turn into science fiction-level robots. In reality, AI is more like a helpful assistant. Think of it as a calculator for your brain—only smarter, faster, and more versatile.

The key is learning how to work with AI, not against it.

Beginner-Friendly AI Use: Meal Planning & Fridge Rescue

Let’s start with something simple and familiar: food.

AI can take the stress out of cooking and shopping with easy tools that help you:

1. Plan Your Weekly Meals

Instead of scrolling endlessly for recipe ideas, you can ask AI to:

• Create a weekly dinner plan based on your dietary needs (gluten-free, keto, vegetarian, etc.)

• Generate a shopping list based on your meal plan

• Suggest quick recipes for busy nights

Try This Prompt:

"Can you create a 5-day dinner meal plan for two adults, under $75, that includes leftovers for lunch?"

2. Use What’s in the Fridge

Don’t throw away food just because you don’t know what to do with it. AI can suggest creative, safe, and delicious ways to use ingredients before they expire.

Try This Prompt: "I have eggs, wilting spinach, a half-used onion, and some shredded cheese. What can I cook tonight?"

You'll be surprised how helpful and creative AI can be!

Tips & Tricks to Start Using AI Fear-Free

Here’s how to dip your toes into the AI pool without diving headfirst:

1. Start With Low-Risk, Everyday Tasks

AI is great for:

• Making grocery lists

• Writing polite emails

• Summarizing long articles

• Brainstorming gift ideas

• Budget planning

The more you use it for small tasks, the more confident you’ll feel.

2. Use Clear, Friendly Prompts

Don’t overthink it—talk to AI like a helpful assistant or a friend.

Instead of: "Build me a machine learning model to predict market trends" Try:

"Can you explain what inflation is in simple terms?"

Safe AI Tools & Websites for Beginners

Tool

What It Does

Why It’s Good for Beginners

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Answers questions, helps plan, write, learn

Very conversational and user-friendly

Google Gemini 

Similar to ChatGPT, connected to live web

Great for real-time info

 

Pro Tip: Always double-check anything AI gives you—especially when it comes to food safety, finances, or health.

Think of AI like a smartphone app: it’s here to make your life easier, not harder. Starting small—with simple things like meal planning or organizing your week—can build your confidence and save you time.

You don’t need to become an AI expert overnight. You just need curiosity, a willingness to try, and a safe place to start.

  Tragedy in the Ozarks: Bear Attack Confirmed

Authorities have confirmed that a black bear was responsible for the tragic death of a camper in Newton County, Arkansas.

60-year-old Max Thomas of Springfield, Missouri, was camping alone at Sam’s Throne Campground in the Ozark National Forest late last week. Thomas had been sleeping on an open-air cot—completely exposed—when he was attacked overnight.

Family members grew concerned after not hearing from him for several days. Before communication stopped, Thomas had sent them a photo of a black bear lurking near his campsite.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission initially suspected a bear due to the nature of his injuries and signs at the scene. Now, it's confirmed. Using Thom