I missed my parents, so I built an AI that talks like them. This isn’t about replacing people—it’s about remembering the voices that make us feel safe. In this 90-minute episode of Data & AI with Mukundan, we explore what happens when technology stops chasing efficiency and starts chasing empathy. Mukundan shares the story behind “What Would Mom & Dad Say?”, a Streamlit + GPT-4 experiment that generates comforting messages in the voice of loved ones. You’ll hear: The emotional spark that inspired the projectThe plain-English prompts anyone can use to teach AI empathyBoundaries & ethics of emotional AIHow this project reframed loneliness, creativity, and connectionTakeaway: AI can’t love you—but it can remind you of the people who do. 🔗 Try the free reflection prompts below: THE ONE-PROMPT VERSION: “What Would Mom & Dad Say?”
“You are speaking to me as one of my parents. Choose the tone I mention: either Mom (warm and reflective) or Dad (practical and encouraging). First, notice the emotion in what I tell you—fear, stress, guilt, joy, or confusion—and name it back to me so I feel heard. Then reply in 3 parts: Start by validating what I’m feeling, in a caring way.Share a short story, lesson, or perspective that fits the situation.End with one hopeful or guiding question that helps me think forward. Keep your words gentle, honest, and simple. No technical language. Speak like someone who loves me and wants me to feel calm and capable again.”

Join the Discussion (comments hub): https://mukundansankar.substack.com/notes Tools I use for my Podcast and Affiliate PartnersRecording Partner: Riverside → Sign up here (affiliate)Host Your Podcast: RSS.com (affiliate )Research Tools: Sider.ai (affiliate)Sourcetable AI: Join Here(affiliate)🔗 Connect with Me:Free Email NewsletterWebsite: Data & AI with MukundanGitHub: https://github.com/mukund14Twitter/X: @sankarmukund475LinkedIn: Mukundan SankarYouTube: Subscribe

What if your job hunt could run like a data system? In this episode, I share the story of how I used three AI agents — Researcher, Writer, and Reviewer — to rebuild my job search from the ground up. These agents read job descriptions, tailor resumes, and even critique tone and clarity — saving hours every week. But this episode isn’t just about automation. It’s about agency. I’ll talk about rejection, burnout, and the mindset shift that changed everything: treating every rejection as a data point, not a defeat. Whether you’re in tech, analytics, or just tired of the job search grind — this one’s for you. 🔹 Learn how I automated resume tailoring with GPT-4 🔹 Understand how to design AI systems that protect your mental energy 🔹 Discover why “efficiency” means doing less of what drains you 🔹 Hear the emotional story behind building these agents from scratch Join the Discussion (comments hub): https://mukundansankar.substack.com/notesTools I use for my Podcast and Affiliate PartnersRecording Partner: Riverside → Sign up here (affiliate)Host Your Podcast: RSS.com (affiliate )Research Tools: Sider.ai (affiliate)Sourcetable AI: Join Here(affiliate)🔗 Connect with Me:Free Email NewsletterWebsite: Data & AI with MukundanGitHub: https://github.com/mukund14Twitter/X: @sankarmukund475LinkedIn: Mukundan SankarYouTube: Subscribe

What happens when an AI starts asking better questions than you? In this 60-minute episode, I share the real story behind “The AI That Thinks Like an Analyst” — a Streamlit + GPT-4 project that changed the way I see data, curiosity, and creativity. This isn’t a technical tutorial. It’s a journey into the mind of a data professional learning to think deeper — and how building this AI taught me the most human lesson of all: how to stay curious. We’ll explore: Why the hardest part of analysis isn’t code — it’s curiosity.How I built a privacy-first Streamlit app that generates questions instead of answers.What AI can teach us about slowing down, observing, and thinking like explorers.The moment I realized data analysis and self-reflection are the same skill.If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at your data, unsure what to ask next — this episode is for you. 📖 Read the full story: https://mukundansankar.substack.com/p/the-no-upload-ai-analyst-v4-secure Join the Discussion (comments hub): https://mukundansankar.substack.com/notesTools I use for my Podcast and Affiliate PartnersRecording Partner: Riverside → Sign up here (affiliate)Host Your Podcast: RSS.com (affiliate )Research Tools: Sider.ai (affiliate)Sourcetable AI: Join Here(affiliate)🔗 Connect with Me:Free Email NewsletterWebsite: Data & AI with MukundanGitHub: https://github.com/mukund14Twitter/X: @sankarmukund475LinkedIn: Mukundan SankarYouTube: Subscribe

This week, I’m showing you exactly how I used AI agents to fix my job hunt — no hype, just results. I was juggling dozens of job applications, interviews, and follow-ups until I built three small agents that acted like my personal job search team. In this episode, I do a live demo of: A Researcher Agent that finds company insights automaticallyA Writer Agent that drafts personal outreach messagesA Reviewer Agent that polishes tone and clarityTogether, they turned hours of chaos into minutes of clear progress. You’ll see how these agents plan, collaborate, and improve your workflow — and how you can build your own version tonight using just ChatGPT or any LLM platform. By the end, you’ll understand what makes agents powerful: planning, memory, and feedback.

🔗 Connect with Me: Free Email NewsletterWebsite: Data & AI with MukundanGitHub: https://github.com/mukund14Twitter/X: @sankarmukund475LinkedIn: Mukundan SankarYouTube: Subscribe

Plain-English agents, not hype: plan, use tools, add guardrails—then dry-run a calendar + inbox agent that saves hours. You’ve heard “AI agent” everywhere, but definitions vary. In this episode, Mukundan explains—in plain, practical language—what a real agent is and when to use one. We’ll contrast agents with chatbots and simple automations, walk through the five pillars (goal, plan, tools, memory, feedback), and strip the tooling of buzzwords. Then we run a live dry-run: two 90-minute deep-work blocks, one 45-minute admin sweep, and a 30-minute workout that avoids your existing commitments. We finish by triaging sample emails into reply/delegate/archive/read-later and drafting five concise replies with one clear next step each. Safety first: drafts-only, tentative calendar holds, approval gates, and fallbacks if tools fail. Copy the templates from the show notes and ship your v0.5 tonight. Lightning Round: True/False (answers in the episode) An AI agent is just a chatbot.Remove a tool and it still makes progress → probably a real agent.Clear success criteria matter less than good prompts.Chatbots reply; agents execute across steps.Fixed automations are best when inputs rarely change.If a tool disconnect breaks everything, it’s a brittle macro.Links & Resources AI Agent Copy-Paste Templates (run these in ChatGPT): Get your free copyRecording Partner: Riverside → Sign up here (affiliate)Host Your Podcast: RSS.com (affiliate )Research Tools: Sider.ai (affiliate)Join the Newsletter: Free Email Newsletter to receive practical AI tools weekly.Join the Discussion (comments hub): https://mukundansankar.substack.com/notes🔗 Connect with Me:Website: Data & AI with MukundanTwitter/X: @sankarmukund475LinkedIn: Mukundan SankarYouTube: Subscribe

Description: Join Mukundan Sankar as he explores the challenges of delivering an effective elevator pitch and how AI can assist in crafting one. Mukundan shares personal anecdotes and demonstrates AI-generated pitches tailored for different career stages. Key Takeaways: The importance of a well-crafted elevator pitch How AI can personalize pitches for different roles Real-life examples of AI-generated pitches Resources: 1]Elevator Pitch AI Code Mukundan's Blog Post: https://substack.com/home/post/p-170400977 2] Thinking about starting a podcast but worried it’ll take forever to grow? Here’s the thing — you don’t need a huge audience to get started or to earn money. I run my show on RSS.com, and it’s the simplest way to get your podcast live on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Deezer, and more — all in one step. Their analytics tell me exactly where my listeners are tuning in from, so I know what’s working. And here’s the best part — with their paid plan, you can start earning revenue through ads with as little as 10 downloads a month. That’s right — you don’t need to wait for thousands of listeners to start monetizing. Start your podcast for free today at RSS.com. (Affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.) 3] 💡 Sider.ai– Your AI Copilot for Productivity: Sider.ai is the all-in-one AI assistant that works inside your browser, letting you research, write, summarize, and brainstorm without switching tabs. Whether you’re prepping for an interview, drafting your next pitch, or refining your business plan, Sider.ai can supercharge your productivity. It’s like having GPT-4 on standby, ready to help you think faster and write better. Try Sider.ai today and see how much more you can accomplish in less time. (Affiliate link — I may earn a commission if you sign up.)

Takeaways Code2Story Pro turns Python code into engaging blog posts. Traditional documentation methods are often insufficient. Effective communication of code is crucial for collaboration. The tool allows users to select tone and emotion for their writing. Mukund built the tool out of frustration with documentation. The technical setup involves Streamlit and OpenAI's GPT-4. Users can generate blog posts in under 30 seconds. Future updates will include file uploads and image generation. The tool is aimed at helping developers share their work easily. Storytelling in coding can enhance career opportunities.

Blog: https://medium.com/data-science-collective/i-built-an-ai-tool-that-turns-any-python-code-into-an-emotionally-engaging-blog-post-f6d14daeddbd

Website: Subscribe for free access to the code: https://mukundansankar.substack.com/

Takeaways Feedback is crucial for growth but often lacking. Visual storytelling can enhance understanding. Long explanations may not be effective in busy environments. Tools like Code to Story can simplify complex ideas. People prefer quick, visual information over lengthy texts. The development process can be messy but rewarding. Understanding your audience's time constraints is key. Visual aids can significantly improve communication. Building something understandable is more important than perfection. Let your work speak for itself through visuals.

Blog that shows you how to do this yourself: https://medium.com/towards-artificial-intelligence/how-to-instantly-explain-your-code-with-visuals-powered-by-gpt-4-bc379985f43f Subscribe to my Substack for updates on the course: https://mukundansankar.substack.com/

Summary In this episode, Mukund Sankar shares a personal story about how a midnight craving led him to create an app that helps him reflect on his emotions rather than just satisfy his hunger. He discusses the impact of emotional eating and how technology, specifically GPT-4, can be used to foster self-awareness and emotional health. The conversation transitions into the development of a digital therapist that encourages users to engage with their feelings and patterns of behavior, ultimately promoting personal growth and emotional well-being. Takeaways Mukund reflects on how midnight cravings can lead to deeper emotional insights.He emphasizes that cravings often stem from emotional needs rather than physical hunger.The app he created uses GPT-4 to help users articulate their feelings.Journaling and self-reflection can reduce cravings and improve emotional health.Avoiding hard conversations can lead to increased cravings and emotional distress.The app serves as a non-judgmental space for users to express their feelings.Mukund's experience highlights the importance of communication with oneself.He encourages listeners to build their own tools for emotional reflection.The conversation illustrates the intersection of technology and mental health.Mukund plans to share resources for building similar apps. Blog: https://medium.com/towards-artificial-intelligence/i-was-about-to-order-taco-bell-again-instead-i-built-an-ai-that-talks-me-down-00021d1310e3 Website: Monitor this for a mini course on how to do it yourself. https://mukundansankar.substack.com/

Summary In this episode of Data and AI with Mukundan, the host discusses the creation and impact of an AI life planner designed to enhance productivity and time management. The conversation covers the technology behind the planner, including the use of GPT-4, Google Calendar API, and the Pomodoro technique, as well as the personal transformation experienced by the host as a result of implementing this tool. Takeaways Most of us struggle with time management.AI can help optimize our schedules.The AI life planner analyzes daily habits.It syncs with Google Calendar for seamless planning.Reminders are sent via Slack API integration.A Pomodoro timer helps maintain focus.The planner allows for real-time adjustments.Productivity can skyrocket with the right tools.You can build your own AI life planner.Engaging with the audience for feedback is important.If you want to see exactly how I built this AI Life Planner, check out my full guide here: https://mukundansankar.substack.com/p/i-never-thought-i-had-my-life-together

How the App looks like: https://youtu.be/pyyWV7-Ty5w?feature=shared

Description In this episode of Data & AI with Mukundan, we dive into Lang Chain—a powerful tool that connects AI systems for smarter, more efficient applications. Mukundan breaks down how Lang Chain simplifies complex processes by acting as a bridge between AI tools, enabling automation and improved decision-making. From content creation and chatbots to research and customer support, discover real-world examples of Lang Chain in action. Learn how it can fetch, summarize, and synthesize information from multiple sources, and how businesses and individuals alike can use it to save time and effort. Whether you're a content creator, academic researcher, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on how Lang Chain can work for you. Key Takeaways What is Lang Chain? A tool that connects different AI systems, enabling smarter, automated workflows.Why Lang Chain Matters:Automates repetitive tasks.Saves time by integrating multiple AI tools.Facilitates smarter decision-making through contextual understanding.Real-Life Applications:Chatbots for intelligent customer interaction.Content creation (e.g., blogs, emails, social media posts).Research tools for summarizing academic papers and lengthy documents.How Lang Chain Works: Combines AI tools like ChatGPT, Google, and specialized engines (e.g., Perplexity.ai) to fetch and synthesize data into actionable outputs.Getting Started with Lang Chain:Choose a task (e.g., chatbot, writing assistant, research).Combine Lang Chain with AI tools like ChatGPT.Let it automate tasks for smarter results.Highlights & Examples Use Lang Chain to brainstorm blog ideas using ChatGPT and Perplexity.ai.Simplify customer support with automated chatbots.Accelerate academic research by summarizing complex documents.Enhance workflows with tools like Zapier, which integrates Lang Chain.Actionable Steps Start with simple tasks to explore Lang Chain’s potential.Experiment with connecting AI tools for tailored solutions.Gradually build smarter systems that save you time and effort.Closing Notes Mukundan encourages listeners to experiment with Lang Chain and see its magic in action. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on harnessing AI for smarter living! Additional Links Mukundan's website: https://mukundansankar.substack.com/

Summary In this conversation, Mukundan Sankar discusses the transformative role of AI agents in content creation. He emphasizes how these tools can help streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and ultimately allow creators to focus on high-quality content. The discussion covers various AI tools like ChatGPT, Zapier, and Canva, and highlights the benefits of integrating these technologies into the content creation process.

Takeaways AI agents can assist with content creation and brainstorming.Automation tools like Zapier can save time for creators.Content creators often spend too much time on repetitive tasks.Using AI tools allows for more strategic focus in content creation.AI can help generate visuals for social media posts.Streamlined workflows lead to higher quality content production.AI agents can alleviate the overwhelming nature of content creation.Experimenting with different AI tools can enhance creativity.AI tools can help manage and schedule social media posts.The ultimate goal is to express creativity more freely with AI assistance.

Episode Notes: Overview In this compelling episode, I dive into the cutting-edge world of Neuro Symbolic AI, a transformative approach to business strategy that goes beyond traditional SWOT analysis. Moving past the capabilities of older models like GPT-3.5, this episode introduces a tool that doesn’t just identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats but also explains the deeper implications and potential future outcomes of each. Join me as I explore how Neuro Symbolic AI is setting new standards for strategic analysis. Key Topics Covered Rebranding the Show I open by explaining the recent rebranding to focus entirely on data and AI, setting the stage for a deeper, more specialized dive into AI-driven insights.Introduction to SWOT Analysis Discover the basics of SWOT analysis and its applications in evaluating businesses, projects, and even personal goals. I explore how traditional AI tools, like GPT-3.5, offer simple, list-based insights but often lack depth and context.The Limitations of Traditional AI I discuss how traditional AI, though powerful, can be too simplistic. It provides a list of strengths and weaknesses without fully explaining their significance or forecasting potential impacts. This often leaves critical details overlooked.Neuro Symbolic AI: The Next Evolution Here, I introduce Neuro Symbolic AI, a hybrid model that combines pattern recognition with rule-based logic. This allows it to not only identify key traits but also to explain why they matter and how they could influence future outcomes. Neuro Symbolic AI transforms SWOT analysis from a static list into a dynamic, predictive tool for strategic planning.Real-World Applications and Advantages Using the example of a fictional toy company, I demonstrate how Neuro Symbolic AI can reveal deeper insights and future opportunities or challenges that traditional AI might miss. This tool doesn’t just give a list—it explains how each factor contributes to the company’s overall strategy and growth potential.The Future of Strategic AI I wrap up by discussing the potential of Neuro Symbolic AI to revolutionize strategic analysis across industries. This AI model can anticipate market shifts, rank strategic priorities, and offer actionable insights, making it an invaluable asset for forward-thinking businesses.Why Listen? If you’re interested in the latest advancements in AI or seeking smarter, future-oriented approaches to business strategy, this episode is a must-listen. Neuro Symbolic AI represents a breakthrough in predictive analysis, providing the kind of context and foresight that can turn reactive strategies into proactive ones.

Additional Links: 1] Neurosymbolic AI vs. Traditional AI Blog Post 2] FREEBIES: Sign up for my substack newsletter (https://mukundansankar.substack.com) and get: free RAG cheatsheet, and wait for it... a FREE Neuro-symbolic AI Cheatsheet! 3] AI for SWOT Analysis Blog Post: https://shorturl.at/RJ9fA

Episode Summary: In this episode, I delve into Google’s NotebookLM, an advanced AI-powered tool designed for research, note-taking, and audio content generation. Originally adopted by content creators for podcasting, NotebookLM offers a range of possibilities beyond mere podcast generation, including making complex ideas easily understandable and serving as an educational tool. Key Discussion Points: Introduction to NotebookLM: NotebookLM, powered by Google’s Gemini 1.5, is a unique AI tool designed to convert written content into natural-sounding audio conversations. I highlight its key features, including support for uploading diverse content sources like web links, YouTube videos, and Google Docs.Functionality and User Experience: I share my firsthand experience with NotebookLM, demonstrating how it transformed a complex blog on retrieval-augmented generation into a conversational podcast format. This feature not only simplifies complex topics but makes learning more accessible and engaging.NotebookLM for Education and Supplemental Learning: I advocate for NotebookLM’s potential as a supplemental learning tool. By breaking down intricate topics, it can serve as an aid for understanding research papers, technical blogs, or any complex written material.Vision for the Future: While the tool’s podcasting capabilities are a game-changer, I envision NotebookLM’s greater impact on education and personal development. I discuss the potential of NotebookLM as a go-to resource for learning on the move, from research papers to blog posts.Takeaway Tips: Use NotebookLM to generate personalized audio content from educational materials.Transform complex topics into digestible audio formats for on-the-go learning.Experiment with NotebookLM as a supplement to traditional learning tools like YouTube or Google Search.Closing Thoughts: I emphasize the potential of NotebookLM as an educational revolution in AI, urging listeners to explore its capabilities and unlock a new way of learning complex topics easily. Additional Resources: Blog Post I used to convert to podcast using NotebookLMTune in to experience NotebookLM’s ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging, and hear my take on its potential future applications!

Summary: In this episode, we dive into the world of pet health and AI with a focus on an innovative AI-powered pet health chatbot. Inspired by the real-life experience of pet owners, this project tackles the late-night panic every pet parent knows all too well—when your pet gets into something they shouldn’t and you're left searching for answers online. Using the cutting-edge capabilities of GPT-3.5, this chatbot cross-references trusted sources like the ASPCA and AVMA to provide clear, reliable advice on common pet health concerns. While it’s not a replacement for a vet, it’s an invaluable tool for empowering pet owners to take charge of their pet’s health, reducing stress, and improving early detection of potential issues. Join us as we explore how this technology can make a real difference, not just for individual pet owners, but for the entire field of veterinary medicine. Key Takeaways: * The inspiration behind developing an AI-powered pet health chatbot for everyday pet owners. * How GPT-3.5 compares to a human "genius" (think Mike Ross from Suits). * Why trustworthy sources like the ASPCA and AVMA are crucial for providing reliable pet health advice. * A breakdown of how the chatbot works and what it can do for you (or your pet-loving friends). * The future potential of AI in pet health and how it could change the landscape of veterinary care. How do you think having an AI-powered tool like this at your fingertips would change the way we approach pet health? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out on mukundansankar.substack.com! Links: How I Built an AI-based Chatbot for Diagnosing Pet Health - Blog ASPCA AVMA This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mukundansankar.substack.com

Episode Notes Ever wondered how AI can transform business strategy? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of AI-powered SWOT analysis. We are tackling an old problem using a new approach. Using the latest technology, like GPT-3.5, companies can now analyze their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with lightning speed. Join us as we explore how AI is reshaping the way we understand market dynamics, financial data, and competitive landscapes, with real-world examples from Google and Meta. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or just curious about the future of business, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss! Thanks for reading Data, AI, Productivity & Business with a Little Personality! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Key Topics Covered: * What is SWOT Analysis?: A quick refresher on this cornerstone of business strategy (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). * AI Meets Business Strategy: How GPT-3.5 and AI technology are revolutionizing traditional SWOT analysis by speeding up data processing and uncovering deeper insights. * Real-World Examples: AI-driven SWOT analysis of Google and Meta, revealing potential vulnerabilities and opportunities for these tech giants. * Google: Over-reliance on ad revenue and the challenges posed by ad blockers. * Meta: Data privacy issues, regulatory hurdles, and user trust challenges. * Competitive Edge: How AI can give businesses a leg up by performing real-time competitive analysis and market trend predictions. * Beyond Business: Could AI also be used to analyze career paths, personal strengths, and even suggest side hustle ideas? We explore the exciting future possibilities of AI-powered insights. Why Listen? This episode is perfect for anyone interested in how cutting-edge AI tools are transforming not just the business world, but potentially the way we approach decision-making in our own lives. Tune in to find out how AI is making sophisticated analysis more accessible, and what that means for the future. Links & Resources: Blog Post on how AI is changing the SWOT game What is SWOT Analysis? What is Python Programming? More about GPT-3.5 Build and share Python Based Data Apps with Streamlit Thanks for reading Data, AI, Productivity & Business with a Little Personality! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mukundansankar.substack.com

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) and how they're revolutionizing marketing. Gone are the days of generic campaigns and guesswork. With AI, marketing is becoming highly personalized, insight-driven, and responsive to individual customer needs—all in real-time. Key Points Covered: * The Shift from Data-Driven to Insight-Driven MarketingDiscover how marketing is evolving from simply collecting data to understanding the "why" behind customer behavior. AI allows marketers to predict customer preferences, making campaigns more targeted and effective. * AI-Powered Personalization at ScaleLearn how AI can dig into customer data to deliver hyper-personalized experiences, like suggesting a product based on your previous purchases, time of day, or even the weather in your location. * Customer Journey Mapping with AIAI is now capable of mapping every step of a customer’s interaction with a brand, from the first website visit to the final purchase, helping marketers identify friction points and optimize the entire journey. * The Power of Real-Time AI DashboardsForget the overwhelming spreadsheets! AI-powered dashboards are the new standard, delivering clear, actionable insights in real-time across all marketing channels. * Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven MarketingWith great power comes great responsibility. We explore how marketers can walk the fine line between personalization and privacy, and why transparency and trust are critical in this AI-powered era. * The Future of AI in Customer ExperienceFrom chatbots that truly understand your needs to online shopping experiences that adapt to you, AI is poised to make our everyday interactions with brands smoother and more enjoyable. Memorable Quote:"It’s like having a dedicated marketing team for every single customer." Ethical Discussion:We discuss the responsibility marketers have in ensuring AI respects data privacy and builds trust with consumers. Regulations like GDPR are setting important standards, but it’s up to each brand to find the balance between personalization and privacy. Final Thought:As AI continues to reshape the marketing landscape, it's crucial for brands and customers alike to stay informed, ask questions, and participate in the conversation about how these technologies are used. Have thoughts on how AI is transforming marketing? Share your insights with us, and stay curious for the next episode as we dive deeper into the world of AI, marketing, and beyond. Send me an email at [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mukundansankar.substack.com