Summary

In the latest Episode 005 of Between Two Humidors, hosted by Jonathan Ruggles, special guest Michael J Goldrich shares his journey from becoming fascinated with the internet and technology as a PhD student at Northwestern in the late 1990s to his current exploration of artificial intelligence (AI). Goldrich discusses his experience working with Anderson Consulting during the early days of the internet and how he transitioned from a literature major to a tech team member. He also talks about his recent interest in AI and the potential it holds for automating tasks and generating content. Goldrich emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies, such as AI, and encourages individuals to embrace change rather than resist it. He also shares his teaching approach to introducing people to generative AI technology and discusses the integration of AI in the hospitality industry. Additionally, Goldrich touches on the challenges and potential negative consequences of relying too heavily on AI technology and the importance of critical thinking and human oversight.

YouTube Video Link

https://youtu.be/rDDn-4OiSnA

Guest Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgoldrich/

https://vivanderadvisors.com/

Thank you to our Sponsors

The Cigar Chapel -Bend, Oregon

Disclaimer

https://www.betweentwohumidors.com/legal/

In "Episode 004, Jeremy McDonald - Conversation After the Pod", Jeremy McDonald (Wildfire Cigars) and Jonathan Ruggles (Host) discuss the contrasting nature of AI and the cigar industry. While AI demands human creativity and innovation, cigar production is an old-world craft with unique nuances that cannot be learned from the internet. McDonald shares his appreciation for cigars and the human experiences they provide, using an anecdote about introducing a friend to new cigars as an example. He contrasts this experience with artificial intelligence, acknowledging its potential as a creative tool but emphasizing the importance of the human experience, including the environment, company, and personal moments that make life memorable. McDonald believes these experiences cannot be replicated by AI and are essential aspects of the human condition.

Guest Links https://wildfirecigars.com/ & http://www.instagram.com/wildfirecigars

Thank you to our Sponsor: The Cigar Chapel -Bend, Oregon

Disclaimer https://www.betweentwohumidors.com/legal/

In Episode 003 of Between Two Humidors, Host Jonathan Ruggles has a conversation with Jeremy McDonald, Founder of Wildfire Cigar Company. They discuss his cigar line, and his shared appreciation for unconventional offerings. McDonald expresses surprise at the popularity of his Wildfire Cigars, which he created as part of an experiment. They reminisce about McDonald's unexpected win for Best in Show Small Booth at the PCA 2023 trade show and his plans for PCA 2025 with a camping theme. McDonald shares his personal story of discovering cigars at 18, despite his parents' disapproval, and how he started working at a local cigar shop to fund his passion.

They also discuss McDonald's experiences with tobacco use in the context of his religious background and his journey in the cigar industry, including working for various brands and starting his own, Wildfire. McDonald emphasizes his creative process and the importance of authenticity, even if it's not mass-market appealing.

They also discuss his design collaboration with the extremely talented Ms. Jacqueline Sears, a woman who has made significant contributions to the cigar industry behind the scenes, and McDonald's collaborative approach to working with creative individuals.

He introduces the third Le series release and a new core line of regular production cigars, completing his portfolio with four different cigars as flagships. McDonald describes the “Breakdown”, a new offering, as a full-bodied special occasion cigar, ideal for smoking after a night out.

The conversation then shifts to artificial intelligence (AI), with McDonald expressing concerns about its impact on industries like music and art, questioning whether AI can truly create emotional and soulful content. The episode also explores the use of AI in generating creative language and the importance of well-crafted expressions. McDonald emphasizes the need for metaphors, idioms, and collaboration when using AI, concluding with sharing his social media handles and Wildfire Cigars website details.

We hope you enjoyed our insightful conversation with Jeremy McDonald of Wildfire Cigar Company. From his unconventional cigar creations to his thoughts on AI's impact on creativity, McDonald’s passion and authenticity shine through. Join us next time for more engaging discussions. Don’t forget to follow Wildfire Cigars and stay connected with us on social media. Until then, keep exploring and enjoying the world of cigars.

Guest Links

https://wildfirecigars.com/

http://www.instagram.com/wildfirecigars

Thank you to our Sponsors

The Cigar Chapel -Bend, Oregon

Disclaimer

https://www.betweentwohumidors.com/legal/