Ep 691: Generative AI: How it works and why it matters in 2026 more than ever (Start Here Series Vol 1)
January 14, 2026
AI Summary
5 min read🎙️ The Voices & The Context
- The Format: Solo-hosted podcast episode, unedited live stream introducing a new "Start Here" series on AI basics.
- The Key Players: Jordan Wilson, host of Everyday AI, a Chicago-based AI expert who spends 10-12 hours daily using, building, and teaching AI. No guests; pure monologue with high-energy delivery.
- The Vibe: Educational and urgent, blending fast-paced facts, hype around AI's explosion, and motivational calls to action. Fun stats and real-talk warnings create a "wake-up call" energy.
🗝️ Key Themes & Topics
Jordan launches the "Start Here" series for beginners and pros, covering generative AI basics amid its unprecedented growth.
- Topic 1: Explosive Adoption & Evolution. Generative AI has spread faster than any tech (e.g., ChatGPT hit 100M users in 2 months vs. internet's 8 years); 80% of companies use AI agents; shifted from chatbots to "AI operating systems" like Claude Coworker controlling desktops.
- Topic 2: History & How It Works. AI dates to 1950s; key breakthrough: 2017 "Attention is All You Need" paper birthing transformers (core of GPT models). LLMs trained on internet-scale data via reinforcement learning; now "reasoners" with tools, multimodal (text, images, video), massive parameters/context windows.
- Topic 3: ROI & Business Imperative. Undeniable returns (e.g., $3.70 per $1 i
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:00) **Introduction to Start Here Series on Generative AI**
- 2 (05:01) **Explosive Growth and Adoption of Generative AI**
- 3 (08:16) **Evolution from Chatbots to AI Operating Systems**
- 4 (12:24) **History of AI and Transformer Breakthrough**
- 5 (17:27) **How Large Language Models Work**
- 6 (19:28) **From Transformers to Reasoning Models**
- 7 (26:04) **Proven ROI and Productivity Gains**
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by AI?
Like…. There’s certain aspects of Artificial intelligence that you barely understand to begin with, yet you’re expected to use it AND it’s changing every day?
I understand where you’re coming from. It’s literally my only job to use, build with and teach AI every day and that’s all I’ve done now for 3 years, and even I find it hard to keep up.
But don’t worry.
That’s where the ‘Start Here Series’ comes into play.
If one of your focuses is better understanding AI in 2026 or if you're an expert looking to double down, this Start Here Series is for you.
In our first volume, we're going back to the basics. Generative AI: How it works and why it matters in 2026 more than ever -- An Everyday AI Chat. with Jordan Wilson.
Other Start Here Series Episodes
(In the future, we'll update with other 'Start Here Series' episodes)
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Website: YourEverydayAI.com
Email The Show: [email protected]
Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn
Topics Covered in This Episode:
- Generative AI Basics and 2026 Impact
- Explosive Growth of Large Language Models
- AI Adoption Rates in Enterprises
- AI Agents and Operating Systems Overview
- History and Evolution of Artificial Intelligence
- Transformer Architecture and Model Breakthroughs
- How Large Language Models Work
- Modern AI Capabilities: Multimodal Tools
- Quantifying ROI for Generative AI Investment
- W
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