AI on the Rocks
Episodes
Episode 3Mother’s Day Special41 min

AI, Bourbon & Mom: A Mother’s Day Special |Cy Stamatis

with Andrea Cy Stamatis — Mother's Day Special

AI, Bourbon & Mom: A Mother's Day Special | AI on the Rocks Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work—but the values that shape who we become still begin at home. In this special Mother's Day episode of AI on the Rocks, Arian Green welcomes a very special guest—his mother, Cy Stamatis—for a heartfelt conversation about family, parenting, technology, and the lessons that continue to influence his leadership today. Recorded at The Fort in Covington, Kentucky, this episode steps away from business strategy to explore the people and experiences that shape how we lead, learn, and adapt. Together, Arian and his mom reflect on raising a family before smartphones and AI, how technology has changed everyday life, and why human relationships, character, and values remain irreplaceable in an increasingly digital world. From sharing bourbon for the first time to discussing parenting across generations, this Mother's Day special offers a personal look at the human side of AI on the Rocks—and a reminder that while technology continues to evolve, the wisdom we learn from family continues to guide us. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, business leader, or simply looking for a meaningful conversation about family and the future, this episode celebrates the people who shape us long before artificial intelligence ever could. Chapters 00:00 Intro & Teaching Mom How to Drink Bourbon 02:34 Weller Special Reserve Bourbon Review 03:14 Welcome to The Fort 05:18 Meet Cy Stamatis 08:42 Growing Up Before AI 13:56 Parenting Through Changing Technology 19:18 How Technology Changed Family Life 25:07 The Values That Never Change 31:44 Raising Curious Kids 37:10 Advice Every Parent Should Hear 42:18 Mother's Day Reflections 46:55 Final Thoughts Key Takeaways • Great leaders often learn their most important lessons at home. • Technology changes rapidly, but character and values remain timeless. • Parenting has evolved alongside technology, yet human connection remains essential. • AI can improve our lives—but it should never replace meaningful relationships. • Curiosity and lifelong learning begin long before the workplace. • Family conversations often shape future leaders more than formal education. • The best use of technology is strengthening—not replacing—human connection. Chapter Summaries 1. A Different Kind of AI on the Rocks Arian welcomes his mom for a special Mother's Day conversation while introducing her to one of the show's traditions—sharing a glass of bourbon. 2. Growing Up Before AI Cy reflects on raising a family before smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence, offering perspective on how much the world has changed. 3. Parenting Across Generations The conversation explores how parenting has evolved while highlighting the timeless values that remain important regardless of technology. 4. Family, Leadership & Character Arian and Cy discuss the lessons learned at home that continue to influence leadership, relationships, and decision-making today. 5. Looking Toward the Future The episode concludes with reflections on Mother's Day, gratitude, and why human connection will always matter in an AI-powered world. Frameworks Discussed • Human-Centered Leadership • Family Values • Lifelong Learning • Curiosity-Driven Growth • Technology & Human Connection Memorable Quotes "Technology changes. Values don't." "The people who raise us shape the leaders we become." "Human connection will always matter." "Curiosity starts at home." Who Should Watch This episode is for: • Parents • Families • Business Leaders • Entrepreneurs • Professionals • Future Leaders • Anyone interested in the human side of AI Questions This Episode Answers • How has technology changed parenting? • What values still matter in the AI era? • How do parents shape future leaders? • Can technology strengthen family relationships? • Why is human connection still essential? • What lessons from family apply to leadership? Topics Discussed • Artificial Intelligence • Parenting • Mother's Day • Leadership • Family • Human Connection • Technology • Personal Growth About Cy Stamatis Cy Stamatis is Arian Green's mother and the featured guest in this special Mother's Day episode of AI on the Rocks. Through stories, reflections, and honest conversation, she shares the values and life lessons that helped shape Arian's approach to leadership, relationships, and lifelong learning. Listen to AI on the Rocks YouTube: @AIONTHEROCKSTV Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6BFji3ZNadNI0g1EtVKgHr?si=ac6ea9b358964049 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-on-the-rocks-bold-tech-smooth-talk-no-chaser/id1894937230 Search Topics #artificialintelligence #motherhood #parenting #familyleadership #humanconnection #leadership #technology #personalgrowth #aipodcast #AIONTHEROCKSTV

Show Notes

The discovery-first arc — a slow zoom from reality to leverage.

  1. 1

    Grounding

    What world are you living in right now?

  2. 2

    Exposure

    What are you hearing about AI?

  3. 3

    Tension

    What worries you?

  4. 4

    Reframe

    Where do leaders still have leverage?

  5. 5

    Countermoves

    If you were them, what would you do?

Keep Watching

Talking AI Over Bourbon | AI on the Rocks Episode 1 thumbnail
Ep. 0AI on the Rocks

Talking AI Over Bourbon | AI on the Rocks Episode 1

Details being poured…

What happens when a high-tech AI Agency founder sits down with a veteran healthcare worker to discuss the future of humanity—over some of the finest bourbon in Kentucky? 🥃✨ In this debut episode of "AI on the Rocks," Arian Green (founder of NKY.AI) is joined by his wife, Sarah "Tally" Talbert, for an unfiltered conversation about artificial intelligence. We aren't just talking code; we’re talking about the "weirdly human" side of tech, the fear of losing the human "soul" to automation, and how AI can actually save us from the daily drudge work. ✅ The Bourbon Test: Watch an AI assistant analyze Sarah’s personality to pick the perfect pour between E.H. Taylor, Angel’s Envy, and New Riff. ✅ The "Freak-Out" Factor: Why even those close to tech founders find AI's human-like evolution a bit unsettling. ✅ Healthcare & AI: How automation can support frontline workers at the Cincinnati VA and beyond. ✅ Community Roots: Why we believe the future of tech starts in our local NKY and Cincinnati neighborhoods. 🔗 FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: The Spirits 🥃 Angel’s Envy: Visit Site https://www.angelsenvy.com/us/en/shop-online/ E.H. Taylor: Buffalo Trace Distillery https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/ New Riff Distilling: Visit Site https://www.newriffdistilling.com/ Our Local Favorites 📍 Grainwell: Custom Wood Decor https://www.grainwell.com/ Ripple Wine Bar: Best Pours in Town https://www.ripplewinebar.com/ Roebling Books: Local Reads https://www.roeblingbooks.com/ Taste of Cincinnati: Foodie Heaven https://tasteofcincinnati.com/ Education & Professional 🏛️ Cincinnati VA: Healthcare for Veterans https://www.va.gov/cincinnati-health-care/about-us/ Notre Dame Academy (NDA): Go Pandas! https://www.ndapandas.org/ Park Place HR Investigations: Professional HR Solutions https://www.parkplacehrinv.com/about WORK WITH ARIAN: Interested in taking the "drudge work" out of your business? Visit: NKY.AI If you enjoyed this mix of tech and spirits, make sure to SUBSCRIBE and hit the bell icon! 🔔 Drop a comment below: Which bourbon would you have picked, and does AI "freak you out" or excite you? #AI #Bourbon #NKYAI #SmallBusinessAutomation #Cincinnati #TechPodcast #AIonTheRocks #BourbonLovers

54 min
AI, Bourbon, & Entrepreneurship: How to Scale a Multi-Franchise Empire | With Britt Grubbs thumbnailBuffalo Trace
Ep. 1Entrepreneurship

AI, Bourbon, & Entrepreneurship: How to Scale a Multi-Franchise Empire | With Britt Grubbs

with Britt Grubbs — Owner, Better Blends & ABS Communications

In this episode of AI on the Rocks, host Arian Green sits down with serial entrepreneur Britt Grubbs to uncover his journey from selling cell phone accessories out of a mall kiosk and a storage locker to becoming one of the largest AT&T resellers, expanding health-focused smoothie franchises, and building "The Fort NKY"—a unique speakeasy co-working space rooted in local Kentucky lore. They dive deep into the real hustle behind early-stage scaling, how to transition from corporate employment to full business ownership, why designing every business to run without you creates ultimate operational freedom, and how AI, Zapier, and workflow automation are giving modern entrepreneurs their time back. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, franchise buyer, operator looking to automate repetitive tasks, or a business owner building for a future exit, this conversation is packed with actionable frameworks on scaling, local community building, and practical AI adoption. Chapters/Timestamp 00:00 - Episode Intro & Welcome Britton Grubb 02:15 - Britton's Background & The 13-Year College Journey 05:40 - Why Staying in School Long Didn’t Stop Success / Key Lessons 08:40 - The Origin Story: How "The Walking Man" Lore Started 12:00 - Walking, Thinking, and Mental Clarity for Founders 15:10 - The Pivotal Moment: Transitioning from Student to Full-Time Entrepreneur 18:45 - Early Struggles, Sacrifices, and Overcoming Initial Obstacles 22:35 - Time Efficiency, Delegation, and Systems Built for Scale 26:50 - Managing Daily Operations vs. Long-Term Strategy 31:05 - Mindset Shifts Required During High-Stakes Decision Making 35:40 - Handling Risk, Failure, and Pivoting When Things Don't Work 40:20 - Future Vision: Expanding the Brand and Building Beyond the Podcast 44:10 - Advice to Young Entrepreneurs and Creatives Starting Out 47:15 - Final Key Takeaways & Episode Wrap-Up KEY TAKEAWAYS True operational freedom comes from building businesses designed to operate independently of the founder. Authentic community building often starts by giving value upfront before expecting commercial return. Transitioning from solo operator to multi-unit franchisee requires strict systems, playbooks, and delegation. Early-stage grit (selling out of storage lockers and mall kiosks) builds the resilience needed to manage multi-location risk. CHAPTER SUMMARIES 1. The Speakeasy Community Engine Britt shares the backstory behind "The Fort NKY," a hidden speakeasy co-working space built to pay homage to local Fort Mitchell history and the legend of "The Walking Man." He explains how offering space on a donation basis built a thriving ecosystem of local founders and business leaders. 2. From Storage Lockers to Top Reseller Britt reflects on his early hustle—selling cell phone accessories out of mall kiosks and storage units—and how those practical sales lessons paved the way for scaling ABS Communications into a leading reseller network. 3. The Franchise Blueprint with Better Blend Transitioning into health and wellness, Britt details what it takes to operate and scale multiple Better Blend smoothie franchises, emphasizing the role of brand consistency, team culture, and operational playbooks. 4. Automating for Time Freedom Britt reveals his first "Aha!" moment with AI and workflow automation, breaking down how tools like Zapier and LLMs eliminate admin drag, streamline internal logistics, and buy back founder capacity. MEMORABLE QUOTES "Build your business with an exit mindset—even if you never plan to sell." "Automation isn't about replacing people; it's about buying back your time so you can focus on high-leverage growth." "Community isn't built by selling to people; it's built by bringing them together." WHO SHOULD WATCH This episode is for: Serial Entrepreneurs & Founders Multi-Unit Franchisees & Buyers Small Business Owners & Operators Automation & AI Enthusiasts Community Builders & Marketers Business Consultants & Operators ABOUT BRITT GRUBBS Britt Grubbs is a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, co-founder of ABS Communications, multi-unit franchisee of Better Blend Smoothies, creator of "The Fort NKY," and Board Member at Northern Kentucky University’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Over two decades, Britt has built, scaled, and operated businesses across telecommunications, health & wellness franchises, real estate, and community spaces. CONNECT WITH BRITT GRUBBS LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brittan-grubb-a94bb6b Website (Better Blend): https://www.betterblend.com Website (ABS Communications): https://www.abscommunications.com Listen to AI on the Rocks YouTube: @AIONTHEROCKSTV Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6BFji3ZNadNI0g1EtVKgHr?si=ac6ea9b358964049 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-on-the-rocks-bold-tech-smooth-talk-no-chaser/id1894937230

48 min

The Pour

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