Unravel the complexities of AI with The AI Grapple Podcast, hosted by Kate vanderVoort. Dive into thought-provoking discussions on the most critical AI issues shaping our world. Perfect for marketers and business professionals, this podcast is your guide to integrating AI responsibly and ethically into your organization. Join us as we navigate the future of technology and its profound impact on humanity.
Ep 50: Mari Smith on Trust, AI, and Staying Human in the Future of Social Media
For our milestone 50th episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort (Founder and CEO, AI Success Lab) sits down with social media pioneer Mari Smith, widely known as the “Queen of Facebook.”
With nearly two decades at the forefront of social media marketing, Mari has witnessed the rise, peak and reinvention of platforms like Facebook. Now, as AI reshapes marketing, business and human interaction itself, she finds herself at a crossroads, asking the same question many marketers are grappling with:
What does authentic connection look like in a world where AI generates most of what we see?
This episode explores the future of social media, the erosion of trust online, Meta’s acquisition of Manus, agentic AI, and how Human Design can help business leaders stay grounded and aligned in an AI-saturated world.
26 Feb 2026
Ep 49 Raising AI-Literate Humans: What Schools and Parents Must Get Right Now
AI is already shaping how young people learn, think, and engage with the world. The real question is whether education systems are preparing them for that reality.
In this episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort (Founder and CEO, the AI Success Lab) is joined by educator, author, and AI literacy advocate Lindy Hockenbary (also known as LindyHoc). Lindy brings nearly two decades of experience in instructional technology and curriculum design, working directly with K–12 schools, educators, and EdTech companies to make technology usable, relevant, and human-centred.
Lindy’s work focuses on one clear message: AI literacy does not belong on the sidelines. It belongs in the core curriculum.
16 Feb 2026
Ep 48: Australia’s AI Strategy Explained by the Head of the National AI Centre
In this episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort, Founder & CEO, the AI Success Lab, is joined by Lee Hickin, Executive Director of the Australian Government’s National AI Centre, for a wide-ranging and practical conversation about AI adoption in Australia.
With more than 30 years in senior technology leadership roles across Microsoft and AWS, Lee brings a rare perspective that bridges enterprise technology, public policy and real-world business impact.
Together, Kate and Lee unpack where Australia truly sits on AI adoption, why our national approach has prioritised innovation alongside safety, and what business leaders need to understand to move beyond experimentation into meaningful use of AI.
This episode is essential listening for leaders navigating AI strategy, governance, data risk and long-term competitiveness.
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