Episode 5

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Published on:

4th Mar 2025

From AI Skeptic to AI Strategist: Tara Bonhorst on Making AI Work for You

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, we sit down with Tara B, founder of Do That, Dave, an innovative AI education platform designed to help people, regardless of their technical background, explore AI in an accessible and engaging way. Tara shares how her experience in instructional design and curriculum development led her to launch an AI learning space where curiosity and play drive meaningful skill development. We discuss the importance of low-stakes experimentation, AI literacy, and how entrepreneurs can use AI to enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, and fuel creativity.

Key Moments in the Episode

[00:00:00] Welcome & Introduction

Michelle introduces the episode and guest, Tara B, discussing her focus on AI education and her work with Do That, Dave.

[00:01:00] Tara’s Journey into AI & Education

Tara shares her background in instructional design and how her work with cannabis industry education inspired her to create an accessible AI learning platform.

[00:03:00] The AI Learning Gap & The Role of Education

Why AI adoption feels overwhelming for many and how education needs to focus on fundamentals, not just advanced users.

[00:06:00] The Story Behind Do That, Dave

Tara explains the unique name of her company and how it reflects her philosophy on AI education and empowerment.

[00:09:00] Self-Paced Missions: A Different Approach to AI Learning

How Do That, Dave uses hands-on missions rather than passive learning to teach AI literacy and practical applications.

[00:12:00] The Power of Structured Experimentation

Why telling people to “just play around with AI” isn’t enough—and how guided exercises make AI education more effective.

[00:14:00] Future Product Playground: AI & Creativity

Tara’s favorite course that takes learners through designing a futuristic product using AI, showing the creative potential of the technology.

[00:18:00] AI & Decision-Making for Entrepreneurs

How AI can serve as a second opinion, helping solo entrepreneurs refine ideas, analyze options, and make better business decisions.

[00:22:00] AI for Summarization & Information Overload

Tara discusses the real-world impact of using AI to distill vast amounts of information into actionable insights.

[00:27:00] Overcoming AI Fear & Encouraging Inclusion

How AI education should be accessible, straightforward, and welcoming to diverse learners from all backgrounds.

[00:30:00] Training the Next Wave of AI Users

Tara highlights how she structures her courses to help learners take control of AI tools, rather than being intimidated by them.

[00:33:00] Building an AI Community & Peer Learning

The importance of collaborative learning, networking, and creating spaces where people can share and refine their AI skills.

[00:37:00] The Future of Do That, Dave

Tara reveals upcoming live workshops and hybrid learning experiences that blend self-paced courses with interactive discussions.

[00:40:00] Where to Find Tara & Final Thoughts

Tara shares how listeners can connect with her and participate in her AI education programs.

Tara’s approach to AI education proves that learning AI doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be fun, structured, and incredibly rewarding. By focusing on hands-on missions, practical applications, and a supportive learning environment, Do That, Dave is making AI accessible to more people than ever before.

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About the Podcast

Empowered by AI
Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way
Welcome to Empowered by AI, where women entrepreneurs harness the power of AI to transform their businesses, break new ground, and lead confidently. Hosted by Michelle Muncy-Silva, founder of Innovation AI Studios, this podcast is your go-to resource for stories, strategies, and tools that help women combine creativity with cutting-edge technology to build the brands of tomorrow.
In each episode, we sit down with trailblazing women who are not just embracing AI—they’re unapologetically ensuring a place at the table in leveraging AI to redefine their industries, spark innovation, and elevate their businesses. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Empowered by AI delivers real talk and actionable insights from women who have been where you are, tackled the challenges, and demanded that AI be a tool for women’s progress.
This isn’t just a tech podcast—it’s a platform for women looking for like-minded collaboration and support to build standout brands, gain clarity on how AI serves their strategy, and discover the tools to take their businesses to the next level. We dive deep into topics like AI-enhanced storytelling, using AI to streamline and scale, and the future of creativity in a world where technology is rewriting the rules.
Join us for:
Conversations with women leaders at the forefront of AI and entrepreneurship.
Practical advice on how to integrate AI into your business, even if you’re not a tech expert.
The latest AI tools and resources you can use to build a brand that stands out.
Empowering stories from women who are balancing the demands of running a business with navigating the world of AI.
Each episode is packed with actionable takeaways that you can put into practice right away, whether you’re automating your workflows, enhancing your visual branding, or discovering the next big AI tool that will give your business a competitive edge.
We’ll talk about:
How AI and creativity collide to drive innovation.
The real-life stories of women paving the way in AI, who prove that you don’t need a tech background to master the future.
How AI can help you build a strong, memorable brand.
The AI tools every entrepreneur should have in their toolkit.
The power of mentorship, community, and women supporting women in the AI space.
Our goal? To empower you with the knowledge and tools to embrace AI confidently—no tech degree required—and inspire you with the voices of women who are actively participating in shaping the future of AI - all so we can collaboratively create AI-driven solutions that empower you to transform your business into something that not only thrives but leads the way in your industry.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to use AI to amplify your creativity, streamline your processes, and build a brand that’s not just innovative, but unstoppable.
And every episode ends with the same question to our amazing guests: What’s next?
Empowered by AI is more than just a podcast—it’s your community, your resource, and your weekly dose of inspiration to become a leader in the future of entrepreneurship.
Hit subscribe, and let’s transform your business together!

About your host

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Michelle Muncy-Silva