Send us a textThink AI just makes things up? You’re right, it often does. But there’s a fix. It’s called RAG, and it helps AI ground its answers in real, relevant information. In this episode, I’ll explain how it works and why it’s essential if you rely on AI for content or communication.In today’s episode, I'm talking about something you’ve probably used without even knowing it: RAG – Retrieval-Augmented Generation.Most large language models, like GPT, Claude, Gemini, work by predicting the next word in a sentence. They’ve been trained on huge datasets, everything from books to websites, forums, Reddit commentary, podcasts, and Wikipedia, essentially everything on the Internet. But once that training is done, the model doesn’t learn anything new unless it’s retrained. That’s called being a static model.Here’s where RAG comes in. Retrieval-Augmented Generation is a technique that lets these models access external information, like documents, PDFs, databases, or web content, at the time of your query. Instead of relying only on what the model remembers from training, RAG lets it retrieve relevant information first, and then generate a better, more accurate answer.Need More Support? If you’re ready to explore how AI can make your marketing smarter and more efficient, check out my Professional Diploma in AI for Marketers. Or, if you’re looking for in-company training, I can help get your team up to speed. Use the code AISIX10 for a special discount just for podcast listeners. https://publicsectormarketingpros.com
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Ep 150: EU AI Act Tools Go Live
Send us a textEuropean Commission AI Assessment Tools for EU AI Act ComplianceThe European Commission and related stakeholders have introduced several tools to support organisations in complying with the EU AI Act. These tools help identify your obligations, assess the risk associated with your AI systems, and guide you through compliance requirements.EU AI Act Compliance Checker An interactive tool that helps businesses, especially SMEs and startups, assess if their AI system is covered by the AI Act and what legal obligations apply.General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice A voluntary guide with templates and best practices for GPAI model providers, focusing on transparency, copyright, safety, and systemic risk management.Training Data Transparency Template A standard format requiring AI providers to publicly summarise the data sources used for training, promoting openness and protecting data subject rights.SME AI Assessment Tool A tailored risk classification tool co-developed with SME networks, offering step-by-step compliance advice and resources specifically for smaller businesses.Self-Assessment Tools Online forms for organisations to classify their AI system’s risk level and receive practical, accessible compliance guidance without needing deep legal expertise.Need More Support? If you’re ready to explore how AI can make your marketing smarter and more efficient, check out my Professional Diploma in AI for Marketers. Or, if you’re looking for in-company training, I can help get your team up to speed. Use the code AISIX10 for a special discount just for podcast listeners. https://publicsectormarketingpros.com
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Ep 149: Cloudflare Blocking AI Crawlers
Send us a textCloudflare, a major internet infrastructure provider powering about 20% of global web traffic, has rolled out a significant policy change: as of July 2025, it is blocking AI web crawlers from scraping content by default unless website owners explicitly permit them. This marks a turning point in the landscape of AI model training and content creator rights.By default, AI crawlers (bots used by companies such as OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, Meta, and more to collect content for large language models) are now blocked from accessing any website using Cloudflare’s services unless permission is granted by the site owner.This shift means AI companies can no longer freely scrape huge swathes of the Internet for data without direct consent or compensation for the content creators.Need More Support? If you’re ready to explore how AI can make your marketing smarter and more efficient, check out my Professional Diploma in AI for Marketers. Or, if you’re looking for in-company training, I can help get your team up to speed. Use the code AISIX10 for a special discount just for podcast listeners. https://publicsectormarketingpros.com
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EP 148: Why Smart People Own AI at Work
Send us a textI didn’t write this headline—but I wish I had! Credit goes to Forbes and author William Arruda for the brilliant title: Why Smart People Own AI at Work. It instantly grabbed my attention, and in today’s episode, I’m jumping into why this mindset matters more than ever.Hello and welcome back to the AI SIX podcast, a daily-six-minute show, helping you understand how AI is changing your working life and re-shaping marketing, communications, and the world of work as we know it. I’m your host, Joanne Sweeney.In today's episode, we explore how AI is supercharging workplace productivity, taking on burnout tasks, and learning to work alongside you like a true digital partner. But here’s the kicker—many professionals still hide their use of AI, and that’s a mistake. Being open about your AI use doesn’t make you look lazy—it makes you look smart, strategic, and future-ready.If you want to lead, stay relevant, and boost your impact at work, it’s time to own your AI.Need More Support? If you’re ready to explore how AI can make your marketing smarter and more efficient, check out my Professional Diploma in AI for Marketers. Or, if you’re looking for in-company training, I can help get your team up to speed. Use the code AISIX10 for a special discount just for podcast listeners. https://publicsectormarketingpros.com
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EP 147: America’s AI Action Plan
Send us a textAmerica is the country that started the AI race. And as president of the United States, I’m here today to declare that America is going to win it. These are the words of President Trump at the AI Summit this week when he unveiled, ‘Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan’.Hello and welcome back to AI SIX, the podcast that keeps you up-to-date with AI in a non-nonsense way. I’m Joanne Sweeney. In today’s episode, we dive into the 28-page blueprint that aims to accelerate innovation, expand AI infrastructure, and lead on the global stage. From sweeping deregulation and open-source support to high-stakes diplomacy and national security priorities, this is the most aggressive U.S. AI policy to date. Tune in to hear what’s changing, who it affects, and how America plans to stay ahead in the global AI race.Need More Support? If you’re ready to explore how AI can make your marketing smarter and more efficient, check out my Professional Diploma in AI for Marketers. Or, if you’re looking for in-company training, I can help get your team up to speed. Use the code AISIX10 for a special discount just for podcast listeners. https://publicsectormarketingpros.com
Introducing the AI SIX Podcast: Learn AI on the GoArtificial intelligence is changing marketing, offering new ways to connect, create, and deliver value. To help marketers adapt, I’m introducing the AI SIX Podcast – a practical, daily resource designed to make AI learning manageable and relevant.What Is the AI SIX Podcast?The AI SIXPodcast is a six-minute daily podcast tailored for marketers looking to understand and use AI effectively. Hosted by me, Joanne Sweeney, a communications and marketing practitioner, author, and trainer with years of experience in digital transformation, this podcast provides clear, actionable insights to support your work.Why Six Minutes?Marketers often have busy schedules. The AI SIX Podcast offers focused content you can fit into your day, whether during your morning routine, commute, or a short break. Each episode delivers practical tips you can apply immediately, helping you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.What to ExpectHere’s what the podcast includes:Daily Episodes: Updates and advice on AI tools, trends, and how to use them in marketing.Weekly Long-Listen Interviews: On Saturdays, a 20-minute session featuring experts and professionals sharing their experiences with AI in marketing.Practical Guidance: Strategies for integrating AI into workflows, improving efficiency, and using AI responsibly.Who Is This Podcast For?This podcast is ideal for marketing professionals who want to:Learn how AI can streamline marketing tasks.Find tools that improve efficiency and creativity.Understand how to incorporate AI ethically and effectively.Stay informed about developments in AI for marketing.