The AI Download


From eerily realistic video tools to AI-powered shopping and smart glasses saving lives—Google’s latest AI reveals are changing everything. ZDNet’s Sabrina Ortiz joins Shira Lazar on The AI Download to break it all down and share her tips for staying human in an AI-powered world.


This episode is sponsored by HiveLighter.  Smart summaries. Real insights. More doing, less scrolling.

This week on The AI Download, Shira Lazar is joined by Sabrina Ortiz, Senior AI Editor at ZDNet,  to break down the biggest AI reveals from Google I/O 2025—including Google’s ultra-realistic video generator Veo 3, its real-time AI assistant Project Astra, and new AI shopping agents that could reshape online search.

From real-time language translation in Google Meet to a video tool that could rival human presenters, Sabrina shares what it was like being on the ground at Google I/O—and what these announcements mean for creators, journalists, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a digital presence.


They also dive into:

🔹 Why newsrooms are still split on using generative AI
🔹 How AI tools are making everyday tasks—like captions, B-roll, and editing—faster and easier
🔹 Big Tech’s ethical blindspots vs. the innovation edge of scrappy startups
🔹 How automation could deepen the gender divide in the workforce
🔹 And yes—Shira asks ChatGPT if she’s hot. The response? Hilarious and… surprisingly helpful

Plus: 5 legit ways to use AI for a side hustle, how AI is quietly replacing women’s jobs, and the AI tech already saving lives in hospitals.

🎙 Guest: Sabrina Ortiz
 Follow her on IG: @sabrinaa.ortiz
 Read her work: ZDNet.com

🎧 Love the episode?
 Follow, rate & review The AI Download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

📺 Watching on YouTube?
 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for updates.

📩 Stay in the loop:
 Subscribe to Shira’s newsletter → Shira’s Newsletter on Beehiiv

Follow Shira:

🎬 Produced by Musso Media
 Visit mussomedia.com for storytelling that connects.


Sponsored by:
👉 Thanks to our sponsor, Hivelighter  —the AI-powered tool that supercharges your reading and research with personalized insights. Want to dive deeper? Check out The AI Download Collection, where we’ve curated the top highlights from our biggest AI stories. Just click this Hivelighter link to explore more.

Credits
This episode of The AI Download was hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive Producer Michele Musso, with video and audio editing by the Musso Media team. Creative Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Shira Lazar. All rights reserved.

Creators and Guests

Host
Shira Lazar
Shira Lazar is an Emmy-nominated host and interviewer covering social media, emerging tech and the future of well-being. Her content focuses on informing, inspiring and empowering the world to take action in their lives, and is infused with her own style of positivity and humor!

What is The AI Download ?

– AI News with a Human Touch

AI is transforming how we work, create, and connect—but what does that mean for the future of content, business, and creativity?

Hosted by Emmy-nominated digital pioneer Shira Lazar, The AI Download is your go-to source for sharp insights, expert interviews, and real-world discussions on AI, emerging tech, and the creator economy.

Each week, we break down the biggest AI trends, explore its impact on creativity and business, and bring you candid conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors shaping the future.

Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or just AI-curious, this podcast deciphers what’s next—and why it matters.

🔹 New episodes every week
🔹 Featuring top experts & thought leaders
🔹 Where AI meets culture, creativity, and business

Stay ahead of the curve!

This episode of The AI Download is hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive production by Michele Musso, with video and audio editing by the Musso Media team. Creative Design Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Unicorn Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.