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    <fireside:genDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:42:42 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>CX without the BS - Episodes Tagged with “Ai Vs Human Support”</title>
    <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/tags/ai%20vs%20human%20support</link>
    <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <description>CX without the BS is a refreshingly honest and engaging podcast that dives deep into the world of Customer Experience (CX). Hosted by industry veterans Tom Milligan and Brian Nichols, the show aims to cut through the jargon and hype to deliver real, actionable insights for CX professionals and business leaders.
Each episode features candid conversations with CX experts, thought leaders, and practitioners who share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the field. The hosts and guests discuss a wide range of topics, from emerging technologies like AI and automation to the human elements of empathy, creativity, and problem-solving that are essential to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
What sets CX without the BS apart is its commitment to authenticity and practicality. Tom and Brian aren't afraid to call out the "BS" in the industry - the buzzwords, the fads, and the overhyped solutions that don't deliver real value. Instead, they focus on strategies and tactics that have been proven to work in the real world, drawing on their own extensive experience as well as the insights of their guests.
Whether you're a seasoned CX professional or just starting out in the field, CX without the BS offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of customer experience. With its engaging hosts, expert guests, and no-nonsense approach, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional experiences to their customers.
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    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>CX without the BS is a no-nonsense podcast that cuts through the jargon to deliver real insights into the Customer Experience (CX) industry. Each episode features candid conversations with industry experts, focusing on practical solutions and honest discussions about the latest trends and challenges in CX.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>CX without the BS is a refreshingly honest and engaging podcast that dives deep into the world of Customer Experience (CX). Hosted by industry veterans Tom Milligan and Brian Nichols, the show aims to cut through the jargon and hype to deliver real, actionable insights for CX professionals and business leaders.
Each episode features candid conversations with CX experts, thought leaders, and practitioners who share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the field. The hosts and guests discuss a wide range of topics, from emerging technologies like AI and automation to the human elements of empathy, creativity, and problem-solving that are essential to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
What sets CX without the BS apart is its commitment to authenticity and practicality. Tom and Brian aren't afraid to call out the "BS" in the industry - the buzzwords, the fads, and the overhyped solutions that don't deliver real value. Instead, they focus on strategies and tactics that have been proven to work in the real world, drawing on their own extensive experience as well as the insights of their guests.
Whether you're a seasoned CX professional or just starting out in the field, CX without the BS offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of customer experience. With its engaging hosts, expert guests, and no-nonsense approach, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional experiences to their customers.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>CX podcast, customer experience, CX industry, CX trends, CX best practices, CX strategies, CX technology, CX analytics, CX metrics, CX optimization, CX automation, CX AI, CX chatbots, CX omnichannel, CX digital transformation, CX cloud, CX contact center, CX as a service, CX software, CX platform, CX solutions, CX innovation, CX thought leadership, CX experts, CX interviews, CX case studies, CX success stories, CX challenges, CX pain points, CX journey mapping, CX personalization, CX employee experience, CX voice of the customer, CX customer feedback, CX customer loyalty, CX customer retention, CX customer satisfaction, CX customer engagement, CX customer service, CX call center, CX workforce management, CX quality assurance, CX compliance, CX security, CX privacy, CX integration, CX implementation, CX adoption, CX ROI, CX budgeting, CX vendor selection, CX partner ecosystem, CX community, CX events, CX webinars, CX training, CX certification, CX career development, CX jobs, CX hiring, CX diversity and inclusion, CX leadership, CX management, CX coaching, CX mentoring, CX networking</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Brian Nichols</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>brian@briannicholsconsulting.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Business"/>
<itunes:category text="Technology"/>
<itunes:category text="News">
  <itunes:category text="Business News"/>
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<item>
  <title>AI vs Humans: Who Wins in Customer Experience?</title>
  <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/ai-vs-humans-who-wins-in-customer-experience</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Brian Nichols</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/cddb09c9-9e02-4bb7-a19b-339293329651.mp3" length="40843230" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Is AI actually fixing customer experience... or just making it worse? Brian Nichols breaks down why Human Intelligence vs Artificial Intelligence always decides the Human Experience... and why that’s the only scoreboard that matters.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>28:21</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/b/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Is AI really fixing customer experience… or just making it worse? Everywhere you look, companies are hyping up “AI-powered CX” like it’s the cure-all for every customer problem. But if customers keep begging, “Can I please just talk to a human?”, then maybe the real question isn’t how much AI do we have — it’s what kind of experience are we creating?
In this episode of CX Without the BS, we dig into the showdown between HI (Human Intelligence) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) — and how that battle shapes the HE (Human Experience). You’ll hear why the hype cycle around AI is so strong, where bots and “intelligent routing” fail, and why human judgment, empathy, and ownership are still the secret weapons of customer loyalty.
We’ll explore real stories — from chatbots stuck in endless loops, to frontline employees who turn around frustrated customers in minutes, to companies blending AI + HI in a way that actually improves trust. These aren’t theories; they’re real examples that prove the scoreboard isn’t technology features, it’s customer outcomes.
For technology advisors, you’ll get practical talk tracks you can use immediately: how to shift conversations away from “AI features” and back to measurable results like lower effort, higher respect, and stronger trust. For business leaders and IT decision-makers, you’ll get a checklist you can throw at any vendor pushing AI hype to see if it actually improves the experience or just creates expensive friction.
Bottom line: the future of customer experience isn’t artificial. It’s human. If you want to stop the AI theater and start creating experiences customers love — this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>AI customer service, chatbots fail, customer experience 2025, human intelligence vs AI, CX without the BS, human experience CX, customer trust, reduce customer effort, first contact resolution, AI vs human support, why chatbots don’t work, customer loyalty, AI hype, customer service tips, technology advisors, CX strategy, AI vs HI, better customer support</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Is AI really fixing customer experience… or just making it worse? Everywhere you look, companies are hyping up “AI-powered CX” like it’s the cure-all for every customer problem. But if customers keep begging, “Can I please just talk to a human?”, then maybe the real question isn’t how much AI do we have — it’s what kind of experience are we creating?</p>

<p>In this episode of CX Without the BS, we dig into the showdown between HI (Human Intelligence) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) — and how that battle shapes the HE (Human Experience). You’ll hear why the hype cycle around AI is so strong, where bots and “intelligent routing” fail, and why human judgment, empathy, and ownership are still the secret weapons of customer loyalty.</p>

<p>We’ll explore real stories — from chatbots stuck in endless loops, to frontline employees who turn around frustrated customers in minutes, to companies blending AI + HI in a way that actually improves trust. These aren’t theories; they’re real examples that prove the scoreboard isn’t technology features, it’s customer outcomes.</p>

<p>For technology advisors, you’ll get practical talk tracks you can use immediately: how to shift conversations away from “AI features” and back to measurable results like lower effort, higher respect, and stronger trust. For business leaders and IT decision-makers, you’ll get a checklist you can throw at any vendor pushing AI hype to see if it actually improves the experience or just creates expensive friction.</p>

<p>Bottom line: the future of customer experience isn’t artificial. It’s human. If you want to stop the AI theater and start creating experiences customers love — this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Is AI really fixing customer experience… or just making it worse? Everywhere you look, companies are hyping up “AI-powered CX” like it’s the cure-all for every customer problem. But if customers keep begging, “Can I please just talk to a human?”, then maybe the real question isn’t how much AI do we have — it’s what kind of experience are we creating?</p>

<p>In this episode of CX Without the BS, we dig into the showdown between HI (Human Intelligence) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) — and how that battle shapes the HE (Human Experience). You’ll hear why the hype cycle around AI is so strong, where bots and “intelligent routing” fail, and why human judgment, empathy, and ownership are still the secret weapons of customer loyalty.</p>

<p>We’ll explore real stories — from chatbots stuck in endless loops, to frontline employees who turn around frustrated customers in minutes, to companies blending AI + HI in a way that actually improves trust. These aren’t theories; they’re real examples that prove the scoreboard isn’t technology features, it’s customer outcomes.</p>

<p>For technology advisors, you’ll get practical talk tracks you can use immediately: how to shift conversations away from “AI features” and back to measurable results like lower effort, higher respect, and stronger trust. For business leaders and IT decision-makers, you’ll get a checklist you can throw at any vendor pushing AI hype to see if it actually improves the experience or just creates expensive friction.</p>

<p>Bottom line: the future of customer experience isn’t artificial. It’s human. If you want to stop the AI theater and start creating experiences customers love — this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>5 Reasons Why AI Makes Customer Service Worse</title>
  <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/5-reasons-why-ai-makes-customer-service-worse</link>
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  <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Brian Nichols</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/f2b96b8e-7da5-4b2e-8e18-e9c3e9a294f7.mp3" length="13748190" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>AI was supposed to fix customer experience — but most companies are just frustrating people faster.
In this week’s episode of CX Without the BS, we expose 5 big ways AI is making CX worse (and how to fix it).</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>9:32</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/b/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Is AI actually making your customer experience worse — not better?
Everyone says AI is going to revolutionize customer service. Speed up support. Make it personal. Save money. But the truth is, for most businesses, AI is adding friction, not fixing it. If you've ever screamed "REPRESENTATIVE!" into your phone while stuck in an endless AI loop, you already know the pain we're talking about.
In this episode of CX Without the BS, we cut through the hype and break down the top 5 ways AI is failing real customers. From fake personalization to broken dashboards, and robotic empathy to frustrated support reps — we’re calling out the BS that vendors and execs keep selling you.
This isn’t an anti-AI rant. It’s a wake-up call. AI can help your CX... but only if it’s used the right way. And right now? Most companies are using it like a band-aid on a bullet wound. We give you the blueprint to fix it — with practical, real-world advice that actually works.
If you’re a tech buyer, tech advisor, or someone just trying to not get burned by another AI promise, this is your cheat code. You’ll walk away with five clear fixes that will make your AI actually useful — and your customer experience way less frustrating.
Because in 2025, AI doesn’t make you stand out. Good CX does. And the companies who get this right? They’re going to win. Hit play — and let’s fix what’s broken. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>AI in customer service, CX without the BS, why AI fails in support, bad AI examples, AI customer support problems, real CX talk, AI vs human support, contact center AI, how to fix customer experience, CX mistakes with AI, tech buyer AI guide, AI in call centers, technology advisor podcast, broken AI promises, AI tool review, fake personalization AI, robotic customer service, AI dashboards issues, smart support tips, AI myths in business</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Is AI actually making your customer experience worse — not better?</p>

<p>Everyone says AI is going to revolutionize customer service. Speed up support. Make it personal. Save money. But the truth is, for most businesses, AI is adding friction, not fixing it. If you&#39;ve ever screamed &quot;REPRESENTATIVE!&quot; into your phone while stuck in an endless AI loop, you already know the pain we&#39;re talking about.</p>

<p>In this episode of CX Without the BS, we cut through the hype and break down the top 5 ways AI is failing real customers. From fake personalization to broken dashboards, and robotic empathy to frustrated support reps — we’re calling out the BS that vendors and execs keep selling you.</p>

<p>This isn’t an anti-AI rant. It’s a wake-up call. AI can help your CX... but only if it’s used the right way. And right now? Most companies are using it like a band-aid on a bullet wound. We give you the blueprint to fix it — with practical, real-world advice that actually works.</p>

<p>If you’re a tech buyer, tech advisor, or someone just trying to not get burned by another AI promise, this is your cheat code. You’ll walk away with five clear fixes that will make your AI actually useful — and your customer experience way less frustrating.</p>

<p>Because in 2025, AI doesn’t make you stand out. Good CX does. And the companies who get this right? They’re going to win. Hit play — and let’s fix what’s broken.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Is AI actually making your customer experience worse — not better?</p>

<p>Everyone says AI is going to revolutionize customer service. Speed up support. Make it personal. Save money. But the truth is, for most businesses, AI is adding friction, not fixing it. If you&#39;ve ever screamed &quot;REPRESENTATIVE!&quot; into your phone while stuck in an endless AI loop, you already know the pain we&#39;re talking about.</p>

<p>In this episode of CX Without the BS, we cut through the hype and break down the top 5 ways AI is failing real customers. From fake personalization to broken dashboards, and robotic empathy to frustrated support reps — we’re calling out the BS that vendors and execs keep selling you.</p>

<p>This isn’t an anti-AI rant. It’s a wake-up call. AI can help your CX... but only if it’s used the right way. And right now? Most companies are using it like a band-aid on a bullet wound. We give you the blueprint to fix it — with practical, real-world advice that actually works.</p>

<p>If you’re a tech buyer, tech advisor, or someone just trying to not get burned by another AI promise, this is your cheat code. You’ll walk away with five clear fixes that will make your AI actually useful — and your customer experience way less frustrating.</p>

<p>Because in 2025, AI doesn’t make you stand out. Good CX does. And the companies who get this right? They’re going to win. Hit play — and let’s fix what’s broken.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>What are the BEST AI Tools for Customer Support?</title>
  <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/what-are-the-best-ai-tools-for-customer-support</link>
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  <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Brian Nichols</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/cd0a0a00-850c-48d8-9c32-9fed9e77af04.mp3" length="45817989" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>AI expert exposes the hype and reality of artificial intelligence in customer experience, offering practical insights on how businesses can leverage genuine AI solutions to transform their contact centers and improve customer service.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>47:43</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/b/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Are you tired of the AI hype in the contact center industry? Want to know what's really behind the buzzwords and how to leverage AI effectively for your business?
In this week's episode of CX Without the BS, hosts Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan sit down with Aarde Cosseboom, co-founder of Clarity CX and creator of Palomar.com. Aarde pulls back the curtain on the reality of AI in customer experience, exposing the BS and highlighting truly innovative solutions. With his unique background as both a contact center leader and tech enthusiast, Aarde offers invaluable insights into the current state of AI and its practical applications.
Discover why most "AI" tools are just glorified chatbots and learn how to identify genuine AI solutions that can transform your business. Aarde breaks down the evolution of contact center technology, from the cloud migration craze to the current AI revolution, and explains why feature matrices have become largely irrelevant in today's market. You'll gain a deeper understanding of conversational AI, its data requirements, and how it differs from other forms of artificial intelligence.
The conversation takes an exciting turn as Aarde introduces Palomar, an innovative AI-powered tool designed to help businesses find the right CX technologies. Unlike traditional search engines or review sites, Palomar acts as a virtual consultant, asking probing questions to understand your unique needs before providing tailored recommendations. Learn how this game-changing platform is set to disrupt the entire sales process in the CX industry. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>AI customer service, contact center technology, CX software, chatbots, conversational AI, Palomar, Clarity CX, customer experience, AI hype, CX innovation, AI tools, contact center solutions, omnichannel support, AI in business, customer support technology, AI consultants, CX trends, AI implementation, machine learning, customer service automation, AI vs human support, CX software comparison, AI ROI, future of customer service</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Are you tired of the AI hype in the contact center industry? Want to know what&#39;s really behind the buzzwords and how to leverage AI effectively for your business?</p>

<p>In this week&#39;s episode of CX Without the BS, hosts Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan sit down with Aarde Cosseboom, co-founder of Clarity CX and creator of Palomar.com. Aarde pulls back the curtain on the reality of AI in customer experience, exposing the BS and highlighting truly innovative solutions. With his unique background as both a contact center leader and tech enthusiast, Aarde offers invaluable insights into the current state of AI and its practical applications.</p>

<p>Discover why most &quot;AI&quot; tools are just glorified chatbots and learn how to identify genuine AI solutions that can transform your business. Aarde breaks down the evolution of contact center technology, from the cloud migration craze to the current AI revolution, and explains why feature matrices have become largely irrelevant in today&#39;s market. You&#39;ll gain a deeper understanding of conversational AI, its data requirements, and how it differs from other forms of artificial intelligence.</p>

<p>The conversation takes an exciting turn as Aarde introduces Palomar, an innovative AI-powered tool designed to help businesses find the right CX technologies. Unlike traditional search engines or review sites, Palomar acts as a virtual consultant, asking probing questions to understand your unique needs before providing tailored recommendations. Learn how this game-changing platform is set to disrupt the entire sales process in the CX industry.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Are you tired of the AI hype in the contact center industry? Want to know what&#39;s really behind the buzzwords and how to leverage AI effectively for your business?</p>

<p>In this week&#39;s episode of CX Without the BS, hosts Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan sit down with Aarde Cosseboom, co-founder of Clarity CX and creator of Palomar.com. Aarde pulls back the curtain on the reality of AI in customer experience, exposing the BS and highlighting truly innovative solutions. With his unique background as both a contact center leader and tech enthusiast, Aarde offers invaluable insights into the current state of AI and its practical applications.</p>

<p>Discover why most &quot;AI&quot; tools are just glorified chatbots and learn how to identify genuine AI solutions that can transform your business. Aarde breaks down the evolution of contact center technology, from the cloud migration craze to the current AI revolution, and explains why feature matrices have become largely irrelevant in today&#39;s market. You&#39;ll gain a deeper understanding of conversational AI, its data requirements, and how it differs from other forms of artificial intelligence.</p>

<p>The conversation takes an exciting turn as Aarde introduces Palomar, an innovative AI-powered tool designed to help businesses find the right CX technologies. Unlike traditional search engines or review sites, Palomar acts as a virtual consultant, asking probing questions to understand your unique needs before providing tailored recommendations. Learn how this game-changing platform is set to disrupt the entire sales process in the CX industry.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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