Ben Thirlby - Explore AI Together

NotebookLM vs Gemini: Which Google AI Should You Use?

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Illustration comparing Gemini and NotebookLM as complementary Google AI tools

NotebookLM vs Gemini—which Google AI should you use? Learn the key differences, when to use each, and how to combine them for better results.

How to Use Gemini in Google Sheets: Complete Guide

December 15, 2025December 15, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Glowing tablet with circuit board, stylus pen, chat bubbles, and automation gear representing Gemini AI in Google Sheets

Master Gemini in Google Sheets: formulas, tables, data analysis, and Apps Script automation. Plus limitations to know before you start. (

How to Create a Coloring Book with AI (Beginner Guide)

December 12, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Animal Work Adventures coloring book cover showing animals with jobs like DJ rooster, submarine shark, and running cheetah

Creating a coloring book used to require illustration skills, expensive software, and a lot of trial and error. In 2025, AI makes this process far more accessible — even if you’ve never designed a product before. This guide walks you through exactly how to create a children’s coloring book using AI, from idea to a … Read more

How to Create Google Gemini Gems: Train Your Own AI Assistant for Free

December 10, 2025December 10, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Illustration of person polishing a glowing teal gem while documents flow into it from above

Tired of repeating yourself to AI? Learn how to create Google Gemini Gems—custom AI assistants that remember your context. Free step-by-step guide.

How to Vibe Code: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

December 8, 2025December 8, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Person with holographic code reflected in glasses against vibrant pink and blue gradient, representing vibe coding

Learn how to vibe code from scratch. Build your first web app using AI — no coding experience required. Free tools, step-by-step walkthrough included.

How to Use AI as Your Speaking Coach (and Actually Get Better)

December 5, 2025December 5, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Professional using smartphone to record presentation while AI analyzes speech patterns on laptop showing filler words and grade

Get brutally honest presentation feedback with AI. Learn how to sound more confident, clear, and credible in every meeting and pitch.

What is Vibe Coding? (And When You Need Something More)

December 9, 2025December 3, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Developer with holographic code reflected in glasses against vibrant pink and purple gradient background representing vibe coding with AI

Vibe coding lets anyone build software with AI – but it comes with hidden risks. Learn when to use it and when to graduate to structured development.

Export & Download from Copilot: Complete Guide for Microsoft 365

December 2, 2025December 2, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Teal robotic hand reaching toward human hand with floating digital icons representing Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, checkmarks, and cloud storage in soft-focus office environment

Export Microsoft Copilot work from Office apps, save Teams summaries, and download AI-generated files with this complete guide.

How to Explain AI to Your Family This Holiday Season

November 25, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Younger man helping older family member with phone during holiday gathering

How to explain AI to older family members: one $20 analogy, demo ideas that land, and how to actually help them try it.

Export from NotebookLM: Complete Guide to Audio, Video, Slides & Research

March 17, 2026November 24, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Mysterious librarian in teal robes standing in vast ancient library, with golden audio waveforms flowing from books toward modern computer desk

Learn how to download NotebookLM Audio Overviews, save research notes, and preserve your AI work with manual export workarounds and strategies.

Export & Download from Gemini: Complete Guide for Workspace Integration

December 2, 2025November 18, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Twin Greek bronze statues reaching upward to pass ancient tablets to a divine hand descending from golden heavens between classical columns

Learn how to export Gemini conversations, download to Google Docs and Sheets, use Deep Research workflows, and save your AI work in Google Workspace.

Are AI Browsers Safe? Why I’m Waiting (And You Should Too)

November 17, 2025November 15, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Vector illustration showing AI browser security concerns with warning symbols and protective shields

I tested ChatGPT Atlas and uninstalled it within an hour. Here’s why AI browsers aren’t safe yet—and why your current setup is good enough.

Using AI to Complete Projects with ADHD

November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Person sailing through vibrant storm with glowing beacon trails connecting to distant shores, representing ADHD navigation with AI assistance

Learn how to use AI to complete projects with ADHD. Practical techniques for capturing ideas, preventing overwhelm, and shipping work consistently.

Export from Claude: Complete Guide for Conversations & Files

December 10, 2025November 10, 2025 by Ben Thirlby

Teal robot hand and human hand meeting in handshake exchanging colorful office documents representing Claude AI file creation partnership

Learn how to export Claude conversations, download generated Office files, use File Creation for Excel and PowerPoint, and save your AI work with working formulas.