Upton Rand on AI & Marketing

In this compelling episode of The Backstory on Marketing and AI, host Guy Powell talks with Upton Rand, founder of Gay Men’s Field Guide, author of Urban Adventures and Gay Campgrounds, and a true innovator in the intersection of creativity, connection, and technology.

Upton reveals how AI didn’t just help his business—it became an integral part of it. From launching his books to designing ads, managing Amazon campaigns, and even building his own AI agent named Ember, Upton has harnessed AI to extend his capacity as a solopreneur and creative.

You’ll hear about:

• How AI-enabled market research supported his book launches
• The ethical implications of AI in large corporations
• The risk of “AI hallucinations” and how to correct them
• A sneak peek into building your own AI agent
• How to leverage tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to amplify productivity
• Why traditional research still matters (yes, even libraries!)

Plus, Upton’s humor and heartfelt reflections remind us that while AI is a powerful tool, the human story still matters—especially when the goal is connection.

Whether you're a small business owner, marketer, author, or AI enthusiast, this episode delivers insight, laughs, and actionable advice.

Calls to Action:

🔹 Visit @BackstoryOnMarketingandAI for more episodes

🔹 Learn more at ProRelevant.com

🔹 Pre-order Guy Powell’s new book at MarketingMachine.Prorelevant.com

To learn more about Gay Men’s Field Guide, visit: https://www.gaymensfieldguide.com