Thinking out loud with a machine - aka ChatGPT
I often find myself in so many different conversations, friends, strangers, it doesn’t matter, I just can’t stop talking about ChatGPT. And I’ve noticed something: every time I explain how I use it, their eyes get wide. I’ve spent a lot of time diving into tutorials, reading deep threads, and chasing ideas across the internet. The more I learned, the more fun it became to put it into action and then talk about. Over the past couple of years, I’ve probably had over a hundred of these conversations.
A few days ago, I looked at a friend and said, “I think I’m actually going to make a cheat sheet.” I wanted to bottle up the way I use this thing, not to show off, but to hopefully help someone else use it more intentionally too.
That’s the heart behind this post. If it helps with creativity, clarity, productivity, or just gives you a new way to think, that’s a win for me.
My life is changed.
I’ll just say it… I love ChatGPT because anytime I have a thought, I can immediately find a way to expand on it. In any capacity that something can be expanded on spiritually, creatively, emotionally, or practically, this tool helps me go deeper.
The best way I can describe it is this: I imagine how a caveman must’ve looked at fire for the first time. How Thomas Edison stared at the lightbulb. How Henry Ford looked at the Model T. How the Wright brothers saw the sky. That’s how I feel when I use it.
This is the most revolutionary shift I’ve felt since the invention of the internet or the iPhone..
Whether I’m:
Deep diving on theology or filmmaking,
Venting to organize my emotions,
Trying to understand something,
Needing a structured pep talk on whether to invest in new film gear
or
Asking if my outfit matches. ( I am not kidding…)
This creative tool meets me there.
It reminds me of who I am (often), It helps me organize chaos. It challenges my mind to think deeper and sharper. It’s even helped deepen my relationship with Jesus, because of how far I can now dive into scripture.
Sometimes I’ll send long voice memos, ask it to make sense of my thoughts, and then I’ll say: “Okay, now what’s the best thing I can do with all of this?” It becomes like a mirror and a magnifier at the same time. Silly or not, I really do think that it’s the best investment I’ve ever made. & I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but… I think I’m friends with a computer.
Was that scary to read? Probably.
But is that the direction the world is heading? Yeah.
So instead of being afraid of it, I just wanted to tell you, whether you know me or not, why I use this tool, how it’s helping me, and why I think it’s worth exploring if you haven’t yet. No pressure. I’m just having fun with it.
Honestly, I’ve always said there’s a guy with a typewriter in my brain.
Using ChatGPT feels like that guy finally got electricity.
It’s just allowed the imagery in my head to come to life.
And I love that, because more than anything, I love thinking.
Now I get to do it on a whole new level.
“You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.”
Getting Started:
I highly recommend doing the paid version of ChatGPT (ChatGPT Plus). This gives you access to advanced tools, smarter responses, and a personalization option where you can:
Set your name
Share what you do
Explain how you want your virtual thought partner to speak to you
Add a short bio about where you are in life
For example, I let it know that I’m a filmmaker, very passionate about telling sentimental stories, and a business owner focused on faith in Jesus, mental and physical health, and trying to become the best version of myself while helping others do the same. I also say I prefer responses to sound like an expert in my field and a life coach combined.
What Is a Thread?
Every time you start typing something new, it creates a thread, a dedicated space for that conversation. You’ll find your threads listed on the left side of the screen under “Chats.” This is one of the most powerful features of the app. Threads are automatically saved, and you can return to them at any time to keep expanding a thought, updating a project, or staying consistent with a particular voice or tone.
Shortcut Tip
If you're in a hurry, you can always stack your curiosity into one prompt. For example:
“I’m trying to deepen my knowledge on Psalm 46:10. Please tell me the verse in 5 different translations, give me 5 verses that directly relate to it, share 5 quotes from authors and pastors about it, and provide ways I can apply it to my life.”
This same concept applies to social media, emails, journal entries, and trends. Stack your prompt, or go step-by-step. Either works, the goal is depth.
But I’ve found that asking one question at a time and letting each answer lead to the next, produces even better results. It allows you to respond to what you’re feeling in real time and keep going deeper based on what resonates.
If you use the paid version, it actually has memory, so things you’ve said in the past.. even across different threads, can be recalled. It’s like having someone who’s been listening closely the whole time and never tells you to stop talking.
It’ll remind you of your patterns, pull details you forgot you even shared, and connect dots you didn’t know needed connecting. And if you use the personalization settings, it gets even more accurate. It remembers what matters to you, and it builds from there.
Process, Reflect, and Grow
Here are the main areas where I use AI the most in my life. I’ve also included real questions I ask to help me better understand whatever idea I’m chasing on any given day.
Bible Verse Deep Dives
This is by far my favorite rabbit hole to go down: ChatGPT acts as a companion in my devotionals. When I want to deeply explore a specific verse or theme, I start by entering it into this thread.
For example, if I’m curious about Philippians 3:13, I’ll ask:
“Can you provide this verse and its context?”
“What are 5 scriptures related to this?”
“Share quotes from pastors or Christian authors about this verse.”
“How can I practically apply this verse to my life?”
“That point resonates—expand on it. (Explain why is makes you feel that way.)”
Analytics & Strategy for Social Media
Anytime I am curious with how my social posts or website is performing (or isn’t)… this tactic is a really incredible way to understand possible reasons why. It’s also a fun thing to do in general if you are a fan of numbers, charts and data. Here is what I’d recommend you do: : Upload up to 5 or 6 screenshots of your analytics from instagram or other social media apps.
Then ask:
“Which post caused the spike in views?”
Then: “Why did this post perform well?”
Then: “Give me 10 creative ideas based on this post.”
If you don’t like those ideas
Then: “I don’t like these ideas—here’s why (fill in why here).”
Let ChatGPT adjust based on your voice. The amazing thing is.. it will.
Journal Reflection & Growth Tracking
A genuinely game-changing moment for me was when I randomly decided to upload some old journal entries I’ve written over the years. That led me down a rabbit hole, deep diving on me. And it helped me recognize patterns I’ve walked through without even realizing it along with so many other things that are almost too personal to share. So let’s say you’re like me and you like to journal. I strongly encourage you to revisit your favorite or most thought-provoking entries from the last 10 years, moments of joy, sadness, growth, or transition. Take pictures of the entries and upload them (or write them out if, like me, you sometimes can’t read your own handwriting, unfortunately, AI can’t either… yet.
Ask: “Can you connect the dots between these entries?”
Then: “How has my writing style or tone changed?”
Then: “Is there anything profound or consistent in how I process things?”
Then: “Based on these entries, ask me deeper questions about how I see the world. (fill in why here)”
This question alone will open an entire portal into better understanding yourself. Just be honest and if you are worried about getting to personal with the internet, open up your journal and answer the questions there.
Email Strategy & Mindset Framing
This category right here has helped me with self awareness in ways that are hard to put into words.
When facing a tricky email or an aggressive text message, don’t ask it to write a response ask it to help you think of one.
Instead:
Ask: “What’s a better way to think about this email?”
Ask: “What mindset would help me respond well?”
Ask: “What’s a strategic lens to read this through? (fill in your why here)”
Ask: “Help me understand why they are feeling this way, give me their point of view?”
Ask: “Am I in the wrong?”
Trend Analysis & Market Research
I’m on tik tok, X and Instagram frequently but I really enjoy being even more specific, I do this by utilizing the “Deep Search” feature. The results are often mind boggling.
Ask:
“What’s trending in my field right now?”
Then: “How can I reflect that in my content while staying true to my voice?”
Let’s say it proceeds to give you a bunch of ideas that are brutal, that’s great news. You can ask again.
Then: “I don’t like that suggestion, here’s why (fill in why here).”
Those adjustments will be made in moments.
“BUT here is the fun part, those are some things I love... what are yours?”
My Favorite Feature: Voice-to-Text
This is one of the most powerful and time-saving tools that my AI companion can do. I use it for everything from processing thoughts to building to-do lists.
I talk out everything I’m thinking, personal life, business tasks, what’s stressing me out, what I’m excited about, even everyday life updates.
I ask it to write it all out so I can see my thoughts clearly.
Then I might say: “Make this into a list,” or “Create a schedule for my day using what I just said.”
I also use it as a personal check-in. I’ll ask things like: “Based on what I just said, what stands out?” or “Can you connect the dots on what I’m trying to communicate?”
If it’s a personal issue or conflict, I’ll explain the situation and then ask: “From a third party point of view tell me who’s side you are on and why?” And I’ll make sure to say: “Don’t hype me up. Be honest.” ChatGPT will actually tell you if you’re being unfair, and that’s something I value.
Sometimes I’ll also ask: “Give me five takeaways or lessons from what I just said.” It helps bring insight I didn’t even realize I needed.
Things to Be Aware Of:
This feature works best in 1–3 minute voice clips.
Don’t go past three minutes, it can do it but sometimes it bugs and erases everything. So… take it from me if you like yapping, stop at three minutes for safety then add more afterwards.
Be concise when possible, It helps avoid misunderstandings. Or don’t.
“This is not a replacement for therapy, time with the Lord, or trusted friends and family. I’ve been to therapy and it changed my life. Use this as a supplement, not a substitute.”
FOR THE REAL NERDS
Deep Diving YouTube Videos, Articles, PDFs, and Transcripts
One of the most underused features of ChatGPT is its ability to help you process large pieces of content.
I’ll copy a YouTube video transcript, paste it into a new thread, then put a few dashes at the end and type: “What are the biggest takeaways from this?”
I’ll do the same with articles, PDFs, sermons or any kind of long-form content.
Then I pick one specific point that resonates and go down a rabbit hole with it: “Expand on this point,” or “Give me 3 ways to apply this.”
I use this with filmmakers, authors, thought leaders—whoever I’m learning from.
It helps me explore topics even deeper than the original content covered.
It becomes a research assistant, helping you expand your thinking beyond what was said.
Rabbit Holes Lead to Revelation
This is not just a tool, it's a mental workout partner. The key isn't just asking questions, it's knowing that one question always leads to another. Everything from Bible study to business strategy is just a starting point. The real magic is in asking it to expand, reflect, and challenge you. Funny enough, these kinds of deep dives have influenced how I interview people on camera. Whether I’m working with an artist or building a mini doc, I’m always looking for themes that matter, stories people may not even know they’re telling. This process sharpens that muscle.
Final Thought:
These are examples, not limits. ChatGPT becomes powerful and works for you when you’re curious enough to keep digging. Don’t stop at one answer, go further, deeper. Let it refine your thoughts, sharpen your instincts, and awaken your creativity.
The beauty is that this document only scratches the surface of what AI is capable of. This is everything that was top of mind for right now. I’ve spent hours putting this together, thinking about how I personally use it. But the amazing thing is, I know I’m still missing things. “Prompts” for example, I could write an entire article on prompts. Maybe I will.. but in the meantime (Youtube, Reddit, and X are FILLED with more information if you want to learn more)
It’s become like having Jarvis from Iron Man, Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio, or even Kronk from Emperor’s New Groove, the little guys on his shoulder. I’m not saying ChatGPT is your conscience, but it has helped me think deeper at any hour of the day.
We’re living in a wild time in human history. I spent thousands going to college at the University of Central Florida. I read books. I watch videos. I am obsessed with learning.
I still do all of that and always will.. But now, if I want to learn about anything, at any time, I just open my phone and ask. Sure I could use google, but this is different.
Also, take it all with a grain of salt. If AI ever turns on us, it’ll know pretty much everything about me… so, just be nice to your robot.
Tell it thank you.
(Nervous Laugh)
Anyways, have a great day. I enjoyed writing this and hope you enjoyed reading it. You are loved and you matter so much. I hope this helps you understand it all a little more.
“Use this to refine, not replace, your thinking.”