5 AI Tools I Actually Use Every Day — and How

Everyone has a list of AI tools. Most of those lists are aspirational. This one is real — these are the tools open on my computer right now.

1. Claude (Anthropic)

My primary thinking and writing partner. I use it for long-form content, strategy work, and anything that requires nuance. It lives in a Project with full context about my brand, goals, and voice.

2. Perplexity

My research tool. When I need current information, market data, or want to go deep on a topic before writing, Perplexity is faster and more reliable than a standard Google search.

3. Notion AI

I use Notion as my second brain, and the embedded AI is useful for summarizing notes, turning rough bullet points into structured docs, and surfacing information I've already captured.

4. Descript

For podcast and video editing. The overdub and transcription features have cut my post-production time significantly.

5. Otter.ai

I record every important meeting and call. Otter transcribes and summarizes — so I'm never scrambling to remember what was decided or promised.

The through-line: none of these tools work on their own. They work because I've built intentional systems around them. The tool is never the answer. The practice is.