We met the developer at a workshop she led at the launch of the Google Pixel 9a smartphone, which boasts impressive AI capabilities.
Hello, Deb! We’ve been hearing a lot about AI lately. Some people are in awe, while others are a little hesitant. As someone who creates content and works in a creative field, what do you think about this?
It’s easy to see why people have mixed feelings about AI. It’s new and big changes always disrupt things. But from my perspective, being in the creative world, I think it’s a great tool. It’s here to support creativity, not replace it. For me, AI is like having an extra set of hands when brainstorming ideas (sometimes I get so overwhelmed that I freeze), planning my content, and analyzing my progress to see what’s working. It can help speed things up, and it can give you angles you wouldn’t have thought of on your own. Creativity still comes from real life. I feel most creative when I’m in nature, on the treadmill or swimming in the ocean. It still comes from my emotions, relationships, and spontaneity. AI can only help bring these ideas to life more efficiently.
At the recent Google Pixel 9a workshop, we talked about how Google Pixel 9a is a tool that can enhance what people can do. How do you use AI as a tool, and what are some easy ways people can start experimenting with it?
that’s right! It’s an enhancement, not a replacement. I often use AI tools to organize my ideas, write captions, and decide which captions to use for my posts. If you’re just starting out, an easy way for me to explore AI is to use the tools you already have on your phone, like Magic Eraser for photos or Gemini, Google’s AI assistant for speaking voiceover ideas. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to use AI. Having an AI help you plan a weekend getaway, brainstorm gift ideas, or write a fun bio can be a fun way to start. Rather than being perfect, it’s important to think about how it makes your life a little easier or more creative.
As AI advances and becomes more integrated into devices, how do you find the balance between using AI as an inspirational aid rather than a crutch?
It’s definitely a matter of balance. For me, it always comes back to intention. If you can use AI to refine what you already feel inspired by, then you’ve succeeded (or you can rewrite your caption to fit your synopsis, since there are a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes). But if you find yourself reaching for it before thinking about what you want to say or create, stop. I tell myself that my natural spark, my voice, my style, my reason should take the lead. It’s not fun or creative when you’re dependent on it, and that’s where I feel most like myself, getting excited and having fun creating content. AI is great at honing and moving ideas forward, but the soul of the content still needs to come from me.
Over 100,000 people follow your adventures on Instagram and TikTok, showcasing the best travel spots and activities across Ireland. Capture beautiful content on your phone. What advice do you have for people who want to improve the way they capture these memories? Do you have any helpful hacks or apps you can share?
Don’t overthink it! Beautiful moments are always happening around you. How you look is more important than what gear you have. I shoot all of my content on my phone and one of my biggest tips is to be intentional. Trust me, you’ll get overwhelmed with so much footage to edit that you won’t edit it at all. I love using Google Photos for easy editing and apps like CapCut and InShot to easily trim videos. Also, don’t underestimate the power of natural light and good audio. Also, grab your mini mic and have some fun. Don’t be shy and be yourself. Think about the content you consume/enjoy. What is it like, who are they, how much of themselves do they share? why are you looking at them? Knowing what makes you happy and consuming is a good starting point. If you’re camera-shy, remember that you don’t have to speak into the lens to tell your story. You can even narrate it, letting the visuals and music do the talking.
What is a day in your life like for you, or is every day different?
Haha, I wish I could have answered normally! No two days are the same and I love that. Some days I wake up at 5am to watch the sunrise, then go to work at the gym, then go to an event, meeting, or fun new activity. Other times I’m glued to my laptop planning content, editing, answering emails, or preparing for a group trip. Or it could be a day where I don’t even get out of bed (I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, so I have to be careful about that). I try to maintain some structure – coffee, swimming, yoga, to-do lists – but to be honest, I thrive on a combination of chaos and creativity. It keeps things exciting and reminds me that even administrators are part of building a life I love. (Plus, I’m a huge nerd, so looking at spreadsheets and numbers makes me really happy!)
We also organize group trips and vacations for women who meet as strangers and part as friends. What is the impact of bringing online followers into real life and encouraging yourself and others to take up hobbies and try new things?
Ah, I feel like this is the point. This is my favorite part of my job! There’s something really special about turning a digital connection into a real one. I started by hosting swim meet-ups at Sea Point in Dublin with my friend Tony, and that grew to hosting these trips to create a safe and uplifting space for women to explore, relax, and just hang out. And what I saw is beautiful! Women who were nervous to come alone end up bonding through shared stories, fears, dreams, setbacks, and goodbyes (there’s a lot to overcome) and leave having forged true friendships. In a world where we can feel disconnected, these trips remind us that adventure, community, and growth are still possible. It’s never too late to try something new or say yes to an experience that might change you.
You may be feeling lonely, but you may simply not have found the right person yet. Ireland has been named one of the worst places to live in Europe. My heart broke when I saw this statistic, but it also made me feel seen even after moving to Dublin. I have never felt more alone than I did in my 20s. I graduated from college, moved to a new city, got a new job, and no close friends. I felt really isolated and like no one understood me. Looking at this statistic made me realize I’m not the only one feeling alone. So I made it my mission to do something about it. Now I’ve taken a group of women skiing in Bulgaria, canyoning in the Philippines, swimming with manta rays in the Maldives, and walking hundreds of kilometers along the Camino in Spain. I never want to stop! I don’t want to do anything else. I want to be a voice for people who sit alone in a corner and feel like they’ll never fit in. We want it to be a space where they always feel welcome. Because it’s something we’ve all felt, and all we really want as humans is connection.
If you’re interested in AI tools on your phone, Gemini’s Nano Banana can help with your costume planning process, allowing you to virtually try on costumes and create spooky images with just a few taps, perfect for anyone looking for last-minute inspiration. When it comes to Google search trends, some things never seem to change. “How to make a ghost costume for kids” is the most searched question for “how to make” costumes. If in doubt, remove bed sheets.
For more on AI, plus interviews with girls and women making progress in STEM fields, pick up the November issue of Irish Country Magazine.
