“Curiosity is what keeps me moving forward.”
What happens when a former scientist becomes Canada’s first pro blogger, publishes four books, and now builds custom AI marketing tools for fun? In this episode, I talk with Tris Hussey about curiosity, content, and building a life around technology that empowers people.
This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.
In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with Tris Hussey, a lifelong technologist, educator, author, and self-described curiosity-driven geek. Based in Chilliwack, BC, Tris has worn many hats: paleontology-obsessed kid, research scientist, blogger, podcaster, marketing strategist, university instructor, and now an AI-enabled marketer.
Tris shares how his career evolved from studying fossilized pollen and running labs at Duke University, to becoming Canada’s first professional blogger in 2003. He eventually authored four books—including WordPress Absolute Beginner’s Guide—and made it his mission to democratize technology for everyone.
He opens up about the joy of teaching, writing overly long prompts, and helping small businesses understand and use AI without fear. He calls it “vibe coding”—rapid prototyping powered by curiosity. Tris doesn’t just talk tech; he lives it. From building tools with his 10-year-old daughter to analyzing podcast data with custom Python scripts, he’s all in.
The conversation moves from page builders and WordPress bloat to LEGO, Solitaire, and building a substack called “Generally AI.” Through it all, Tris keeps coming back to one idea: learning is the most important skill we’ve got—and it’s never too late to start.
His advice for rebels in waiting? Stay curious. Stay learning. And if you don’t know how to do something, just ask one question at a time.
Quoteable Quotes
“Everyone should be able to use technology. It shouldn’t be hard.” — Tris Hussey
“If you want better prompts, have the AI write your prompt for you.” — Tris Hussey
“Just learn more.” — Tris Hussey
“Just fine doesn’t have to be less than.” — Michael Dargie
“Curiosity is what keeps me moving forward.” — Tris Hussey
Episode Highlights
Corn vs Tabor | Chilliwack pride and Bookman trivia
Canada’s First Blogger | From science to blogging in 2003
Pollen and Oil | His academic roots in palynology
Lab Coats & Fume Hoods | Why he left research for tech
Blogging for Business | Before content marketing was a thing
Teaching Tech | Making tools accessible to everyone
The Worst Book | Foursquare in 10 Minutes—glad it was paid up front
Best Work | Democratizing WordPress for beginners
AI Marketing | Solving brand and content problems with AI
Vibe Coding | Building tools with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini
Prompt Structure | RACE and Casino models for better AI output
Learning by Challenge | Why problem-solving is his teaching method
Solitaire & ADHD | How it helps him focus during calls
LEGO & Cooking | What fills Tris’s creative tank
Teaching AI to Kids | Helping families learn AI the right way
Advice to Rebels | Stay curious, ask questions, and just keep learning
Links From Episode
Tris Hussey Website (https://www.trishussey.com/)
Tris on Facebook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishussey/)
Get Your Copy of Michael’s Book:
“BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From ‘Meh’ To Memorable”
Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
About the Author: Alexia Aube
