Luke Matthews

Co-Founder | Lifestyle Blogger |  Content Marketer | Storyteller 

I teach you how to write with AI (and win LinkedIn)

Building a business in public on LinkedIn™ is a challenge. 

The internet has changed. AI slop is everywhere and everyone is trying to figure out how much to share? 

Should you share selfies?
Do you need video?
How much of your personal life do u disclose?
Why do posts about pizza do better than talking about ur business?
Is AI safe to use? 

It's a lot to figure out.

You also have a real business and a reputation to uphold. 

You want to take advantage of more opportunities through visibility on social media, but you know there are privacy risks that come with that.... 

Most AI models take your data and sell it. 
Most social media platforms take your data and sell it.
Most marketers don't understand this, which can expose your company.

That's where I come in. 

I've been marketing for over 10 years on social media, built over 250k followers across all platforms, and I've ghostwritten for some of the biggest personal brands in the world. 

I've shared some of the most unhinged content you will ever see. Streamed drunk from the Scottish highlands, given away 1000s of dollars of pizza, hosted live meme competitions and roasted other influencers LIVE...

I've also been banned over 10 times on LinkedIn and experienced a lot of drama by sharing real opinions that not everyone enjoyed.

So you could say I've learned the hard way how to find the line for what to share and how much to share. 

Despite the wild journey, I do value privacy and staying hidden. 

It takes skill to build a personal brand that not only generates revenue for your company but also remains secure and private. 

But the truth is finding that line between private and public is hard. 

I help you find that line.
I help you use AI without giving away all your personal info.

So if that interests you give me a follow and subscribe to my free newsletter that dives deeper on how to use private AI, approach social media minimally and make it your slave and not vice versa. 

--

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘆?

Follow me and subscribe to my email list to learn how to use AI tools safely and securely without exposing your data and private life to the world. You can subscribe by clicking any link in my profile as they all go to my newsletter on Substack. 

--

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁?

Email me at luke@wizardofoddmarketing.com

Founder - Lead Wizard & Ghostwriter

Linkedin & Twitter Ghostwriting Services for CEOs, Influencers, and Tech companies. 
Reach your audience with a sprinkle of magic, the power of explosive copywriting, and let the WIZARD OF odd MARKETING help make your biz a LOT  less boring.

Hollywood is no longer relevant. 

We don't watch movies. We don't care about celebrities. 

And now.... We don't need the directors or big budgets either. 

Everyone focus on the doom and gloom of AI.

But AI gives the small creators a chance. 

This animated holiday short by Artlist was made by 3 people in 3 weeks. 

No Studio. No massive budget. 

Just AI tools on Artlist. 

Try it here: https://lnkd.in/ejKNGHgQ

In 2025 you can create almost anything with the right tool, a creative skillset and a determined mind. You don't need a big budget or famous movie stars (I guess u could make an hot AI avatar tho)..

Now with that being said...

I'm gonna go put on the Hobbit because for some reason I enjoy watching that trilogy over the holidays!!

PS What's your go to holiday Christmas movie?

Brand partnership • I got banned 10x so you don’t have to. Learn to separate your private and digital life by using AI tools securely (and discover how to build online without the drama).

I have been banned over 10x on LinkedIn. 

The brutal truth is the system ain’t fair…

In business and in life those willing to cater to the system (and exploit you) end up profiting from it. 

Social media has made this reality worse. 

It’s not about how skilled you are.
It’s about how skilled you can talk. 

(& it’s about who u know aka how good you are at kissing up to leaders and using errr befriending them on your climb to a seat at the table)

I decided this rat race wasn’t for me. 

So I’m playing a different game now. 

Rebuilding in the shadows. 
Learning new skills. 
Making new friends…

Friends that are hackers, rebels and the anonymous geniuses defending digital freedom…

Because look, complaining about broken systems accomplished nothing…

Action wins. 

PS Hi LinkedIn. Who’s still here?

2 posts in a week whoa 🤓

Luke M

Vibe coding has risks. But you can deploy securely.

4 ways to use replit safely (in an isolated work sandbox)

Let's be real. The idea of just telling an AI to build an app feels fast and loose. Because it is.

AI suggestions can be riddled with vulnerabilities. replit's own research says up to 40% of them can be insecure.

So, just blindly trusting an AI to write your code is like leaving your front door wide open.

You don't do that.

But you also don't have to code like it's 2005. The power of vibe coding is real, you just have to be smart about it.

It's about control. It's about isolation.

I run my digital life in sandboxes. replit is no different. It's a powerful tool, and I use it inside my secure workflow. Here's how I do it without exposing my data:

1. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲. 
  
This is non-negotiable. Hardcoding API keys is a rookie mistake. replit's built-in Secrets manager encrypts them and keeps them completely separate from your source code. I can even set them at the account level and reuse them without ever pasting them into a prompt. Simple.

2. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱. 
  
Just like I use different OS environments, replit runs every project in its own isolated container on GCP. This is a fundamental security principle. Your app isn't touching other apps. It's sandboxed by default.

3. 𝗜 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝘀. 
  
Not every idea needs to be public. For anything sensitive, I use replit's Private Apps feature. Only people I invite can access them. You decide who gets in. Not the entire internet.

4. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁. 
  
Replit builds full-stack apps by default, separating the front-end from the back-end. This means sensitive logic and data processing happen in a secure, hidden environment, not in the user's browser. It's the right way to build, and it's automatic.

The point isn't to avoid powerful tools. 
It's to use them without becoming the product.

You can move fast without sacrificing security. 

You just need the right environment and the right controls.

PS Do you vibe code? (How do u protect your data if so...)

Start here: https://lnkd.in/ecZX3z4S

I used to spend 8 hours a day engaging on LinkedIn. 

In 2025 I spent less than 30 minutes a day... 

So why change?

Well for starters I shut down a lot of things this year. I ghosted the platform for months, I shut down my old businesses and went into the shadows to consider a rebuild. 

But last year a lot changed on the platform.

Commenting alone is now far less effective for growth.

There are too many AI comments.
There are too many thought leader ads.
There are too many virtual assistants focused on ROI.

The odds of your comment alone being seen, considered and replied to simply went down a lot. 

So here's what I have been doing in Q4:

I comment for 15 minutes a day.
I make sure each comment is interesting.
I follow up the comment with a simple DM. 

(oh and yes I remove all my comments, posts and footprint 30-60 days after with a pretty cool AI tool.... DM if your curious why I do this!) 

No you wont get a ton of reach or follower growth this way!

But you will start conversations....

PS Have you changed your strategy in 2025?

I got banned 10x so you don’t have to. Learn to separate your private and digital life by using AI tools securely (and discover how to build online without the drama).

It's easy to get 1000 likes a post (like I used too)

Here's how to be a LinkedIn influencer: 

1. Talk about LinkedIn. 
2. Be good looking and post pictures.
3. Write short, broad content. 
4. Spend all day commenting. 
5. Do this for 90 days. 

OR 

69. Pay a team to do it all for you. 

But here's the truth about this blueprint. 

You missed the window when this was possible for anyone. It's too late now on LinkedIn to do this organically. The market has changed, agencies don't work as well, organic is dying and this actually isn't the best strategy unless you want to pretend the old system still works. 

The better way? 

Cut the dopamine. Pick a niche. Speak to that niche. 
Accept less reach. Accept slower growth. 

But reach a very targetd audience. 

In summary...

You need a real skill and a real niche to focus on.

The generic LinkedIn growth expert is playing an old game to take your hard earned money by fooling you with cheap dopamine. 

You will never become them. 

You don't need a personal brand.

You just need to be an expert with a real skill and a specific niche.

PS Who bought cool AI tools for Black Friday?

I changed my profile picture to a cartoon for 6 months. 

Here's what it did for my business....

1. I gained -1000 followers in 189 days.
2. I gained - 90% profile views in the last 90 days. 
3. I gained -500 subscribers in 2025. 
4. I have 0 comment on revenue :D

All jokes aside... 

Cartoon profile pictures are a challenge on LinkedIn. 

People like faces. It's the cost of doing business here.

During this 6 months I learned a lot.

I've cleaned up years of accounts and content. 
I've learned to separate public and personal data.

I have a work environment (with tools and an email).
I have a personal environment (on separate devices).

I have decided to use my name and face here for now.

Because the truth is....

Altho I scrubbed years my content, comments and likes I do not have the hacker skills as of yet to remove all the video clips, pictures and posts shared about me by other digital creators.

It seems I did too good a job at marketing myself lol.

PS How was your 2025 internet person?

I now separate work and my personal life.

But not for balance... I do it for privacy.

If you wanna work 16 hours a day and find joy in that then I see no reason at all to say that's unhealthy. 

So this post isn't about encouraging balance.

I mean, I'm the guy who posted 3x a day and spent 8 hours+ a day commenting and connecting on LinkedIn for years who now has a cartoon profile pic, posts 1x a week and barely comments...

I enjoy the unhinged and unbalanced life.

More fun. More purpose. More stories.

And yet I've worked hard to seperate personal and business in 2025.

That's meant shutting down a lot of social media accounts, AI tools, services, clients and ways that I show up on the internet. 

I use Linux for personal stuff.
But Windows for work. 

I use a rebuilt android OS for personal stuff.
And only use an IPhone hardened for work.

I still post on LinkedIn for work. 
But I removed all pics and stories connected to my life.

I could go on and on...

But for me, seperating work and my personal life hasn't been about balance. It's been about privacy and being more intentional with my time, my words and my efforts... 

I believe the internet is no longer a place for authenticity. 

It's simply a place to do commerce. 

So look, do you but if your password is the same for your bank and your LinkedIn account....

Maybe it's time for an audit of yourself eh peasant? 

🧙‍♂️

Do you share your live location with social media apps? 

I do not. Here's a quick why/why not list... 

✅ Positives to location sharing:

It's convenient (easy to meet up & connect)
It's social proof (events, hotspots, clout)
It gives you steak recommendations. 

✖️ Negatives to location sharing: 

It creates movement patterns for 1000s to study.
It allows your data to be harvested more easily.
It establishes a physical digital footprint.

I have always been careful to not share my live location.

I analyze every photo or post written and consider what kind of footprint I'm leaving behind. 

Am I paranoid? 

Perhaps... But this elder-millennial is gonna keep walking the line between using tech and disappearing into the shadows..

PS Sharing any photos adds to your risk. 

This photo has clues in it. 

Where do you think this photo was taken?

The gatekeepers are losing their grip.

For years, "world-class" meant big budgets, big teams, and exclusive tools. You had to be part of the club.

That era is over.

AI has kicked the door down. A new report from Artlist, based on insights from 6,500 creators, calls this "The third wave of democratization."

What does that mean?

It means anyone with a laptop can now produce studio-quality work. It means a couple of skilled individuals can take on companies in the hundreds. It means the playing field is wide open for anyone willing to learn.

Of course, when anyone can make anything look perfect, the game changes.

It's no longer just about technical skill. It's about taste. Vision. Strategic thinking.

As the report says, direction now matters more than ever. AI handles the production, but only you can choose the ideas that move people. Your choices are what set you apart.

This is why I find AI so appealing. It's not about replacing humans; it's about empowering the ones that choose to accept the new game. It is the great redistributing. An opportunity for anyone willing to learn, not just those with deep pockets.

The little guy has a chance. The rebel. The creator with a dream. The expert with a real skill.....

I think that's pretty cool.

PS if you want to read more about the state of AI check out the AI Trend Report 2026 from Artlist (who sponsored this post).

https://lnkd.in/gf7e8aXE

How to pay $0 with 9 private AI tools.

(I replaced my tech stack with these brands)

This summer I quit using most AI tools that required overpriced monthly subscriptions/credits and stored my data in their clouds. 

So I had to replace 99% of my tools. 

From $500 to less than $25 a month.

Here's my list:

Notion >Crypt(.)ee for note taking and ideas.
Airtable > AppFlowy for content management.
G-Suite > Proton for secure email and file hosting.
ChatGPT > Okara for private open source AI. 
Loom > Cap so I can record my screen with video.
Perplexity > DeepSeek with Ollama for research.
Canva > Penpot for self hosting creative assets.
Manus > Venice for AI research purposes.
Slack > Signal cz I don't need all the fluff.

So yeah this list is a lot longer.

But I know your attention span is short.

I'm still getting used to some of these new tools.

(and I paid for Proton Premium too btw)

The truth is, it's inconvenient. 
I was used to my tool stack. 

Learning new software and setups is a challenge.

But avoiding subscriptions the best I can and maintaining max control of my data is my decision maker.

PS Yes I left out the self-hosting tools and process...

(I gotta make you follow for more somehow right?)

I am a terrible community leader. 

So join my group chat for remote workers to kick off 2026...

5 years ago I ran a free Discord during lockdowns that featured:

Meme battles.
Free pizza. 
Daily chats. 
Live gaming sessions....

Yes. Yes it ended with me firing all my admins, unhinged topics/rants and a slow descent into madness that ruined a community of 1000+ remote workers...

So why do it again? 

Well since I ghosted LinkedIn for most of 2025 I'm curious if anyone will join and I'm curious how many of you work remote, feel like there's no community online anymore and just wanted a place to chat with some fellow nomads.

This time I'm hosting on telegram. 

It's free. Not sure about pizza. No growth tips or value given.

Just simply a remote workers hangout place during your work days.

If that sounds cool comment WOO and I'll send u the link.

PS How long will this chat last?

Merry Christmas to everyone scrolling the LinkedIn feed alone with a half eaten box of chocolate...

You are either a workaholic OR...

The holidays are a hard time for you. 

If that's you comment GRINCH and I'll share a link to my free telegram chat for remote workers. 

Come hang out while you finish that box of chocolate.

No grift. No growth tips. No value except a casual online chat.

Oh and maybe a meme battle lets see what happens.

Happy holidays!

PS I'm grilling a steak tonight how about you?

Data-Driven Operations Leader | Digital Healthcare | Strategic Planning | Partnerships | Business Planning And Analysis | Servant Leadership

I have led transformative projects with small teams at startups and large global teams for a Fortune 15 company. I am passionate about empowering others and driving positive change in the world.

I'm a lifelong learner who knows that strong operations, solid strategic planning and a culture of good communication are the pillars for success. 

My team has been responsible for multi-million-dollar CRM/ERP implementations, creation of analytics frameworks, development of sales, marketing, and implementation playbooks, and 10+ Mergers and Acquisitions.

My career focus has been in the healthcare/medical device/digital healthcare space, but I am open to other industries. My experience spans sales, strategy, business development, marketing, operations and analytics providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the whole ecosystem.

Highlights Include:

* Developing a comprehensive enablement plan and revamping the sales and marketing processes and workflows, which led to a 45% improvement in forecasting accuracy.

* Implementing operational workflow changes in marketing, professional services, and sales, saving over 20 hours per week and $500k annually in administrative costs.

* Overseeing the integration of 10 M&A projects resulting in annual operational cost savings of over $2M by eliminating redundant processes.

* Introducing a cross-functional whitespace tool that identified $20M in overlooked pipeline opportunities.

* Establishing a telehealth care model that increased patient volumes by 30%.


My skills include:

Operational Leadership
Business Planning
Healthcare and Medical Device sectors
Expertise in building Sales/Revenue Operations infrastructure
CRM, CPQ, ERP Implementation and Business Leader
M&A management
Project management
Data Analytics
Change Management 

I can be reached at sherri.carpineto1@gmail.com

Sherri Carpineto

Nothing reminds you that you’re unemployed like Thanksgiving dinner.
The questions.
The side glances.
The “you’ll bounce back” pep talks from someone who’s been at the same job since 2004.

It’s not just the layoff that hurts.
It’s being expected to smile through it.

The truth is, layoffs don’t take holidays.
They follow you to the table.
They sit quietly beside the cranberry sauce.
They echo in every “So what’s next?” from a cousin you haven’t seen in five years.

You don’t need to perform gratitude just because it’s November.
You’re allowed to feel the grief, the fear, the fatigue.

Not everything needs a silver lining.
Not every loss needs to be “a blessing in disguise.”

Sometimes it’s just hard.
And that’s the most honest thing you can bring to the table.

Be a good human

My husband called me early this morning to pick him up, his car was undrivable after a bad accident.

Not the 7am call anyone wants. Or the call anyone wants ever. 

When I arrived his whole front end of his car was gone. The car likely totaled. The rubber brake pad came slipped off the brake and he hit another car. 

Not on our 2025 bingo card or in our financial plans. 

After a year of incredible challenges - losing our dog, my husband hospitalized and struggling with medical issues, my son injured, stitches in my toe, damage to our home…. 

It’s just….not what we needed. 

It’s been a horrible year of challenges.

But we were able to pay the tow truck driver. We will, with some challenges, be able to get a car with insurance money. 

He is ok, the most important thing. 

And we both have jobs to go to this week.

So many do not. I remember in 2023 when I was in a car accident, hit from behind, when I was laid off. 

The anxiety was even worse. 

If you are so inclined, please help my holiday drive for laid off workers. 

I am happy to provide receipts. 

And target (yes I know we don’t want to support them) has a gift card sale right now if you’re so inclined - that’s great too)

I have many more families to help… but 2025 you’re giving me a challenge 

Please consider giving. 

Please consider sharing your story.

Please comment on this post for more engagement. 

And please let’s hope 2026 is the best year for all of us 🥰

Be a good human

My new job and toilet paper together. 🧻 




You may be wondering why my new job consists of a large box of toilet paper…

Well today we finished our last box from the COVID-era. Yes 2021-ish time frame.

During Covid I was laid off after 15 years. Home-schooling kids, and fearful of what was next for me. 

I landed a new job 5 months later and in 2023 the same year my dad got ill and died, I was laid off again. 

Same anxiety. 

But during Covid so many helped, there was so much community and kindness amongst the fighting about masks 

And this is why this holiday drive means so much to me. 

My new job for the next few weeks consists of making magic for those who don’t have any this year.

And with SO many amazing donors… we are doing just that 

Because the world is upside down. People fight daily but parents and the kids who didn’t ask for layoffs deserve help.

I still have 20+ families I can help. Likely  more I haven’t answered.

If you’d like to donate, ways in comments. 

One more week to get all the gifts delivered on time 

And if not, please just comment and support. 

Because in Covid times it was hard and scary  but people were in together 

Be a good human

https://lnkd.in/efA656g2

No alternative text description for this image

I was laid off and could use some new warm winter clothes and learning activities for my 8 month old son. 



This was the DM I got. 


Santa doesn’t need to bring huge toys to all kids..  

But also still looking for:

Large beanbag chair for autistic child to read 
Massage guns and recovery for teenage athlete (think I got this right) 
New kitchen gadgets and cooking stuff tor a child who is teaching herself to cook 
Legos always Lego sets! 
Arts and crafts for younger kids 
Pens for drawing for teenage girl 

Come on LinkedIn we have a little more work to do.  

I still have at least 15 families to help before I shut down this drive for now. 

I’m hoping to raise another $2000. Every penny goes to families in need. 

GoFundMe and Venmo (no fees) in comments as well as this mom’s story.

Every dollar is helpful 

Please COMMENT on my post to help the algorithm too.

Thank you. thank YOU. 💕 for bringing holiday magic 

Be a good human

Thank you LinkedIn. Thank to this amazing community. 

YOU all are the magic.

Hoping to keep it going for the next week.

Together it’s possible.

If you’re laid off… there IS hope 

There is kindness.

There is help 

Be a good human 

https://lnkd.in/efA656g2

More links in comments 

Still more wish lists to fulfill 

Anyone have connections to get a Switch 2 for a single mom with special needs kids? 

A giant beanbag chair for an autistic boy who wants to read? 

PlayStation gift cards?

New sneakers for teenagers?

Lots of arts and crafts?

graphical user interface, text, application

😢 it’s been an emotional week 


Showing the biggest struggles and the most amazing generosity all at once.

Thank you Feast & Fettle PlayMonster toys and SO many amazing donors.

We will be able to help many…

But stories like yhjs… so many more to help. 

If you need help please reach out… I will do my best 

If you can help please see my comments for donations 

OR please COMMENT AND like and share too

Engagement is hard 

I am also free coaching to anyone laid for before and of the year as time allows before Istart paid coaching again next year 

Thank you for helping 

Thank you for trusting me with your stories 

Thank you for renewing my faith in humanity 

Be a good human.

There is light where there is darkness 


We can’t help everyone but for one more week I am determined to help more 

Even $10 or $20 donation for every person that sees this will help.

No scams. No strings. Just humanity. 

Be a good human 

Ways to help in comments 

OR please COMMENT to increase visibility

https://lnkd.in/efA656g2

“My husband and I both lost our jobs this year and we are still looking for a new positions. I am trying to stay positive but it has been very difficult year for us. 

This Christmas definitely feels a little bit different. We decided not to do any gift exchange but try to get something for our son. I am hopeful 2026 will be better for everyone”

Another DM today. 


I am halfway to my first GoFundMe goal and SO many more inbox like this family waiting to be helped.

If we can get 250 people to donate $25 I could help SO many children this holiday season 

Let’s bring hope and magic to those struggling thanks to corporate decisions 

Be a good human

Stop shaming people who don’t want to work for themselves. 

People who want to work in a company still “bet on themselves.” 

They bet that they know their priorities, desires, and what makes them happy. 

I applaud entrepreneurs as much as I do corporate workers.

You can be laid off at any time just as your business can fail. 

Instead of shame or pretending you’re better than..  let’s meet people where they are.

Some people want meaning, what their own thing, want a job with purpose. 

Some just want a paycheck to find their purpose outside of work. 

Less judgement more help makes the world better. 

Be a good human

taplio

The Battle

Luke Matthews

Sherri Carpineto

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Performance ScoreLuke Matthews's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreSherri Carpineto's LinkedIn Performance

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taplio

The Battle

Luke Matthews

Sherri Carpineto

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Luke Matthews's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreSherri Carpineto's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreLuke Matthews's LinkedIn Performance