What can weird fiction teach us about navigating a reality shaped by technology, environmental crisis, and the shifting boundaries between human and non-human perspectives? In this episode of the Tech Humanist Show, the conversation focused on the power of “weirdness” as both a signal from the future and a way to make sense of our rapidly changing world. Special guest Kate Marshall, professor of English at the University of Notre Dame and author of Novels by Weird: Tales and the 21st Century, joins to explore how weird fiction, genre hybridity, and non-human narration can offer unique insights
What does it really mean for AI governance to be more than just buzzwords—and how do we build systems that are worthy of our trust? This week on the Tech Humanist Show, we get candid with responsible AI expert and Algorithmic Justice League advisor, Rebekah Tweed. Together, we explore the not-so-glamorous (but oh-so-crucial) world of AI governance—think less “theater,” more real talk on trust, transparency, and protecting our privacy. Topics covered: The evolution of responsible AI as a corporate function Balancing safety and privacy in AI applications Algorithmic harms in everyday life (hirin
How do our everyday digital traces—social posts, check-ins, photos—shape our identities, relationships, and the very nature of privacy in a hyper-connected world? Kate O’Neill sits down with Lee Humphreys, professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at Cornell University and author of The Qualified Self: Social Media and the Accounting of Everyday Life. The conversation explores the rich history and surprising continuity of documenting daily life, from centuries-old diaries and photo albums to today’s social media and sensor-driven platforms. Topics Covered: The history and meaning
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the nation faces unprecedented challenges: political polarization, economic insecurity, climate change, and the complex influence of technology and AI. How can America rethink its long-term strategy—and rebuild trust—at this historic crossroads? Host Kate O’Neill is joined by strategist and author Patrick Doherty, co-author of “The New Grand Strategy,” and Brandyn Keating, founder of YOUnify and an expert in repairing civic trust. Together, they explore: America’s 250th anniversary and its significance The meaning and practice of grand str
Are our emotions shaped—and even expanded—by technology, or are we just becoming more disconnected and manipulated online? Dive into this episode as Kate O’Neill and Pamela Pavliscak explore the complicated emotional landscape of the digital world and what it truly means to “stay human.” Topics Covered How technology mediates and shapes emotions The evolution from tech optimism to algorithmic influence Common myths about screen time and digital well-being How emotional metrics differ from traditional digital metrics Shame, AI use, and the pressure to behave perfectly online New “neo emotions”
How can deeper, more intentional listening help us stay human in an age of algorithm-driven music and AI-generated sound? Topics Covered: The connection between music and the human experience Defining and democratizing “musicality” Listening for versus listening to music The impact of corporate consolidation and streaming platforms on music discovery The difference between musical genres and industry formats How categories shape who gets heard Design flaws in music streaming and stunted musical literacy Bluegrass as a model for musical ecosystems Authenticity, AI, and the challenges of provena
Are leaders thinking big enough—and human enough—in the AI era? Explore how AI and technology shape the human experience with Kate O’Neill and guest Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. Discover the concept of cognitive Darwinism, AI transformation stories, leadership in the AI era, and how to drive growth while staying human-centric. Topics Covered: AI augmentation vs. automation Cognitive Darwinism and self-awareness Capacity and capability overhang in AI adoption Transformation as a human story Purposeful iteration vs. intentional innovation Return on intelligence vs. retur
Are you overwhelmed by nonstop change and wondering how to truly thrive in a world shaped by AI and information overload? Tune into the latest Tech Humanist Show episode, where Kate sits down with Frederick Marshall—gardener, CEO, and author of Thrive: The Antidote to Future Shock—to unearth how we can cultivate clarity, resilience, and actual human thriving in our tech-saturated world. Topics covered: Future shock in 2026 and its effects Common leadership misdiagnoses of burnout and overwhelm Strategies for managing information overload and uncertainty The Thrive framework: Priorities, obliga
How can leaders harness AI in their communication without losing their authentic human touch? Topics covered: The meaning and value of authenticity in leadership The risks and rewards of using AI for executive communication Building trust and executive presence in an AI-mediated world The difference between confidence and certainty for leaders Coaching for on-camera executive presence Communicating vulnerability and clarity under uncertainty The “anti-pitch” approach to introductions Ethical use of AI in relationship building Practical steps for leaders to leverage AI responsibly Connect with:
How can organizations confront their histories of harm before being forced to reckon with them? In this episode, Kate O’Neill is joined by Sarah Federman as they explore the crucial difference between deferred and acknowledged harm, and what real accountability can look like—especially amid today’s AI boom. Topics covered: Reckoning work vs. apologies, CSR, and ESG Corporate accountability for historical harm Inaction versus action in organizational ethics Power asymmetry in AI data center expansion Community impact and responsible leadership The pattern of corporate reckoning across eras Acce
Are you overwhelmed at work but can’t pinpoint why? Discover how “thought load”—not just workload—may be sabotaging productivity, innovation, and well-being in the tech-driven workplace. Kate O’Neill sits down with Liane Davey—the brilliant mind behind the new book Thought Load—to unpack why work isn’t working for so many of us. Topics covered: Connect with Liane […]
Are we truly understanding global trade, or just reacting to headlines? Step into a timely, eye-opening conversation on trade, geopolitics, and the systems shaping our global economy with Dmitry Grozoubinski, hosted by Kate O’Neill. Topics Covered: Connect with Dmitry GrozoubinskiWebsiteLinkedInDmitry’s Book: Why Politicians Lie About Trade Episode Chapters: [00:00:04] Introduction to the Tech Humanist Show […]
Are we letting technology shape our lives, or are we actively choosing how it fits in? Dive into an essential conversation about techno-chauvinism, AI’s real-world impacts, and what responsible innovation looks like with Meredith Broussard. Topics Covered: Connect with Meredith BroussardWebsiteLinkedIn Meredith’s book: ”More than a Glitch – Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in […]
What happens when AI makes us more creative—does it also make us more human? Dive into this episode to explore how blending technology and creativity can unlock new potential for individuals, teams, and businesses. Topics covered: Super Creativity: Augmenting human creativity with AI Unlocking creativity in “hidden figures” and backstage roles AI’s impact on solo […]
What does it really mean to build ethical and inclusive AI—and who gets to decide which problems we solve with technology?Dive into this conversation with Tess Posner as she and Kate O’Neill explore how education, ethics, and diverse voices shape the future of AI. Topics covered:The intersection of AI, education, and responsible technology Early experiences […]
What happens when technology doesn’t just restore light sensitivity, but actually brings back the ability to perceive forms, patterns, and meaning for those who’ve lost their sight? Dive into this episode as we explore how breakthroughs in retinal prostheses are reshaping human experience. Topics covered: Connect with Professor Daniel PalankerStanford MedicineLinkedIn Episode Chapters: 00:05 Introduction […]
What does it truly mean to see—and how close are we to restoring sight for those who have lost it? Dr. Lauren Ayton shares her journey at the frontier of vision restoration, from leading Australia’s first bionic eye trial to navigating the ethical, scientific, and personal dimensions of bringing sight back. Topics covered: Connect with […]
What does it truly mean to see—and how can technology restore one of our most essential human senses? In this episode, Dr. José-Alain Sahel joins Kate O’Neill to reveal the breakthroughs in vision restoration, and how these innovations are shaping the future of human experience. Topics Covered: Optogenetic therapy and vision restoration Artificial retina technology […]
What if the real future-of-work crisis isn’t about technology replacing humans—but organizations pushing out workers just when their wisdom is needed most? In this episode, Kate O’Neill and Dan Pontefract explore the urgency of rethinking age in the workplace, longevity, and designing meaningful work for six-decade careers. Topics covered: Connect with Dan PontefractWebsiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagramTikTokDan’s new book […]
What if the “soft skills” we often overlook are actually the most strategic—and essential—in the age of AI? In this episode, leadership expert Dr. Bushra Khan and host Kate O’Neill explore the power and business impact of emotional intelligence, challenging outdated leadership myths and redefining what skills matter most for future-ready teams. Topics Covered: Why […]
What are the questions only humans can ask in an age where AI seems to have all the answers? In this episode, Kate O’Neill and futurist Ben Pring dive deep into the uniquely human skills and judgments that technology can’t replicate, and explore how leaders and organizations can navigate uncertainty, ask better questions, and shape […]
What if climate action and economic growth aren’t at odds—but actually deeply aligned? In this episode, Kate O’Neill sits down with Tom Chi to challenge conventional thinking about climate solutions, innovation, and the future of planetary restoration. Topics Covered: The emotional impact of witnessing coral reef collapse Reimagining climate action through the lens of both […]
What if the secret to solving your organization’s toughest problems was thinking like a 10-year-old? Discover how childlike creativity and fun can reframe complex business challenges, spark innovation, and drive real results. Topics Covered: Childlike thinking for organizational problem-solvingPlayful penalties to boost accountabilityStorytelling and translating complex issues for kidsChange management through unbiased perspectivesDementia care and […]
What if the future of work means being present without actually “being” there? In this episode, Kate O’Neill and Cortney Harding dig into how AI, spatial computing, and XR are quietly reshaping both our work and our very definition of human value, beyond the headlines and hype. Topics covered:The transformative power of spatial computing and […]
What’s stopping legacy companies from becoming the next Airbnb or Amazon—and how can they unlock platform thinking to transform their assets into thriving ecosystems? Dive into how established organizations can use the “Digital Phoenix” effect to fuel innovation, leverage their existing advantages, and reshape value creation with cutting-edge insights from the world of platforms. Topics […]
