The AI Grapple

AI is moving at breakneck speed, and nowhere is that more evident than on the global stage. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, alliances are forming, and nations are racing to lead in this transformative era. But what does it mean for Australia? And how can businesses navigate both the risks and the opportunities?
In this episode, I sit down with Jisoo Kim, Director and Co-Founder of Clear AI, to explore the human side of AI adoption, the mindset shifts organisations need to embrace, and the challenges of navigating AI’s rapid development. With a background in national security, international relations, and even a stint as a digital media adviser to former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Jisoo brings a fascinating perspective on AI’s role in both business and global affairs.
From AI safety to the complex dynamics between the US, China, and Australia, this conversation is both timely and thought-provoking. We also dive into how organisations can overcome fear, build AI literacy, and lead with curiosity in this ever-changing landscape.
Note: AI evolves rapidly, and this discussion was accurate at the time of recording.
Key Highlights:
Jisoo’s Journey from National Security to AI Entrepreneurship Jisoo shares her fascinating career path, starting from her early interest in politics and international relations, shaped by her family's experience with the Korean War. From working as a digital media adviser to former Prime Minister Scott Morrison to serving as a policy adviser at the Department of Defence, Jisoo brings a wealth of experience to her AI advisory work. She explains how her background in national security informs her perspective on AI’s risks and opportunities.
The Human Side of AI Adoption While AI is often seen as a purely technical challenge, Jisoo emphasises that successful adoption is as much about mindset and culture as it is about technology. She discusses why curiosity, psychological safety, and executive leadership are key to overcoming fear and uncertainty. Jisoo also shares stories of organisations that have empowered employees to experiment with AI and how this approach leads to greater innovation.
The Geopolitical AI Landscape The competition between the US and China in AI development has far-reaching implications. Jisoo provides a clear breakdown of the ongoing semiconductor battle, the significance of the US Chips Act, and how Australia is positioned in this global race. She also highlights the importance of responsible AI development and the need for international cooperation — even as geopolitical tensions rise.
AI Safety and Responsible Regulation From misinformation to surveillance concerns, Jisoo dives into the complex challenges of AI safety. She discusses why regulation often lags behind the pace of technological change and why businesses can’t afford to wait for governments to set all the rules. Instead, she advocates for proactive corporate responsibility, clear internal policies, and cross-sector collaboration.
Addressing AI Fear and Misinformation Fear often prevents organisations from fully embracing AI, whether it's concerns over job loss or uncertainty about data security. Jisoo shares practical advice on how companies can approach AI adoption thoughtfully — starting small, experimenting with use cases, and ensuring employees are part of the journey. She explains why transparency and communication from leadership are critical to reducing fear and building trust.
AI in Australia and Its Role on the Global Stage Jisoo highlights Australia’s unique position as a middle power with strong alliances. She explores how Australia can not only adopt AI responsibly but also support neighbouring countries through knowledge sharing and capacity building. She stresses the importance of ensuring AI benefits are distributed equitably, particularly in developing regions.
Choosing and Using AI Tools Wisely In a landscape filled with rapidly evolving AI tools, Jisoo and Kate discuss their experiences using platforms like ChatGPT, Notebook LM, and Copilot. Jisoo shares her thoughts on how organisations can navigate the overwhelming number of options by focusing on practical, impactful use cases rather than chasing the latest shiny tool.
The Future of AI in Business and Society Looking ahead, Jisoo predicts how AI will continue to shape industries, from education and healthcare to defence and creative fields. She also shares her hopes for more collaboration, responsible innovation, and global cooperation in AI development.
This episode is packed with valuable insights for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone curious about the intersection of AI, security, and global politics.
Connect with Jisoo Kim:
LinkedIn: Jisoo Kim on LinkedIn
Website: clearai.com.au
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Today, we’re tackling the profound ethical dilemmas posed by AI in military decision-making. Kate vanderVoort sits down with Jason West, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than a decade of service. With first hand experience participating in AI-driven war simulations and understanding how autonomous systems could be used in modern warfare, Jason brings a unique perspective to the conversation.
Now the founder of Officers Eat Last and author of Leadership Development – A Blueprint for Building Your Leadership Foundation, Jason helps business leaders navigate ethical decision-making and responsible leadership — lessons drawn from both the battlefield and the boardroom.
From the risks of AI making life-and-death decisions to how businesses can use AI responsibly, this conversation will challenge how you think about AI, leadership, and accountability.
Tune in for a powerful discussion that will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.
Key Highlights
🔎 Jason’s Dual Career Journey
From finance to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jason shares how his military background shaped his views on leadership and ethics.
Why he founded Officers Eat Last to help business leaders apply military leadership principles in the corporate world.
🤖 AI in Warfare: The Ethical Dilemma
Jason explains the concept of "human in the loop" vs. "human on the loop" decision-making and how AI is influencing military operations.
Insights from his participation in AI-driven war games, simulating futuristic combat scenarios.
The chilling possibility of AI making autonomous life-and-death decisions, and the need for robust ethical frameworks to prevent misuse.
🛡️ Maintaining Human Accountability
The risks of removing the human element from critical decision-making processes.
Jason’s belief that any AI with the potential to take lives must be governed by human oversight and clear accountability.
🏢 Responsible AI in Business
Drawing from military lessons, Jason offers guidance on how companies can integrate AI responsibly.
The importance of ethical leadership in ensuring AI serves humanity rather than replacing its moral responsibilities.
Why leaders must consider the long-term social impact of AI-driven decisions, not just immediate profitability.
🌍 Geopolitical Implications of AI
How AI is fueling a modern-day technological arms race between nations.
Jason's perspective on “peer competitors” and the role of AI in defense strategy.
The importance of international collaboration and regulation to prevent the misuse of AI in warfare.
🔔 The Path Forward
Jason’s optimism about AI’s potential when used responsibly.
Why companies should focus on upskilling their workforce rather than simply replacing jobs with AI.
The importance of governance and oversight to ensure AI remains aligned with human values.
Connect with Jason West
Website: Officers Eat Last
LinkedIn: Jason West on LinkedIn 
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In this episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort chats with Leigh Williams, Chief Information Officer at Brisbane Catholic Education, who is leading a world-first implementation of AI across a school system. With more than 13,000 staff and hundreds of locations under her care, Leigh shares how her team is bringing ethical, scalable, and deeply human-centred AI into the classroom. From cutting admin by 9 hours a week to transforming how students are supported and assessed, this is one of the most exciting real-world uses of AI we’ve seen.
Leigh’s career spans teaching, executive leadership, national advisory roles, international education, and academic research. She is also a passionate advocate for early-career women in tech and has multiple postgrad qualifications in education, business, IT and leadership.
Whether you’re in education, technology, a parent or leading digital change in any sector, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on how to roll out AI ethically, safely, and effectively – at scale.
🔑 Key Highlights
1. From Teacher to Tech Leader
Leigh shares her journey from teaching IT and biology in classrooms to leading national transformation programs and now driving digital innovation across one of the largest education systems in Queensland. Her experience across international and domestic education gives her a unique lens on what’s possible with AI in schools.
2. How AI is Saving Teachers 9 Hours a Week
Through a pilot with Microsoft Copilot, Leigh’s team measured a time saving of over nine hours per week per teacher – a full day’s work. That time is now going back into the classroom, improving teacher wellbeing and student outcomes. Leigh explains exactly how this was achieved and why it’s already attracting teachers to work at BCE.
3. Hyper-Personalised Student Learning
Leigh outlines how AI tools are being used to create tailored learning pathways for every student – adjusting literacy and numeracy content in real time based on individual performance. This goes far beyond digital textbooks, offering meaningful engagement based on each student’s interests and learning style.
4. The Rome Call for AI Ethics
Ethics isn’t an afterthought. Leigh walks us through how the Rome Call for AI Ethics, developed by the Vatican in partnership with Microsoft and IBM, provides the framework for every AI initiative BCE rolls out. This includes principles like inclusivity, impartiality and reliability – and how they’re applied practically in the school system.
5. Real-Time Assessment and Wellbeing Tracking
From progressive reporting to emotional check-ins, AI is helping identify trends in student wellbeing and engagement. Leigh shares examples of how BCE is using AI to create more dynamic, compassionate classrooms that go far beyond traditional assessment models.
6. Shifting the Conversation: From Fear to Possibility
Leigh talks about how she worked with the BCE board, staff and parents to move from caution to confidence with AI. By addressing fears head-on and sharing real data from pilots, her team created trust and momentum that made scaling AI possible.
7. What’s Next: AI, Robotics and Immersive Learning
Looking to the future, Leigh shares her excitement about the next wave – combining AI with robotics, virtual reality and augmented reality to create deeper, more immersive learning experiences. Think ancient Rome in the classroom – in 3D.
📣 Connect with Leigh
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-williams-profile/
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In this episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort is joined by Joey Seeman - the young and sharp CEO of Nova Echo AI, a company making big waves in the conversational voice AI space.
Joey shares how voice AI can now make and answer calls that sound just like a human, helping businesses scale their sales and support teams with speed, consistency and personality. He also tackles the big questions - job loss, government regulation, and whether AI will eventually build itself.
Joey brings the perspective of a younger generation who’ve grown up with AI as a daily reality. While Kate doesn’t always see the tech through the same lens, the conversation is packed with thoughtful challenges, philosophical questions, and a clear look at what’s already here - and what’s coming.
If you’ve ever been stuck talking to a chatbot, worried about your job, or curious about how businesses can use voice AI today, this is a must-listen.
💡 Key topics we cover
- What makes voice AI different from chatbots?
How generative AI changed the game for customer serviceWhy Joey sees voice as the natural evolution of business communicationWhy people rarely realise they’re speaking to a bot
- Job loss or job shift?
Why Joey says his tech isn’t replacing jobs - yetThe difference between short-term efficiencies and long-term societal impactWhat happens when AI starts building AI
- Generational gaps and mindsets
How Gen Z is casually adopting AI tools without fearWhy older generations are asking the big-picture questionsJoey’s thoughts on long-term thinking, learning speed, and wisdom
- Regulation, power and responsibility
Why global consensus on AI safety may never happenHow Joey thinks governments - and Elon Musk - need to step upWhat could go wrong if humans step out of the AI development loop
- The future of voice AI
How nonprofits can reduce fundraising costs using AIWhy Joey believes voice AI will become a trillion-dollar marketWhat’s coming next - accents, faster responses, and custom featuresHow even small businesses can access the tech starting at approx. $333 per month
📣 Connect with Joey 🌐 Website: https://novaecho.ai 📸 Instagram: @joey_seeman 📸 Nova Echo AI: @nova_echoai
👍 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The AI Grapple on your favourite platform and leave us a rating or review. It really helps others find the show. 🎧 Listen now → www.aigrapple.com 💬 Join the conversation: AI Success Lab Facebook Group
 

In this episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort is joined by Matt Rouse - a tech-savvy marketer, author, and business strategist on a mission to help people and businesses thrive in an AI-driven world.
Matt shares insights from his book Will AI Take My Job? and years of hands-on experience helping companies adapt to AI tools. From job security and the impact on industries, to AI agents and the future of search, this conversation is full of practical advice, real stories, and sharp warnings.
We talk about what jobs are safe, which ones are at risk, and why the companies that embrace AI without a clear plan are likely to fall behind. If you’re in marketing, management, or running a business, this episode is packed with things you’ll want to know now - before AI makes the decisions for you.
💡 Key topics covered
- Will AI actually take our jobs?
Which roles are most at risk - and which ones are safer
Why middle-skill, process-heavy jobs are the most exposed
The hidden danger of “cascade failure” in job markets
What universal basic income could mean in an AI future
- How to protect your role or business from automation
Why every professional should be learning AI now
The power of becoming an “AI orchestrator” - even if you’re not technical
How AI can help the bottom 30% of workers perform like top-tier talent
Ways to bring AI in as a partner, not a threat
- The real state of AI inside companies
87% of companies want to use more AI - but can’t find the talent
Over half of staff already use AI - and many are hiding it
Why the C-suite may have no idea how much AI is actually being used
What boards and managers need to get right before it’s too late
- Search is changing: from SEO to AEO
How AI is reshaping the way people discover businesses
Why answer engine optimisation (AEO) is the next frontier
How Matt became the “AI Chicken Wrangler” and what it teaches us about branding for AI
Why simple, consistent messaging in the right places still wins
- AI agents, software on demand and the rocket ship problem
What semi-autonomous AI agents will do (and why they’ll annoy us first)
Why most SaaS products are at risk of being replaced
How to think about long-term value when building AI tools
The “rocket ship” challenge - what if the next version gets there before you do?
🔚 Final words from Matt
“Play with AI. Make it part of your life. Whether it’s planning meals or writing emails, the more familiar you get now, the better off you’ll be when it really matters.”
Matt’s message is simple - if you’re waiting for someone to tell you how to use AI, you’re already behind. Experimenting, learning and integrating AI into your daily work is the best insurance policy for your career and business.
📣 Connect with Matt
🌐 Website: https://matthewrouse.com 📘 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmrouse/ 🔵 Bluesky: @authorMattRouse
 
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In this episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort sits down with Katelin O’Shea - Team Project Manager for the AI team at Dropbox Global Support, PRINCE2 Practitioner, and founder of AI That Works. With a background in operations and project delivery, Katelin brings a grounded, structured, and incredibly practical approach to AI that is accessible to absolutely everyone - no technical background required.
Her journey with AI began in 2021 with Copy.ai, using it to streamline complex grant applications. Since then, she’s experimented with everything from launching an AI-generated art store to building her own custom GPTs that automate the admin in her personal life. Along the way, she's developed a step-by-step AI implementation framework that's as effective for small businesses as it is for large enterprises.
What We Covered (and What You’ll Take Away):
💡 Start with the problem, not the toolKatelin explains how shiny object syndrome can derail AI projects before they even begin. Her advice: identify the process first, then audit for opportunities.
⚙️ Her 4-question test to decide if AI is a fitAsk yourself: Is the task repetitive? Time-consuming? Data-heavy? Frustrating? If yes, AI could help and you’ll be able to clearly measure the value.
📬 How she beat a parking ticket using ChatGPTFrom voice-to-text storytelling to a legally formatted appeal letter, Katelin used AI as her legal assistant .... and won.
🧠 AI is 70% people, 30% techYou can have the best tools in the world, but if your team doesn’t understand or trust them, it won’t stick. Katelin shares how she dedicates 30% of implementation time to building team confidence and tackling fears around job security.
📊 Messy data? Don’t let it stop youStart with a small pilot and clean only the data you need. Katelin shares how large companies can avoid paralysis and how small businesses have an edge when building from scratch.
🗣️ Why AI transparency mattersWhether it’s an AI avatar or a chatbot, Katelin believes in being upfront with customers. Hiding it erodes trust - especially when AI inevitably makes a mistake.
🧠 Is AI changing how we speak?From “navigating” to “demystifying,” Katelin questions whether AI-generated content is reshaping our language - and how that might influence communication more broadly.
📦 Custom GPTs that solve real problemsFrom her personal recipe and shopping list assistant “Susie” to writing legal letters for her mum, Katelin shares how small, tailored GPTs are her secret weapon for saving time and reducing friction.
🎨 Creativity without codingWith platforms like Replit, Cursor, and Lovable.dev, Katelin is excited about the ability to bring ideas to life without needing to be a developer. AI is lowering the barrier to innovation like never before.
🔮 What’s next in AI?For Katelin, it’s all about accessibility, empowerment, and using AI to enhance - not replace - human creativity, strategy and connection.
 
🔗 Connect with Katelin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katelinoshea
 
🎙️ Listen now on your favourite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a friend or colleague who’s ready to make AI actually work for them.
 

In this episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort is joined by Alexander Zervakos, co-founder of Theryo – an AI-powered mental health platform transforming how therapy is experienced on both sides of the couch.
Alexander is a seasoned entrepreneur and AI specialist who previously built successful ventures in healthcare and finance. But it was his own deeply personal experience navigating therapy that became the catalyst for creating Theryo. Frustrated by a lack of structure and meaningful progress in his own sessions, Alex built a simple tool to guide his journey. That tool became the foundation for Theryo – a platform now helping mental health professionals enhance therapeutic relationships through AI-generated insights, session summaries, and care planning.
Together, we explore how AI can augment mental health care while preserving the vital human connection at its heart.
 
🔑 Key Highlights
💡 The Origin of Theryo
Alex’s therapy journey sparked the creation of Theryo when he saw an opportunity to bring more structure, reflection and continuity into the process.
Initially built as a personal support tool, it grew into a powerful platform that helps clients track their emotions and progress while giving therapists richer insight into the full picture between sessions.
🧠 AI as a Therapy Co-Pilot
Clients journal daily, with AI analysing entries to generate weekly summaries.
Therapists get session transcriptions, automatic notes, and cross-analysis with the client’s journal, enabling a more prepared, personalised, and productive session.
🔐 Data Privacy & Ethical AI
Theryo is built with strict privacy protocols: encrypted data at rest and in transit, de-identified records, and limited access.
Alex emphasises the importance of using platforms with robust safety protocols and professional oversight, likening it to trusting a bank with your money.
🚫 Not a Replacement for Therapy
Theryo does not deliver therapy. It enhances it.
AI acts as a guide or co-pilot, but always under the supervision of a qualified therapist.
The platform includes basic safety guardrails, such as flagging potential harm, but does not currently alert therapists automatically due to legal complexities.
🔮 Where AI is Heading in Mental Health
Alex sees AI helping to close the global gap in access to mental healthcare.
From burnout in the therapist workforce to underserved communities, AI can help make support more scalable, affordable, and available 24/7.
He envisions a future of seamless integration—where AI assists, never replaces, the therapeutic relationship.
🎓 AI in Education & Personalisation
Kate and Alex discuss how similar models could be applied to coaching, corporate performance, or even classroom settings.
Wearables and real-time feedback loops could dramatically personalise both education and mental health care in the years ahead.
🛠️ Favourite Tools
Alex’s current go-to platforms include:
ChatGPT
Anthropic Claude
Perplexity AI – his preferred Google alternative for fast, ad-free, reliable search
🔗 Connect with Alex & Theryo🌐 Website: www.theryo.ai🔗 LinkedIn (Alex): linkedin.com/in/alexanderzervakos🐦 X / Twitter: @TheryoAI📸 Instagram: @theryoai
 
🎧 Listen NowAvailable on your favourite podcast platforms. Search for The AI Grapple and subscribe to stay up to date with the future of AI in business and life.
 

In this episode of the AI Grapple Chris Singel joins Kate vanderVoort for a wide-ranging, funny, and thought-provoking conversation that spans the full weird and wonderful world of artificial intelligence. From his early days coding websites on dial-up, to writing a book with AI in the shower (yes, literally), to deep dives on automation, job loss, and the ethics of AI-powered decision-making - this is an episode that will both entertain and challenge your thinking.
Chris blends sharp insights with plenty of laughs, and doesn’t hold back when talking about hallucinations, deepfakes, the illusion of control, and why letting robots do the work might not be the worst idea after all.
🔥 Key Highlights
🕹️ Dial-Up Days to AI Days Chris shares how his tech journey started in middle school, building a website for his local movie theatre on dial-up internet. From there, he navigated politics, public policy, and a thriving comedy career before landing in digital marketing - and eventually founding his own agency, Delta Digital.
📘 Writing a Book in the Shower (Almost) In March 2023, after seeing Google Bard launch, Chris wondered: Can AI write a book about AI? Twelve minutes and one marketing push later, his AI-generated book Think Like an AI became a #1 new release on Amazon. It wasn't perfect - but that was kind of the point.
🤖 LLMs vs Reasoning Models Chris likens Large Language Models to entry-level employees - they do what they’re told but don’t think critically. Reasoning Models are more like mid-level managers. So what happens when AI reaches C-suite capabilities? Who’s making the decisions then?
🎨 AI and Creativity: Killer or Catalyst? While many worry that AI will kill creativity, Chris argues the opposite. By removing repetitive, low-value tasks, AI frees humans up to actually be creative again. Designers can design. Writers can think bigger. And marketers can dream up ideas beyond just moving pixels around.
🌍 Comedy Meets Code Chris reflects on how AI still struggles with humour - subtext, timing, and cultural context are difficult to replicate. But he’s also used AI to brainstorm jokes, generate story ideas, and even build Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. AI might not replace comedians, but it’s already helping them.
🔍 The SEO Shift to AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) AI search changes everything. Instead of driving traffic to your website, answer engines might just give users a response - and move on. Chris talks about the death of zero-click SEO, Google's history with AMP and Answer Boxes, and how marketers should now be thinking about discoverability in a searchless future.
🚨 Hallucinations & Misinformation Glue in a pizza recipe? Sure. Fake medical advice? Dangerous. Chris shares some of the real risks that come with trusting AI too quickly, especially when it fabricates sources or gets basic facts wrong with total confidence. The stakes aren’t just professional—they’re personal and even life-threatening.
👤 The Identity Crisis: Trust, Deepfakes & Disinformation From duplicate Facebook profiles of relatives to fake AI-generated nudes in high schools, Chris highlights the growing crisis of digital identity and trust. We’re entering an era where it’s hard to know what—or who—is real online.
⚖️ Governance, Responsibility & the Blame Game If an AI recommends the wrong medication or a faulty DIY fix, who's responsible? The developer? The platform? The end user? Chris dives into the growing AI governance conversation, the legal gray areas, and why we need urgent answers to very old questions about liability.
🌐 Global Tug-of-War: US vs EU vs China Kate and Chris discuss the differing global approaches to AI regulation. The EU is leaning into safety and ethics. The US is driven by market forces. China plays its own game. But with the internet being global, whatever rules one region sets will affect everyone.
💼 AI in the Workplace: Cut Costs or Cultivate Talent? Chris shares real examples from consulting with businesses, including how IKEA chose to retrain customer service staff as interior designers instead of laying them off. It’s a hopeful sign that AI doesn’t always have to mean job losses—it can mean reinvention.
⚠️ Human in the Loop: Still Essential From meeting notes that snitch to therapists’ AIs hallucinating patient thoughts, Chris underscores the need for a human in the loop. AI is powerful—but without oversight, it can also cause chaos.
🧩 The Unknowns: Superintelligence & What Comes Next Chris reflects on how AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) may be closer than we think. With rapid breakthroughs, we’ve moved from predicting progress in decades to months or weeks. If AI starts improving itself, the leap to Artificial Super Intelligence could be exponential—and the world as we know it might change overnight.
🎭 Human After All: The Role of Empathy, Storytelling & Meaning Despite all the tech talk, this episode is deeply human. Chris and Kate explore how AI can amplify empathy, enhance storytelling, and even help us better understand ourselves. But only if we stay involved—and intentional.
🔗 Connect with Chris
🌐 Website: Delta Digital Agency 📕 Book: Think Like an AI on Amazon 📱 LinkedIn: Chris Singel on LinkedIn
 
🎧 Listen NowAvailable on your favourite podcast platforms. Search for The AI Grapple and subscribe to stay up to date with the future of AI in business and life.

In this thought-provoking episode of The AI Grapple, host Kate vanderVoort sits down with Amanda McCallister, the creative force behind Alice Absolutely, to explore the intersection of AI and fine art. Alice shares how she uses AI as a true artistic collaborator rather than a replacement, the ethical dilemmas she has encountered, and how AI-generated art reflects deep-seated human biases.
From her discovery of AI’s unexpected storytelling through image generation to her upcoming book on AI and the Art of War, Amanda challenges our understanding of authorship, creativity, and artistic ownership in the AI era. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of AI in the creative industries.
Key Topics & Insights
🎨 AI as a Creative Partner, Not a Replacement
Amanda explains how she treats AI as a collaborator, much like working with another artist in a traditional setting.
Unlike those who use AI to generate “perfect” images, she gives AI minimal input - sometimes just a punctuation mark - to see how it responds.
She manually refines and completes each piece, ensuring a unique artistic touch.
💡 The Unexpected Biases Hidden in AI Art
Amanda’s experiments revealed that AI-generated images reflect collective human biases.
When prompting AI with words like Dresden, Vietnam, or Afghanistan, the results overwhelmingly depicted war-torn landscapes - even when no context was provided.
This led to her upcoming book, Artificial Intelligence and the Art of War, which explores how AI-generated art exposes historical and cultural biases.
🎭 The Debate on Authorship and Ownership
AI-generated content raises questions about what it truly means to “own” a piece of art.
Alice shares why she only sells her AI works as one-of-a-kind originals - no prints or NFTs - keeping them aligned with fine art traditions.
She argues that AI doesn’t replace artists because it still requires human intervention to create a finished, compelling composition.
🚀 AI’s Role in the Future of Art & Creativity
Alice believes AI is democratizing creativity, giving more people access to artistic expression.
She embraces AI’s ability to inspire new artists rather than fearing that AI-generated art will diminish human creativity.
Looking ahead, she’s excited about AI’s advancements in video, predicting a revolution in visual storytelling.
🔍 Authenticity & Transparency in AI-Generated Art
Alice is clear about labelling her work as AI-assisted, believing transparency is crucial to maintaining trust.
She warns against the backlash that companies and creators may face if they deceive audiences about AI involvement.
Her philosophy: AI art is part of the human story - it’s not about replacing artists, but about how we choose to use this technology.
Memorable Quotes
🖼️ "AI doesn’t replace artists [space - space] it reveals what we, as a society, have taught it about ourselves."🧠 "If we fear AI, maybe it’s because we don’t like what it reflects back at us."📖 "Every piece of AI-generated art is a mirror of human history, biases, and stories we’ve told."🎭 "Once we create art, we don’t own it anymore - it’s up to the world to interpret and appreciate it."
Connect with Alice Absolutely (Amanda McCallister)
🌐 Website: AliceAbsolutely.com📷 Instagram: @AliceAbsolutely📘 Facebook: AliceAbsolutely
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In this deeply insightful and personal conversation on the AI Grapple Podcast, host Kate vanderVoort speaks with Ryan Levesque - 7-time Inc. 5000 CEO, 2-time national bestselling author, and strategic advisor. Ryan has built an extraordinary career generating over $100 million in revenue without AI - until recently. His innovative ASK Method transformed how businesses understand and connect with their audiences, influencing thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide. Ryan has been one of Kate’s most significant professional influences. His frameworks and philosophy profoundly reshaped her approach to building customer communities and hyper-personalisation. In this candid and thought-provoking episode, Ryan and Kate explore critical realities and hidden risks of AI, discussing authenticity, human connection, and what it truly means to thrive as thought leaders in our rapidly changing AI-driven world.
Key Episode Highlights:
1. Ryan’s Journey - Building Success Without AI
Ryan attributes his initial entrepreneurial success to a blend of timing, hard work, and leveraging powerful market trends.
He developed the influential ASK Method, helping businesses deeply understand their audience through surveys, quizzes, and customer insights.
2. AI’s Transformative Impact
Ryan shares how AI drastically simplified and accelerated customer research and data analysis, turning weeks of work into mere minutes.
Yet, he cautions that AI-generated content often lacks authenticity, emphasising the irreplaceable value of genuinely human-crafted content.
3. Ethical Dilemmas: When AI "Acts" as Ryan Levesque
Ryan reflects candidly about the ethical implications of AI replicating his voice and expertise without consent.
He encourages a forward-thinking approach, emphasising adaptability and constant evolution as thought leaders to stay ahead of technology’s curve.
4. Authenticity in an AI-Driven World
Ryan discusses a pivotal shift: choosing to personally author his weekly newsletter instead of delegating it to AI or ghostwriters.
He believes that authentic, deeply personal communication is essential to creating genuine connections, trust, and differentiation in a noisy, AI-powered environment.
5. From Old-World Gurus to New-World Thought Leaders
Ryan emphasises that trust has become increasingly rare and valuable, requiring heart, humour, and humanity from leaders to truly resonate.
He encourages transparency and vulnerability, sharing personal stories that connect deeply with audiences—qualities AI simply cannot emulate.
6. Navigating the AI Disruption in Business
Ryan predicts substantial disruption across high-skilled industries (law, healthcare, marketing), urging entrepreneurs to proactively prepare for rapid change.
He stresses the importance of adopting a contrarian view, looking for opportunities where others see threats, and re-centring businesses around human relationships.
7. The Hidden Risks of AI: Second and Third-Order Effects
Ryan highlights concerns around mass job displacement and its broader economic consequences, such as reduced consumer spending power and cascading effects on entire industries.
He discusses the potential necessity of solutions like Universal Basic Income (UBI), though acknowledging complexities and unanswered economic questions.
8. Thriving by Returning to “Real”
Ryan outlines an emerging societal desire for analogue, artisanal, and authentic experiences—coining this movement as a “return to real.”
He encourages entrepreneurs and marketers to leverage AI appropriately, but double down on authentic, human-centred content and customer interactions.
9. Resilience and Adaptability for an Uncertain Future
Ryan speaks openly about personal moments of struggle, vulnerability, and reflection, underscoring the importance of resilience.
He believes teaching adaptability, resilience, and authenticity to future generations will be essential in successfully navigating an AI-driven future.
10. Final Insights from Ryan
Ryan encourages embracing change courageously, remaining curious, and being willing to adapt quickly and authentically.
He invites entrepreneurs to become the "freshly squeezed orange juice" of their industries, offering real depth and human connection amid a flood of watered-down, AI-generated content.
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