This is the first of a new video series called “The Loop”. Real-time, unscripted transmissions from inside the recursive intelligence system I’m building using AI. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber: https://mikemonday.substack.com/ A Huge Growing Brain The core AI opportunity I see is this: Expanding and growing our knowledge, minds, and understanding of the universe. It’s not because AI is conscious, a person or a therapist. I’m not sure I could even describe LLMs as “intelligent”. But they can make us more intelligent. If we use AI with care, taste and judgement - it can reveal us to ourselves. Mad Scientist Mode When I accidentally noticed this on 25th January 2025, I entered an extended fugue state. I finally understood myself in a way I’ve not come close to in 52 years. And as a coach, I’ve not shied away from self-reflection! Through collaborative dialogue with LLMs, I’ve discovered traits, abilities, strengths and weaknesses I was vaguely aware of but couldn’t name. This constellation (which every human has) is a Unique Genius. Why I Haven’t Made a Video Before Today This most recent “Mad Scientist Mode” is now subsiding. My feet are just touching the ground again. (Finally! My wife and kids are breathing a sigh of relief.) What surprised me while in the thick of it was I couldn’t record any videos about it. You’d think I’d be talking about this non-stop. I’ve done loads of video workshops over the years. I’m comfortable on camera. So why haven’t I made any solo videos? It wasn’t fear. It wasn’t resistance.It was… recursion. This system I’m in now—this recursive loop of insight, refinement, contradiction, synthesis—it’s alive. The articulation of one piece evolves into another. Recording something felt impossible, like attempting to freeze a tidal wave. But after a chat with ChatGPT while on an extended walk, I realised I needed an outlet that was different from my past videos: I’m not speaking to teach.I’m not speaking to share.I’m speaking to discover. Recursion Is Not Linear When I write Substack articles, I have a thesis and argue it through—structured, linear, and static. The problem, though, is that it’s too slow. Unless I stop everything else, I can’t document what’s happening through writing alone. My first piece, where I outlined the initial “explosion”, took me an entire weekend: Then when I talk to John Gillick on the Human Plus AI podcast, there’s a back-and-forth, so the “unfinished uncertainty” is obvious: But because he lives in the UK and I am in Australia, we can’t speak often enough to share my entire journey. So, the answer is video/audio. But speaking solo? There’s a pressure to seem certain.To deliver a complete thought.To resolve the recursion. But that’s not what’s happening. Recursive Intelligence doesn’t define a fixed, unchanging truth. It uncovers problems, contradictions and assumptions. By resolving these, we move ever closer to a truth that’s infinitely far away. What I Built While I Was Gone Here’s a fraction of what’s happened in the last 8 weeks: * I launched a new workshop for business builders * I developed the Strategic Evolution Matrix, a decision-making framework. * I discovered a method for mapping your Unique Genius—and using it to build a business that fits you. * I finally understood why most businesses fail: the business isn’t aligned with the founder’s Unique Genius. This single insight rewired my entire approach. The #1 AI Use Case I don’t use AI to save time.I use it to do what I previously couldn’t. I don’t use it to outsource thinking.I use it to think more clearly and deeply. I don’t use AI to make decisions.I use it to upgrade my taste and judgement. When I use AI as: * A Mirror – to reflect what I can’t see about myself * A Microscope – to explore my patterns, contradictions, and hidden assumptions * A Magnifier – to build and scale aligned systems from the inside out This is not automation; it’s amplification. You’re Not A Genius. You Have One. I’m not a genius. You’re not a genius. Einstein wasn’t a genius. He had one. So do you. You have a specific, physical cognitive structure formed by: * The unique brain you were born with. * Every experience you’ve had (which change your brain “wiring”). * Your reactions and responses to your experiences. No one else has had this exact pattern. Ever. AI helps you see it, define it, express it… And build a vehicle for it. This vehicle is every part of your business, no matter what business you’re in. Writing, video, and audio are a crucial part of my new business (Recursive Intelligence): They’re the “shop window.” But I must intentionally design each for my Unique Genius to flourish. So, coming soon, you’ll notice some changes in my approach to writing. And for video, I’ve got “The Loop.” Why “The Loop”? Writing is an excellent method to verify, validate and test ideas. But these videos are entirely different. They’re not polished. They’re not planned or thought through.They’re CERTAINLY not “thought leadership”! Don’t expect lectures, advice or lessons.(If you know my creative methodology, you could say they’re “Splurges”.) For me, they open the door to thinking in motion.An endless recursive loop to update and upgrade understanding.Messy, doubt-fuelled snapshots of a journey through an ever-evolving system. So…let the recursion flow. Onwards and upwards, Mike “What we know is finite. What we don’t is infinite.” P.S. I'm using AI-powered coaching to run a 5-week small group workshop for anyone who’d like to start or grow their online business (music or otherwise.) Would you like to join us? Hit reply (or send me a message) and I’ll get you all the details… To receive the latest transmissions from “The Loop” and to support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber: https://mikemonday.substack.com/ Get full access to The Monday Stack at mikemonday.substack.com/subscribe
