Dr. Devon Price unpacks “the laziness lie,” how AI and “bullshit jobs” distort work and higher ed, and why centering human needs—not output—leads to saner lives. Guest bio: Devon Price, PhD, is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, a social psychologist, & writer. Prof Price is the author of Laziness Does Not Exist, Unmasking Autism, and Unlearning Shame, focusing on burnout, neurodiversity, and work culture. Topics discussed: The laziness lie: origins and three core tenetsAI’s effects on output pressure, layoffs, and disposabilityOverlap with David Graeber’s B******t Jobs and status hierarchiesAdjunctification and incentives in academiaDemographic cliff and the sales-ification of universitiesCareer choices in an AI era: minimize debt and stay flexibleRemote work’s productivity spike and boundary erosionBurnout as a signal to rebuild values around care and communityGap years, social welfare, and redefining “good jobs”Practicing compassion toward marginalized people labeled “lazy”Main points: The laziness lie equates worth with productivity, distrusts needs/limits, and insists there’s always more to do, fueling self-neglect and stigma.Efficiency gains from tech and AI are converted into higher expectations rather than rest or shorter hours.Many high-status roles maintain hierarchy more than they create real value; resentment often targets meaningful, low-paid work.U.S. higher ed relies on precarious adjunct labor while admin layers swell, shifting from education to a jobs-sales funnel.In a volatile market, avoid debt, build broad human skills, and choose adaptable paths over brittle credentials.Remote work raised output but erased boundaries; creativity requires rest and unstructured time.Burnout is the body’s refusal of exploitation; recovery means reprioritizing relationships, art, community, and self-care.A humane society would channel tech gains into shorter hours and better care work and infrastructure.Revalue baristas, caregivers, teachers, and artists as vital contributors.Everyday practice: show compassion—especially to those our culture labels “lazy.”Top three quotes: “What burnout really is, is the body refusing to be exploited anymore.” — Devon Price“Efficiency never gets rewarded; it just ratchets up the expectations.” — Devon Price“What is the point of AI streamlining work if we punish humans for not being needed?” — Devon Price 🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright💬 For guest suggestions, questions, or media inquiries, reach out at https://elpodcast.media/📬 Never miss an episode – subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show. It helps others find us. Thanks for listening!
