The Tech Humanist Show

Kate O'Neill
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Business
  • Updated Monthly

where data and technology meet humanity

  1. Jul 23

    When Weird Becomes Normal with Kate Marshall

    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 into technology, scale, and what it means to stay human as reality grows stranger.Dive into how stories, genres, and the unexpected “weird” help us make sense of complex systems and imagine better futures. Topics Covered Weirdness as a lens for the future The evolution of “weird fiction” and its historical context Non-human narration and narrative experiments Genre’s role in conceptual thinking Scale and the challenge of representing catastrophe The reading crisis and cultural shifts in reading AI, storytelling, and the transformation of narrative Speculative fiction as a thinking tool Weirdness as data and a signal from the future Balancing melancholy and optimism for the future Connect with Kate MarshallWebsiteLinkedinNovels by Aliens: Weird Tales and the Twenty-First Century Episode Chapters00:00: Introduction to the Tech Humanist Show and the concept of weirdness01:55: Kate Marshall on taking weirdness seriously04:40: How 21st-century novels are getting weirder06:09: The rise of non-human perspectives in contemporary fiction09:48: Genre as a space for novelists to wrestle with scale13:54: Genre fragments as creative encounters with societal wreckage16:00: Scale: Representing catastrophe and individual experience20:27: Tension between decentering the human and human narration23:18: How non-human perspectives shift agency and responsibility25:50: The contemporary crisis in reading and criticism28:03: AI, large language models, and the future of reading/writing31:32: Genre, language models, and the future of literary creativity36:16: Story moves for imagining and building better futures38:56: Treating weirdness as data, not doom40:46: Optimism, storytelling, and hope for the future43:22: Outro and thanks

  2. Jul 16

    Algorithmic Justice with Rebekah Tweed

    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 functionBalancing safety and privacy in AI applicationsAlgorithmic harms in everyday life (hiring, healthcare, security)Why harm in AI is more than just a technical bugOrganizational trust and accountability in AI governancePractical evidence of responsible AI practicesThe importance of transparency, literacy, and public trustBuilding AI governance that is operational—not just performativeRoles for government and open source in shaping responsible AIWhat gives hope for the future of AI and public infrastructureConnect with Rebekah TweedAJL WebsiteAJL United LinkedInRebekah’s LinkedInEpisode Chapters:00:04 Introduction to the Tech Humanist Show00:17 Responsible AI Becomes an Organizational Norm01:29 Rebekah Tweed’s Journey from Music Industry to AI Governance03:36 AI’s Impact on the Creative Arts and Early Influences04:57 The Rise of AI Governance Teams and Job Roles06:12 Building Responsible Tech Career Development07:38 What Responsible AI Means in Human Terms09:36 Algorithmic Harms in Ordinary Life and Public Response15:38 When AI Harm is a Deeper Systems Problem18:57 How to Build Genuine, Non-Theatrical AI Governance25:16 Evidence That AI Governance Is Real29:12 Cultural Weirdness, Systems Strangeness, and Literacy35:13 Speed, Trust, and What Leaders Need to Know37:42 What Gives Hope for a Responsible AI Future40:22 Outro and Credits

  3. Jul 9

    The Qualified Self with Lee Humphreys

    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 of phatic communication Social media as an extension of historical practices (diaries, notebooks, albums) Privacy, data, and the networked self The context collapse of online identities Location-based sharing and identity work Algorithmic identities and platform agency The impact of digital spaces on rituals and remote work Policy, power, and responsibility in platform design Hopeful uses of technology to build community Connect with Lee HumphreysCornell WebsiteLinkedIn”The Qualified Self – Social Media and the Accounting of Everyday Life” Episode Chapters: 00:04 Introduction to the Tech Humanist Show & guest00:17 The concept of phatic communication02:27 Lee’s route into communication technology04:42 From photo manipulation to tech distrust06:00 Diaries, Twitter, and the origins of media accounting12:10 Social reinforcement vs. narcissism in social media13:33 Location sharing and its role in identity16:35 Parasocial relationships and context collapse19:53 Data, experience, and mismatched realities22:33 The shifting meaning of place and time in data24:31 Networked privacy and the collective dimension27:39 Incentives, policy, and platform accountability30:01 Algorithmic identity and the “qualified self”35:26 Digital rituals, remote work, and connection40:31 Closing thoughts: technology, humanity, and hope41:04 Lee’s story of hope and innovation through tech42:58 Episode wrap-up and thanks

  4. Jul 2

    America @ 250: Grand Strategy, Trust, and the Future

    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 strategy Historical context: past U.S. grand strategies Infrastructure and systems for the 21st century The erosion of trust and polarization Aligning economic engines, governance, and foreign policy The consequences of strategic incoherence Data, AI, and information environments Remedies for polarization and rebuilding trust Thriving conversations framework Bridging grassroots and national strategy The Global Flourishing Goals and Write the Future campaign Hopes for America’s future Connect with: Patrick DohertyThe Center for the Constitution & Grand Strategy: https://ccgstrategy.org/Long Haul Capital: https://www.longhaulcapital.com/teamX: @PatrickCDohertyLinkedInThe New Grand Strategy: Restoring America’s Prosperity, Security, and Sustainability in the 21st Century Connect with Brandyn KeatingYOUnify: https://www.younify.org/LinkedIn Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Setting the Stage: America at 25000:04 Grand Strategy Explainer with Patrick Doherty00:46 Infrastructure, Generational Planning, and Lessons from Eisenhower01:46 Trust, Polarization & the Grassroots Perspective with Brandyn Keating03:38 Linking Grand Strategy to Community & Trust05:04 Coherence Gaps and Economic Realities09:38 Political Consequences & Declining Trust13:00 Strategic Risks When Citizens Lose Faith16:12 Remedies: Information Environments & Offline Connection18:35 The Dilemma of Celebrating vs. Critiquing America21:05 Overcoming Binary Thinking & Building Shared Values24:04 Policy, Thriving Conversations & Bridging Local to National29:05 Making Grand Strategy Inclusive34:32 Global Flourishing Goals & Write the Future38:01 Parallels to Tech Humanism & Organizational Strategy39:06 Hopes for America’s Next 250 Years44:05 Connect with the Guests & Closing Remarks

  5. Jun 25

    All The Feels with Pamela Pavliscak

    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” and expanding emotional vocabularies The algorithmic amplification of outrage Persuasion vs. manipulation in emotional design Emotional externalities and digital ethics Future guardrails for emotionally-aware AI Human inventiveness in tech-mediated relationships Finding hope and vitality in the digital age Connect with: Pamela PavliscakPamela Pavliscak on LinkedInAll the Feels: How to Stay Human in the Digital WorldInstagram (@pamelapavliscak)Substack https://feelingdigital.substack.com/ Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction & Heart of the Conversation01:40 What is the Future of Feelings in Technology?02:25 Why Emotions Matter in Design04:43 A Butterfly Story: Tech & Personal Grief05:17 Early Tech Optimism vs Today’s Realities07:39 Debunking Myths About “Screen Time”10:00 Diaries and Meaningful Online Experiences12:55 Metrics Beyond Time: How to ‘Measure’ Digital Well-Being14:46 Shame, AI, and Tech Purity Culture18:04 Individual Responsibility vs Systemic Change20:17 Living in a Tech Ecosystem: What Do We Do Now?20:33 Emotional Life on the Internet vs. Emotional Life with AI24:17 Navigating Social Norms with Generative AI28:41 Are Neo Emotions Expanding Our Feelings?36:37 Why Does Outrage Rule the Internet?39:09 Persuasion vs. Manipulation in Emotional Interfaces42:28 Should Tech Be Accountable for Emotional Harm?45:00 Needed: Guardrails for Emotionally-Aware AI49:35 Staying Hopeful & Staying Human51:36 Outro & Where to Find the Book

  6. Jun 18

    Beyond The Playlist with Craig Havighurst

    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 provenance in modern music The civic and democratic roles of music Practical tips for cultivating a healthy musical life Connect with Craig HavighurstWebsiteSubstack – StringTheories Episode Chapters:00:04 – Welcome and introduction to Craig Havighurst01:22 – The relationship between music and being human 04:15 – Craig’s first memorable music experience 07:28 – What is musicality and why does it matter? 11:03 – Listening for vs. listening to music 14:41 – The concept of a healthy musical diet 19:09 – The effect of industry shifts on music access 20:51 – Genres, formats, and who gets heard 25:17 – How streaming platforms affect musical literacy 33:20 – Bluegrass as a healthy musical ecosystem 34:38 – AI, authenticity, and musical provenance 44:13 – Music, empathy, and democracy 48:26 – Practical steps for intentional listening 51:34 – Closing thoughts and where to find Craig Havighurst

  7. Jun 4

    AI Augmentation vs. Automation

    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. automationCognitive Darwinism and self-awarenessCapacity and capability overhang in AI adoptionTransformation as a human storyPurposeful iteration vs. intentional innovationReturn on intelligence vs. return on ignoranceReskilling and workforce transformation case studies (IKEA & Walmart)Human-centric leadership and psychological safetyPersonal relationship with technology & digital attentionMind shifts required for future-ready leadership Connect with Brian SolisBrianSolis.comBrian’s latest book: MindshiftServiceNowLinkedInBrian Solis, Author at Workflow® Episode Chapters:00:04 Introduction & Guest Welcome01:00 Transformation as a Human Story02:24 The Human Story Leaders Miss in the AI Era03:06 AI’s Anti-Human Trajectory & Cognitive Darwinism04:28 AI Tax and Brain Fry05:49 AIQ: Artificial vs. Augmented Intelligence Quotient09:16 Agentic AI & Process Reinvention11:11 Grand Strategy and Leadership Mindsets15:55 Mind Shifts and Self-Awareness17:18 Book Inspiration and Becoming a Leader of the Moment20:13 Unlearning Disruption Myths in Enterprise25:16 Innovation: Creating New Value26:59 Evaluating AI Use: Efficiency vs. Net New Value31:13 Psychological Safety and Human-Centric Leadership32:28 IKEA & Walmart: Augmentation and Reskilling Case Studies38:00 Personal Relationship with Technology & Life Scale41:48 Closing Thoughts: Questions for Embracing Change43:05 Episode Wrap-Up and Farewells

  8. May 14

    The Antidote to Future Shock with Fred Marshall

    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, obligations, and noise Observations from top performers across industries Design by subtraction and life “ecosystems” The Super 8 factors for thriving AI as collaborator and human-AI symbiosis Responsible and human-centered AI adoption at work Building thriving business and personal ecosystems Meaning, contribution, and human adaptability Connect with Fred Marshall Episode Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and future shock today01:11 Fred Marshall’s background and philosophy02:07 Defining future shock in the modern era04:10 How leaders misdiagnose overwhelm05:31 AI tools and strategic alignment08:07 Design by subtraction—managing time and attention11:05 What top performers do differently12:57 Assumptions, autopilot, and learning15:11 The problem Thrive solves for leaders16:06 Role of AI and personalizing technology for growth18:47 Accelerating learning with AI—cognitive friction21:20 Systems thinking for complexity22:04 The “Super 8” life factors27:02 Meaning, contribution, and purpose30:46 Thriving organizations and business ecosystems33:08 Speed vs. thoughtful strategy in fast-changing times41:43 Human-AI partnership and neural net overlap44:03 What leaders should believe about humans46:51 Why people give hope for the future48:38 Closing and where to find Thrive

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