Run Data Run

Justin Johnson

Data science and sometimes running. rundatarun.io

Episodes

  1. The Shadow of Superintelligence (Audio Edition)

    08/05/2025

    The Shadow of Superintelligence (Audio Edition)

    I've never written fiction before. I've never narrated an audio story before. But this week, I decided to experiment with both—and the result is something I'm excited to share with you. The Shadow of Superintelligence started as a thought experiment about Meta's vision for "personal superintelligence." What happens when AI doesn't replace us, but augments us so completely that we can't function without it? When empowerment and surveillance become impossible to separate? The story follows Sarah, a marketer in 2028 whose AR glasses give her superhuman abilities. But as her capabilities soar, her non-augmented colleagues begin to vanish. What starts as a tale of liberation slowly reveals a more complex truth: sometimes the cage that traps us is also the shield that protects us. For those who've already read the original blog post, this audio version brings new life to Sarah's journey. For newcomers, you're in for a 10-minute cyberpunk thriller that might change how you think about our augmented future. What You'll Hear * A dystopian vision of 2028 where AI augmentation divides society * The chilling moment Sarah realizes her empowerment comes at a price * A twist ending that reframes surveillance as salvation (but at what cost?) * My first attempt at audio narration—bringing Sarah's world to life through voice This has been an incredible week of creative experimentation. First, I used AI to help write fiction about AI (how meta is that?). Now, I'm exploring audio storytelling to give the narrative another dimension. Whether you're commuting, working out, or just need a break from reading screens, I invite you to spend 10 minutes in Sarah's world. Put on your headphones and ask yourself: When AI promises to empower us, are we looking at liberation or just a velvet cage? Listen now and let me know what you think. Is audio the right medium for exploring our tech-augmented future? Should I create more fiction in this universe? P.S. If you enjoy this audio experiment, check out the full written story for deeper context, embedded artwork, and my author's note about using AI to write fiction about AI. Get full access to Run Data Run at rundatarun.io/subscribe

    4 min
  2. 11/03/2024

    Transforming LinkedIn Content with AI Avatars

    In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital content creation, the ability to repurpose and transform content across platforms has become a crucial skill. Today, I'm excited to share how I leveraged AI technology to turn a LinkedIn post into an engaging video presentation using HeyGen's avatar technology. This experiment demonstrates the potential of AI-powered content creation and offers insights into the future of personal branding and content marketing. Here is the Original LinkedIn Post: https://bit.ly/3AfE6El The Challenge: From Text to Video Like many professionals, I regularly share insights and thoughts on LinkedIn. While text posts can be impactful, I wanted to explore how to: * Increase engagement through multi-modal content * Reach audiences who prefer video content * Test the capabilities of AI avatar technology * Create scalable content that maintains a personal touch Enter HeyGen: AI-Powered Avatar Creation HeyGen represents a new generation of AI tools that enable users to create professional-quality videos using digital avatars. Here's how I approached the process: Step 1: Avatar Creation * Signed up for HeyGen's platform * Uploaded reference photos for avatar creation * Customized the avatar's appearance and voice settings * Tested different expressions and mannerisms Step 2: Content Adaptation * Selected a high-performing LinkedIn post * Restructured the content for video presentation * Created a script that maintained authenticity while optimizing for video delivery * Added natural pauses and emphasis points Step 3: Video Production * Input the script into HeyGen's platform * Selected background and presentation settings * Generated the initial video * Made refinements to timing and delivery * Exported the final version Technical Implementation Details For those interested in the technical aspects, here are some key considerations: Avatar Optimization * Resolution: Ensured high-quality output suitable for different platforms * Lighting: Adjusted settings for natural appearance * Voice synchronization: Fine-tuned lip-sync and timing * Expression mapping: Selected appropriate emotional cues Platform Integration * YouTube specifications: Optimized video format and metadata * LinkedIn compatibility: Ensured proper rendering in feed * Cross-platform consistency: Maintained brand voice across channels Looking Forward - Results and Significance This experiment represents more than just a technical achievement. I hope it will demonstrate the following: * Enhanced engagement through multi-modal content * Extended reach to video-first audiences * Time efficiency in content repurposing * Professional presentation without traditional video production costs Future Implications * Scalability: The ability to create consistent, professional video content efficiently * Accessibility: Lower barriers to entry for video content creation * Innovation: Early adoption of emerging AI technologies * Brand Building: New opportunities for personal and professional branding Best Practices and Lessons Learned For others looking to implement similar strategies: * Content Selection * Choose messages that translate well to video * Focus on clear, concise points * Consider visual elements that enhance the message * Technical Considerations * Invest time in avatar customization * Test different voice and expression settings * Plan for platform-specific requirements * Brand Alignment * Maintain consistency with your existing brand voice * Use AI as an enhancer, not a replacement * Be transparent about AI usage Looking Ahead This experiment with HeyGen's avatar technology represents just the beginning of AI-powered content transformation. As these tools continue to evolve, we can expect: * More sophisticated avatar customization * Better emotional intelligence in delivery * Enhanced integration with various content platforms * New possibilities for personalized content at scale Conclusion The successful transformation of a LinkedIn post into an AI-powered video presentation demonstrates the growing potential of content repurposing through artificial intelligence. While the technology is impressive, the key lies in maintaining authenticity while leveraging these new tools to enhance our communication capabilities. As we continue to explore the intersection of AI and content creation, we should focus on providing value to our audience while embracing innovations that make communication more effective and engaging. Video on my YouTube Channel: Have you experimented with AI avatars or similar content transformation tools? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Remember to check out the video version of this post on my YouTube channel and LinkedIn profile! Get full access to Run Data Run at rundatarun.io/subscribe

    1 min

About

Data science and sometimes running. rundatarun.io