The Tech Humanist Show

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

where data and technology meet humanity

  1. 2d ago

    Say What They Can’t Unhear

    Are you struggling to make complex ideas clear and drive real adoption in a world full of noise and rapid change? Tamsen Webster and Kate O’Neill dive deep to discover how leaders can design understanding, foster sensemaking, and communicate authentically—especially in the age of AI and cognitive overload. Topics Covered Designing understanding vs. leaving it to chanceAvoiding manipulation and supporting agencySensemaking vs. persuasionCommunicating complexity and change in organizationsFraming messages for genuine adoptionHuman information processing and the role of curiosityAI-mediated communication: risks, opportunities, and bell curvesCognitive overload and capturing productive attentionTransfer of ideas and the importance of commonly-held beliefsTransparency, uncertainty, and the power of theory-based communicationSensemaking vs. meaning-makingWhat keeps us hopeful about the future of human connection Connect with Tamsen Webster Website”Say What They Can’t Unhear” (book page)LinkedInInstagram Episode Chapters 00:04 Introduction: The Tech Humanist Show and today’s challenge for leaders02:15 Tamsen Webster’s journey into message design05:48 Alignment and complexity in communication07:01 Where leaders go wrong with complexity09:18 Avoiding oversimplification—layering information12:28 Persuasion vs. genuine sensemaking and learning16:15 The cost of coercive persuasion and non-coercive approaches21:00 Communicating in the age of AI: leaders’ new challenges27:06 Human brains, AI, and the limits of insight29:06 Coping with fragmented attention and cognitive overload33:59 Building curiosity and harnessing reciprocity34:20 Communicating uncertainty and theory-based leadership38:44 Juxtaposition, innovation, and clarity39:16 Where to find Tamsen’s work40:00 Lightning round: favorite questions, books, and hope for the future44:10 Closing and show credits

  2. Sep 10

    Two Kates, One Future: Managing Humanity in the Age of AI

    What if AI could help managers see the whole human, not just the numbers? Discover how technology is reshaping performance management to be more personalized, supportive, and genuinely human-focused in this conversation between two Kate O’Neills (O’Neil and O’Neill). Topics covered: The confusion and connection of sharing a nearly identical name The mission and approach of Opre in performance management The challenges and insights from building an AI-powered HR tool How AI can complement (not replace) human judgment in management The pitfalls of traditional performance reviews Identifying and using the right signals for employee growth Addressing bias and ensuring fairness with AI in the workplace The impact of local culture (Nashville) on tech company building Dimensionalizing the human experience at work The importance of patience and hope in the future of work and AI Connect with Kate O’NeilWebsiteLinkedIn Episode Chapters:00:04 Introduction: The Two Kate O’Neills03:07 Opre’s Mission and Origins05:36 Personal Story: Management Firsts and Professional Growth07:41 What Software Hasn’t Helped With & Insights from Management Practice10:09 Reimagining the Performance Review12:10 What Signals Matter in Evaluating Performance?14:14 Where Humans Must Take the Lead Over AI17:09 Skills, Systems, Culture & Human Judgment20:32 Addressing Power Dynamics and Bias in Performance Management23:09 Improving Performance Without Flattening People25:19 Dimensionality, Data, and Learning from Knowledge Graphs29:51 Platform-Mediated Identity & Selfhood36:00 Nashville’s Influence and the Power of Collaboration42:10 The Future of Opre and What’s Still Hard at Work46:24 What This Moment in Work and AI Asks of Us48:19 Where to Connect with Opre48:45 Credits and Closing

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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