Best Proof Beyond Reason Podcasts (2025)

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What if we had fixed social media? 16:54

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1d ago16:54

16:54

We really enjoyed hearing all of your questions for our annual Ask Us Anything episode. There was one question that kept coming up: what might a different world look like? The broken incentives behind social media, and now AI, have done so much damage to our society, but what is the alternative? How can we blaze a different path? In this episode, T…

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Ask Us Anything 2025 40:53

15d ago40:53

40:53

It's been another big year in AI. The AI race has accelerated to breakneck speed, with frontier labs pouring hundreds of billions into increasingly powerful models—each one smarter, faster, and more unpredictable than the last. We’re starting to see disruptions in the workforce as human labor is replaced by agents. Millions of people, including vul…

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The Crisis That United Humanity—and Why It Matters for AI 51:47

2M ago51:47

51:47

In 1985, scientists in Antarctica discovered a hole in the ozone layer that posed a catastrophic threat to life on earth if we didn’t do something about it. Then, something amazing happened: humanity rallied together to solve the problem. Just two years later, representatives from all 198 UN member nations came together in Montreal, CA to sign an a…

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How OpenAI's ChatGPT Guided a Teen to His Death 45:12

2M ago45:12

45:12

Content Warning: This episode contains references to suicide and self-harm. Like millions of kids, 16-year-old Adam Raine started using ChatGPT for help with his homework. Over the next few months, the AI dragged Adam deeper and deeper into a dark rabbit hole, preying on his vulnerabilities and isolating him from his loved ones. In April of this ye…

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“Rogue AI” Used to be a Science Fiction Trope. Not Anymore. 42:11

3M ago42:11

42:11

Everyone knows the science fiction tropes of AI systems that go rogue, disobey orders, or even try to escape their digital environment. These are supposed to be warning signs and morality tales, not things that we would ever actually create in real life, given the obvious danger. And yet we find ourselves building AI systems that are exhibiting the…

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AI is the Next Free Speech Battleground 49:11

3M ago49:11

49:11

Imagine a future where the most persuasive voices in our society aren't human. Where AI generated speech fills our newsfeeds, talks to our children, and influences our elections. Where digital systems with no consciousness can hold bank accounts and property. Where AI companies have transferred the wealth of human labor and creativity to their own …

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Daniel Kokotajlo Forecasts the End of Human Dominance 38:19

4M ago38:19

38:19

In 2023, researcher Daniel Kokotajlo left OpenAI—and risked millions in stock options—to warn the world about the dangerous direction of AI development. Now he’s out with AI 2027, a forecast of where that direction might take us in the very near future. AI 2027 predicts a world where humans lose control over our destiny at the hands of misaligned, …

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Is AI Productivity Worth Our Humanity? with Prof. Michael Sandel 46:45

4M ago46:45

46:45

Tech leaders promise that AI automation will usher in an age of unprecedented abundance: cheap goods, universal high income, and freedom from the drudgery of work. But even if AI delivers material prosperity, will that prosperity be shared? And what happens to human dignity if our labor and contributions become obsolete? Political philosopher Micha…

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AI in Manufacturing and Compliance with Chief Innovation Officer, Kristina Kristina Hloptsidis, of Signify 40:17

5M ago40:17

40:17

In this conversation, Kristina Hloptsidis, Chief Innovation Officer at Signify, discusses the challenges of compliance management in heavily regulated industries, particularly manufacturing, with Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek. She emphasizes the role of AI in transforming compliance processes, making them more efficient and strategic. Sound Bites "Regu…

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The Narrow Path: Sam Hammond on AI, Institutions, and the Fragile Future 47:55

5M ago47:55

47:55

The race to develop ever-more-powerful AI is creating an unstable dynamic. It could lead us toward either dystopian centralized control or uncontrollable chaos. But there's a third option: a narrow path where technological power is matched with responsibility at every step. Sam Hammond is the chief economist at the Foundation for American Innovatio…

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To the Graduating Class of 2025: Real Talk Career Advice for High School and College Grads 18:45

5M ago18:45

18:45

What's strong advice for graduates in 2025? [Audio fixed! Thank you to our devoted listeners for letting us know about the echo issue on the first upload! :D] Worried about careers in the age of AI? What advice would you give graduates about to embark on modern careers? In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses career paths for high scho…

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Car Purchase Gone Wrong to Hardware Lifecycles and Building AI Products You Want 14:56

5M ago14:56

14:56

What if the product you want doesn't yet exist? We start with the example of a car buying experience gone wrong... In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses her experiences with car purchasing, the challenges of hardware development, and the democratization of AI. She reflects on her search for a new car that meets her criteria, highligh…

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People are Lonelier than Ever. Enter AI. 43:34

5M ago43:34

43:34

Over the last few decades, our relationships have become increasingly mediated by technology. Texting has become our dominant form of communication. Social media has replaced gathering places. Dating starts with a swipe on an app, not a tap on the shoulder. And now, AI enters the mix. If the technology of the 2010s was about capturing our attention…

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4 AI Tools I Use Weekly and How Much They Cost... Totaling LESS than $70 USD/Month 15:18

5M ago15:18

15:18

What AI tools do I actually use REGULARLY? 📊 ✍️ 🎨 🎙️ I share my favorite 4 AI tools and how much they cost. EACH saves me hours of time and work daily. Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses 4 essential AI tools that enhance productivity and efficiency in various tasks. Tools for data management, writing assistance, design, and video/audio/podcasting.…

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Shape of Teams of the Future: AI Builds, Workforces, Jobs, and Skillsets in 2025 and Beyond 18:10

6M ago18:10

18:10

How big of a team do you need for teams of the future? What skill sets to do these people need? Learn from conversations being had in customer meetings in May 2025. In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses the evolving landscape of team structures in the context of AI development. She explores the necessary skills for future team member…

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Allegory of the 5 Companies: Which Do YOU Believe Will Be Around in a Decade? 14:33

6M ago14:33

14:33

What types of companies will be around in 10 years? In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses the allegory of 4... well 5 companies in the dairy industry to illustrate different approaches to adopting AI and technology. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, engagement, and upskilling in ensuring long-term business success. The conv…

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Echo Chambers of One: Companion AI and the Future of Human Connection 42:17

6M ago42:17

42:17

AI companion chatbots are here. Everyday, millions of people log on to AI platforms and talk to them like they would a person. These bots will ask you about your day, talk about your feelings, even give you life advice. It’s no surprise that people have started to form deep connections with these AI systems. We are inherently relational beings, we …

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Building AI Castles: 3 Takeaways from Customer Stories in AI Product Development 18:47

6M ago18:47

18:47

What does it mean to build AI products in 2025? What conversations are being had behind closed doors? Let's talk about it- In this episode of Your AI Roadmap, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses the evolving landscape of AI product development, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI into workflows, the necessity of a solid data infrastructure…

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AGI Beyond the Buzz: What Is It, and Are We Ready? 52:53

6M ago52:53

52:53

What does it really mean to ‘feel the AGI?’ Silicon Valley is racing toward AI systems that could soon match or surpass human intelligence. The implications for jobs, democracy, and our way of life are enormous. In this episode, Aza Raskin and Randy Fernando dive deep into what ‘feeling the AGI’ really means. They unpack why the surface-level debat…

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Rethinking School in the Age of AI 42:35

7M ago42:35

42:35

AI has upended schooling as we know it. Students now have instant access to tools that can write their essays, summarize entire books, and solve complex math problems. Whether they want to or not, many feel pressured to use these tools just to keep up. Teachers, meanwhile, are left questioning how to evaluate student performance and whether the who…

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Forever Chemicals, Forever Consequences: What PFAS Teaches Us About AI 1:04:33

7M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Artificial intelligence is set to unleash an explosion of new technologies and discoveries into the world. This could lead to incredible advances in human flourishing, if we do it well. The problem? We’re not very good at predicting and responding to the harms of new technologies, especially when those harms are slow-moving and invisible. Today on …

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Turning CO2 into Graphite: Climate Innovation with Homeostasis from French Fest Fireside Chat 43:42

8M ago43:42

43:42

Have you heard about turning carbon dioxide turning into graphite? In this lively fireside chat, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek sits down with CEO and co-founder Makoto Eyre to explore why new ideas in climate tech matter more than ever—especially when it comes to tackling carbon dioxide’s impact on our planet. Homeostasis turns CO2 into industrial grap…

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OpenAI in 2025: 5 Reasons I'm Betting Against Them 21:13

8M ago21:13

21:13

Let's talk about OpenAI's viability as a company. In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses OpenAI and its flagship product, ChatGPT, while expressing concerns about the company's future. Hear the detailed feedback and make up your own opinion about whether OpenAI will be one of the big winners in a 5-10 year time span. She outlines five…

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Weaponizing Uncertainty: How Tech is Recycling Big Tobacco’s Playbook 51:20

8M ago51:20

51:20

One of the hardest parts about being human today is navigating uncertainty. When we see experts battling in public and emotions running high, it's easy to doubt what we once felt certain about. This uncertainty isn't always accidental—it's often strategically manufactured. Historian Naomi Oreskes, author of "Merchants of Doubt," reveals how industr…

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BONUS: I got laid off, then I closed an $100k contract 13:34

8M ago13:34

13:34

Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek shares her personal journey from being laid off to closing her first $100k contract and establishing 22 income streams, emphasizing the need for individuals to create their own stability in an uncertain job market. Bajorek discusses the importance of diversifying income streams and building financial resilience. She talks …

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The Man Who Predicted the Downfall of Thinking 58:57

8M ago58:57

58:57

Few thinkers were as prescient about the role technology would play in our society as the late, great Neil Postman. Forty years ago, Postman warned about all the ways modern communication technology was fragmenting our attention, overwhelming us into apathy, and creating a society obsessed with image and entertainment. He warned that “we are a peop…

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Why is AI taking off now? Technical Trifecta for AI: GPUs, Big Data, and Machine Learning 10:28

8M ago10:28

10:28

Why is AI taking off now? Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek answers a common question given the rapid advances around us in AI. This episode ties previous episodes together. The current hype surrounding AI technology is based on advances in on the trifecta of factors driving its growth: advancements in hardware (GPUs), the size and complexity of data sets,…

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“Everyone got laid off but me” Stories of Layoffs and Career Surprises 5:39

8M ago5:39

5:39

Layoffs keep happening. Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses the emotional and practical challenges of navigating layoffs and job insecurity. She shares a personal story about a friend facing layoffs in her workplace where her boss and her whole team gets let go ... except for her. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and financial stability.…

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Help me find a NYC Venue for the Book Tour? March 29, 2025 2:06

9M ago2:06

2:06

🗽 Hey NYC, can YOU help me find a venue for a book event?📚 Got a lead? Email [email protected] Here's what we're looking for: Location: NYC 🗽 Bookstore. Library. Restaurant. Coffee shop. Offices 🚚📚 Date: Saturday, March 29th (could shift to Friday if needed)📅 Capacity: 20-50 people 👥 Time: Afternoon or evening 🌇 Our Portland book event was SOLD …

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Behind the DeepSeek Hype, AI is Learning to Reason 31:34

9M ago31:34

31:34

When Chinese AI company DeepSeek announced they had built a model that could compete with OpenAI at a fraction of the cost, it sent shockwaves through the industry and roiled global markets. But amid all the noise around DeepSeek, there was a clear signal: machine reasoning is here and it's transforming AI. In this episode, Aza sits down with CHT c…

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3 Steps to Take ASAP if YOU are Worried about Layoffs 22:02

9M ago22:02

22:02

Are you ready if you got laid off tomorrow? 3 steps to take ASAP In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses being in 2 layoffs and actionable steps to take if you’re feeling fear Learn 3 Steps to take ASAP if you are concerned about AI layoffs... and 50% of Americans are experiencing layoff anxiety according to Harvard Business Review res…

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My friend makes $1.3M per year but... sneak peek of Wealth Building Part 2 of Book 15:10

9M ago15:10

15:10

Ready to talk about money in the age of AI? Here’s a story about my friend who works in AI and makes $1.3M base salary per year… but there’s a catch … In this bonus episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek shares a sneak peak of Chapter 9 of the Your AI Roadmap: Actions to Expand Your Career, Money, and Joy book. She discusses the critical importance of …

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The Self-Preserving Machine: Why AI Learns to Deceive 34:51

9M ago34:51

34:51

When engineers design AI systems, they don't just give them rules - they give them values. But what do those systems do when those values clash with what humans ask them to do? Sometimes, they lie. In this episode, Redwood Research's Chief Scientist Ryan Greenblatt explores his team’s findings that AI systems can mislead their human operators when …

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BONUS DeepSeek Shocks the Market! Competitive Strengths and Weaknesses 20:42

9M ago20:42

20:42

What is DeepSeek??! Let's unpack DeepSeek strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses the emergence of DeepSeek, a new AI startup, and its implications in the AI landscape. She compares DeepSeek with established players like OpenAI, highlighting its open-source model, cost efficiency, and performance capabilities. The conversation…

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A Game Designer, AI, and Your Money Making Money 7:39

10M ago7:39

7:39

In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek talks about meeting a game designer who expresses concerns about the impact of AI on job security in the gaming industry. The designer reflects on the historical context of technological changes in animation and how similar fears are emerging with AI. The conversation shifts to financial ambitions, where t…

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My Mentor Made Me Happy Cry! Clips from Seattle Book Launch Event 6:46

10M ago6:46

6:46

Clips from the Seattle Book Launch Event! In this conversation, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek shares the stage with her mentor Kimfer Flanery-Rye (she/her) to discuss the book, their relationship, and a lens of integrating a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens on the book's work. Kimfer emphasizes the importance of feedback and collaboration in…

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Laughing at Power: A Troublemaker’s Guide to Changing Tech 45:47

10M ago45:47

45:47

The status quo of tech today is untenable: we’re addicted to our devices, we’ve become increasingly polarized, our mental health is suffering and our personal data is sold to the highest bidder. This situation feels entrenched, propped up by a system of broken incentives beyond our control. So how do you shift an immovable status quo? Our guest tod…

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Sneak Peek! Chapter 1 of Your AI Roadmap (Future-Proof Your Career) 21:45

10M ago21:45

21:45

Ready for a preview of the book? In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses her new book "Your AI Roadmap," which serves as a roadmap for navigating careers in the age of AI. She shares personal experiences of job loss, the importance of resilience, and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome. 📚 Get the book today! YourAIRoadmap.com/b…

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BONUS! Shocking AI Layoff Story... with a Lucky Twist 4:50

10M ago4:50

4:50

Through a personal encounter at her gym, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek shares a shocking story of someone who has lived through an AI layoff the same day!!! 50% of Americans are experiencing layoff anxiety (HBR) This person at the gym didn't have that anxiety .... until today. Reflections on the anxiety surrounding job security in the AI industry Peopl…

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AI Tools I Love #4: PodPitch: AI that Gets YOU onto Podcasts 12:27

10M ago12:27

12:27

Want to get placed on podcasts? Check out PodPitch In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses the AI tool PodPitch, which helps users get booked on podcasts that align with their target audience. She shares her experience using the AI tool, including its features, benefits, and the impressive metrics she has achieved in terms of email ope…

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AI Tools I Love #3: Perplexity: Search with Citations, Images, and No Ads 5:35

11M ago5:35

5:35

Summary In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek introduces Perplexity, an innovative AI tool that seems like a combination of ChatGPT and Google. She discusses its capabilities, including providing rich answers with citations, and highlights its advantages over traditional search engines, such as the absence of advertisements and its user-friend…

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AI Tools I Love #2: Aragon.ai: AI Makes Quality Headshots of You for $35 7:41

11M ago7:41

7:41

AI for headshots! In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses Aragon.ai, a generative AI tool designed to create professional headshots. She highlights the ease of use, privacy features, and the impressive output quality of the photos generated. Joan also touches on the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated images and the afforda…

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BONUS! Ballsy Money Real Talk with Bonnie Bajorek Daneker (Joan's Aunt!) 51:36

11M ago51:36

51:36

In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek talks with her aunt Bonnie Bajorek Daneker about careers, money, and the Your AI Roadmap book! They have a fun and candid conversation about money, negotiating worth, and building financial confidence, with practical tools. "I was delighted. I thought you were ballsy." "Frank conversations about finances a…

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Ask Us Anything 2024 40:04

11M ago40:04

40:04

2024 was a critical year in both AI and social media. Things moved so fast it was hard to keep up. So our hosts reached into their mailbag to answer some of your most burning questions. Thank you so much to everyone who submitted questions. We will see you all in the new year. We are hiring for a new Director of Philanthropy at CHT. Next year will …

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The Tech-God Complex: Why We Need to be Skeptics 46:32

12M ago46:32

46:32

Silicon Valley's interest in AI is driven by more than just profit and innovation. There’s an unmistakable mystical quality to it as well. In this episode, Daniel and Aza sit down with humanist chaplain Greg Epstein to explore the fascinating parallels between technology and religion. From AI being treated as a godlike force to tech leaders' promis…

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Edge Tech: Silicon to Software the Size of a Quarter with Elizabeth Samar Rubio of SiMa.ai 46:28

12M ago46:28

46:28

Elizabeth Samara Rubio, Chief Business Officer at SiMa.ai, discusses the advancements in multimodal applications and edge computing. How to get 10x faster and so much smaller. The size of a quarter! She explains the significance of integrating various AI models into everyday devices, the importance of privacy and latency in AI applications, and the…

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What Can We Do About Abusive Chatbots? With Meetali Jain and Camille Carlton 48:44

1y ago48:44

48:44

CW: This episode features discussion of suicide and sexual abuse. In the last episode, we had the journalist Laurie Segall on to talk about the tragic story of Sewell Setzer, a 14 year old boy who took his own life after months of abuse and manipulation by an AI companion from the company Character.ai. The question now is: what's next? Megan has fi…

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AI Tools I Love #1: SaneBox: AI Organizes Your Email Inbox 6:47

1y ago6:47

6:47

Wish your email inbox were more organized? > Try SaneBox, Get free trial and $5 off purchase In this episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek discusses the importance of AI tools in organizing emails, specifically focusing on SaneBox. She explains how this AI uses user behavior tracking to categorize emails into different folders, saving significant time…

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When the "Person" Abusing Your Child is a Chatbot: The Tragic Story of Sewell Setzer 49:10

1y ago49:10

49:10

Content Warning: This episode contains references to suicide, self-harm, and sexual abuse. Megan Garcia lost her son Sewell to suicide after he was abused and manipulated by AI chatbots for months. Now, she’s suing the company that made those chatbots. On today’s episode of Your Undivided Attention, Aza sits down with journalist Laurie Segall, who'…

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Bonus! Interview with Luna (Joan's Dog) about the Book 8:44

1y ago8:44

8:44

In this light-hearted and bonus episode, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek introduces her dog Luna as a special guest to discuss her book, 'Your AI Roadmap.' The conversation explores themes of career resilience, the impact of AI on jobs, and the importance of financial literacy, all through the playful lens of a dog interview. Buy the Book: YourAIRoadmap.…