In a world where AI-generated content is rapidly taking over, creatives and entrepreneurs are facing a new challenge—how do you stand out, stay authentic, and keep your work grounded in real human experience?

Brad Swonetz, a commercial photographer, creative director, and brand strategist with nearly 30 years of experience, knows this tension firsthand. From shooting on film in the darkroom to using AI tools in branding and design, Brad has lived through multiple creative revolutions. As the internet becomes increasingly saturated with machine-generated visuals and copy, he’s asking the bigger question: what happens to our sense of identity, trust, and connection when everything starts to look artificially perfect?

In this episode, Brad joins JR Lay to unpack the evolving role of creativity in the age of AI—and why the human experience still matters more than ever. They explore the return of analog, the power of intentional storytelling, and how authentic intelligence—shaped by real-world experience—can’t be replaced by prompts or presets. Brad offers insight into how to use AI as a creative tool without losing your voice, and why the future of creativity still belongs to those who lead with curiosity, clarity, and conviction.