Podcast
Beyond Obsolete
Hosted by bnhze · EN
Beyond Obsolete is a podcast about staying human in the age of AI. Hosted by Ben Hayes, a designer and creative technologist, and Grayson Genders, a strategist across politics, health and energy, it explores creativity, purpose, and identity in a world of accelerating change. We’re at the edge of a new renaissance—where powerful new tools need timeless ideas.
These are honest conversations about where we’re headed, and how we stay human along the way.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#27 Futurist: Morris Misel - Human Expectations vs. AI Reality
Dec 1101:41:48Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, we delve into the multifaceted impact of AI and technology on daily life, exploring personal experiences, the role of futurism, and the implications for mental health and leadership. They discuss the illusion of time savings with technology, the importance of modeling technology use for future generations, and the need for a balanced approach to human-machine interaction. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of understanding our relationship with technology and making deliberate choices moving forward. In this conversation, Morris discusses the intersection of human experience and technology, emphasizing the importance of understanding past traumas and future anxieties. He shares his journey from being a counselor to becoming a futurist, highlighting the role of technology in agriculture and the necessity of trust in AI. Morris also delves into the significance of intuition in decision-making and concludes with his perspective on finding purpose in life, advocating for a positive outlook on humanity's potential.
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#26 - Advertising is Dead?
Nov 2701:39:53Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Ben Hayes discusses the transformation of advertising, emphasising how creativity has been overshadowed by metrics and data-driven approaches. He reflects on his experiences with Google ads, expressing a sense of disconnection from traditional advertising's artistic roots. Hayes argues for the importance of creativity in advertising, suggesting that while metrics play a role, they should not replace the artistic essence of the craft.
Transcribe →Cryonics and the Future of Preservation | Author John R Carlos
Nov 1301:22:28Tap to summarizeWhat if Michael Crichton’s techno-thrill met the moral gut-punch of Black Mirror—told by a real Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander? That’s the pulse of Cryonic Dreams: a propulsive debut that moves between the present day and 2169, where the world’s first human reanimation cracks open a conspiracy about who gets to live, who decides, and what we’re willing to trade for “progress.” Think ecotropolis city-states, surveillance-by-design biotech, and a breakthrough powerful enough to rearrange geopolitics—wrapped around a very human story about memory, consent, and identity.
Transcribe →The philosophy of happiness / Outsourcing joy to the algorithms
Nov 1001:33:53Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Ben and Grayson explore various themes surrounding running, midlife fitness, the impact of AI on creativity, the philosophy of happiness, and the importance of authenticity in art. They reflect on personal experiences with running, the mental challenges it presents, and how these relate to broader life lessons. The discussion shifts to the role of AI in creative processes, questioning whether it can inspire genuine creativity. They delve into the complexities of happiness, examining its subjective nature and the societal pressures surrounding it. Finally, they emphasize the significance of creating art for its own sake, rather than for external validation, highlighting the journey of self-discovery and acceptance. In this conversation, Ben Hayes and Grayson explore the multifaceted nature of happiness, discussing the impact of AI, creativity, and societal norms on our understanding of joy. They delve into the philosophical implications of outsourcing happiness to algorithms, the role of struggle in achieving fulfillment, and the paradox of consumption in a capitalist society. Through personal anecdotes and theoretical discussions, they challenge listeners to reflect on their own definitions of happiness and the influences that shape them.
Transcribe →Let's Build a Secret Society with AI
Nov 301:21:12Tap to summarizeIn this engaging conversation, Grayson and Ben explore a variety of themes ranging from survival theories and philosophical reflections on religion to the structure of Freemasonry and the implications of AI on society. They delve into the concept of corporatocracy, the potential for AI to manipulate human behavior, and the idea of creating a secret society with a defined purpose. The discussion culminates in the crafting of a charter for their podcast, 'Beyond Obsolete', which aims to foster curiosity and collaboration in a rapidly changing world.
Transcribe →The Rise of AI and Social Media Slop
Oct 3101:28:27Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Grayson and Ben Hayes explore the overwhelming nature of social media and the rise of AI, discussing its impact on creativity and authenticity. They delve into the evolution of virtual reality, the importance of data management, and the philosophical insights that can guide modern living. The discussion touches on stoicism, the nature of reality, and the future of technology, emphasizing the need for authenticity in art and the role of motivation in achieving goals. They also reflect on the influence of social media and economic systems on society, ultimately seeking a deeper understanding of life through philosophical inquiry.
Transcribe →Beyond: Tron. The Evolution of Digital Beings
Oct 1701:27:02Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Grayson and Ben discuss the challenges of parenting, the energy drain it causes, and the awkwardness of making friends with other parents. They delve into the quality of AI-generated content, expressing skepticism about its value. The discussion shifts to nostalgia for the 90s and the evolution of storytelling, particularly through the lens of the film Tron, exploring its philosophical themes and the nature of perfection and control. In this conversation, Ben Hayes and Grayson explore the complexities of morality, the nature of villains, and the justifications behind extreme actions. They delve into the implications of AI and the balance of power, philosophical themes in media like Tron, and the concept of simulation theory. The discussion also touches on the quest for immortality, influential figures in technology, the costs of innovation, and the dynamics of democracy and representation. They reflect on Buddhism's approach to social systems, the role of ego in collaboration, and the evolution of human traits, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and our place within it.
Transcribe →Philosophical Insights from 'The Matrix'
Oct 901:06:19Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Ben and Grayson explore the intersection of AI and creative production, discussing the challenges and innovations in using AI tools for animation. They delve into philosophical themes presented in 'The Matrix', examining concepts of Daoism, free will versus destiny, and the nature of reality and hyperreality. The discussion highlights the implications of AI on human existence and the evolving relationship between technology and humanity.
Transcribe →Beyond the Tao Ti Ching
Oct 501:06:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "Beyond Obsolete," Ben Hayes and Grayson delve into the intersection of technology, philosophy, and the human experience. They explore the concept of the Tao Te Ching, discussing its principles of harmony, simplicity, and yielding, and how these ideas contrast with the current trajectory of AI and technological advancement. The conversation touches on the importance of asking "why" in the context of technological evolution and the potential pitfalls of losing sight of human values in the pursuit of progress. They also reflect on personal experiences and philosophical insights, emphasizing the need for balance and reflection in a rapidly changing world.
Transcribe →Overwhelm & Over-Reliance on AI
Oct 501:14:51Tap to summarize"Turn on, tune in, drop out" - Timothy Leary
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