CTRL-ALT-LEAD with David Hinson

Episode: Voices Carry
Date: September 8, 2025
Host: David Hinson (Campus CIO, Boldyn Networks)
Episode Main Theme:
Exploring the use of AI-generated voice clones in podcasting—why and how David utilizes this technology, practical workflow insights, and a deep dive into the ethics, policies, and leadership implications of authenticity and transparency in AI-assisted content creation.

Episode Overview

David Hinson reflects on his journey with the CTRL-ALT-LEAD podcast and the integration of AI voice cloning technology into his production workflow. The episode candidly discusses technical reasons, practical advantages, ethical considerations, and the responsibilities leaders must uphold with emerging AI tools, especially in educational and leadership contexts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Use AI Voice Cloning?

• David reveals that while his podcast is a passion project (not a formal aspect of his CIO role), logistics around recording have become the most challenging part.
• Quote: “What amounts to 10 minutes of polished spoken word recording is the heaviest lift of the entire process. And that, my friends, is where AI voice modeling enters the picture.” (04:55)

2. Workflow & Technical Details

• Topic Selection: Collaborative process with marketing, aligning episodes with topical higher ed concerns.
• Scriptwriting: Takes from a few hours to several days—including marketing/editorial review.
• Recording Challenges: Getting high-quality audio on the road is difficult and time-intensive.
• Discovery of AI Voice Cloning:
  • Tried Eleven Labs’ voice modeling tool after skepticism about AI quality.
  • Trained model with several hours of David’s recorded voice.
  • Impressed (and somewhat unsettled) by the clone’s fidelity.
  • Noted that text formatting and punctuation are key to achieving natural phrasing in the final output.
  • Shifted to AI recording for Episode 17; quality was nearly indistinguishable from David's real voice.

3. Authenticity, Disclosure, and Trust

• Podcasting’s Social Contract:
  • Listeners trust that content is authentic and personal.
  • Breaking this trust, even unintentionally, can undermine a podcast.
• Full Disclosure Is Mandatory:
  • Quote: “Whenever and wherever AI is used, you must say so. If there's a reason for it, like efficiency, accessibility, or consistency, you need to share that too. Otherwise the audience won't just distrust the tool, they'll distrust you.” (11:58)
  • For this episode: Disclosed AI use in show notes, audio disclaimer, and contextual recap.

4. Risks & Ethical Considerations

• Potential for Misuse:
  • Deepfakes, unauthorized post-employment use, legal uncertainty.
  • Referenced Hollywood likeness disputes, e.g., Crispin Glover in Back to the Future 2.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • Consent: Explicit, informed consent for cloning any voice.
  • Transparency: Always disclose when, why, and how AI is used.
  • Ownership: Contracts defining model use and rights post-employment.
  • Security: Safeguard models like sensitive biometric data.
  • Expiration: Voice rights shouldn’t last in perpetuity—require limits and renewals.

5. Leadership, Trust, and the Value of AI Tools

• Benefits:
  • AI voice clones can improve production efficiency, consistency, and accessibility—especially when travel or logistics would otherwise interrupt production.
• Conditional Promise:
  • Quote: “Trust is the true currency of leadership. Spend it wisely, because once it's gone, it's almost impossible to earn back.” (18:27)
  • Effective if paired “with honesty, consent, and safeguards.”
  • Done wrong, voice cloning “undermines trust, damages relationships, and erodes the very foundation of leadership communication.” (17:02)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On AI Voice Fears:
  “Honestly, it scared me a little. The fidelity to my own speech and mannerisms was just that good.” (07:10)

• On Creators’ Responsibility:
  “I'm not outsourcing thought leadership. I'm not faking a Persona. I'm simply using a new tool to make the heavy lift of recording lighter.” (12:48)

• On Voice Rights:
  “Voice rights shouldn't live in perpetuity. There should be clear limits and renewals, just like any other intellectual property.” (16:35)

• Final Thought:
  “If applied authentically and transparently, tools like voice cloning can help forge a truly lasting connection between host and audience.” (19:32)

Useful Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:45 — David introduces the concept of AI-generated voice narration and steps into his workflow.
• 04:55 — Discussion of audio production challenges and the appeal of AI.
• 07:10 — First impressions testing Eleven Labs’ voice modeling tech.
• 10:35 — Workflow adjustments needed for AI-generated audio.
• 11:58 — The imperative of disclosure and the role of authenticity and trust.
• 13:48 — Outlining risks and ethical dilemmas of cloned voice misuse.
• 15:30 — Policy recommendations for safe and ethical voice cloning.
• 18:27 — Big-picture leadership reflection: trust as the “currency” of leadership.

Conclusion

David Hinson’s “Voices Carry” episode of CTRL-ALT-LEAD is a thoughtful, insider’s look at the convergence of AI technology and authentic leadership communication. The episode balances practical podcasting tips, technical exploration, and a strong ethical framework, underlining that the real value of innovation is realized only when trust and transparency are maintained.