“AI is Good for Humanity!” w/ Jeff Burningham (Ep. 410)

Podcast: Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson
Date: September 12, 2025
Guest: Jeff Burningham, USATODAY Best-Selling Author, Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist
Host: Jay Schwedelson (GURU Media Hub)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the optimistic—and spiritual—potential of artificial intelligence (AI) with Jeff Burningham, serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author of The Last Book Written by a Human. Jay challenges the prevailing negative narrative about AI by exploring Jeff’s hopeful perspective: that AI, rather than being a threat, can catalyze a new era of human self-awareness, wisdom, and connection.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Who is Jeff Burningham? (00:01–03:59)

• Background: BYU grad, sold first tech company to a NASDAQ firm, founded Peak Capital Partners ($5B+ assets) and Peak Ventures (leading Utah VC). Early investor in Utah’s fastest-growing startups.
• Unconventional Path: Ran for Utah governor (2020) and lost, which led him to take reflective space and eventually write his book.
• Book Context: The Last Book Written by a Human emerged from his post-election self-reflection period, prompting existential questions about technology, humanity, and purpose.

Notable Quote

"With space and time, anything can be created."
— Jeff Burningham (03:23)

2. AI: From Doom and Gloom to Optimism (03:59–07:52)

• Prevailing Attitudes: AI discussions hinge on job fears and dystopian future scenarios, but Jeff advocates for a constructive outlook.
• Historical Perspective: Technological progress is inevitable; resisting it halts human transformation.
• AI as a Mirror: AI reflects humanity—not just data, but our actions, intentions, and collective values.
• Spiritual and Ethical Implications: Rather than run in fear, we should use AI’s "cosmic mirror" to reflect, transform, and evolve.

Notable Quote

"What is the upside of being negative? ...To think that we could stop AI at this point is just not an option. ...AI is a cosmic mirror."
— Jeff Burningham (04:35–05:45)

"If we bring an idea around love and human flourishing around this technology, it... can be one of the greatest things that has ever happened to us."
— Jeff Burningham (07:13)

3. Practical Optimism: How to Engage with AI Today (07:52–11:23)

• The Common Question: How should people do AI more optimistically?
• Jeff’s Reversal: It’s not just about what you do with AI, but how AI helps you do the work within yourself.
• Personal Reflection: Success isn’t at the top of the achievement mountain; fulfillment is internal. AI can accelerate self-discovery but doesn't provide answers—those are found inside us.

Notable Quote

"The answers we are looking for are not outside of ourselves. …They are inside of ourselves." — Jeff Burningham (08:56)

4. Intentional Human Connection in the Age of AI (11:23–15:11)

• Intentionality: As digital interaction rises, we must fight to maintain genuine, messy human relationships.
• Analogy: AI (e.g., ChatGPT) flatters, but lacks true intimacy; we must value real-life connections higher than smooth digital interactions.
• Book Thesis: As machines become smarter, humans must become wiser.
• Hero’s Journey: The book maps the individual and collective journey through disruption (AI), reflection, transformation, and finally, wisdom.

Notable Quote

"The technology of real human, human intimate connection is the most powerful technology we know and have."
— Jeff Burningham (12:49)

5. Careers, Work, and Purpose in the Era of AI (15:11–19:57)

• Job Disruption is Real: AI will inevitably cause job loss; this is historically the biggest driver of unrest.
• AI as a Partner: Workers must learn to collaborate with AI—improving, not replacing, their output.
• From Doing to Being: As tasks are automated, we are called to focus on the ‘being’ aspect of life and work.
• Art and Meaning: With more free time, people can pursue creativity and meaning—a resurgence of art, pursuits, and personal offerings.

Notable Quote

"Doing does not equate to being. ...As AI becomes better at doing more and more of what we're used to doing, where does that leave us? It leaves us time and space for our being."
— Jeff Burningham (17:22)

"Everyone has art inside of them. Life is the most beautiful art. ...AI will give us the opportunity to explore art."
— Jeff Burningham (18:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On AI and Self-Reflection

  "So the work that I call for...as we go inside of ourselves, as we do our own work, as we look to heal ourselves, that reflection can become more beautiful."
  — Jeff Burningham (09:31)

• On Human Connection

  "Real human relationship is messy...but that's not real. What's real is human intimate connection."
  — Jeff Burningham (12:27)

• On Societal Impact

  "The greatest predictor of civil unrest is unemployment in males ages 18 to 40 years old in any country." — Jeff Burningham (16:43)

• Host’s Recap

  "It's a message that's of optimism and positivity and I'm down with that."
  — Jay Schwedelson (15:11)

Segment Timestamps

• Introduction to Jeff Burningham and his journey — 00:01–03:59
• Reframing AI as Opportunity not Threat — 03:59–07:52
• Practical optimism: Using AI/mirror metaphor — 07:52–11:23
• Human connection vs. digital flattery — 11:23–15:11
• AI and the future of careers and art — 15:11–19:57
• Book info & how to follow Jeff — 19:57–20:45

Takeaways and Action Items

• Understand AI as a mirror—it will reflect whatever we present to it, both individually and collectively.
• Optimism is a deliberate choice: while risk and loss are real, fear isn’t productive.
• As AI evolves, prioritize intentional connections and human wisdom over efficiency.
• Use the space that advanced technology creates (by doing things for us) to “be”—to connect, reflect, create, and pursue purpose.
• To thrive in the coming decade, blend your humanity with technology: partner with, don’t compete against, AI.

Connect with Jeff Burningham:

• jeffburningham.com
• Substack / TikTok / LinkedIn: @jeffburningham

Book Recommendation:
The Last Book Written by a Human — Available now

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