AI can hand you an answer to almost anything in seconds. Bob and Josh spend this episode asking what that convenience is quietly costing us.

It starts with an IEEE Spectrum article showing that researchers who use AI publish more and get cited more, while the range of what's actually being discovered shrinks. Bob names the bigger pattern, a "creativity sinking hole" where humans contribute fewer original ideas, AI trains on the thinner output, and the whole loop drifts toward average.

Along the way, Josh explains why he trusts LLMs in his own domain but gets nervous everywhere else, why answer engine optimization means you should treat AI output like search results (ads and all), and what happened when he spent 5 unplanned minutes actually thinking about a problem instead of prompting about it.

The landing spot is courage. The courage to have a new idea, try it, and fail. The courage to create content that's unmistakably yours. Bob's mic drop metric for the whole episode: the goal is never "I found an idea" or "I prompted an idea." It's "I have an idea."

Use AI to augment your thinking. Then bring you.

AI in Science Research Boosts Speed, Limits Scope - IEEE Spectrum

Stay Connected and Informed with Our Newsletters

Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse"

Dive deeper into the world of Agile leadership and management with Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse." This bi-weekly newsletter offers insights, tips, and personal stories to help you navigate the complexities of leadership in today's fast-paced tech environment. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you'll find valuable guidance and practical advice to enhance your leadership skills. Subscribe to "Leadership Lighthouse" for the latest articles and exclusive content right to your inbox.

Subscribe here

Bob Galen's "Agile Moose"

Bob Galen's "Agile Moose" is a must-read for anyone interested in Agile practices, team dynamics, and personal growth within the tech industry. The newsletter features in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable tips to help you excel in your Agile journey. Bob brings his extensive experience and thoughtful perspectives directly to you, covering everything from foundational Agile concepts to advanced techniques. Join a community of Agile enthusiasts and practitioners by subscribing to "Agile Moose."

Subscribe here

Do More Than Listen:

We publish video versions of every episode and post them on our YouTube page.

Help Us Spread The Word:

Love our content? Help us out by sharing on social media, rating our podcast/episodes on iTunes, or by giving to our Patreon campaign. Every time you give, in any way, you empower our mission of helping as many agilists as possible. Thanks for sharing!