"AI was going to get better at technical skills like coding and data analysis much faster than storytelling, because it's much easier to objectively define what is correct code. With storytelling, it's much more ephemeral. AI researchers have called it absurd, trying to quantify what good storytelling is." — Joe Lazer

When ChatGPT launched, the headlines were brutal. Storytellers were cooked, creative work was done, they all said.

Joe Lazer did what any good journalist would do: he started asking questions. What he found, after two years of salons, research, and interviews with AI developers and future-of-work researchers, was the exact opposite.

In this episode, Joe breaks down why AI will make storytelling the most important skill in the new economy.

Joe is the co-founder of Contently, author of the new book Super Skill, and one of the sharpest thinkers on the intersection of AI and human-centered storytelling.

We get into the neuroscience of why storytelling makes us better at leadership, persuasion, and collaboration; why heavy AI reliance causes a measurable 17% drop in skill mastery; and how to avoid the "vortex of mid" that's pulling most brands toward mediocrity. We also get real about how both of us actually use AI day-to-day, and where we draw the line.