Podcast Summary: Voices of Search

Episode: Experience Networks in the Absence of Search Engine Rankings
Date: November 12, 2025
Host: Jordan Cooney
Guest: John Levesque, CEO of Seek

Episode Overview

This episode of the Voices of Search Podcast explores a provocative hypothetical: What if search engines stopped displaying traditional rankings and only delivered AI-generated summaries and responses? Host Jordan Cooney and guest John Levesque discuss the resulting impact on "experience networks"—the digital communities and platforms where people share personal advice, recommendations, and expertise. The conversation delves into the evolving importance of human networks in a search landscape increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The New Paradigm: No Search Rankings, Only AI Summaries

• Scenario Introduction ([00:27]):
  Jordan poses a buy-or-sell question:

  “If search engines stopped showing rankings and only delivered AI summaries and responses, would experience networks become more or less important?”

  • Both immediately agree: “More important. Way more.”

• Loss of Choice vs. Choice Overload ([00:35]):
  John elaborates on the psychological effect:

  • “Too much choice is overload. No choice feels restrictive. And so I think if it only gives you the AI summary, then I think experience networks become way more important because... I want to talk to someone across the fence.”
  • Highlights the appeal of digital word-of-mouth and authentic, person-to-person recommendations in an environment where AI controls information delivery.

The Role of Experience Networks in Shaping AI Responses

• Interaction with AI ([01:06]):
  Jordan asks if experience networks will influence how AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini formulate responses.

  • Example given: Planning a family vacation to Mexico using a long, specific prompt.

• Turning Unstructured Into Structured Data ([01:27]):
  John responds that AI should—and eventually will—listen to the trends and sequences in user-generated experiences:

  • “We are essentially turning an unstructured data layer into a structured data layer... If they're not offering up sequences in their results when people are asking for trips, I think they will miss the boat. I think they will be forced to use sequences in their results for best results.”

Notable Quotes & Timestamped Highlights

• [00:27] Jordan Cooney:

  “If search engines stopped showing rankings and only delivered AI summaries and responses, would experience networks become more or less important?”
  Immediate response: “More important. Ooh, yeah. More important. Way more.” (both agree)

• [00:35] John Levesque:

  “Too much choice is overload. No choice feels restrictive. And so I think if it only gives you the AI summary, then I think experience networks become way more important because I think people draw even harder back to that feeling of I want to talk to someone across the fence and we use the digital medium that we have to do it.”

• [01:27] John Levesque:

  “If they're not offering up sequences in their results when people are asking for trips, I think they will miss the boat. I think they will be forced to use sequences in their results for best results.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:27: Hypothetical scenario introduced: No search rankings, only AI answers.
• 00:35: Discussion: Human desire for choice and authenticity in recommendations.
• 01:06: Can experience networks shape AI-generated responses?
• 01:27: The need for AI to “listen” and incorporate real-world user experience patterns.

Memorable Moments & Takeaways

• The central thesis: In a future dominated by AI-generated answers, traditional experience networks (forums, communities, review sites) could become even more valuable, meeting people's need for authentic, nuanced, and personal perspectives.
• Strategic advice: Brands and marketers should foster and leverage experience networks as signals and sources for AI platforms—ensuring their insights and expertise surface in AI-driven environments.

Tone & Language

Conversational, forward-looking, and pragmatic, with both host and guest expressing enthusiasm and caution about the shifting digital landscape. The episode emphasizes the continuing—and perhaps growing—importance of human connections and authentic community even as technology evolves.

For more from John Levesque, check his [LinkedIn] or visit Seek (SeeQ).

This summary covers all primary discussion points and key insights relevant to SEO, content marketers, and digital strategists imagining the road ahead in AI-driven search.