Show Notes
"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.
In this episode, you will learn to: Understand why AI raises the value of storytelling rather than replacing it Recognize how heavy AI reliance causes measurable skill atrophy Avoid the vortex of mid and stay out of generic AI-flavored content Apply the Unlock, Unleash, and Upgrade framework from Super Skill Build audience trust through transparency about your AI use
Links & Resources
Follow Joe Lazer: Website → https://www.joelazer.com Book → Super Skill by Joe Lazer → https://amzn.to/4ublf3W Substack → Subscribe for a signed copy → https://www.joelazer.com/subscribe Company → Contently → https://www.contently.com
Tool Referenced → Verify My Writing → https://www.verifymywriting.com Newsletter Referenced → Rachel Karten (Link in Bio) on Substack Person Referenced → Shane Snow Conference Referenced → State of the Story by Storytelling360
For more storytelling tips and strategies, visit: Website → https://rainbennett.com Podcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Or follow along at: TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer Twitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennett Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Storytelling Lab
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