Writing Is Thinking: AI Slop Is Killing Your Credibility — with Joe Lazer

In a world drowning in AI-generated content, Joe Lazer is betting his career on the one skill machines can't replicate: authentic storytelling. The author of The Storytelling Edge and creator of a popular Substack newsletter walked away from an executive role at a fast-growing startup to pursue what he calls humanity's most essential superpower. In this candid conversation with Paul Estes, Joe reveals why he left stability to write his second book, how he built and sold his first media company, and why the "vortex of mid" is sucking the soul out of modern content.

Understanding which skills will matter when machines can do almost everything else is crucial. Joe shares his framework for using AI ethically in the creative process, explains why neural coupling makes storytelling our most powerful business tool, and offers a radically different vision for preparing the next generation. From the neuroscience of oxytocin to the reputational damage of AI slop, learn why mastering storytelling might be the ultimate competitive advantage in an AI-saturated world.

You'll Learn:

• Why AI creates a "vortex of mid" that traps content creators in mediocrity and how to avoid it
• The ideation-research-refine framework for using AI as a creative partner without losing your voice
• How storytelling triggers neural coupling, making listeners' brains sync with yours to build instant connection and trust
• Why the reputational damage from publishing AI-generated content is vastly underestimated by most professionals
• Lessons from building and selling a media company at 22 years old
• Why soft skills like storytelling, adaptability, and empathy will be lasting competitive advantages

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Resources Mentioned:

• The Storytelling Edged by Joe Lazer and Shane Snow
• Dr. Paul Zak's neuromarketing research (Claremont University)
• Kyla Scanlon's newsletter on economics and narrative