S08 E15: The Currency of Human Connection

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Michael McRay reconnects with Harris III to unpack the conversation with Pádraig Ó Tuama and explore the broader implications of moving from an information age to a wisdom based economy. They dive into how artificial intelligence is making information abundant and cheap, while wisdom becomes increasingly rare and valuable. Harris argues that as AI makes it harder to trust anything we see on screens, people will crave authentic, in-person human experiences - exactly the kind that storytelling provides. Their conversation examines empathy as a crucial component of narrative intelligence, but they also explore its shadow side, questioning whether our culture's elevation of emotions above all else might actually hinder productive action. In this episode, they also discuss:

• How the shift from knowledge-based to wisdom-based economies makes storytelling an essential future-proofing skill
• Why artificial intelligence will increase demand for authentic human connection and face-to-face storytelling experiences
• The distinction between emotions being "true" but not always "real"
• How empathy can become a way to bypass our own emotional experiences rather than enhance our capacity for genuine connection

Coming Up Soon

• STORY 2025 - Oct. 9th and 10th in Nashville, TN at the Schermerhorn (use code PODCAST100 for $100 your ticket)

Resources Mentioned

• Pádraig Ó Tuama
• Tenx9 Storytelling Community
• Join The Circle
• Applied Narrative Intelligence Certification