Catching up: what we've been exploring together at AI for Lifelong Learners
A few favorites from the community
It’s been a remarkable six months in the world of AI for 2025, and our ongoing dialogue here at AI for Lifelong Learners continues to reveal new facets, both exhilarating and sobering. Whether you’re just joining us or you’ve been part of these conversations from the start, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve uncovered together over the past year.
One highlight for me was the conversation with Steven Hill, the mind behind Hearts of Space. That piece: Slow music, fast tech: How AI cloning is preserving the voice of Hearts of Space, remains a personal favorite. If you missed the interview, it’s worth a listen.
Looking ahead, the next few months promise another round of rapid advances: ChatGPT 5.0, Gemini 3.0, AI web browsers, agents and innovations none of us have quite anticipated yet. So before the next wave of changes arrive, I’ve pulled together a recap, complete with links, of the most popular posts here. My hope is that the new subscribers will have an idea of what else is available and popular.
Thanks for continuing this journey with me. As always, your questions and observations make this space richer. Please, keep them coming.
When a construction operations manager asked how to separate genuine AI resources from social media noise, the answer revealed a practical roadmap we can all use. From testing no-code platforms like n8n.io to using targeted prompts in Gemini for finding industry-specific content, this Q&A offers concrete strategies for anyone drowning in AI information overload. The real gem? Sometimes the best filter isn't an algorithm, it's knowing exactly what questions to ask and having the patience to start small with personal projects that matter to you.
Sometimes the simplest tools pack the biggest punch. This prompt asks you to explain any topic at five different educational levels, from 5th grade to PhD, then hits you with the kicker: "What do the smartest people who disagree say?" That final question transforms a neat parlor trick into a full-spectrum workout for your mind, forcing you to confront perspectives you've been quietly ignoring. Whether you're wrestling with complex news or preparing for a debate, this deceptively simple sequence reveals exactly where your understanding is rock-solid and where it's still cloudy.
What if the secret to better AI conversations isn't agreeing with it, but arguing? This post explores a counterintuitive approach to prompting, deliberately challenging your AI assistant's responses. It turns out that pushing back, asking for alternative viewpoints, and playing devil's advocate doesn't just get you better answers, it actually sharpens your own critical thinking. Who knew disagreement could be so productive?
We've all been there. You know what you want to say, but the words just won't come. Enter the completion prompt, your new writing buddy that helps finish your thoughts without hijacking your voice. This isn't about letting AI write for you, it's about using it as a springboard when you're stuck. I share practical techniques for maintaining your authentic voice while getting unstuck, because sometimes we all need a little help crossing the finish line.
Ever wonder why every tech headline screams about the inevitability of AGI? Tom Parish digs into the AI Now Institute's latest report, which exposes how "artificial general intelligence" has morphed from a scientific concept into a marketing sledgehammer. Drawing on his own 1980s experience selling $80,000 AI workstations that rarely survived real-world contact, Tom reminds us that healthy skepticism isn't cynicism, it's self-defense. The real question isn't whether AI will change everything, but who's writing the narrative and cashing the checks while we're told to trade our reliable pickup trucks for self-driving models that don't work in the rain.
Ever get that nagging feeling when AI-generated text just feels...off? You know, technically perfect but somehow soulless? This post dives into those subtle giveaways that reveal when you're reading robot prose instead of human thoughts. With help from writing expert Lily Chambers, we explore the telltale signs beyond those infamous em dashes (yes, we see you, ChatGPT). Spoiler alert - it's not just about punctuation. It's about finding your authentic voice in an age of automated everything.
For over 40 years, Stephen Hill's voice has guided listeners through cosmic soundscapes on Hearts of Space. Now, AI voice cloning is helping preserve this iconic program for future generations. But this isn't just about technology, it's about the intersection of art, legacy, and what we choose to preserve in our digital age. A fascinating conversation about when AI enhances rather than replaces human creativity.
What happens when a physical therapist who specializes in strength training for older adults weighs in on AI's role in fitness? Dr. Justin Traxler offers a refreshingly grounded perspective, explaining why he uses AI for hashtags, not health plans. Through Tom and Donna's personal journey of navigating fitness advice in their later years, we discover why AI can't yet account for the nuanced human factors that matter most: fear of movement, past injuries, and individual goals. The conversation reveals a crucial truth in domains where personalization and empathy matter most: human expertise isn't just nice to have—it's irreplaceable.
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These posts represent the heart of our ongoing exploration into how AI affects our pursuit of curiosity and lifelong learning. Each week brings new questions, insights, and occasionally, more questions than answers. And that's exactly how we like it.
Subscribe at aiforlifelonglearners.substack.com to join our community of curious minds exploring AI beyond the hype.
Have a question about AI? Submit it anonymously for our Ask Tom series. Your curiosity might just spark the next great discussion.
Remember, we're all figuring this out together. Between the extremes of AI hype and AI fear, there's always a middle ground. Let's find it together and feed the good wolf along the way.
Happy learning! Tom