To follow up last week's conversation on the robot hordes I talk with authors and podcasters, Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna about AI hype. The two argue in their new book The AI Con, that there is nothing intelligent about machine learning and that the technology is nothing more than "souped-up autocomplete." They discuss the ways in which we, as humans, have been duped into thinking that AI is going to either save us or devour us when, in reality, the results show there is no actual intelligence occurring. With a success rate barely better than 20%, Emily and Alex warn us against relying on machine learning for important tasks and jobs, like replacing air traffic controllers? Just like the tech boom of the '90s, they predict an AI bubble is forming. A very fun and, in the opinion of this luddite, hopeful message.The AI Con - https://www.amazon.com/AI-Fight-Techs-Create-Future/dp/0063418568Mystery AI Hype Theater - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mystery-ai-hype-theater-3000/id1690426042Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_EvisonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/
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1:01:29
Allison Pugh - The Last Human Job
AI and data analytics have created some miraculous efficiencies over the last couple of years. AI helps me stay organized and assists with research and interview prep. Sometimes, you just need a mindless automaton. That said, when it comes time to buy my groceries, I want to talk to a clerk. I want my hair cut by my barber, Chuck—the same guy I’ve been going to for the last 50 years. I need that human connection to maintain my sanity. Every day, we hear about new ways technology is making our lives easier. But are we losing something in the process? Are you ready for AI therapy or AI schoolteachers? Today, I talk with Johns Hopkins University professor Allison Pugh about what gets lost when we reduce the human connections we once took for granted. Now I will run this through ChatGPT to edit for grammar and spelling.Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_EvisonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/
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54:52
Jim Thomsen - "There's Always Work at the Post Office"
I recently read a New York Times article titled "The Gen X Career Meltdown," which discussed how GenXers are aging out of the workforce early due to technology and the collapse of the creative industries. It reminded me of an old friend, journalist and literary editor, Jim Thomsen. Jim writes on Substack about the bittersweet journey of chasing his dream job for most of his professional life—only to find himself, in his late 50s, broke and unemployable. Forced to figure things out, Jim gets a job at the US Postal Service and, in doing so, finds creative renewal by restructuring his life. As Robert Townsend said in Hollywood Shuffle, “There’s always work at the post office.”Jim Thomsen Substack - https://jimthomsen.substack.comNew York Times, "The Gen X Career Meltdown" - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/28/style/gen-x-creative-work.htmlTrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_EvisonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/
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57:01
JW Ocker - How to Start a Cult
Author JW Ocker is a man who has devoted himself to the study and research of bizarre cultural phenomena. In his book Cult Following: the Extreme Sects that Capture our Imagination - And Take Over our Lives, he sets his sights on cults. This week on A Fresh Face in Hell, JW joins me to discuss cults, their origins, belief systems, paradigms, recruitment techniques, and their sometimes fiery ends. We'll delve into some strange shit this week. Listener discretion is advised. https://www.amazon.com/Cult-Following-Extreme-Capture-Imaginations_and/dp/1683694120Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_EvisonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/
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55:58
Danny Bland - Rock n' Roll Road Warrior
Today we hear stories from the road with rock n' roll tour manager Danny Bland. After decades of playing in bands like Cat Butt, Best Kissers in the World, and The Dwarves, Danny used his experience to become a legendary tour manager. From Dave Alvin, Willie Nelson, John Doe to the Blasters and the Supersuckers, Danny operates as a referee, therapist, and coach to many road-weary rockstars. He gathers food, negotiates with club owners, and he can tell you the best book store in every major American city. He hates the sun, he's on the road for 300 days a year, AND he's never heard a Beatles song to completion. He is a rock n' roll road warrior. Danny is the author of "In Case We Die", available at your local bookstore.https://www.fantagraphics.com/products/in-case-we-die?srsltid=AfmBOoruLvyqPVKCSVYIqFHZ0xoDGd2zc8qogT-1bazLnPPLIw_x-jCHTrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_EvisonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/
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A Fresh Face in Hell with Jonathan Evison is an hour long, conversation based, format. Guests include writers, musicians, athletes, actors, philosophers, scientists, and an array of experts across a variety of disciplines. Subjects will be treated with a mix of humor and thoughtful exploration.
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