Building a Better Geek

Em and Craig dive deep into technology's profound impact on human behaviour, exploring everything from AI-generated images with three-eyed cats to how the printing press revolutionised society. This wide-ranging conversation examines the uncomfortable truth: we're living through a technological shift that's fundamentally changing how humans think, connect, and experience reality.
The Historical Context
The hosts trace technology's transformative power through history, from Gutenberg's printing press enabling mass literacy and challenging authority, to the Industrial Revolution moving women from homes into factories, fundamentally reshaping society. Em notes how each technological leap creates both expansion and contraction—initial chaos followed by adaptation and new innovation.
Eight Core Ways Tech Affects Human Behaviour
Em outlines how technology is reshaping humanity across multiple dimensions:
Social Connection: While 67.9% of Earth's population is now online, connections are less deep. We're cognitively designed to connect with maybe 200 people, not thousands on social platforms.
Shortened Attention Spans: Constant quick fixes prevent us from building resilience, accessing flow states, or learning deeply. We're avoiding discomfort rather than developing the capacity to handle it.
Cognitive Changes: Multitasking (really rapid task-switching) exhausts us more than the work itself. The constant shifting between tasks depletes cognitive resources faster than focused deep work.
Memory and Navigation: Craig shares how Google Maps has replaced spatial awareness—remembering London taxi drivers whose brains were literally wired differently from their knowledge of streets. Em wonders if rising ADHD diagnoses might actually be brains adapting to technology rather than a disorder.
The Reality Distortion Problem
The conversation tackles a disturbing trend: our subconscious can't distinguish between AI-generated content and reality. From Photoshop's impact on body image to today's sophisticated deepfakes, we're losing the ability to trust what we see. Em describes asking ChatGPT to create a birthday invitation, only to discover the generated cats had three eyes and extra heads—a glimpse into early-stage AI before it got frighteningly good.
The Attention Economy's Dark Side
Em reveals a troubling pattern: AI trained on human engagement learns that negative content gets more clicks, creating a feedback loop that may be skewing AI toward negativity. She questions whether technology has genuinely had a negative effect on human behaviour, or whether negative content simply generates more engagement and thus more training data.
Process Versus Outcome
Craig admits to using Claude AI to rewrite a letter to a newspaper—and it did a better job. This sparks discussion about what we lose when AI does the creative heavy lifting. Em's pottery analogy drives home a crucial point: not everything needs commercial value. The creative process itself—the frustrating research, the failures, the practice—transforms information into knowledge and knowledge into wisdom.
Job Market Disruption
While people panic about AI replacing jobs, the hosts offer unexpected hope: humans will continue innovating ways to work alongside technology, just as they always have. Em emphasises that our fundamental drive to connect, create, and innovate will persist despite technological disruption.
The Surprising Hero
Craig's hero of the week is Sarah Wynn Williams, former Facebook executive and author of "Careless People." She broke a seven-year silence to warn that society is sleepwalking into the same mistakes with AI that occurred with social media. Despite Facebook's gag order preventing her from promoting the book, her insights about emotional targeting of adolescent girls and the concentration of AI power in social media companies (like Meta's LLaMA model) offer crucial warnings.
The Paradox of Progress
Perhaps the most striking theme: despite technology's potential for harm, both hosts maintain optimism about humanity. Em argues that just as the printing press was weaponised but ultimately elevated humanity, current technological disruption will eventually stabilise. Humans fundamentally want to connect and treat each other well—technology may create temporary chaos, but our humanness will ultimately triumph.
Key Resources
"The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence" by Tony Prescott
"Humans and AI in the Workplace" podcast with Dr. Deborah Panucci and Lisa Hart
"Careless People" by Sarah Wynn Williams (get the hard copy before it disappears!)
The Bottom Line
Technology is simultaneously connecting and isolating us, accelerating productivity while eroding deep thinking, and creating opportunities while destroying established skills. The key? Maintaining critical thinking, preserving human connection, and remembering that behind every screen should be a human seeking authentic engagement. As Craig puts it: humanity and effort matter—not just a 20-word prompt.
Human connection remains irreplaceable. Go have real conversations. Support real artists. Maybe even pat a cat (with the normal number of eyes).

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig explore the concept of "knowing your value" in a rapidly changing workplace where traditional values are shifting due to technology, generational differences, and political influences.
Key Discussion Points:
Multiple Hats Phenomenon: Em introduces the concept of "wearing multiple hats" - where people, particularly women, often carry multiple roles simultaneously (manager, counselor, organizer, etc.) without recognition or appropriate compensation. She emphasizes the importance of articulating these various responsibilities to make them visible.
Gender Differences in Self-Assessment: Em cites research showing the "male hubris, female humility effect," where men systematically overestimate their abilities while women underestimate theirs, despite equal measured intelligence. This impacts salary negotiations and career advancement.
Value vs. Self-Worth: Craig emphasizes that understanding your value must start with recognizing your inherent self-worth as a human being, rather than beginning with monetary considerations. This foundational self-respect then informs how you communicate your professional value.
Technology's Impact on Value: The hosts discuss how technological shifts (cloud computing, AI) can make established skills obsolete overnight, forcing workers to constantly reassess and adapt their value proposition.
Negotiation Strategies: When pay raises aren't possible, they suggest alternative value-adds:
Upskilling opportunities
Professional development funding
Networking event attendance
Mentorship programs
Lateral moves within the organization
Communication Tactics: Craig shares insights from sales about listening first to understand problems before proposing solutions. They emphasize the importance of framing your value in terms of solving the organization's problems, not just listing your achievements.
Five Love Languages in the Workplace: Em adapts Gary Chapman's concept to workplace appreciation: acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, appropriate physical acknowledgment (handshakes), and gifts. Understanding how people prefer to receive recognition can transform workplace relationships.
Market Research Importance: Both hosts stress the critical importance of researching your market value globally, not just locally, and understanding the broader context of your industry and role.
Intent vs. Impact: They reference the "Difficult Conversations" framework, noting how understanding the difference between what people intend and the impact they have can resolve many workplace value conflicts.
Practical Takeaways:
Start negotiations by understanding the other party's problems
Write down your goals and their needs to find creative solutions
Consider taking breaks to gain perspective on your situation
Build internal and external networks for realistic market assessment
Practice difficult conversations before high-stakes moments
Be aware of vocal patterns (upward inflection) that may undermine perceived competence
Resource Recommendations:
"Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins (specifically the chapter on salary negotiation for women with male bosses)
Vanessa Van Edwards' research on voice and body language
Nick Cave's "Red Hand Files" email newsletter
Market research through LinkedIn Jobs and industry networking

In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Em and Craig tackle the complex concept of "truth finding" in the modern digital age, exploring how technology and AI have transformed our ability to discern fact from fiction.
Key Discussion Points:
Subjective vs. Objective Truth: The hosts explore the tension between objective facts and subjective perceptions of truth. Em notes that what was once considered "fact" (like the Earth being flat) can later be disproven, highlighting how truth evolves with knowledge.
Empiricism vs. Theory: Craig identifies as an empiricist, focusing on observable outcomes rather than theoretical explanations, while Em prefers understanding the underlying mechanisms. They discuss how both approaches have value in truth-seeking.
Technology's Impact on Truth: The hosts examine how AI, algorithms, and social media have created filter bubbles that shape and sometimes distort our perception of reality. Em references the "Amber Heard case" as an example of how online mob mentality and bots can manipulate public perception of truth.
Trust Markers: Craig explains his process for finding trustworthy voices online, noting he looks for people who demonstrate curiosity, flexibility, accountability, and willingness to change their mind when facts change. They discuss how putting one's name to information adds accountability.
Media Transformations: The discussion covers how traditional media with editorial standards is being replaced by faster, less rigorous social platforms, accelerating both information flow and misinformation. They note how careers and reputations can be destroyed almost instantly before the truth can be established.
Human Connection: Em emphasizes that despite technological advances, the most valuable tool for truth-finding remains "robust, candid conversations between people that you trust," suggesting that human connection provides a level of critical inquiry that machines cannot.
Biases and System Thinking: The hosts reference Daniel Kahneman's work on "fast" (intuitive) versus "slow" (analytical) thinking systems, discussing how being aware of our cognitive biases helps us better evaluate truth claims.
Psychological Safety: Both hosts stress the importance of creating environments where people can safely question assumptions and explore ideas without fear of punishment, noting that punitive approaches to open inquiry can silence important truths.
Resource Recommendations:
"The Righteous Mind" by Jonathan Haidt
"Thinking Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
The therapeutic concept of questioning "Is this a fact? Is this true?" to interrupt emotional pattern responses
Socratic questioning as a method for deeper inquiry

OK Boomer, OK Zoomer: hosts Em and Craig look at solving the Workplace Generation Puzzle, examining how different generational experiences shape values, communication styles, and workplace expectations.
Key Discussion Points:
Four Generations in the Workforce: Em explains that for the first time, we have four generations simultaneously in the workplace (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z), each with different value systems and communication preferences, causing previously successful workplace programs to fail.
Generational Overview: The hosts provide a historical context of generations:
Silent Generation (1920s-1945): Conformist, compliant, strong work ethic
Baby Boomers (1946-1964): Adapted to digital revolution, valued gift of gab
Generation X (1965-1980): Independent, pragmatic, bridged analog-digital divide
Millennials/Gen Y (1981-1996): Digital natives, collaborative
Gen Z/iGen (1997-2010): Visual learners, social media natives
Alpha Generation (2010-present): Future-focused, already emerging through social media
Technological Evolution: Craig shares how Gen X witnessed tremendous technological changes, from analog television to digital media, and how this shapes communication preferences. Em notes how modern recording technology that once required expensive equipment is now available on smartphones.
Communication Medium Preferences: The hosts discuss how different generations prefer different communication methods, with Gen Z often anxious about phone calls while older generations value them. Craig suggests younger people might stand out positively by calling rather than texting.
Psychological Impacts: Em highlights the "spotlight effect" where teenagers feel all eyes are on them, but explains how social media has amplified this for younger generations by making this surveillance real and constant, contributing to mental health challenges.
Generational Tensions: The hosts acknowledge the resentment between generations, with younger people frustrated about housing affordability, environmental issues, and economic challenges while older generations criticize work ethic and respect for authority.
Finding Common Ground: Despite different expressions, all generations share fundamental human desires for validation, appreciation, respect, and belonging. Em emphasizes that finding this common humanity is essential for workplace harmony.
Crisis as Unifier: Craig references "The Fourth Turning" by Neil Howe, noting how crises like World War II or the early COVID-19 pandemic forced people to come together across generational divides.
Resource Recommendations:
"Gen Intelligence: The Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce" by Megan Gerhardt, Josephine Harm, and Jeanne Fogle
"Conversations Between Generations" TED Talk by Vona Turla
"Remarkable People" podcast by Guy Kawasaki, specifically the interview with David Yeager on "The Science of Motivating Young People"
"Multi-Generational Workplace: The Insights You Need" from Harvard Business Review

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig explore the important distinction between being "nice" versus being "kind" in workplace and personal interactions, examining how these approaches impact relationships and communication effectiveness.
Key Discussion Points:
Defining Nice vs. Kind: Em describes "nice" as bland, safer, and more palatable but potentially insincere, while "kind" involves honesty and authenticity that may sometimes be uncomfortable but ultimately serves others better.
Toxic Positivity: The hosts discuss how workplace cultures that prioritize "nice" communication can evolve into toxic positivity, where difficult but necessary conversations get shut down because they aren't "nice," even when honesty would be the kindest approach.
David Yeager's Matrix: Em shares insights from Yeager's book "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People," which presents a matrix of leadership styles based on levels of support and standards:
High standards + High support = Mentorship (ideal)
High standards + Low support = Enforcer (potential bullying)
Low standards + High support = Protector (undermines growth)
Low standards + Low support = Apathetic (disengaged)
Radical Candor/Honesty: Craig introduces the concept of "radical candor" as a communication approach that values honest feedback delivered with care. Em notes she practices this herself, establishing early in relationships that she'll be direct, which serves as a filter for compatibility.
Feedback Role-Play: The hosts demonstrate effective feedback techniques through a role-play scenario where Em (as manager) addresses Craig's work attendance issues while maintaining psychological safety, showing curiosity rather than judgment, and focusing on objective observations.
Building Psychological Safety: The conversation emphasizes how kindness creates psychological safety for difficult conversations, while "niceness" can mask festering problems that eventually surface in more damaging ways.
Practice Makes Perfect: Em stresses the importance of practicing difficult conversations before high-stakes moments, suggesting people write down and rehearse boundary-setting phrases to build confidence.
Key Takeaways:
True kindness involves holding high standards while providing high support
Psychological safety is essential for honest feedback
Practice difficult conversations in low-stakes environments
Leaders should model accountability by acknowledging their own mistakes
The "nicest" approach isn't always the kindest one

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig tackle the serious topic of workplace bullying, exploring its definition, causes, and strategies for addressing it in modern work environments.
Key Discussion Points:
Generational Workplace Dynamics: Em explains how having four generations in the workplace (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z) creates communication challenges, with each generation having different expectations about hierarchy, collaboration, and workplace behavior.
Defining Bullying: Craig shares the technical definition of bullying as "repeated and unreasonable behavior that poses a risk to health and safety," while Em emphasizes that bullying fundamentally involves power imbalances being used to harm others.
Attachment Theory and Bullying: Em explains how early childhood attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized) influence how people respond to bullying. Those with secure attachment are more likely to disengage from bullying situations, while those with other attachment styles may fawn, fight back, or respond inconsistently.
Distinguishing Bullying from Miscommunication: The hosts discuss the challenge of differentiating between intentional bullying and communication issues that may stem from neurodiversity or personality differences, noting that sometimes personalities simply don't mesh well.
Psychological Aspects: They explore how bullies often use subtle tactics that confuse victims, such as the "smiling assassin" approach where aggressive behavior is masked with friendly demeanor, making targets question their own perceptions.
HR's Role: The hosts highlight the importance of human resources departments in providing objective third-party perspectives to mediate conflicts and establish clear procedures for reporting and addressing bullying.
Practical Strategies: For organizations, establishing clear anti-bullying policies and procedures is essential. For individuals, developing strong personal boundaries and recognizing unhealthy dynamics are crucial self-protection skills.
Future Considerations: The conversation touches on cyberbullying and the challenges of addressing anonymous digital harassment, with Em sharing her personal experience of being targeted online.
Resource Recommendations:
"Emotional Blackmail" by Dr. Susan Forward for understanding unhealthy relationship dynamics
"Games People Play" for recognizing interpersonal manipulation patterns
David Yeager's "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People" which explores how high standards and high support affect interactions between managers and younger staff

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig discuss the intersection of AI and human communication, exploring how AI is transforming the workplace while emphasising the enduring value of human connection.
Key Discussion Points:
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: Craig frames AI not as true intelligence but as "engineered collaboration at scale" that helps distill knowledge from across the internet. He suggests AI works best as a "first draft fairy" that helps overcome creative blocks.
Practical Applications: Craig shares examples of using AI tools like Claude to prepare interview questions and simplify complex technical concepts. Em discusses how AI could help prepare panel discussion questions.
Bias and Transparency Concerns: The hosts debate whether AI models can be biased based on their training data. Craig explains that different countries are developing their own AI models to reflect their cultural contexts, similar to how media outlets have political leanings.
The Value of Human Connection: Em emphasises that AI cannot fully replace human interaction, especially in areas requiring emotional intelligence, body language interpretation, and genuine connection. They discuss how human fallibility and authenticity are becoming more valued in contrast to AI's perfection.
Academic and Creative Impacts: They discuss university policies being developed to detect AI-generated content in student work. Em voices concerns about creative professions becoming obsolete while acknowledging that adaptation is necessary.
Prompt Engineering: Craig explains how learning to communicate effectively with AI through "prompt engineering" can maximise its usefulness, including providing context about audience and format.
Resource Recommendations:
Experiment with AI tools like Claude AI, ChatGPT, and Perplexity with a curious mindset
Learn prompt engineering techniques to better communicate with AI
"Clara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro - A novel exploring AI and humanity integration
"The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence" by Tony Prescott
Simon Wardley's essay on the dangers of creating a "new priesthood" of AI developers who control what information goes into models

In this season opener, hosts Em and Craig explore gender dynamics in tech, focusing on women's unique challenges with imposter syndrome, funding disparities, and opportunities in an evolving industry that increasingly needs diverse perspectives. 
Gender Differences in the Workplace: They explore how women often need to feel 94% qualified before applying for jobs, while men apply at around 60%. Em notes that imposter syndrome is more prevalent among women, while men tend to experience more shame after failure.
Femtech Industry: They discuss the growing field of women's health technology, highlighting how the period-tracking app Flow (founded by two brothers) recently achieved unicorn status, raising questions about female representation in tech leadership.
Funding Disparities: The hosts examine why female-founded tech companies, despite often having higher ROI, receive less funding than male-founded counterparts. They suggest this may partly stem from women's hesitancy to directly ask for what they want, compared to men's greater directness and sense of entitlement.
Opportunities for Women in Tech: Craig highlights that tech companies actively seek female talent and suggests entry paths including project management and relationship-oriented roles. They discuss how technology now intersects with nearly every industry, creating diverse opportunities beyond traditional technical roles.
Challenges in Male-Dominated Workplaces: They address the pitfall of organisations over-indexing on showcasing diversity, which can lead to women being overloaded with public-facing opportunities and experiencing burnout.
Featured Resources:
The Imperfects podcast episode "Maybe It's Menopause" with Dr. Louise Newson
"The Confidence Code" by Claire Shipman and Katty Kay
Hero of the Week:
Volvo Cars for their EVA initiative, which researches safety for all body types (not just adult males) and shares this data openly with all car manufacturers, similar to how they previously shared seatbelt technology.