Only Advance with Jesse Thoeming

In this episode of Only Advance, I sit down with business technologist Joshua McNary for a wide-ranging conversation on artificial intelligence and what may prove to be the most consequential technological revolution in human history. We discuss the current state of AI adoption, the growing divide between “Doomers,” “Scouts,” and “Accelerationists,” and whether humanity is prepared for increasingl...

In this solo episode, I reflect on the strange paradox of the modern world: by nearly every meaningful metric, there has never been a better time to be alive—yet we find ourselves more divided, anxious, and uncertain than ever. I explore how advances in technology, communication, and global connectivity have transformed daily life, while also amplifying polarization, distorting our perception of r...

In this episode, I speak with Lindsay Leahy—author of Take It All Apart and founder of The Restoration Project—about how we think, how we assign meaning to our lives, and what it takes to live and lead with intention in a rapidly changing world. We begin with the concept of “framing” and how the lens through which we view reality can dramatically shape our experience of it—from personal finances t...

Kyle Steele joins Only Advance for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of social media and its impact on culture, politics, and the next generation. The episode tackles bots and anonymity, youth access and warning labels, algorithm regulation, deep fakes, and the growing tension between platforms and publishers. In an era where AI can fabricate reality and attention is the most valuable curren...

Playwright and filmmaker Rob Merritt joins Jesse for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of storytelling in an increasingly AI-saturated world. They explore how emerging technology might reshape the creative process, reflect on Rob’s acclaimed sci-fi drama The Summerland Project, and dig into timeless questions around memory, identity, and what it means to be human. In an age of algorithm...

Doug Neumann, longtime leader of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, joins Jesse to discuss the future of work in Iowa and beyond. They explore the accelerating impact of AI on jobs, how to support both urban and rural economies, and the systemic changes needed to prepare the next generation for long-term success. From medtech to Main Street, this episode asks: how do we build a workforce th...

Ron Corbett, former Iowa House Speaker and Cedar Rapids Mayor, joins Jesse to tackle the crisis of political trust and polarization in America. They dive into how reforming primaries, strengthening institutions, and embracing principled leadership could guide us out of the “Terrible Twenties” and into a more functional democracy.

Entrepreneur and investor Courtney Wooge reflects on America’s evolving business climate. From leading remote-first teams to navigating AI disruption, he shares lessons on leadership, wealth inequality, and why creating opportunity—especially for the next generation—will define business success in the decades ahead.

Dale Todd, longtime Cedar Rapids City Councilman, shares his grounded perspective on American politics—from local government challenges to broader threats to democracy. The episode covers leadership fatigue, rebuilding bipartisan trust, and how neighborhood-level change can scale into national transformation.

Nikki Wilcox, strategic development consultant and civic leader, discusses the current state and future of women in leadership. The conversation spans maternity policy, gender-balanced governance, tech disruption, and raising resilient daughters in a digital age—all through the lens of someone doing the work daily.

John Osako, CEO of Informatics, joins Jesse to explore the rise of artificial intelligence and the future of commercial tech in America. They reflect on Moore’s Law, ChatGPT's breakout moment, the looming potential of AGI, and what a successful human-tech partnership might look like by 2049.

In this inaugural episode, Nick Dusil, founder of Iowa Giving Crew, unpacks what’s broken—and what’s working—in the nonprofit space. This episode explores the psychology of giving, the need for humility in service, the balance between storytelling and ego, and why effective altruism must meet local compassion head-on.