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Beyond Obsolete
Beyond Obsolete is a podcast about staying human in the age of AI. Hosted by Ben Hayes, a designer and creative technologist, and Grayson Genders, a strategist across politics, health and energy, it explores creativity, purpose, and identity in a world of accelerating change. We’re at the edge of a new renaissance—where powerful new tools need timeless ideas. These are honest conversations about where we’re headed, and how we stay human along the way.
Where to listen?
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Episodes
#27 Futurist: Morris Misel - Human Expectations vs. AI Reality 11.12.2025 1:41:48
In this conversation, we delve into the multifaceted impact of AI and technology on daily life, exploring personal experiences, the role of futurism, and the implications for mental health and leadership. They discuss the illusion of time savings with technology, the importance of modeling technology use for future generations, and the need for a balanced approach to human-machine interaction. The...
#26 - Advertising is Dead? 27.11.2025 1:39:53
In this conversation, Ben Hayes discusses the transformation of advertising, emphasising how creativity has been overshadowed by metrics and data-driven approaches. He reflects on his experiences with Google ads, expressing a sense of disconnection from traditional advertising's artistic roots. Hayes argues for the importance of creativity in advertising, suggesting that while metrics play a r...
Cryonics and the Future of Preservation | Author John R Carlos 13.11.2025 1:22:28
What if Michael Crichton’s techno-thrill met the moral gut-punch of Black Mirror —told by a real Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander? That’s the pulse of Cryonic Dreams : a propulsive debut that moves between the present day and 2169, where the world’s first human reanimation cracks open a conspiracy about who gets to live, who decides, and what we’re willing to trade for “progress.” Think...
The philosophy of happiness / Outsourcing joy to the algorithms 10.11.2025 1:33:53
In this conversation, Ben and Grayson explore various themes surrounding running, midlife fitness, the impact of AI on creativity, the philosophy of happiness, and the importance of authenticity in art. They reflect on personal experiences with running, the mental challenges it presents, and how these relate to broader life lessons. The discussion shifts to the role of AI in creative processes, qu...
Let's Build a Secret Society with AI 03.11.2025 1:21:12
In this engaging conversation, Grayson and Ben explore a variety of themes ranging from survival theories and philosophical reflections on religion to the structure of Freemasonry and the implications of AI on society. They delve into the concept of corporatocracy, the potential for AI to manipulate human behavior, and the idea of creating a secret society with a defined purpose. The discussion cu...
The Rise of AI and Social Media Slop 31.10.2025 1:28:27
In this conversation, Grayson and Ben Hayes explore the overwhelming nature of social media and the rise of AI, discussing its impact on creativity and authenticity. They delve into the evolution of virtual reality, the importance of data management, and the philosophical insights that can guide modern living. The discussion touches on stoicism, the nature of reality, and the future of technology,...
Beyond: Tron. The Evolution of Digital Beings 17.10.2025 1:27:02
In this conversation, Grayson and Ben discuss the challenges of parenting, the energy drain it causes, and the awkwardness of making friends with other parents. They delve into the quality of AI-generated content, expressing skepticism about its value. The discussion shifts to nostalgia for the 90s and the evolution of storytelling, particularly through the lens of the film Tron, exploring its phi...
Philosophical Insights from 'The Matrix' 09.10.2025 1:06:19
In this conversation, Ben and Grayson explore the intersection of AI and creative production, discussing the challenges and innovations in using AI tools for animation. They delve into philosophical themes presented in 'The Matrix', examining concepts of Daoism, free will versus destiny, and the nature of reality and hyperreality. The discussion highlights the implications of AI on human e...
Beyond the Tao Ti Ching 05.10.2025 1:06:17
In this episode of "Beyond Obsolete," Ben Hayes and Grayson delve into the intersection of technology, philosophy, and the human experience. They explore the concept of the Tao Te Ching, discussing its principles of harmony, simplicity, and yielding, and how these ideas contrast with the current trajectory of AI and technological advancement. The conversation touches on the importance of...
Overwhelm & Over-Reliance on AI 05.10.2025 1:14:51
"Turn on, tune in, drop out" - Timothy Leary
Limitations of Journalism & Current AI Tools 05.10.2025 1:11:21
Summary In this conversation, Ben and Grayson explore the evolving role of AI in various sectors, including daily tasks, corporate environments, creative work, and governance. They discuss the limitations of current AI tools, the impact of algorithms on content creation, and the future of journalism in an AI-driven world. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations surrounding AI, part...
Gratitude and Presence: Shifting Perspectives 15.09.2025 1:09:10
Summary In this conversation, Grayson and Ben explore various themes surrounding note-taking, the impact of AI on creativity and originality, the role of gratitude in daily life, and the implications of AI in education and dating. They discuss the philosophical aspects of AI, including its potential to enhance or detract from human experiences, and delve into the concept of the 'dead internet&...
Summer Camp for Adults 08.09.2025 1:21:41
In this conversation, Ben and Grayson explore the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on personal growth, creativity, and societal norms. They discuss the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding AI in mental health, the nostalgia associated with adult summer camps, and the search for genuine connection in a digital age. The dialogue also touches on the future of SEO, the balance betw...
Maybe AI is Overated 07.09.2025 1:18:45
Ben and Grayson explore the launch of FarmX, a conference aimed at innovating agriculture through technology and collaboration. They discuss the challenges faced during the event, insights gained about AI's role in farming, and the broader implications of AI in business and society. The conversation delves into the cultural readiness for AI, the importance of data quality, and the evolving lan...
Cognitive overload, and the need for a new hierarchy of needs in the digital age 19.08.2025 1:25:23
In this conversation, Ben and Grayson discuss the overwhelming impact of AI on productivity, creativity, and employment. They explore the trade-offs of automation, the cognitive overload it creates, and the need for a new hierarchy of cognitive needs in the digital age. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in education, the importance of maintaining human thought in the face of automation...
The Challenges of creating with AI-Generated Content 15.08.2025 1:08:16
In this conversation, Ben Hayes and Grayson explore the multifaceted impact of AI on creativity, content creation, and the job market. They discuss the rising costs associated with AI tools, the ethical implications of generative AI, and the evolving roles of creators in an AI-driven landscape. The dialogue also touches on the potential for hyper-personalized content and the challenges of maintain...
The Design Challenge Part 2 / Zero Click Internet 01.08.2025 1:23:37
In this conversation, Ben and Grayson explore the intersection of technology, parenting, and the evolving landscape of information consumption. They discuss the implications of zero-click internet, the role of algorithms in shaping news, and the potential disappearance of the open internet. The conversation also delves into the creative processes influenced by AI, the challenges of client work, an...
The Design Challenge Part 1 19.07.2025 1:39:37
In this episode, Ben and Grayson discuss their ongoing challenge to create a prototype that can go to market within two weeks. They explore the concept of vibe coding, the implications of AI in creativity, and the importance of imagination in development. The conversation also touches on the evolution of gaming, the future of AI in daily life, and the impact of AI on music and art. They share thei...
Recreating Grammarly with a Prompt. Reinventing the Cursor. 13.07.2025 56:54
In this conversation, Ben and Grayson discuss the challenges and innovations in prototyping with AI tools. They explore the importance of technical knowledge, and the learning experiences that come from failures in prototyping. The discussion also covers the evolution of farming technology, the integration of AI in professional workflows, and the future of software as a service in an AI-driven wor...
TikTok for Politics, our AI Album Drop, and a Deep Focus app 04.07.2025 1:06:53
In this episode, Grayson and Ben take you on a rollercoaster ride through the world of AI, where last-minute prototyping is an art form and releasing an album on Spotify is just another Wednesday. Plus, they venture into the chaotic realm of TikTok to tackle politics—because why not?
Psychoanalysis Meets AI 26.06.2025 1:15:24
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current Events 02:49 Using AI for News Consumption 05:44 Psychoanalysis with AI: Insights from Freud 11:41 Exploring Personal Dynamics and AI's Role 17:33 Prototyping with AI: Music Creation Experiment 23:45 AI Prototypes: Time Management App 29:56 Feedback and Iteration on Prototypes 35:35 Philosophical Reflections on Time and Value 41:48 Building and Launching...
Backyard Alchemy 20.06.2025 1:04:41
Summary In this conversation, Ben and Grayson explore the intersection of AI and various aspects of life, including recruitment, job applications, content creation, and personalized learning platforms. They discuss the challenges and ethical considerations of using AI in recruitment, the impact of AI on job applications, and the potential for AI to enhance content creation. They also delve into th...
Navigating the Job Market with AI 16.06.2025 1:06:28
Summary In this engaging conversation, Ben and Grayson explore the evolving landscape of automation and artificial intelligence, discussing its implications for job markets, cultural perceptions, and the role of technology in our lives. They delve into the psychological resistance faced by job seekers, the aesthetic focus of recent tech updates from Apple, and the importance of rituals in consumpt...
Creativity in the Constraint 06.06.2025 1:03:50
Summary In this conversation, Ben Hayes and Grayson explore the evolving landscape of content creation, the cultural dynamics between America and China, and the impact of social media saturation on personal consumption habits. They discuss the shift towards short-form content, the role of AI in creativity, and the philosophical implications of language models. The dialogue also touches on pricing...
Letting Go, Leveling Up 01.06.2025 1:17:21
🔍 Main Topics Covered 1. Creative Tools & AI Limitations Discussion on Google’s Veo (UVA3) for video generation. The shift from full creative control to generative gardening —setting conditions rather than exact outputs. Tension between speed vs. control in AI-generated content. 2. The Future of Advertising Reflection on how traditional advertising has evolved into content-driven, prompt-base...
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