Only Advance with Jesse Thoeming

AI, Society, and the Next Technological Revolution

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 increasingly powerful systems that could reshape the workplace, education, creativity, and society itself. We also dive into the immediate cultural consequences of AI—particularly for children and critical thinking—along with the lessons we failed to learn during the rise of social media and smartphones. Finally, we explore AGI, the alignment problem, concentrated technological power, and whether the future of AI ultimately leaves Josh optimistic or deeply concerned about the trajectory of civilization. A thoughtful, grounded, and timely conversation about the opportunities and dangers that lie directly ahead.

The Most Important Moment in Human History

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 reality, and eroding our ability to engage with one another productively. From there, I introduce a framework for understanding our current moment: the idea that we are operating with paleolithic minds, medieval institutions, and godlike technology and the imbalance that creates. I then examine Fermi Paradox and the concept of the Great Filter as a way to think about the long-term trajectory of intelligent civilizations, and what it might mean for our own. This is not a prediction, but a reflection on responsibility... on what it would take to navigate this moment successfully, and what kind of future we might build if we do. At its core, this episode is about perspective, intention, and the idea that despite the risks we are living through one of the most important and opportunity-rich moments in human history.

Rethinking Work, Identity, and What Actually Matters with Lindsay Leahy

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 to broader societal challenges. From there, we explore the future of work in an age of AI and automation, including what happens when our sense of identity is no longer tied to our occupation. We also discuss emerging concerns around cognitive development in younger generations, the tension between ideas and deeply held beliefs, and how individuals can remain open, curious, and adaptable without losing their core sense of self. Finally, we examine the idea that meaningful progress doesn’t always require something new—that sometimes the most powerful form of innovation is simply recovering what has been lost. This is a conversation about perspective, responsibility, and the choices we make in shaping both our personal lives and the broader culture around us.

The Digital Public Square: Reforming Social Media Before It Reforms Us

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 currency, this conversation asks what a healthy digital life could look like by the 2040's... and whether we have the courage to build it.

The Future of Storytelling: Memory, Meaning & the Machines Among Us

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 algorithms, this episode asks: will storytelling save us—or be swallowed by the machine?