The Difference

Episode Two – A Conversation with Paul Cloutier

The Difference continues with Paul Cloutier, who shares his extraordinary journey reimagining rural America through the transformation of Humboldt, Kansas. After moving from Oakland to this small town of 1,800 people, Paul and his team at A Bolder Humboldt have spent eight years revitalizing the community through innovative placemaking, strategic action, and grassroots entrepreneurship. Paul reveals how meaningful change happens in rural communities—from converting empty buildings into thriving businesses like breweries, boutique hotels, and music venues, to addressing deeper systemic challenges of housing, workforce development, and community infrastructure. The conversation explores the power of gathering places to reconnect diverse communities, the advantages of rural entrepreneurship as a new frontier for creatives, and the potential for small towns to lead in climate resilience and manufacturing innovation. A fascinating look at how intentional design can transform not just physical spaces but the social fabric of a community.

Episode One – A Conversation with Robin Sloan

The Difference Podcast launches with Robin Sloan—bestselling novelist, olive oil entrepreneur, AI experimenter, and musician—exploring what it means to create with the machine. As AI creeps into every part of our lives, Robin offers a philosophical and craft-based approach to this new world of creativity. He describes working with AI as more like gardening than carpentry—creating growth conditions rather than directly controlling outcomes. The conversation examines AI as a medium with its own distinctive “grain” and limitations while highlighting how balancing digital experimentation with physical creation leads to more meaningful creative practice. A thoughtful exploration of human-machine collaboration in the creative process.