In this weeks episode we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity with NY based AI creative trailblazer Tony Jones

From growing up in Ohio his creative ambitions led him to New York to work in numerous leading ad agencies where he carved out a niche at the intersection of creativity and technology.

Today, Tony is the co-founder and head instructor at Creative AI Academy, where he’s on a mission to help organizations and individuals harness the power of AI to enhance their creative processes. He also teaches AI Design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, equipping the next generation of creatives with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-augmented future.

Tony brings a unique perspective to the conversation about AI and creativity. He sees AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a powerful tool that can augment and amplify our creative capabilities. He’s a strong advocate for embracing AI to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape while emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining human judgment, taste, and ethics.

This is a must listen episode for anyone interested in where AI is leading us and how to embrace the unrelenting pace of the change that is underway.

Now over to Tony.

Time Codes

00:00 Intro to Tony Jones

02:30 Who is Tony as a human

03:59 Embracing AI in Creativity

07:13 Tony's Family and Upbringing

16:34 Early Career and Move to New York

22:43 Digital Transformation in Advertising

26:34 Innovation and AI in Advertising

30:52 Founding Creative AI Academy

35:18 AI's Impact on Creativity and Industries

46:25 Challenges and Adoption of AI

57:05 Teaching AI Design at Pratt Institute

58:02 Course Structure and Student Projects

58:52 Diverse Student Backgrounds

01:00:08 Misconceptions About AI and Creativity

01:01:34 Personal Experience with AI Tools

01:02:49 Impact of AI on Creative Processes

01:04:57 Corporate Training and AI Integration

01:07:37 Patented Inventions and AI

01:10:27 AI in the Advertising Industry

01:18:01 Advice for Creatives and Ethical Considerations

01:23:54 Future of Education with AI

01:30:16 Speculations on AGI and Future Impacts

01:35:11 Serendipity and Personal Reflections

01:47:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Social Links

Tony on Linkedin

Creative Ai Academy On Linkedin

Links in the show

Creative AI Academy

Pratt AI Design Course

Andy Awards

McCann

Media Monks

Book - Future AI 2041

Podcasts - Last Week in AI

AI For humans

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Today, I'm joined by Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW).

For over three decades, Hugh has been at the helm of one of the most influential events in the world, celebrating creativity at the convergence of tech, film, music, and culture.

Hugh's journey is a fascinating one, rooted in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant creative scene. From his early days running a local newspaper to becoming a key figure in the expansion and evolution of SXSW, Hugh's story is one of persistence, innovation, and a deep commitment to fostering creativity. In our conversation, we explore his unique upbringing with a Scottish father and American mother, the impact of Austin's cultural landscape on his development, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

We also discuss the challenges and high points of running a globally recognized festival, the role of technology in connecting people, and the future of creativity in an increasingly AI and digitally driven world. Hugh shares his insights on the importance of community, the power of serendipitous encounters, and his vision for the future of SXSW and beyond.

If you are a creative person in any domain I am sure you will enjoy this conversation as as we uncover the human side of one of the driving forces behind one of the world's most dynamic events.

Thanks to Jennifer Hutchins for the connection

Time codes

00:00 Introduction 00:53 Meet Hugh Forest: The Man Behind SXSW

02:33 Who is Hugh? Personal Journey and Aspirations

03:45 Who or what made him Hugh?

09:54 The Evolution of SXSW

14:34 The Role of Technology in SXSW's Growth

18:18 Who is Hugh Working to Achieve?

28:27 SXSW's Community and Content Curation

32:35 Future Directions and Reflections

38:22 The Evolution of South by Southwest

38:57 Lessons in Persistence and Value Creation

40:53 Personal Growth and Organizational Leadership

42:17 Creating a Cohesive Experience

43:34 Challenges and Future Plans

46:12 Impact of COVID-19

47:14 The Importance of Human Connection

53:06 Balancing Commercial and Creative Interests

57:36 Future Directions and Personal Reflections

59:55 Personal Insights and Inspirations

01:06:20 Quickfire Questions and Recommendations

01:15:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Social Links

Linkedin

X

SXSW

Email

Links in show

Testament of a furniture dealer

Books

Ministry of The Future

Cal Newport Deep Work

Show

The Greatest Night In Pop

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Last week, I sat down with Stephen Davies, a unique voice in sustainable architecture and community development. Stephen's journey from the gritty streets of Bolton and the Manchester party scene to a cycling enthusiast and socially-conscious designer in a quiet town in Cornwall was both unexpected and inspiring.

He reflected on how personal challenges and a near-death experience shaped his perspective on life and work. His approach blends philosophical musings with practical solutions to the problems of globalism by embracing a localism strategy for building sustainable food systems, communities, and building practices. Stephen is particularly passionate about hempcrete, a carbon-negative building material that he sees as a game-changer for the construction industry and local economies.

Stephen embodies the power of embracing change and is a testament to how personal transformation can drive broader social and environmental change.

I hope you enjoy this refreshing and thought-provoking take on creating resilient communities in an uncertain world. Thanks to Alex Fish for the recommendation.

00:00 Introduction

02:34 Who is Stephen as a human?

05:13 Who or What Made Him?

10:34 Education and Party Culture

14:49 Cycling and a Life-Changing Accident

18:16 Pursuing Architecture

30:10 Social Conscience and Family Dynamics

37:26 Localization and Community Building

49:49 Community Projects and Company Formation

51:27 Skills Training and Women in Construction

52:07 Innovative Use of Hempcrete

53:06 Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Building

58:00 Funding Strategies and Community Support

01:00:20 Collaborating with Local Authorities

01:05:31 Philanthropy and Commercial Partnerships

01:11:47 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

01:23:57 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Social Links

Links in Show

Hemcrete

Cornwall

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