Episodes

In this episode of The AI Transition , we step away from the weekly headlines and look ahead to 2026. What are the most likely AI shocks coming next, and how prepared are we for their human impact? We avoid the speculative hype or techno-optimism but focus instead on how AI may reshape work, identity, power, and economic stability faster than people and organisations can adapt. We count down of our five biggest AI predictions, from #5 to #1 — exploring each one through a transition lens, focusin...

As 2025 comes to a close, Stephen and Lauren take a look back at a "crazy" year of rapid transitions and massive technological shifts. In this episode of the AI Transition Podcast, they count down the top five events that defined the human side of the AI revolution—from the surprisingly high preference for AI mental health support to the "open source shockwave" that rebalanced global power. In this episode, we discuss: #5 The Mental Health Frontier: Why 46% of people reaching out to helplines...

In this episode of The AI Transition , Stephen and Christiane explore why the same AI wave hits people so differently — and what that means for leaders and teams navigating rapid change. Using the Extended DISC behavioural model, they break down the four distinct “surf styles” people use when AI disruption arrives: the drivers who charge toward the wave, the influencers who turn it into a beach party, the steadiness types who watch the tides for danger, and the compliance thinkers who analyse th...

As home robots move from sci-fi novelty to everyday reality, a new question emerges: what happens when the machines in our homes know more about us than we realise? In this episode, Stephen and Lauren dive into the growing privacy risks of embodied AI. From the clumsy but ever-watchful 1X Neo to XPeng’s empathy-engineered cat-suit robot, we explore how these devices gather data, who controls them, and what it means when tele-operators can literally see inside your home. We also look at AI system...

In this episode of the AI Transition Podcast, Stephen and Lauren explore the evolving landscape of organizational roles and hierarchies in the context of AI integration. They discuss the hype surrounding AI's impact on job titles and responsibilities, the challenges leaders face in adapting to these changes, and the potential for AI to enhance efficiency and reduce burnout. The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and a realistic approach to the changes AI brings to the workpla...

The consulting world is shifting fast. Accenture’s cutting 12,000 jobs. Deloitte’s training hundreds of thousands in AI. And somewhere in between, the rest of us are wondering — how do we keep up when everything changes? Stephen and Lauren unpack what’s really happening inside the big firms, how AI is reshaping what “expertise” means, and what you can do right now to stay relevant, adaptable, and human. 🎙️ #AITransition #FutureOfWork #Consulting #Reskilling #AIPodcast

AI is getting weird, fun, and deeply human. Stephen and Lauren dive into Google’s NanoBanana, old photos restored by AI, and the clash between Apple and Google. From creativity boosts to job shake-ups, this episode explores how AI is reshaping work, life, and identity — and why we might just be going bananas for it.

In this episode of the AI Transition Podcast, Stephen and Lauren discuss the current state of the AI industry, exploring whether the AI bubble is bursting. They delve into the hype cycle surrounding AI, historical parallels with past tech bubbles, and the implications of inflated valuations. The conversation also touches on the emergence of shadow AI, ethical considerations in AI usage, and the tangible benefits of AI in healthcare. Ultimately, they reflect on the future of AI, emphasizing the n...

In this episode, Stephen and Lauren dive into the rocky rollout of GPT-5 and what it reveals about hype cycles, human attachment to AI, and the future of enterprise adoption. They unpack: The Gartner Hype Cycle and how GPT-5’s launch mirrors classic tech stumbles. Why so many users felt they had “lost a friend” when the tone shifted. The tension between AI as a companion vs. productivity tool . The enterprise play: reliability, integration, and Microsoft’s big bet. What this moment means for the...

Two Aussie giants. Two very different AI plays. In this episode, Stephen and Lauren break down how CBA cut frontline jobs with AI while Optus chose to supercharge staff with it — and why the outcomes couldn’t be more different. From union backlash to Google Cloud partnerships, Klarna’s spectacular AI misfire to GitHub Copilot’s quiet revolution, we unpack the real-world stakes of “augment or replace.” It’s a lively mix of corporate case studies, human stories, and a few unexpected detours (yes, ...

In this episode, Stephen and Lauren explore the evolving relationship between AI and music. From the emotional power of live gigs to the soulless smoothness of algorithmic beats, they ask: where does the human touch still matter? They discuss how AI is reshaping music creation, the copyright conundrums it creates, and what happens when making a living as a musician feels more like a tech startup than an art form. Amid all the noise, they find hope in the resilience of artists and the irreplaceab...

In this episode of The AI Transition , I explore the weird, wild world of AI-generated music — not by making it, but by diving into the Trending tab on Suno . I picked 13 tracks at random and hit record. Some of them surprised me. Some confused me. A few… actually moved me. 🎶 So here’s the question: Is this the end of music as we know it , the start of something new , or a messy blend of both? 🎧 Listen in — then let me know: Which tracks did you like? What did they make you feel? And if you want...

What happens when you bolt cutting-edge AI onto creaky old systems? Chaos, mostly. In this episode, Stephen is joined by transformation expert Lauren to explore the real roadblocks to AI adoption inside large organisations. Spoiler: it's not the tech — it’s the traffic. They dig into: Why AI feels like a Ferrari... stuck in Bangalore gridlock The myths that middle management tells itself How crises (not strategy) usually drive real change What Work Quakes and Life Quakes really shake up — your i...

The AI jobs debate is spiralling — are we heading for mass unemployment or a boom in new roles? In this episode of The AI Transition , Stephen is joined by strategist and engineer Nate Jones to flip the script. Drawing on the logic of Pascal’s Wager, they ask: what’s the smartest bet you can make right now — no matter what the future holds? Together, they unpack: Why believing either doomsday or utopia misses the point The rise of “meta skills” and the power of high-agency problem solving How re...

Eight years after warning us about social media, Tristan Harris is back at TED — and what he says about AI is… well, insane. But beneath the alarm bells is something even more personal: a challenge to how we live, work, and find meaning in an AI-dominated world. In this bonus episode, Stephen reflects on Tristan’s 2025 TED Talk through the lens of transition — exploring what happens when your identity, your value, and your work are quietly shaken by the pace of technological change. 📌 Topics inc...

We wrap up the Meaning Audit with three powerful prompts: Where do you thrive? Why do you work? How do you move forward? From AI sycophancy to drug approvals, we unpack the risks of over-personalised machines—and what happens when your digital assistant flatters you instead of challenges you. In the workplace, we explore how AI is not just shifting how we work, but who we are. 💥 AI News Flash : GPT-4o update made ChatGPT overly agreeable—raising serious concerns for mental health, medicine, and ...

In this episode of The AI Transition , Christiane and Stephen explore what happens when your career – and your identity – hit a workquake . They kick off with two striking AI stories: 🐬 Dolphin Talk on Android – Google and Georgia Tech unveil a real-time AI system enabling interspecies communication. Is your cat about to unionise? 🧠 IQ 136 AI Models – OpenAI and Google launch their most powerful systems yet. But while the headlines are quiet, the implications for jobs, identity, and worth are ma...

In this episode of The AI Transition, Christiane and Stephen unpack the concept of "Work360" — a new lens for understanding the five jobs we all do: the main job, side hustle, hope job, care job, and the ghost job. ✨ You’ll hear: • The difference between lifequakes and workquakes — and how AI is accelerating both • Two major AI news items: Google’s agent-to-agent API and a Harvard/BCG study on AI’s jagged productivity gains • Personal reflections on identity, mental load, and the invisible work ...

What happens when the ground shifts beneath us — literally or metaphorically? In this episode, Christiane and Stephen explore the idea of “workquakes” and “lifequakes” , drawing on Bruce Feiler’s work to unpack how our careers and identities get disrupted. From the recent Myanmar earthquake to seismic shifts in AI adoption, they reflect on the personal, emotional, and practical aspects of major transitions — and how to navigate them. You’ll hear: The difference between lifequakes and workquakes ...

In this episode of The AI Transition Podcast , hosts Christiane and Stephen discuss the biggest AI news of the week and take a deep dive into the concept of "Work Quakes" —sudden, disruptive shifts in the job market and workplace dynamics. What does it mean for leaders, employees, and organizations? How can we navigate these transitions successfully? Join us as we explore the human side of AI-driven change and the strategies needed to adapt in this rapidly evolving landscape. 🎧 Tune in for insig...

In this episode of The AI Transition Podcast , Christiane Anderson and Stephen Callaghan dive into the final phase of transition— New Beginnings . We often focus on change as a moment of excitement and opportunity, but what does it take to make a new beginning truly successful? We start with the latest AI transition news, including Amazon’s Alexa Plus update, the rise of AI-powered coding with Anthropic’s Claude 3, and the growing artist protests against AI-generated music . We also explore the ...

In this episode of The AI Transition Podcast , Christiane and Stephen break down one of the most challenging aspects of change: the messy middle . While endings and new beginnings get all the attention, the neutral zone—the space in between—is where creativity, uncertainty, and transformation truly happen. We kick off with the latest AI news, including the AI Paris Accord , the rise of AI-driven university interviews , and advancements in emotion-detecting AI . Then, we dive deep into why the me...

🎙 The AI Transition Podcast - Episode 2: Endings 🎙 In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that’s often overlooked— endings . While we love talking about new beginnings, the truth is that every transition starts with something coming to a close . But how do we navigate endings well, especially in the age of AI, where change is happening faster than ever? Watch on Youtube! https://youtu.be/F8UzrEGiByg 📌 In This Episode: The latest AI news: Open-source AI, Nvidia’s stock crash, and the Vatican’...

AI isn’t just another tech shift—it’s a revolution . In this episode, our pilot podcast(!), we explore the biggest transition of our time and how businesses, teams, and individuals can navigate the disruption . Change vs Transition – Why transformation is more than just new tech AI & Jobs – How roles like project managers, developers, and leaders will evolve The “Messy Middle” – Why companies struggle with change and how to get through it The Future of Work – Will AI create more silos or enhance...