Blog
No single topic. Just things worth thinking about.
Writing with AI is like riding an e-bike
Most arguments about AI writing are stuck on whether to use it. That’s the wrong question. My e-bike has five levels of pedal assist, and they map almost exactly onto how to work with AI — from doing it all yourself to being carried. The real skill isn’t avoiding the motor or surrendering to it. It’s knowing which ride you’re on.
The Wrong Surgeon: What “A Very Particular Set of Skills” Really Means
In March 1980, one of the world’s most famous surgeons operated on the Shah of Iran. He was the wrong man for the job. The Shah’s family didn’t know it — they only knew the name. A short essay on the halo effect, why fame keeps beating fit, and what Liam Neeson has to do with it.
Why freelancers beat big firms more often than you think
Every freelancer hears it eventually. ‘You’re just one person.’ Here’s the case I made 30 years ago — and why the answer hasn’t changed.
The One-Way Door: When humans stop visiting the Moon and start being from it
What happens when humans stop visiting the Moon—and start being from it? As lunar colonies grow, children will eventually be born there whose bodies can’t survive Earth’s gravity. The Moon stops being a destination and becomes a one-way door, reshaping biology, politics, and even religion. This essay imagines those future Lunari and how they might see Earth as a distant, half-remembered origin rather than home.
Beyond Small Talk: A Digital Icebreaker Tool
Stop asking “What do you do?” and start asking things people actually want to answer. A minimalist tool for modern networking and social exploration.
I graduated from high school with a 79.1 average. Here’s how I turned out.
In high school, I was a classic underachiever with a 79.1 average. Decades later, I was inducted into my school’s Wall of Fame. What happened in between? A teacher who believed in me, a late start in college, and a lifetime of teaching myself what no syllabus ever covered. This is the long way around.
Why I’ve journaled 525,000 words (and counting)
Tech journalist Kevin Kelly once said: “The biggest lie we tell ourselves is, I don’t need to write this down because I will remember it.” He’s right. After ten years and 525,000 words of daily journaling, I’ve learned that the point isn’t remembering—it’s clearing the runway so your brain can do what it was built for.
The Right-Handed Conspiracy: Why Your Brain Picked a Side and Stuck With It
Why is 90% of the world right-handed? It wasn’t an accident. Discover how language evolution and ancient combat tactics wired your brain to pick a side.
5 networking techniques that make people actually want to talk to you again
Most networking advice teaches complex systems. This focuses on small psychological shifts that actually work—like how to move past “nice to meet you” and why asking about someone’s future creates instant connection.
Why I Start My New Year’s Resolutions on December 1st
I’ve been starting my New Year’s resolutions on December 1st for years now. Most people fail their resolutions by mid-January, but December 1st gives you 31 days to build momentum. By January 1st, I’m not starting—I’m continuing.
The 2025 Guide: Mastering SEO, AEO, and GEO for maximum online visibility
Search has evolved. Most brands are optimizing for yesterday’s search while tomorrow’s search is happening right now. While you’re focused on climbing Google rankings, AI engines are deciding who gets cited as the trusted source. This guide breaks down three essential strategies—SEO, AEO, and GEO—and shows you how to use them together to dominate every corner of modern search, from traditional results to AI-powered answers.
Firms shouldn’t hide their use of AI: showcase it in job titles
Here’s what’s happening: Some firms are using AI but keeping quiet about it. Ad agencies, law firms, consultancies, accounting practices – they’re all worried clients will think they’re cutting corners. This is backwards. AI isn’t a cost-cutting tool – it’s a competitive advantage. The firms that figure this out first will win.
Simplifying Legalese: Use AI to Decode Unreadable Disclaimers
Legal disclaimers are often dense and complex, making them challenging to understand. This article explores how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can help break down these intricate documents into understandable, actionable information. Learn how AI can assist in navigating privacy concerns and deciphering wellness program disclaimers.
How presidents communicated: And why AI might speak for the next one
From fireside chats to viral tweets, every president has found new ways to reach voters. As AI and personalized media reshape the landscape, the 2028 campaign promises a revolution in political communication. Learn how technology will shape the next chapter in presidential messaging.
The $0 Invoice Strategy: Giving Freely While Keeping Your Worth
Most business advice focuses on charging more, not less. Learn why sending professional invoices—even for free work—is crucial for maintaining your service value. Discover how to structure courtesy discounts without devaluing your time or creating unclear expectations.
Latin phrases in the news: ‘Habemus Papam’ and ‘Habeas Corpus’
Explore the significance of ‘Habemus Papam’ announcing Pope Leo XIV and the controversial use of ‘Habeas Corpus’ in U.S. immigration debate. Discover how these Latin phrases shape modern spiritual authority and legal rights.
The Hollywood Secret: 3 Steps to Smarter AI Prompts
Unleash the power of AI with guidance from Hollywood—learn to craft smarter prompts using a filmmaker’s approach for more engaging and effective results.
When you think you’re a genius but you’re really not: A Dunning-Kruger Story
Think you’re an expert after minimal experience? That misplaced confidence might be the Dunning-Kruger Effect at work. And while an overconfident new driver might be dangerous, what happens when this same psychology affects people making decisions that impact entire communities?