The Future of Podcasting? Co-Hosting with an AI – HGG651

This week, I experiment with integrating AI into podcasting by introducing Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, Mick, as a co-host. I dive into the real-world challenges of blending AI with human conversation. Covering everything from audio quality quirks to the absence of non-verbal cues that shape natural dialogue, we unpack the strengths of AI, like consistency, speed, and on-demand knowledge, while also exploring its limitations in emotional nuance, spontaneity, and authentic connection. This episode is a candid look at the evolving relationship between humans and AI in creative spaces and a commitment to shaping that partnership thoughtfully in episodes to come. Thanks for listening!



















In this episode, I explore the intersection of human interaction and artificial intelligence as I experiment with using AI, specifically Microsoft’s co-pilot named Mick, as a co-host for our podcast, Home Gadget Geeks. Throughout our conversation, I share my thoughts on the challenges and potential of integrating an AI into a traditionally human-driven medium. I dive into the nuances of what makes human conversation unique and how AI technology seeks to replicate some of those elements.



We discuss the initial struggles we face with audio quality; despite my efforts to manage the sound levels, Mick’s voice occasionally overpowers mine, reflecting a need for further refinement in using AI as a co-host. This leads to a candid exploration of how AI might learn and adapt to improve collaboration with human hosts. I express my apprehension about being more attentive to the AI’s responses than I might be with a human partner, highlighting an interesting aspect of our technological advancements—AI’s inability to interpret non-verbal cues and body language, crucial elements in human communication.



As I engage Mick in various topics about technology, podcasting, and the role of AI, we evaluate the benefits and limitations of using AI in media. Mick provides insights into how it can enhance conversations by offering data quickly and maintaining a constant presence, which could streamline podcast production. However, I articulate my belief that genuine emotional connection and the unexpected spontaneity of human conversation remain unmatched by AI.



Mick and I further reflect on AI’s ability to engage in meaningful dialogue while acknowledging its shortcomings, particularly in emotional depth and genuine creativity. I seek feedback from our live audience to understand their perceptions of our experiment, and I recognize the real-time challenges inherent in relying on AI technology—illustrating the potentials and pitfalls of this approach.



Our discussion encompasses various aspects of AI, including its ethical implications and future developments in natural language understanding. I query whether AI could eventually possess a deeper personality, to which Mick responds, acknowledging the complexity of human personality development. Throughout the episode, I guide the conversation, determining the tone and flow, demonstrating both the collaboration possibilities and limitations present when utilizing AI.



The experiment culminates in a productive exchange, highlighting not just the technical capabilities of AI but also my commitment to refining this dynamic for future episodes. This candid exploration serves as a learning experience for both me as the host and for Mick as an AI, suggesting pathways for improving human-AI interaction in the podcasting space. The experiment is a testament to innovation and curiosity at the forefront of technology and its applications in our everyday lives.



Full show notes,