What happens when AI can write essays, replace jobs, and teach you almost anything online for free?

Is university still worth it — or are young people being sold an outdated system?

In this episode of Cut Through, we sit down with Malcolm Coulson, Vice Chancellor of Avondale University, educator, leadership expert, and long-time researcher in human development and learning, to unpack one of the biggest questions facing this generation.

Malcolm has spent decades working in education, leadership and student development, and now leads one of Australia’s faith-based universities. Throughout the conversation, he brings both institutional insight and personal honesty — talking not just about degrees and careers, but about identity, purpose, service, relationships, mental health, and what actually makes a meaningful life.  

We explore:
• whether university is becoming obsolete
• the jobs AI will and won’t replace
• why human connection still matters more than ever
• how universities are responding to AI and academic integrity
• why many young men feel disconnected and directionless
• how social media and influencer culture are shaping identity
• the difference between information and transformation
• why success without meaning can still leave people empty
• faith, science, purpose and the search for truth

Malcolm argues that the future won’t belong to people who simply collect information — but to people who can think deeply, communicate well, serve others, and build meaningful human relationships. He explains why education is ultimately about becoming someone, not just getting qualifications.  

This isn’t just a conversation about university.

It’s a conversation about what it means to build a life that actually matters in the age of AI.

Full video Interview also available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/O-fsZwXjtWU