Human jobs involve more than just tasks; they require standing behind facts, concepts, and fairness—qualities a machine cannot yet fully provide or be held accountable for. Despite common laments about job displacement, in this episode of AI Ascent with Dr. Jonathan Luckett, we take a deep dive that asserts that while AI will displace millions of jobs, it is also expected to create new roles, with 11 million new jobs projected by 2030. These new opportunities will primarily emerge in three critical areas where human capabilities remain indispensable: fostering trust through roles like AI auditors, translators, fact-checkers, compliance officers; facilitating integration of AI into business needs through roles like AI integrators, plumbers, assessors, trainers, and personality directors; and leveraging human taste to make creative and aesthetic decisions, steering AI to produce compelling outcomes in fields ranging from creative industries to human resources and civil design. Ultimately, the deep dive suggests that in an AI-abundant future, humans will become designers of their AI future, focusing more deeply on goals, vision, and entrepreneurial innovation, rather than rote tasks.

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally revolutionizing healthcare across the globe, marking one of the most significant advances in modern medicine, with the global AI healthcare market projected to reach an astounding $188 billion by 2030. In this week’s episode of AI Ascent with Dr. Jonathan Luckett, we take a deep dive into how smart algorithms are becoming a powerful new instrument in the medical toolbox, already deeply integrated into various aspects of healthcare. From diagnosing diseases and suggesting personalized treatments with remarkable precision, AI is delivering better, faster, and more personalized care worldwide. Dive deeper to understand how AI is poised to deliver a healthier future for all.

In this episode of AI Ascent, we explore the complex and often unsettling world of AI-powered surveillance, using Palantir as a case study to examine how these technologies are transforming society. While such systems offer powerful tools for public safety and national security, they also raise profound questions about privacy, accountability, and the balance between freedom and control. Drawing on insights from philosopher Michel Foucault and real-world developments, we confront the central tension between technological advancement and democratic values, and ask what role each of us plays in shaping the future of surveillance in the age of artificial intelligence.

In this week’s deep dive, we take you into AI 2027, a provocative new publication from the AI Futures Project. The report explores a strikingly plausible scenario in which superintelligent AI emerges by decade’s end, with a transformative impact surpassing even the Industrial Revolution. Based on rigorous research and expert interviews, the authors chart a fictional yet grounded path to Artificial General Intelligence, following companies like “OpenBrain” in the U.S. and “DeepCent” in China as they race toward AGI. While the timeline involves speculation, the urgency is real—the authors argue society is dangerously unprepared for what’s coming. Let’s unpack their vision and what it means for our collective future.

In this week’s episode of AI Ascent with Dr. Jonathan Luckett, we take a deep dive into the Vatican’s Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence, approved by Pope Francis and released in January 2025. In this deep dive, we reflect on Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a Christian perspective, emphasizing the distinction between AI and human intelligence. The note highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, particularly concerning its ethical implications for society, human relationships, the economy, healthcare, education, and warfare. The document argues that human intelligence is multifaceted, relational, and rooted in the human person's inherent dignity, which AI cannot replicate. It advocates for responsible development and use of AI directed towards the common good, stressing that human moral responsibility and decision-making must remain central. A special thanks to my AI-generated co-hosts, Zain and Jayla.

The AI Index Report 2025 provides a multifaceted overview of the global AI landscape. It highlights significant technical progress in areas like model performance and video generation, alongside the uneven evolution of responsible AI practices, noting rising incidents but slow standardization in industry. The report also discusses the expansion of AI and computer science education globally, while pointing out persistent issues with access and teacher preparedness. Finally, it touches on the economic impact of AI, including investment trends and productivity gains, and examines shifts in public opinion and policymaking regarding AI regulation.

What does it truly mean to be human as we hurtle towards a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence? Imagine the year 2035 – a mere decade away. What will our daily lives look like? How will our fundamental abilities and interactions be transformed by the ever-present influence of AI? The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are no longer confined to the realm of science fiction; they are actively reshaping our world, prompting us to consider the profound implications for our individual and collective futures. The convergence of these rapid technological developments with the anticipated societal shifts paints a picture that demands our careful attention.

In this episode of AI Ascent with Dr. Jonathan Luckett, we explore the dynamic world of AI Agents—intelligent systems that are rapidly transforming the way we work, live, and connect. From the chatbots handling customer service to autonomous vehicles navigating our streets, AI agents are becoming the backbone of modern automation and decision-making. Dr. Luckett breaks down the different types of agents, how they operate, and why they’re at the forefront of AI innovation. You’ll discover real-world applications across industries, gain insight into their evolution, and get a glimpse of what the future holds as these digital collaborators grow more advanced. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode unpacks the power and potential of AI agents in a clear, accessible way. A special thanks to my AI-generated co-hosts!

AI is rapidly transforming modern warfare, with major global powers engaged in significant competition for AI superiority. This episode examines the current applications of AI across various military domains, the rise of AI-powered autonomous weapons systems, the impact of AI on intelligence gathering and logistics, and the increasing importance of AI in cyber and electronic warfare. Thank you to my AI-generated co-hosts.

This episode centers on AI alignment, a crucial field dedicated to ensuring artificial intelligence systems operate in accordance with human values and intentions. The deep dive explores the challenges of this endeavor, encompassing technical difficulties in encoding complex human values, ethical dilemmas arising from diverse global perspectives, and practical limitations in current research. My thanks to my AI-generated co-hosts.