Katie and Beth on literacy, dyslexia, and the future of creativity in a tech-driven world.

In this episode: Technology isn't just reshaping how we work—it's transforming how we read, write, and understand the world. Beth and Katie delve into the complex and multifaceted intersection of literacy, dyslexia, and generative AI.

From personal reflections to provocative questions, they explore how AI can empower those with learning disabilities, shift the way we express ourselves, and reimagine what literacy looks like in the 21st century. But they don't stop at promise—they unpack the tension between authenticity and automation, and the risks of losing our humanity in the rush to digitize expression.

This conversation moves from ethics to empathy, from accessibility to artistic integrity, and lands in the heart of what makes us human: the need to be heard, understood, and connected.

Topics Covered

• The intersection of dyslexia, literacy, and generative AI
• Why writing with AI can feel like cheating—and why it might not be
• The evolution of reading, writing, and expression in a digital age
• Navigating authenticity in AI-generated content
• How AI can support creative expression for neurodivergent thinkers
• Transparency and ethics in AI communication tools
• Artistic integrity and the tension between automation and meaning
• Why reading still matters—even as the tools change
• Community, connection, and the future of communication

Key Takeaways

• Generative AI can unlock expressions for people with dyslexia and other learning and cultural differences.
• Authenticity and creativity are still possible, even when AI is part of the process.
• AI tools should enhance, not replace, our (and others) voice and effort.
• The ethical design of AI requires transparency, care, and input from the community.
• The future of literacy must prioritize access, dignity, and human connection.
• Human-created content still carries a kind of value—and soul—that algorithms can't replicate.

Chapters (Timestamps)

00:00 — Introduction and Personal Reflections

03:20 — Literacy, Dyslexia, and AI

06:13 — Generative AI and Its Impact on Communication

08:18 — The Role of AI in Writing and Creativity

11:26 — The Evolution of Language and AI

14:22 — The Future of Communication and Authentic Voices

17:18 — Navigating the Challenges of AI in Writing

20:16 — The Philosophical Implications of AI and Language

23:18 — The Balance Between Technology and Human Effort

26:22 — The Importance of Reading in a Digital Age

29:06 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

31:19 — The Impact of Legislation on Health Insurance

33:51 — The Role of AI in Communication

36:53 — Human vs. AI: The Future of Reading and Writing

39:48 — The Cost of AI: A Discussion on Resources

43:03 — The Value of Human-Created Content

47:07 — Art and Authenticity in the Age of AI

50:41 — Navigating the Ethics of AI and Data Usage

54:57 — The Future of Community in a Tech-Driven World