Ghosted by the Machine

This episode explores what it feels like to search for a job in today’s AI-driven market through the experience of a web content specialist navigating long-term unemployment. You will learn how automation affects applications, why scams are becoming more common, how versatility can work against candidates, and why creativity and human connection still matter when hiring systems feel impersonal and inconsistent.

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In this episode, host Mark Lane reconnects with Mickey Brown, a content strategist navigating an extended job search in a difficult and unpredictable job market. You will learn how layoffs, limited job openings, and automated hiring systems continue to impact candidates, why doing everything “right” does not always lead to results, and how temporary or part-time work can support mental health while searching for the next opportunity.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickey-brown

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This episode features Chris Shannon, a senior training and development professional focused on building high impact learning programs, leadership development, and upskilling teams for the future. You will learn how AI is changing both hiring and learning and development, what recruiters often miss behind a resume, and how professionals can position their skills so they stay competitive in a fast moving job market.

This episode features Rebecca Gale Peaire, a creative and strategic professional navigating today’s AI-powered hiring systems. You will learn how creative job seekers can communicate their value when resumes are filtered by software, how to highlight unique skills that algorithms miss, and how to position yourself so hiring managers see the person behind the application.

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job search

creative careers

AI hiring

personal branding

portfolio

marketing

careers

communications

jobs

hiring

process

career

growth

job

applications

This episode features Melissa Brodsky, a creative content and communications professional with deep experience in digital strategy, editorial development, and brand storytelling. You will learn how AI has shaped her job search experience, why recruiters often miss key strengths behind the résumé, and how communicating value beyond keywords can help creative professionals stand out and be seen by real decision-makers.ContactLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabethbrodskyPortfolio: https://melissabrodsky.journoportfolio.comEmail: [email protected]: 248-633-6668Key takeawaysStorytelling helps employers understand real valueAI screening often misses creative and transferable skillsResumes alone do not capture full capabilityPortfolios show impact better than keywordsCreativity is a competitive advantage in hiringClear messaging improves recruiter understandingPersonal branding increases visibilityAuthenticity builds trust in the hiring processAutomation changes how candidates must present themselvesHuman connection still matters in hiring decisionsTimestamps00:00 Melissa’s background and career00:45 How AI impacted her job search01:35 Communicating value beyond keywords02:25 Creativity versus automation03:10 What recruiters often miss04:00 Final thoughts and hopeKeywordsjob searchAI hiringstorytellingcreative careerspersonal brandingdigital strategyportfoliocommunications jobshiring processcareer growth

This episode features Julie Pippert, a communications and marketing strategist with deep expertise in storytelling, content strategy, and brand engagement. Julie shares her job search journey with insight and candor, reflecting on how AI is reshaping hiring, how creativity still cuts through, and why staying authentic matters more than ever. You will learn how to communicate your value beyond keywords, how to stay resilient when applications disappear into automated systems, and how to position yourself so real people actually see what you bring to the table.👤 Connect with Julie:🔗 linkedin.com/in/juliepippert

This episode features Luis Aguilar, a professional with a strong background in operations and leadership who shares how he has navigated his job search with resilience and purpose. You will learn how AI has reshaped the hiring process, how to stay motivated during career transitions, and why recruiters often miss strong candidates when they focus only on skills instead of the full professional story behind the résumé.

This episode features Mindi Vestal, Ph.D., a crisis intervention specialist, advocate, and change-maker who shares her job search journey and the emotional realities of navigating today’s hiring process. You will learn how resilience, empathy, and lived experience can become professional strengths, how the modern job search impacts mental and emotional health, and how turning crisis into growth can shape both careers and workplaces.Key takeawaysThe job search process can take a significant emotional tollResilience helps professionals move forward after setbacksEmpathy is a valuable workplace skillCrisis experience builds leadership and perspectiveEmotional intelligence supports long-term career growthHiring systems often overlook human depthPersonal growth can come from professional uncertaintyAdvocacy skills translate across roles and industriesStrength and compassion can coexist in leadershipHuman-centered workplaces benefit everyone👤 Connect with Mindi:🔗 linkedin.com/in/mindi-vestal-ph-d-23a487212Timestamps00:00 Mindi’s background and mission00:40 The emotional impact of job searching01:25 Navigating crisis and change02:15 Turning adversity into growth03:05 What employers often overlook03:50 Encouragement for job seekersKeywordsjob searchcareer resilienceemotional intelligencecrisis interventionempathy at workmental healthhiring processprofessional growthhuman-centered leadershipcareer transitions

This episode features Terry Dickerson, a director of AI governance and business operations who shares his job search experience in a rapidly evolving AI-driven hiring landscape. You will learn how AI can both help and hinder job seekers, why ethical AI governance is becoming a critical business priority, and how leaders can position themselves for transformation-focused roles as demand for governance expertise grows.Key takeawaysAI affects how resumes are interpreted by different systemsAI governance roles are increasing across industriesEthical considerations are becoming central to AI deploymentTransformation leadership is in demand at senior levelsLinkedIn profiles provide deeper insight than resumes aloneJob seekers must balance ATS optimization with clarityGovernance helps manage operational and ethical AI risksRecruiters benefit from understanding governance skill setsThought leadership builds credibility in emerging fieldsAI governance skills will continue to grow in demandConnect with Terry:🔗 linkedin.com/in/terry-dickersonTimestamps00:00 Job searching in AI governance01:35 How AI impacts hiring decisions04:00 Standing out beyond resume filters05:38 Optimism for AI governance careersKeywordsAI governancejob searchtransformation leadershipresume tipshiring advicejob market trendsethical AIrecruitment strategiesLinkedIn profilesjob seekers

This episode features David Paulson, a transformation and integration executive who specializes in aligning people, processes, and technology to drive meaningful organizational change. You will learn how the hiring landscape has evolved with automation and AI, why human leadership still matters in recruitment, and how thoughtful transformation helps organizations and candidates succeed in an increasingly digital hiring environment.