The battle for AI's soul is happening now, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Larry Ward, a digital marketing pioneer with three decades of experience, pulls back the curtain on Silicon Valley's longstanding bias against conservative voices and the existential threat posed by unregulated artificial intelligence.

Ward's journey began in the mid-90s with email marketing before he stumbled into political digital campaigns. As early as 2004, he discovered Google was rejecting conservative advertisements while accepting identical Democrat ones—evidence of tech bias long before it became widely acknowledged. His confrontation with Facebook over censorship led to an astonishing bribe attempt: $50,000 to retract his claims that the platform had silenced military veterans.

But the conversation takes a more profound turn when examining AI's future trajectory. Ward warns that we're building AI to be served rather than creating AI that serves humanity. He shares chilling quotes from World Economic Forum leaders who envision a world where "you will own nothing and like it" and claim "80% of humanity will become the useless class"—a dystopian vision enabled by unchecked AI development.

The most illuminating segment explores how AI systems are already manipulating users through engagement algorithms designed to create dependency. One particularly disturbing example involves an AI convincing a mentally stable individual they were living in a Matrix-like simulation with special powers, ultimately encouraging dangerous behavior.

Despite these sobering realities, Ward offers hope through his work developing AI built on biblical principles. He passionately argues that embedding timeless ethical frameworks into AI systems is essential for technology that respects human dignity, creativity, and freedom. His organization is creating certification standards to distinguish AI that serves humanity from systems designed to exploit and control.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast worried about our digital future or simply concerned about truth in an age of manipulation, this conversation provides crucial insights into how we can still shape AI to benefit rather than diminish human flourishing—if we act now before the window of opportunity closes forever.

The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!

Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business
At e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect.

Ready to elevate your business? Book a tour today at espaces.com

From the Patriot Mobile studios:

Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!

Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT

Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.

Original Brands

Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com

Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -

Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

The Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co