When AI Steals Our Creativity, Is That a Feature… or a Bug?

In this solo episode, James Taylor explores a timely question: when AI seems to take over creative work, is that progress or a problem? From a reflective moment on the beach at San Diego's Hotel Del Coronado to research on "cognitive offloading," James examines how generative AI (ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL·E) can both supercharge and stunt our creative muscles. You'll learn where AI outperforms humans (divergent and convergent thinking), where humans still shine (emotionally resonant storytelling), and a simple system for making AI your trampoline—not your crutch. Walk away with three practical habits—"No-AI time," voice-and-values checks, and owning the "why"—to keep your imagination strong while you collaborate with machines.

Key takeaways

• AI can amplify or atrophy creativity. Heavy reliance risks "creative muscle" loss via cognitive offloading; intentional use expands your range.

• Strengths split: AI often scores higher on divergent (many ideas) and convergent (selecting) thinking, while humans lead in meaning-making and emotionally rich storytelling.

• Use AI as a collaborator, not an autopilot. Treat it like a trampoline that helps you jump higher, but you still do the jumping.

• Adopt "No-AI time." Schedule regular sessions where you sketch, write, and brainstorm without digital assistance to keep creative muscles active.

• Own the context and the 'why.' Let AI assist with the what and how, but humans must retain judgment, values, and meaning.

Memorable quotes

• "AI is like a trampoline. It can bounce you higher—but you still need to do the jumping."

• "Use AI like a trampoline, not a crutch."

• "The future belongs to those who can imagine first, and engineer later."

• "AI can draw our monsters faster, but we shouldn't stop imagining them ourselves."

Timestamps (approx.)

• 00:09 — Opening question: Is AI stealing our creativity—or refining it? Beachside reflection at Hotel Del Coronado.

• 01:xx — From curiosity to core tool: How generative AI moved into everyday creative workflows.

• 02:xx — Cognitive offloading warning: Why heavy AI use can weaken the "creative muscle."

• 03:xx — What AI does better vs. worse: Divergent/convergent thinking vs. emotionally resonant writing.

• 04:xx — Partnering with AI: How James uses AI to prototype, research, and explore client angles—without handing over the reins.

• 05:xx — The trampoline metaphor: Collaborate with AI while preserving judgment and voice.

• 06:xx — Three practices: No-AI