Ep 51: The Real Cost of AI
In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt tackle one of the biggest workplace and cultural conversations happening right now: artificial intelligence. From ChatGPT and AI-generated content to AI in hiring, layoffs, resume screening, creativity, mental health, and even drive-thru ordering, this conversation explores both the benefits and the unintended consequences of AI in business and everyday life.
The Mandys openly discuss how they use AI for brainstorming, SEO, marketing strategy, schema markup, coding, and workflow efficiency, while also questioning whether reliance on AI is weakening creativity, critical thinking, and human connection. They dive into controversial topics like AI replacing jobs, AI scanning resumes and impacting the job market, environmental concerns around data centers, AI-generated art and music lacking “soul,” AI being used for therapy and validation, and the growing cultural tension around authenticity versus automation.
This episode challenges listeners to think critically about how AI is shaping the future of work, education, entrepreneurship, hiring practices, and even personal relationships. If you’ve wondered whether AI is a productivity tool or a creativity killer, whether it’s helping or harming the workforce, or how to use AI responsibly without losing your human edge, this conversation will stretch your perspective.
Listen in, reflect on how you’re using AI in your own career and home life, share this episode with someone navigating technology overwhelm, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, culture shifts, and the evolving future of business.
And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380
FAQs
1. How do the Mandys use AI in their own businesses?
They share how they use AI tools for brainstorming, SEO strategy, marketing, schema markup, coding, workflow automation, and efficiency—while staying aware of overreliance.
2. What concerns do they raise about AI in hiring and layoffs?
The episode discusses AI resume screening, job displacement fears, automation replacing roles, and how hiring practices may unintentionally filter out qualified candidates.
3. Does AI weaken creativity and human connection?
The Mandys question whether heavy AI reliance dulls critical thinking, originality, and emotional nuance—especially in art, music, writing, and even therapy-like interactions.
4. What is the “real cost” of AI according to this episode?
Beyond productivity gains, the real cost includes environmental strain from data centers, job market shifts, authenticity concerns, and cultural tension between automation and humanity.
