[Podcast #293] Julie Changes Her Mind About AI

Brave Writer Podcast

Do we still need human storytellers in an age where technology can generate stories and essays with a click? This Brave Writer podcast episode explores why nothing can replace the warmth and connection that come from sharing stories aloud as a family.

We talk about:

  • the generational bonds formed through storytelling,
  • the irreplaceable value of reading aloud,
  • and how these practices create both readers and resilient human beings.

We also reflect on our evolving feelings about artificial intelligence—how it can be both fascinating and unsettling—and why human relationships and creative self-expression must remain at the heart of education.

Show Notes

Our world is changing rapidly, especially when it comes to how we encounter stories, creativity, and even the written word. As new tools like artificial intelligence make their way into our lives, it’s easy to wonder: do we still need human storytellers? At Brave Writer, we’ve seen firsthand that nothing can replace the unique, connective power of sharing stories and reading aloud together as a family.

The Power of Family Storytelling

Gathering together to share stories—whether around a campfire or at bedtime—builds lasting bonds between family members. We’ve watched children, even as young as five, sit spellbound as parents, grandparents, and siblings take turns spinning tales. These moments don’t just entertain; they shape who our children become. When families create a culture of storytelling, they’re laying the foundation for a lifelong love of:

  • reading,
  • writing,
  • and imaginative thinking.

Storytelling is far more than a way to pass time. It is a practice that stretches back to the earliest days of human history, shaping moral imagination and cultural identity. Through storytelling, we invite our children into a larger conversation—one where their voices matter, and where the family story grows richer with every contribution.

Reading Aloud: The Heartbeat of Connection

In our experience, reading aloud is at the core of meaningful family life. It’s a tradition that predates even our own homeschooling journeys. Some of us began by reading childhood favorites to our spouses, then carried that ritual forward with our kids—long after they could read on their own. Even teenagers find themselves drifting back to listen when a beloved book is being read in the hallway.

Reading aloud bridges generations, brings comfort, and cultivates curiosity. It’s not just an educational strategy—it’s a way to invite everyone, from toddlers to teens, into a shared literary world. This daily routine builds not only readers but human beings who feel connected, valued, and seen.

The Challenge of AI in Education and Creativity

With the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, especially large language models, we’re seeing a profound shift in the landscape of writing and art. Initially, some of us were technological optimists, eager to explore the potential of these tools. But over time, our optimism has grown more cautious as we’ve watched AI-generated content replace the creative labor of real people, sometimes without credit or consent.

We’re increasingly concerned that AI—especially when used uncritically in education—might erode both the motivation to create original work and the vital human relationships at the core of learning. When students outsource their self-expression to a machine, or when families rely on generic content instead of their own stories, something irreplaceable is lost.

The Irreplaceable Value of Human Connection

No algorithm can replicate the magic of a parent reading to a child, the warmth of a shared laugh, or the spontaneous creativity that bubbles up during a family storytelling night. Even as technology advances, we believe it’s essential to keep these human traditions alive. It’s in these moments of connection, not automation, that true learning and growth take place.

So as the world races forward, let’s remember to slow down and savor the irreplaceable gift of telling our own stories, in our own voices, to the people we love most.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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