192. The Work Only Humans Can Do: Why Connection, Vocation, and Meaning Still Matter in a World of AI

What does it mean to live out our calling in a world increasingly shaped by technology, efficiency, and automation?

In this episode, Dr. Alison explores the deeper meaning of vocation — not simply as a job or career path, but as the unique way each of us is meant to bring care, creativity, and connection into the world.

Joined by sociologist Dr. Allison Pugh, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of The Last Human Job, they reflect on what Dr. Pugh calls “connective labor” — the deeply human work of seeing others and allowing ourselves to be seen.

This episode explores:

-Why the most important part of vocation has almost nothing to do with your resume

-The hidden kind of work you’re doing every day-The small moment that can restore dignity in an instant (and why most of us miss it)

-The tradeoff nobody talks about: when “more efficient” becomes “less human”

-The uncomfortable question technology can’t answer for you — and why it matters right now

-The choice you still have (even in a system that feels unchangeable)

As workplaces change and technologies like AI reshape how we interact, this conversation offers a grounding reminder: while tools may deliver information, they can never replace mutual presence, empathy, and relational connection.

📖 Read ⁠The Last Human Job⁠ by Dr. Allison Pugh

More Resources:

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If you liked this episode, then you’ll love the following:

Episode 53: How to Claim Your Strengths & Thrive at Home & Work

📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here

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