The AI/XR Podcast. The AI/XR Podcast Sept 9th, 2025 ft. Jason Zada and Monica Monique of Secret Level
Sep 9, 2025
Jason Zada and Monica Monique, co-founders of Secret Level, dive into the evolving landscape of storytelling and technology. They discuss how AI is transforming content creation, allowing smaller teams to achieve big results. Jason shares insights from a TED Talk on storytelling, while the duo navigates the balance of narrative and technology. They also touch on the implications of AI in advertising, exploring the emotional depth needed in synthetic characters. The conversation highlights the importance of human taste as technology reshapes storytelling.
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Career Pivot To AI-Native Studio
- Jason described his journey from CD-ROM and early internet interactive work to founding Secret Level in 2023 as AI generative tools matured.
- He explained how a 2020 TakeThisLollipop reboot and early Midjourney experiments convinced him to start an AI-native studio.
Small Teams, Bigger Creative Reach
- Jason argued democratised AI will create more creators but not automatically more great storytellers.
- He predicted small teams can now achieve what hundreds once did, increasing chances for independent success.
AI As A Paradigm Shift, Not Just Evolution
- The guests acknowledged AI is a disruptive paradigm shift that will change jobs and industry structures, not just an incremental tool.
- They balanced excitement about new creative opportunities with fear about unchecked automation and physical robots.