There’s a lot of noise right now about AI replacing creators, automating everything, and turning content into something fast, polished, and forgettable. In this episode, I sit down with Paul Gowder to talk about why the opposite shift is happening, creators are leaning more human, more personal, and more real, not less.

Paul has spent decades building community online, long before algorithms and AI tools were part of the conversation. We talk about why raw content is starting to outperform polished feeds, why people are craving connection over perfection, and how things like live video, email, and community spaces are becoming trust signals again. This conversation is about relationships, not reach, and why creators who embrace their full personality, interests, and stories are the ones who will stand out as AI continues to flood the internet with generic content.

Key Takeaways

Polished content isn’t the advantage it used to be: Raw, imperfect posts signal that a real human is behind the content.
People connect to people, not niches: Sharing parts of your life and interests builds trust faster than one-dimensional posting.
Community is not a platform: Your community includes everyone who feels connected to your content, even if they never comment.
Live video creates shared experience: Real-time interaction builds deeper bonds than edited content alone.
Email is still one of the strongest trust channels: Writing like a person, not a brand, creates real connection.
Stories beat surface-level tips: Teaching what something meant to you matters more than explaining how to do it.
Doing the “unscalable” work sets you apart: Replying to emails, asking questions, and engaging directly builds loyalty.
Creators should stop chasing vanity metrics: Replies, conversations, and feedback are stronger signals than views alone.
Offline relationships still matter: Conferences, meetups, and face-to-face interactions strengthen online trust.
AI can support creators, but it can’t replace humanity: Personal experience, mistakes, and perspective are irreplaceable.

Resources

Paul Gowder: www.paulgowder.com
On The Way Community: www.onthewaycommunity.com
PowWows.com: www.powwows.com/powwow101

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.

Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

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