Episode 4

Episode 4: Humans Need Not Apply

Published on: 23rd March, 2025

In this punchy episode of Roll The Boulder, we expose how AI stands poised to trigger a job market upheaval that makes previous automation waves look tame. Tracing the century-long tug-of-war between labor and capital, we uncover the roots of rampant inequality—and how AI could accelerate a slide toward “neo-feudal” power structures. From driverless trucks to AI-generated content, entire industries face mass disruption, while the ultra-wealthy quietly fortify themselves with bunkers and private security. Tune in to see why the next decade could be an inflection point, and how our collective response may spell liberation—or dystopia.

CITATIONS:


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Autor, D., Mindell, D., & Reynolds, E. (2021). AI and the changing job market. MIT Task Force on Work of the Future.


Bruun, E., & Duka, A. (2018). Artificial intelligence, jobs and the future of work. Basic Income Studies, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.1515/bis-2018-0012


Danso, B. W., & Eric, H. (2023). Artificial intelligence disruption and its impacts on future employment. i-manager’s Journal on Software Engineering.


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Gruetzemacher, R., Paradice, D., & Lee, K. (2020a). Forecasting extreme labor displacement: A survey of AI practitioners. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120478


Gruetzemacher, R., Paradice, D., & Lee, K. (2020b). Forecasting extreme labor displacement: A survey of AI practitioners. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120478


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Kiatpongsan, S., & Norton, M. (2014). How much (more) should CEOs make? A universal desire for more equal pay. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 9(6), 587–593. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691614549773


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About the Podcast

Roll The Boulder
The world is unraveling—or maybe it's just being rewritten. Roll The Boulder is a sharp, unfiltered dive into the chaos of modern life-- from AI-driven job displacement to the anxiety coursing through so many people to the slow death of community. With wit, irreverence, and a refusal to accept easy answers, we break down the forces shaping our future and ask: Can we push back? Can we rebuild? Part history, part social commentary, all rebellion—this podcast isn’t here to comfort you. It’s here to wake you up.

About your host

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Mike V

I’ve co-hosted the comedy podcast "AHC Podcast" for 5 years and work as a Project Manager in the healthcare field. I’ve been following AI advancements for the past decade. However, the last two years have really heightened my concern. Seeing the rapid growth of AI initiatives in my professional life—and coupling that experience with my personal research—compelled me to create Roll The Boulder.

Because, I believe we’re on the cusp of one of the most significant economic and sociological shifts in human history, and my goal is to illuminate these changes through thoughtful conversations, drawing on both my industry insights and independent studies.