Episode 22: A Human in the Middle

Episode 22: A Human in the Middle

From The IT Guy Show by Eric Hendricks

May 12, 2026 · 1h 6m

About this episode

Eric and Karl discuss how AI is changing work dynamics rather than replacing jobs.

AI is everywhere, and so is the fear that it's coming for your job. But what if the real story is more interesting than that? Eric sits down with returning guest Karl Abbott, tech leader and podcaster, for a conversation sparked by his recent article "AI Didn't Replace My Work. It Changed How I Work." Karl shares how leaning into AI tools didn't make him feel replaced. It made him feel more focused. The mechanics got faster. The judgment, taste, and narrative instinct? Still 100% human. They dig into what AI actually removes from knowledge work, why being widely read and broadly educated matters more in an AI-saturated world, what "vibe coding" means for engineers, and what higher education needs to do to prepare students for a world where fluency can be generated but wisdom still can't. If you've ever felt uneasy about where AI fits in your work, this one's for you. Welcome to The IT Guy Show, your go-to destination for all things tech with Eric, your friendly neighborhood IT guy! Join Eric as he shares his wealth of knowledge, insights, and experiences gained from years of working in the IT industry. From troubleshooting common tech issues to exploring the latest trends and…

People in this episode

Host: Eric Hendricks

Guest: Karl Abbott

Topics covered

  • AI
  • work
  • technology
  • education
  • knowledge work
  • career

Keywords

  • AI
  • job security
  • technology tools
  • knowledge work
  • education
  • vibe coding
  • wisdom

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: AI Didn't Replace My Work. It Changed How I Work.

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