ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "Ep 22: The Future of Creativity: Can Humans Compete with AI?"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of The AI Grapple, we sit down with Aaron Ryan - an author, voice actor, and multi-talented creative who has worked with major brands like Amazon, Microsoft, and United Healthcare. But right now, both of Aaron’s industries - writing and voiceover - are being massively disrupted by AI.
From synthetic voices replacing human actors to AI-generated books flooding the market, Aaron shares first-hand insights on the risks, ethical dilemmas, and potential future of creativity in the AI age. Is there still a place for human creators? Or are we witnessing the slow erosion of artistic professions? This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in creative fields or anyone interested in the intersection between creativity and technology.
Key Highlights & Takeaways
1. AI is a “Disruption with a Capital D”
Aaron describes AI’s impact on voiceover as an immediate and tangible threat.
AI-generated voices are already replacing human voice actors for e-learning, explainer videos, and other low-emotion work.
The challenge? These models are trained on real human voices—sometimes without consent.
2. The Ethics of AI in Voice Acting
Some voice actors have discovered their voices being used in AI-generated content without permission.
Aaron shares the case of a colleague whose voice was taken and used in unethical ways.
The need for licensing and regulation in AI-generated media is urgent but currently lacking.
3. AI’s Impact on Writing and Publishing
AI tools can now generate full books in seconds, raising concerns about originality and the future of human authorship.
Aaron refuses to use AI in his writing, emphasizing that his books are 100% human-made.
He warns that many AI-generated books are created by “capitalists, not creators,” and argues that true creativity cannot be outsourced to a machine.
4. Can AI and Creativity Coexist?
Aaron acknowledges that AI has its benefits - especially in industries like medicine and accessibility tech.
However, when AI is used to replace human creativity rather than assist it, it becomes problematic.
He argues that AI should be a tool for productivity, not a substitute for human artistry.
5. The Fight for Regulation & Creative Rights
Legal cases are emerging, with voice actors and artists suing companies that misuse their work.
Aaron highlights Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing them of mimicking her voice without permission.
Without stronger copyright protections, creative professionals will continue to lose control over their own work.
6. Will People Crave More Human Content?
AI-generated media is improving, but people still crave authentic human connection.
Aaron predicts a backlash where consumers actively seek out content made by real people.
He compares AI voiceovers to frustrating automated customer service systems - people always want to talk to a human.
7. Navigating the AI-Driven Future
Aaron shares his personal strategy: pivoting back to writing as voiceover opportunities decline.
Many voice actors are having to rethink their careers as AI-generated voices take over.
Despite the disruption, Aaron remains committed to storytelling and creating original works.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Aaron’s conversation is a wake-up call for creatives everywhere - AI is here, and it’s changing the game fast. The key question is: how do we ensure AI serves creativity rather than replacing it?
🔹 Want to support real human creativity? Visit authoraaronryan.com to check out Aaron’s latest books!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The AI Grapple on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review!
From synthetic voices replacing human actors to AI-generated books flooding the market, Aaron shares first-hand insights on the risks, ethical dilemmas, and potential future of creativity in the AI age. Is there still a place for human creators? Or are we witnessing the slow erosion of artistic professions? This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in creative fields or anyone interested in the intersection between creativity and technology.
Key Highlights & Takeaways
1. AI is a “Disruption with a Capital D”
Aaron describes AI’s impact on voiceover as an immediate and tangible threat.
AI-generated voices are already replacing human voice actors for e-learning, explainer videos, and other low-emotion work.
The challenge? These models are trained on real human voices—sometimes without consent.
2. The Ethics of AI in Voice Acting
Some voice actors have discovered their voices being used in AI-generated content without permission.
Aaron shares the case of a colleague whose voice was taken and used in unethical ways.
The need for licensing and regulation in AI-generated media is urgent but currently lacking.
3. AI’s Impact on Writing and Publishing
AI tools can now generate full books in seconds, raising concerns about originality and the future of human authorship.
Aaron refuses to use AI in his writing, emphasizing that his books are 100% human-made.
He warns that many AI-generated books are created by “capitalists, not creators,” and argues that true creativity cannot be outsourced to a machine.
4. Can AI and Creativity Coexist?
Aaron acknowledges that AI has its benefits - especially in industries like medicine and accessibility tech.
However, when AI is used to replace human creativity rather than assist it, it becomes problematic.
He argues that AI should be a tool for productivity, not a substitute for human artistry.
5. The Fight for Regulation & Creative Rights
Legal cases are emerging, with voice actors and artists suing companies that misuse their work.
Aaron highlights Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing them of mimicking her voice without permission.
Without stronger copyright protections, creative professionals will continue to lose control over their own work.
6. Will People Crave More Human Content?
AI-generated media is improving, but people still crave authentic human connection.
Aaron predicts a backlash where consumers actively seek out content made by real people.
He compares AI voiceovers to frustrating automated customer service systems - people always want to talk to a human.
7. Navigating the AI-Driven Future
Aaron shares his personal strategy: pivoting back to writing as voiceover opportunities decline.
Many voice actors are having to rethink their careers as AI-generated voices take over.
Despite the disruption, Aaron remains committed to storytelling and creating original works.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Aaron’s conversation is a wake-up call for creatives everywhere - AI is here, and it’s changing the game fast. The key question is: how do we ensure AI serves creativity rather than replacing it?
🔹 Want to support real human creativity? Visit authoraaronryan.com to check out Aaron’s latest books!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The AI Grapple on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review!
In God we trust