On this week’s episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Herb Hughes—science fiction novelist, and Steve Woods—AI engineer at General Dynamics, for a fast, funny, and thought-provoking look at where artificial intelligence is really headed.

Tune in to hear Herb and Steve join Andy for a fascinating–sometimes unsettling–conversation about how much of today’s technology was first imagined in science fiction. From Asimov’s predictions to real-world AI breakthroughs, the trio explores where artificial intelligence is taking us—touching on machine learning, quantum computing, and the line between imagination and reality—and asks the big question: will AI ever truly become self-aware?

Works by Herb Hughes

• Killing Rhinos (sci-fi with long-term AI/robotic consequences) https://amzn.to/3KRYTmd
• Conecuh (Civil War historical fiction) https://amzn.to/46TCspk
  

Connect with Steve and Herb Online:

Steve Woods: stevewoods500@gmail.com

Herb Hughes: HerbHughes1994@att.net

• www.herbhughesnovels.us
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040197231582
• Order Herb’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K83DZ0

On this week’s episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts John O’Leary—bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and producer of the new feature film Soul on Fire.

Tune in to hear John share the “two chapters” behind his story—the miraculous rescue at age nine and the years of hiding before finally learning to live openly—while honoring the people he says are the true heroes: the nurses, the neighbors, his dad, and his wife, Beth. Listen as he recounts his father’s moving reflection after seeing the film, and explains why Soul on Fire offers a powerful and timely reminder that ordinary courage and grace can still change lives.

Soul on Fire Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslVGLETWps

Connect with John online:

• Website: https://johnolearyinspires.com/johns-story/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnOLearyRisingAbove
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires/
• Twitter: https://x.com/jolearyinspires
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRXJIPZAni0_zakjCFh5VTQ

On this week’s episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Sean Dietrich—“Sean of the South”—author, musician, humorist, and frequent Grand Ole Opry guest.

Tune in to hear Sean share stories behind “Over Yonder”—a tender, funny tale of “found family” set on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Listen as he and Andy talk about the unlikely duo at the heart of the story, why Sean writes about places as if they’re characters, and how his outline-free process keeps each book full of surprises. Hear him also share a few audiobook mishaps, uncanny Opry moments, and a peanut-butter-Kong lesson from his blind dog Marigold that remind him to keep humility—and joy—at the center of it all.

Sean’s brand-new novel "Over Yonder" is officially out today! This heartfelt Southern tale is filled with humor, redemption, and characters you won’t forget. Don’t wait—be among the very first to read it. Order your copy on Amazon right now and start the adventure! https://amzn.to/4h6COfO

• Podcast: Sean of the South https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sean-of-the-south/id1296676213
• Website: https://seandietrich.com
• Newsletter: https://seandietrich.com/subscribe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanofthesouth
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanofthesouth