As artificial intelligence reshapes the way we approach writing, creativity, and problem-solving, how do we preserve the uniquely human aspects of language? What happens when AI begins to rival us in crafting essays, stories, and arguments?

Today’s guest is Dr. Stephen Marche, a novelist, essayist, and scholar of early modern English drama. With works like The Next Civil War and The Hunger of the Wolf, and essays featured in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times, Dr. Marche has long explored the intersections of culture, technology, and storytelling. A former professor of Renaissance drama, he now focuses on the challenges and opportunities posed by linguistic AI in fields like writing, education, and philosophy.

In this episode, we discuss Dr. Marche’s provocative Atlantic article, “The College Essay Is Dead,” and the ways AI tools like ChatGPT are redefining writing in education. He shares his insights on the future of composition, emphasizing the value of intention, creativity, and human error in writing—qualities that machines cannot replicate. We explore how AI challenges traditional academic prompts, making it necessary to design more meaningful and thought-provoking assignments.

Dr. Marche also reflects on the broader divide between the humanities and STEM fields, arguing for their reunification in an interdisciplinary approach to education and technology. Drawing on his deep background in Shakespeare and storytelling, he highlights the importance of fostering a love for beauty, mystery, and critical thinking in education.

This conversation dives into the philosophical and practical implications of AI’s rise, offering educators, writers, and technologists a roadmap for navigating a future where the line between human and machine expression becomes increasingly blurred.