The Week: AI Is Getting Smarter. Are We?

George Hahn connects the dots across the week’s biggest stories: AI’s growing threat to how we think, why Trump’s pressure campaign is backfiring in Canada, and the small acts of disconnection that quietly destroy a marriage. We’d love your feedback as we build this show! Let us know what you think: [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speaker names marked ? are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

• 0:01Scott Galloway?

  Support for the show comes from Engine. Running a small business means every dollar has to work hard. But if your team is still booking travel the old way, it's costing you more than you think. Engine is the fastest growing travel and spend platform in the country, built specifically for businesses like yours. Book a trip in as little as two and a half minutes, earn up to 10% back on hotels. And in 2025, Engine customers saved more than 300 million on travel with zero booking fees, no contract and no BS. More than 1,000 businesses join Engine every month. Join them and get $500 when you sign up and start traveling at engine.com/profg.

• 0:39Jessica Tarlov?

  Hogging seats on a crowded train, not saying, excuse me, watching videos on your phone with no headphones in. Sometimes it feels like we don't know how to act anymore.

• 0:50Speaker 02

  What we have been seeing increasingly is people breaking rules. Why should I play by the rules if nobody else is going to do that for me?

• 0:59Jessica Tarlov?

  This week on Explain It To Me, How To Mind Your Manners. New episodes, Sundays, wherever you get your podcasts.

• 1:09George Hahn?

  Welcome to the week from Prof G Media, where we break down what mattered and what it all means. I'm George Han and it's Friday, September 11. Today, AI is getting smarter.

• 1:23George Hahn?

  Are we?

• 1:25George Hahn?

  Then, Trump wants Canada to fold. Instead, he may be strengthening its hand. And finally, what a divorce attorney says actually keeps a marriage together.

• 1:39George Hahn?

  Let's get into it.

• 1:44George Hahn?

  First, AI. Ed and Scott spoke with economist Tyler Cowen, an advisor to AI Labs, who has been called the man who wants to know everything. The skeptics say AI is overhyped and unprofitable. Cowen isn't buying it. He thinks the technology already works. And when Scott asked where it's changing real work, Cowen pointed first to programming.

• 2:10Speaker 04

  And I don't think humans will disappear from programming, but they've already taken on a fundamentally different role. They're more like impresarios. And they're consulted in the meantime, like, oh, is this going in the proper loop? Is the work actually being done? Is this the thing I asked it to do? Over time, more and more of that will be AIs themselves monitoring. But that's the clearest example of a very positive change. The biggest negative, I just think, will be cybersecurity. There'll be a lot more hacks. There's plenty of evidence for this already. Those cost the world a lot. We'll spend more on cybersecurity.

• 2:47Speaker 04

  It won't be fixed quickly. And I think it's a very real concern. We need a national, international effort to really firm up all of our major institutions as quickly as possible.

• 2:58George Hahn?

  The upside may be real, but this week brought another warning about what happens when we let AI do too much of our thinking. The OECD released its latest global assessment of 15-year-olds across 91 education systems. Reading and math scores have fallen to record lows across OECD countries. AI didn't create that decade-long decline, but emerging research shows it could make the underlying problem worse. Students can appear to perform better with AI, then struggle when the tool disappears. Ed asked the Financial Times' John Bern Murdoch what the evidence tells us.

• 3:43Speaker 05

  We're seeing this in all sorts of settings. We've seen this come out from US universities as well. So I think at this point, there's a really solid case that relying on AI as part of the learning process is extremely risky in terms of it essentially being used as a crutch, that when taken away, people just collapse at the end. I think it's also just incredibly hard to enforce use of AI in the education setting where that doesn't happen. You can talk about having locked down versions of ChatGPT, that kind of thing, that encourage study hours. But ultimately, if someone wants to cheat, they're going to find a way to cheat. And we've seen this with all sorts of different forms of educational technology over the years as well.

• 4:25Speaker 05

  It's a really, really fine, tight rope to try and tread. And we don't seem to be able to do that. I think as well, we have this problem where a lot of the people in Silicon Valley who create these tools, they are people who have always worked really hard at school. They're always hyper-focused. They don't struggle with distraction. For them, it maybe seems obvious that, well, you know, kids who are given these tools are going to use them to learn even more. But I think that is just born out of a real disconnect from what real classrooms are like in modern UK, modern America, where just the ability to focus is a huge challenge for a lot of people.

• 5:02George Hahn?

  So much for the smartest people in the room. The danger isn't that AI makes us less intelligent. It's that it allows us to avoid the work through which intelligence develops. And from one self-inflicted problem to another, this week, the trade war with Canada came roaring back. On Raging Moderates, Scott compared it to a famously hostile divorce.

• 5:27Scott Galloway?

  This is kind of like, remember that, did you ever see the movie The War of the Roses with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner?

• 5:34Jessica Tarlov?

  Forever ago, but yeah.

• 5:35Scott Galloway?

  Forever ago, yeah. But basically, a very hostile divorce where they decide to stay in the same house. That's what this is. There are cars and auto parts that cross the border, Canadian-American border, eight times before final assembly. We, you can't undo this marriage overnight. It's taken 30 years of NAFTA and all sorts of agreements. This is like a divorce where you live in the same town, go to the same church and shop at the same Walmart and live in the same house. There's just nothing, nothing they can do. And in like all tariffs, the person who initiated it likely ends up on the losing end of this. There are alcohol exports are down 80% from the US

• 6:20Scott Galloway?

  because Canadian consumers are, have something American consumers don't have, and that is resolve. And that is, American consumers are like, whatever, Trump, what's he doing? Canada, I don't care. I'm going to go back to watching, you know, Beef or whatever my favorite streaming program is. Whereas Canadians are rallied behind this. They are really upset and angry. And they are, they are buying specific products that damage specific states. And kind of the, the tell here is $25 billion is landing inside of US states, Michigan and Texas. And I mean, they're, they're going after the heart and lungs of some of these red states. This is kind of like stop, threatening to stop talking to your business partner of 30 years

• 7:05Scott Galloway?

  because he won't let you renegotiate the deal every six months. This again is another, another attack on the structural. What has been probably the greatest unlock in prosperity in America has been international commerce and international trade because we have a tendency to produce higher margin, higher value-add products that result in greater market capitalization. So every dollar in international trade accretes a disproportionate amount of shareholder and stakeholder value to the US, including our trade with Canada.

• 7:35Jessica Tarlov?

  You just can't hate this guy enough. $25 billion in the main scheme of the $700 billion in trade that we did with them last year is small. It does, I mean, it's meaningful. It hits certain states and manufacturers really hard, which is intentional. I'm overwhelmed by the contrast between the precision with which Canada is doing this and the slop factory that seems to be our trade apparatus at this point.

• 8:11George Hahn?

  The United States and Canada have spent decades building an economy neither country can easily disentangle. But if the Trump administration expected pressure to divide Canadians, it appears to be doing the opposite. On Wednesday's Prof G Markets, Ed spoke with Canadian economist Mike Moffett about how this is playing out north of the border.

• 8:33Speaker 06

  But I think Canadians are trying to take the position that we just shouldn't take the bait, right? That this is an attempt to go to us. So it's one of those things where we start to get angry and then we go, okay, deep breaths, let's just calm down. We don't, you know, this is the, what Trump is trying to get from Canadians. So let's, let's calm a little bit. But we're certainly not happy about it. And there is, you know, ironically, when those things happen, there is kind of a rally around the flag and Carney himself gets more popular. So if the administration is trying to force Canada to sign the deal, it's probably the worst possible thing to do because it just makes Carney more popular in the eyes of Canadians and gives Carney more ability to back away from a bad deal.

• 9:18Ed Elson?

  What are some of the other consequences that you think will come out of this? I mean, is it possible that, for example, the relationship could never really be repaired? I mean, what are the other long-term consequences?

• 9:30Speaker 06

  I think in the kind of short and medium term, I think we're going to see a shift in defense spending. I think that may come out of this, this EU deal. So, you know, there's been this debate in Canada for decades about buying the F-35, you know, we might see, see that go away. I do think the Canadian-US relationship is repairable, but it's going to, it's going to take a while. It will take, you know, kind of a few administrations of goodwill. But, you know, I do think our countries have too much in common, you know, to be forever at odds. But it certainly feels that way right now. Like this really does feel like we're going through a messy, angry divorce.

• 10:15Speaker 06

  And it does feel hard to reconcile, but I'm an optimist. And I'm certainly hopeful that we can get through this.

• 10:25George Hahn?

  We'll be right back.

• 10:32Scott Galloway?

  Support for the show comes from Quince. Fall can be the perfect time to break out some of your favorite clothes. Maybe the sweater that's perfect for cooler weather, your favorite jacket, or a pair of jeans that fits just right. These are the kinds of durable pieces Quince specializes in. Quince makes elevated everyday essentials using premium materials, including Mongolian cashmere, organic cotton, and washable silk. The designs are timeless, thoughtfully crafted, and made to be worn again and again. Their 100% Mongolian cashmere sweaters start at just $50, giving you the softness and quality you'd expect from a luxury brand without the luxury price tag. Plus, everything at Quince is priced 50% to 80% less than similar brands. They work directly with top factories and cut out the middleman, so you're paying for high-quality, not brand markup. Claire's gotten some items from Quince.

• 11:17Scott Galloway?

  Claire, what'd you think?

• 11:18Speaker 08

  I love everything I've received from Quince. I have great bedding from them. I have so many closet staples that I always go back to. I reach for them every time I go to get dressed, so I have my eye on some of their sweaters. They've got good stuff. Really love Quince.

• 11:35Scott Galloway?

  Find the fall pieces you'll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers or go to quince.com/profg. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E dot com slash prof G.

• 11:57Scott Galloway?

  Support for the show comes from LinkedIn. If you're a small business owner, you don't need me to tell you how much hiring great people matters. But the time and resources you have to spend to get it right are precious commodities. Sourcing, connecting with, and screening candidates can quickly eat into time better spent on your customers. That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro comes in. It's designed to be your hiring partner, helping you source the right candidates faster. That way, you can hire with confidence without making it feel like a full-time job. LinkedIn Hiring Pro simplifies the entire process, all the way from writing your job post to shortlisting candidates and running AI-powered initial interviews. Plus, it does it all through a conversational interface where you can just describe what you're looking for in plain language. LinkedIn says nearly 60% of hirers find someone to interview within a week.

• 12:41Scott Galloway?

  With Hiring Pro, you spend less time searching and more time connecting with the right talent. So instead of sifting through piles of resumes, you get a tight, high-quality shortlist that actually moves things forward. Join the 2.7 million small businesses using LinkedIn to hire. Get started by posting your job for free at LinkedIn.com/pro. Terms and conditions apply.

• 13:06Scott Galloway?

  Support for the show comes from Chime. Most people chose their bank years ago, and they've stuck with it for no better reason than inertia. But anyone who takes a really close look knows that not all banks are the same, and sticking with a bank with high fees, low rewards, and paltry interest rates on savings can really cost you. That's where Chime comes in. Chime is changing the way people bank. They're not like traditional old banks who charge fees and gatekeep perks and rewards. Chime offers the most rewarding fee-free banking. They have no overdraft fees, no monthly fees, and no minimum balance fees. You get 5% cash back on the Chime card in a category of choice like gas or groceries, all while building credit through regular, everyday spending with no credit check. You can also grow your money faster with a savings rate that's nine times the national average.

• 13:51Scott Galloway?

  Join the millions who are already banking fee-free with America's number one choice for banking. Head to chime.com/profg. That's chime.com/profg. Sign up now. It takes only a few minutes.

• 14:04Speaker 09

  Chime is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services and Chime card provided by Chime's bank partners. Qualifying direct deposits required. Terms and limits apply. Go to chime.com/disclosures for details.

• 14:19Scott Galloway?

  This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Getting better at something is hard, whether it's running gardening, playing an instrument, or anything else we're doing. You need to commit to the process. It takes practice. It takes patience. It takes a willingness to be vulnerable. But it's also really rewarding when you look back and realize that the thing you couldn't do when you started now feels like second nature. Taking care of your mental health is no different. Changes are gradual and hard-earned. The results come from making a plan and sticking with it, and the journey is far more important than the destination. You get to decide what your goals are, and they might change along the way. As long as you keep checking in with yourself, you're doing it right. You're getting better. I think a lot about my mental health. For me, it's about exercise and eating clean and being as socialist possible, which is just not going to be easy for me. Better is a feeling defined by you,

• 15:02Scott Galloway?

  and for BetterHelp, it's a BetterHelp therapist who really gets you. It's a focus on global emotional well-being with thousands of therapists and millions of members in over 100 countries. It's progress. Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com/profg. That's better H-E-L-P dot com slash prof G.

• 15:25George Hahn?

  Welcome back. Speaking of divorce, this week Scott co-hosted an Office Hours special with divorce attorney James Sexton, who has spent 25 years watching relationships come apart. Together, they answered a listener's question on what really ends a marriage.

• 15:45Speaker 10

  You know, I think the biggest predictor of divorce is something subtle, and that is just disconnection between two people. I think everybody looks for the big relationship killers, you know, like people who are in open relationships or people who, you know, sometimes that's the blood in the water, you know, of the relationship being in distress. But I think it's actually much more subtle than that. I think people get divorced, and their relationships fall apart the same way that I think Thomas Wolfe said, "People go bankrupt very slowly and then all at once." So I think it's a lot of little, small pieces of disconnection that eventually just catastrophically lead to the failure.

• 16:19Scott Galloway?

  You have a great story about one of your clients, and it involved granola. Do you know what I'm talking about?

• 16:26Speaker 10

  Oh, yeah.

• 16:27Scott Galloway?

  Can you tell that story?

• 16:27Speaker 10

  Yeah, yeah. I mean, I talk about it in the book, too, where I had a client, very put-together, beautiful young woman in her 30s, and she was getting divorced, two young kids. He was a successful guy in finance. And, you know, you spend a lot of time with people when you, you know, you go a lot of miles when you're their divorce lawyer, and you get to know them really well in a very candid way. And I was just sitting outside of the courthouse with her, and we were chatting. I was drinking espresso on a lunch break, and I just said something along the lines of, like, "When did you realize that the relationship is over?" And she told me a story about how there was granola, this particular type of granola that she would put every morning in her yogurt, and they only sold it at this one Whole Foods. And she said he used to just always, like, buy the granola for her. She never had asked for it. He didn't ask for, like, you know, what Chris Williamson calls "good boy points," you know?

• 17:12Speaker 10

  We'd do something for our significant other, and we'd go, "Oh, babe, did you see what I did?" He would just do it. And she said it made her always feel so loved. And at some point, she said, you know, it just, the granola just ran out. And she kept waiting for him to refill it, and he never did. And she realized, you know, yeah, there's things going down. And I said to her, "Was there anything like that on your end?" And without missing a beat, she said, "Yeah, blowjobs." And I spit my espresso across the courthouse. And she said, "Yeah, when you were first dating, I was like, you know, like, I would get them to him pretty often. Sometimes in the morning, it'd set him off on the right tone for the day." And she said, "And then at some point, you know, maybe when the kids came or life got in the way." She said, "I just got to the point where I was like, 'Oh, well, you know, I'll wait till tonight, and we'll have sex, and we'll both enjoy it.'"

• 17:57Speaker 10

  And she was like, "But I don't really know why I stopped." She's like, "It wasn't like something happened. We both just..." And really, it stuck in my mind because there was this sense of, like, there's this atrophy that starts to happen, and it starts to create this weird spiral where it's like, "Well, I don't owe you that. Well, I don't owe you this." And, you know, what's interesting to me about that as a divorce lawyer is I see the effect of it. But then in this work I do in the relationship space, I find myself thinking, "Well, you could kind of reverse that spiral," which is I don't have to send a text in the middle of the day saying, "Hey, babe, I was thinking of you," or leave a note in the morning that says, like, "Hey, I had a lot of fun watching a movie on the couch with you last night. I married the prettiest girl in the world." But it's nice to do that. It doesn't cost anything. It takes 30 seconds. And maybe it reversed, because what, you know,

• 18:42Speaker 10

  I said to her, "What came first, the chicken or the egg? Was it the granola or the blowjobs? What ran out first?" And she really couldn't tell me. And so I think there's a lesson there.

• 18:51George Hahn?

  James Sexton meets marriages at the end. Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, Stanford educators behind "Designing Your Life," joined Scott for a live taping of conversations and offered a simple test for choosing someone at the beginning.

• 19:07Speaker 11

  Well, it just occurred to me, there's an old saying that, you know, "The best marriages are when each person thinks they got the best deal."

• 19:18Speaker 11

  Right? "Certainly, I got the best deal. My wife Cynthia is amazing. I got the best deal. I don't know why she puts up with me, but I think it's amazing." And I've asked her, and she says, "No, no, no. Actually, I got the better of the deal because you're, you know, you're kind and you're nice and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." So I think you're looking for a situation where

• 19:39Speaker 11

  you think, you think you, not that you don't deserve it, but you think that you're going to get the best deal and that this person is irrationally attracted to you. If that, if you got that, and it goes both ways, see, they're, they're, they're, they're, they're holding hands there. That's good. Then I think that's what you're looking for.

• 20:09George Hahn?

  And before we go, today marks 25 years since the attacks of September 11. We remember the nearly 3,000 people who were killed, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the families whose lives were forever changed.

• 20:27George Hahn?

  That's the week. I'm George Hahn. We'll see you next Friday.