Subvolts take Explore the human side of AI automation with Joanna Stern's firsthand experiences and new book. May 11, 2026 - Business
- Understand consumer perceptions and practical challenges of AI integration from a journalist's firsthand account.
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- Learn about the real-world impact of AI and robots on daily life from someone who has extensively tested them.
This is a solid interview with a well-known tech journalist discussing her personal journey with AI.
Joanna Stern is not a robot, but she lived with them
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From Subvolts
Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.
Nilay Patel interviews Joanna Stern on her new book, "I Am Not a Robot," about her experience fully embracing automation. Stern, formerly of The Wall Street Journal, discusses her transition to starting her own media company, New Things, and shares insights gained from living with and testing AI and automation technologies. The episode explores the personal impact and broader implications of integrating these tools into daily life.
Joanna Stern tried living with lots of AI and robots to see what happens. She shares what she learned about automation in her new book and on this podcast. It helps you understand how these smart tools are changing our lives.
This episode offers a personal perspective on the practical realities of AI automation, moving beyond theoretical discussions. It's for consumers and tech enthusiasts curious about how AI is changing daily life and work. Stern's firsthand experience provides valuable insights into the current state and user perception of automation, offering a grounded counterpoint to the rapid advancements from frontier labs like Google Gemini and OpenAI.
- HostNilay Patel
- GuestJoanna SternAuthor, New Things
- Guest: Joanna Stern
- Show: Decoder with Nilay Patel
- Episode Title: Joanna Stern is not a robot, but she lived with them
- Book Title: I Am Not a Robot
- Guest's New Company: New Things
- Guest's Previous Role: Senior Personal Technology Columnist for The Wall Street Journal
My guest today is longtime friend of the show Joanna Stern. You all know Joanna: she is the former senior personal technology columnist for The Wall Street Journal, a former Decoder guest host, one of my co-founders at The Verge, and also just one of my very closest friends.
Joanna just left that lofty perch at the Journal to start her own media company called New Things, and she’s starting with her new book about AI called I Am Not a Robot, which is out this week on May 12th. So we had Joanna on to talk about all of that, especially what she learned going all in on automation.
Read the full interview transcript on The Verge.
Links:
- I Am Not a Robot | Harper Collins
- It’s time. Meet my New Thing | Joanna Stern
- Why I left My prestigious job to make YouTube videos | Joanna Stern / YouTube
- Signing off from this column after 12 years. Here’s what’s changed in tech | WSJ
- I tried the robot that’s coming to live with you. It’s still par human | WSJ
- The people do not yearn for automation | Decoder
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Credits:
Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and edited by Ursa Wright. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane.
The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.
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- automation
- Joanna Stern
- using technology to do tasks automatically
Same guests, other shows
43 min
Questions people ask
- What is Joanna Stern's new book about?
- Her new book, "I Am Not a Robot," details her experiences and learnings from fully embracing automation and AI in her life.
- What is Joanna Stern doing now?
- She left The Wall Street Journal to start her own media company called New Things, focusing on creating YouTube videos and other content.
Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to The Verge.