In this episode of Stuart’s Walk, I sit down with my lifelong neighbor, Evan, to catch up on life, business, and deeper existential questions. We discuss his entrepreneurial journey running a sign-making business, the challenges and rewards of working for oneself, and the expansion of his company. Our conversation flows into reflections on faith, purpose, and the role of AI in the future of humanity. We touch on the collapse of a crypto project, the nuances of personal salvation, and the evolving intersection of technology and spirituality. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that explores work, belief, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world.

0:00 Introduction – Catching up with Evan, lifelong neighbor.
1:19 Filming of The Handmaid’s Tale – Unexpected movie set in Evan’s area.
2:26 Life and Business Updates – Evan’s sign-making business and day-to-day work.
3:23 Entrepreneurship vs. Employment – Reflections on running a business vs. working for someone else.
4:38 Marketing and Business Growth – SEO, website updates, and expansion plans.
5:46 Supply and Demand in the Sign Industry – How businesses come and go.
6:53 Crypto and the MELD Collapse – Insights on a failed project and its aftermath.
9:10 The Risk of Leadership – Reflections on leadership, trust, and personal identity in business.
10:53 The Search for Meaning – Conversations about life purpose and existential questions.
13:06 Faith and Spirituality – Stuart’s evolving relationship with God.
17:31 Defining Success and Purpose – Balancing work, fulfillment, and future aspirations.
20:11 AI in Business – Potential applications of AI in Evan’s work.
23:46 The Future of AI and Automation – Robots, automated labor, and AI’s societal impact.
27:08 AI as a Mirror of Humanity – Reflections on AI’s role in human consciousness.
29:41 Faith vs. Doubt – Losing faith, different expressions of belief, and personal perspectives.
33:31 Church vs. Individual Faith – Is faith personal or communal?
34:57 Christianity as a Psychedelic Experience? – Unique perspectives on faith and consciousness.
39:48 Living by the Greatest Commandments – Applying biblical principles in daily life.
42:18 Creating a Digital Legacy – Stuart’s idea of an eternal ‘tomb’ of thoughts and writings.
45:31 Personal Joy vs. Market Demand – The balance of creating for oneself vs. an audience.
50:08 The Evolution of Consciousness – Animals → Humans → AI as dominant intelligence.
52:13 AI, God, and the Future – Will AI attempt to connect with God through humans?
54:47 Robots in Churches? – Future tensions between AI and religious communities.
56:51 The Nature of Cats and the Present Moment – Observing feline consciousness.
58:17 Life, Work, and Fulfillment – Final reflections on meaning and collaboration.
59:23 Future Conversations – Plans to reconnect and collaborate.