412 Smart Talk - Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak

Tom Rhodes Smart Camp

Not since Gutenberg's printing press has one human being's inventions improved the quality of life for people as much as Apple co-founder and principle creator Steve Wozniak.

Fortunately for me the Woz loves jokes, humor and comedy in general so after sending him several heart felt e-mails requesting to chat with him he agreed, so last week while I was performing in San Francisco I drove down to Cupertino to record this conversation while him. This conversation was recorded at the Mandarin Oriental restaurant where Steve asked me to meet him. There is pleasant violin based classic music playing in the background because the owner politely delinked my request to turn off the music.

Steve Wozniak is not only a creative genius who has improved human life more than any other human being in the last 300 years, he also loves and cherishes humor and the story tellers who create the jokes.

He is exciting to talk to because he thinks so fast and can convey complicated information in a very simple way to be understood universally.

His genius is not exclusively bound to his inventions that will lead the world to higher plains of consciousness and communications but it is the basic fact that he is a good person who genuinely cares about helping dreamer people like me wherever he can. It is my pleasure to present to you now the one and only Steve Wozniak!

Intro song: Cutting Room (Hot Pants) – Oceanliners

Movie clip from YouTube: Her TRAILER 1 (2013) - Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson Movie HD

Movie clip from YouTube: Klaatu's warning

Recorded in Cupertino, CA. January 2014.

[Original broadcast date: Jan 28 2015]

This is the output of OpenAI ChatGTP prompting to summarize the transcription:

This conversation with Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, touches on humor, technology, and personal philosophies. Key highlights:

Humor and Pranks

• Wozniak loves jokes and pranks, sharing stories about altering iPads, high school stunts, and making counterfeit $2 bills. Humor keeps him optimistic and happy.

Thoughts on Technology

• AI Concerns: Wozniak shares concerns about AI surpassing human control, aligning with fears from Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking. He believes humanity’s dependence on machines began with the Industrial Revolution.
• Privacy Advocacy: As a founder of the EFF, he champions internet freedom and user privacy, criticizing surveillance and censorship.
• Creativity Tools: Wozniak celebrates how Apple products empower creativity, describing computers as a "bicycle for the mind."

Personal Insights

• Happiness: Optimism, humor, and calmness define his outlook. He avoids stress and focuses on enjoying life.
• Philosophy: Maintain youthful ideals, accept differences, and foster positive relationships.

Closing Wisdom

• Stay curious, embrace creativity, and be kind to others. Humor and innovation are central to living a fulfilling life.

Wozniak’s blend of playfulness, intellect, and optimism offers both insight and inspiration.