From Poe to AI, Part One

Welcome to Celebrate Creativity - formerly Celebrate Poe.  This is episode 400 - From Poe to AI, Part One -  and I am especially excited at the new possibilities that this new direction allows. Let me explain:

A few days ago, I wrote a short note to my podcast host, buzz sprout, not really knowing what to expect - I wrote - I do a podcast called Celebrate Poe that has had 398 episodes, in 100 countries and territories. For episode 400, I would like to announce that the name of the podcast is being changed to Celebrate Creativity - that would give me more room to deal with other writers and creative people of the 19th century, such as Frederick Douglass, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson, as well as dealing with subjects as the use of AI and literary and historical research. My question is - can you change the name of an existing podcast - for example, from Celebrate Poe to Celebrate Creativity. BTW - if you can, at the beginning of each episode, I would say welcome to Celebrate Creativity (formerly Celebrate Poe). George Bartley

Secretly, I was very concerned that such a change in name would not be possible, because of all the connections that are involved in distributing a podcast but apparently buzzsprout or somebody else had already thought of that. And I was delighted to receive the following reply from my podcast host within a few minutes:

Hey George!

I'm happy to help you change your podcast name! That is really impressive to reach the 400 episode mark!!! I think that is a great idea to rebrand and open up new topics. When you release episode 400, you could change the name when that episode is released, and it will update on the directories!
Start by going to Settings > Podcast Settings, then you can change your name in the Podcast Title field. Please let us know if you have any questions during the rebrand and please let us know when you publish #400 so we can celebrate with you!

Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Creativity.

Transcript

Welcome to Celebrate Creativity - formerly Celebrate Poe.  This is episode 400 - From Poe to AI, Part One -  and I am especially excited at the new possibilities that this new direction allows. Let me explain:

A few days ago, I wrote a short note to my podcast host, buzz sprout, not really knowing what to expect - I wrote - I do a podcast called Celebrate Poe that has had 398 episodes, in 100 countries and territories. For episode 400, I would like to announce that the name of the podcast is being changed to Celebrate Creativity - that would give me more room to deal with other writers and creative people of the 19th century, such as Frederick Douglass, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson, as well as dealing with subjects as the use of AI and literary and historical research. My question is - can you change the name of an existing podcast - for example, from Celebrate Poe to Celebrate Creativity. BTW - if you can, at the beginning of each episode, I would say welcome to Celebrate Creativity (formerly Celebrate Poe). George Bartley

Secretly, I was very concerned that such a change in name would not be possible, because of all the connections that are involved in distributing a podcast but apparently buzzsprout or somebody else had already thought of that. And I was delighted to receive the following reply from my podcast host within a few minutes:

Hey George!

I'm happy to help you change your podcast name! That is really impressive to reach the 400 episode mark!!! I think that is a great idea to rebrand and open up new topics. When you release episode 400, you could change the name when that episode is released, and it will update on the directories!
Start by going to Settings > Podcast Settings, then you can change your name in the Podcast Title field. Please let us know if you have any questions during the rebrand and please let us know when you publish #400 so we can celebrate with you!

Thanks,
Brian
Currently Obsessing Over the Denver Nuggets

Oh, there certainly is going to be a lot more information about Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and others, and this gives me a lot more room to go into other directions - especially the use of AI in literary and historical research. So I did with any normal person would do - I talked to a machine!

I wrote to Gemini - almost as though I was sharing news with a friend - that I was changing the name of my podcast to allow me to deal with more subjects. I built up enough courage to talk about my age with the machine which is- which is really kind of silly because I don't think the machine cares!  

I explained my situation and wrote, I am 74 years old, and I need some information about creativity from the standpoint of an older person - btw,  any information relevant to Walt Whitman would be especially good!

And Gemini replied:

That's wonderful news about your podcast, "Celebrate Poe," and your upcoming 400th episode! It's truly impressive to have such a dedicated audience across so many countries. Shifting to "Celebrate Creativity" at this stage in your journey, especially with your focus on older creators as well as the public domain, sounds like a natural and enriching evolution.

And the machine went on to say

Here's some information about creativity from the standpoint of an older person, with a special emphasis on Walt Whitman, to help you prepare for your podcast:

The idea that creativity declines with age is a myth. In fact, many experts and studies suggest that older adults can become more creative, drawing on a lifetime of accumulated experiences, wisdom, and unique perspectives. This concept is often referred to as "creative aging."

Accumulated Wisdom and Experience: Older adults have a vast reservoir of knowledge, skills, and life experiences to draw upon. This allows for deeper insights, more nuanced perspectives, and the ability to connect disparate ideas in novel ways.

Reduced Inhibition: As we age, some of the social pressures and self-consciousness that might hinder creative expression in younger years can diminish. This can lead to greater freedom in experimentation and a willingness to take creative risks.

Time and Focus: For many, retirement or a reduction in work responsibilities can free up time and mental space to pursue creative endeavors that may have been put on hold.

Cognitive Benefits: Engaging in creative activities has been shown to have significant cognitive benefits for older adults, including improved memory, cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and even potentially slowing cognitive decline. It helps build "cognitive reserve.”

If I may be permitted a little aside here, my wonderful mother died dementia, as well as my sister, and both grandfathers - so to be honest, I am concerned about keeping myself mentally active. This podcast is one way that I can stay mentally alert on a regular basis - although of course there's some things we can't control. But I certainly don't see dementia as inevitable in my case. But I digress…. Back to the list

Emotional Well-being: Creative expression provides a powerful outlet for emotions, reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, and combats feelings of isolation. It can foster a sense of purpose and joy.

"Small c" Creativity: Creativity isn't just about producing masterpieces ("Big C" creativity). It's also about everyday problem-solving, adapting to new situations, finding new ways to approach daily tasks, and expressing oneself in small, personal ways ("small c" creativity). Both are valuable and often intertwined.

Practical ways creativity manifests in older age:

Renewed engagement with hobbies: Picking up an old instrument, returning to painting, or rekindling a love for writing.

Exploring new artistic forms: Trying ceramics, learning a new language, or taking a dance class.

Storytelling: Sharing life experiences, whether through writing memoirs, oral histories, or even just engaging in rich conversations.

Gardening: A creative outlet that combines physical activity with aesthetic expression and problem-solving.

Mentorship and teaching: Sharing accumulated knowledge and experience with younger generations, which itself is a creative act.

Unfortunately, Edgar Allan Poe died when he was 40 - probably before he was able to produce some of his best work. His most famous works such as The Raven and Annabelle Lee, were written near the end of his life.

Fortunately, Walt Whitman, another central figure in my existing podcast, provides a compelling example of creativity enduring and evolving in lsater life, even amidst significant physical challenges. And in future episode, I want to take a much closer look at some of Walt Whitman's works.

Continued Productivity Despite Ailments: Despite suffering multiple strokes and experiencing increasing immobility in his later years, Whitman remained remarkably productive with such works as Sands at 70 from 1888. - a work that demonstrates and immense dedication to his craft and a belief in the ongoing evolution of his poetic vision.

Themes of Aging and Mortality: Whitman’s later poems directly address themes of old age, sickness, and death. Rather than shying away from these realities, Whitman integrated them into his work, offering a nuanced and often affirmative perspective on the full human life cycle. He saw his "loss of energy, weakening mental powers, and even his fears of senility" not as something to resist, but as a natural part of a greater spiritual totality.

Public Performance of Senescence: As scholar Ed Folsom notes, "one of the most remarkable things about Whitman is that as his health deteriorated, he increased his publishing activity." His late-life writing became a public engagement with aging, challenging societal norms and ageism. He used his personal experience as an older, ailing man to deepen the universal themes of Leaves of Grass.

"A Backward Glance O'er Travel'd Roads": In this essay, published in 1888, Whitman reflects on his life's work and his poetic program, offering insights into his creative journey from a mature perspective. It's a testament to his ongoing self-reflection and artistic purpose.

Affirmation of Life in All Stages: Even as his physical body declined, Whitman's spirit and creative drive persisted. His later works, while acknowledging the difficulties of aging, often maintained his characteristic affirmative tone, seeking to justify and find meaning in this final stage of life. He demonstrated that age is not a barrier to creativity, but can indeed be a fruitful time for artistic and personal growth.

Maintaining Connection to the World: Despite his physical limitations, Whitman maintained extensive correspondence and interactions with friends and disciples like Horace Traubel, whose detailed notes provide invaluable insights into Whitman's creative process and mindset in his later years. This social engagement also fueled his creative output.

Recommended Resources for Your Podcast
Books on Creativity and Aging:

The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life by Gene D. Cohen, M.D.: This is a seminal work in the field of creative aging. Dr. Cohen, a leading gerontologist, argues that creativity can actually increase with age, and he provides a framework for understanding and fostering this potential.

The Age of Creativity by Emily Urquhart: A deeply personal and well-researched book that explores what happens to creativity as one ages, drawing on interviews with aging creators and the author's own experience with her artist father who was battling Alzheimer's.

Creative Aging: Rethinking Retirement and Non-Retirement in a Changing World by Marjory Zoet Bankson: This book explores the spiritual dimensions of retirement and aging, offering practical ways to embrace this "encore period of life" and continue to share one's unique gifts and experience.

Other 19th Century American Writers in the Public Domain (besides Poe and Whitman) to potentially feature in "Celebrate Creativity":

Given your interest in the public domain, expanding beyond Poe and Whitman opens up a rich landscape. Here are some prominent 19th-century American writers whose works are certainly in the public domain and offer diverse creative expressions:

Emily Dickinson (1830-1886): Her unique, enigmatic, and powerful poetry, largely published posthumously, offers a profound exploration of themes like nature, death, immortality, and the inner life. Her unconventional style and reclusive life present an interesting contrast to Whitman.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882): A widely popular "Fireside Poet," his narrative poems like "The Song of Hiawatha," "Evangeline," and "Paul Revere's Ride" shaped American identity and storytelling. His accessibility could appeal to a broad audience.

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896): Author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, a hugely influential anti-slavery novel. Her work demonstrates the power of literature to effect social change and explore complex moral issues.

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864): Master of the American romance, known for The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. His exploration of Puritan history, sin, and morality offers deep psychological insights.

Herman Melville (1819-1891): Author of Moby Dick, Billy Budd, and Bartleby, the Scrivener. His works delve into profound philosophical questions, human nature, and the limits of knowledge.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882): A central figure in American Transcendentalism, his essays like "Self-Reliance" and "Nature" profoundly influenced American thought and literature, including Whitman himself. His ideas on intuition, individualism, and the divine in nature could spark fascinating discussions on creativity.

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862): Another Transcendentalist, known for Walden and "Civil Disobedience." His emphasis on simple living, nature, and individual conscience offers a unique lens on creative living.

Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) (1835-1910): While some of his most famous works stretch into the early 20th century, much of his significant output is 19th century, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. His humor, social commentary, and masterful storytelling provide endless material.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888): Author of Little Women and other beloved novels, her work explores themes of family, independence, and the lives of women in the 19th century.

Frederick Douglass (1818-1895): A powerful orator and abolitionist, his autobiographies (Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, etc.) are foundational texts in American literature and human rights, showcasing the creative power of storytelling for social justice.

Changing your podcast name to "Celebrate Creativity" seems like a perfect fit for your expanded scope and your desire to connect with your age group while still offering valuable insights to younger listeners. It acknowledges the richness that comes with a lifetime of experience and the enduring human drive to create. Good luck with your 400th episode and the exciting new direction for your podcast!

And all this was his - or maybe I should say its answer.  I replied with:

Great information! One area that I would really like to deal in to is the use of AI for literary and historical research - maybe starting out by nudging an audience to use ChatGPT, perplexity, Gemini , etc. - to become comfortable using an online AI bot like the "younguns" do



And Gemini replied -

That's an excellent idea to bridge the generational gap and empower your audience with modern research tools! Integrating AI into your "Celebrate Creativity" podcast, especially for literary and historical exploration, is a fantastic way to make it relevant and practical for older adults.

Here's how you can approach this topic on your podcast, starting with nudging your audience to become comfortable with AI bots:

Nudging Your Audience Towards AI Bots: A Gentle Introduction
The key is to demystify AI and present it as a helpful, accessible tool, not something intimidating or solely for the "younguns."

1. Start with Familiarity – Google Search & Beyond:

Acknowledge current habits: Many older adults are already comfortable with Google Search. Explain that AI bots are a natural evolution of that – instead of just finding information, they can process and synthesize it.

The "Smart Search" Analogy: Think of AI bots as a "super smart search engine" or a "digital research assistant" that you can have a conversation with. They don't just give you links; they give you answers, summaries, and ideas.

2. Focus on Practical, Low-Stakes Applications First:

Brainstorming & Idea Generation: "Feeling stuck on an idea for a creative project? Ask ChatGPT for 10 prompts related to 'autumn leaves' or 'a forgotten memory.'"

Summarizing Long Texts: "Have you ever wanted to quickly grasp the main points of a long article or even a chapter from a public domain novel? Ask Gemini to summarize it for you." (This is particularly relevant for 19th-century works that can be quite dense).

Simple Explanations: "If you come across a historical term or a literary concept you're not familiar with, ask Perplexity or ChatGPT to explain it in simple terms."

Getting Different Perspectives: "Wonder what different literary critics thought about Poe's 'The Raven' in 1845? Ask an AI bot for a summary of early critical reception (with the caveat to always verify, of course)."

3. Address Common Concerns & Build Confidence:

"Is it complicated?" Emphasize that you don't need to be a tech wizard. If you can type a question into Google, you can use these bots.

"Is it accurate?" This is crucial. Acknowledge that AI can sometimes "hallucinate" or provide incorrect information. Stress the importance of verification – cross-referencing with reliable sources, just as you would with any information found online. Frame AI as a starting point for research, not the final word.

"Will it replace human creativity?" Reassure them that AI is a tool to augment creativity, not replace it. It frees up time for deeper thought, analysis, and original creative work. Think of it like a very fast, very knowledgeable intern.

"What about my privacy?" Briefly mention general best practices: avoid sharing highly personal information, and be aware of the data policies of the specific AI tool you're using (though for public domain literary/historical research, this is less of a concern).

Once you've eased them into the idea, you can dive into more specific and powerful applications.

For Literary Research:

Character Analysis: "Ask 'What are the dominant traits of Captain Ahab in Moby Dick?' or 'How does Ophelia's madness develop throughout Hamlet?'"

Theme Exploration: "Request a list of major themes in Leaves of Grass and how Whitman explores them in specific poems like 'Song of Myself.'"

Stylistic Analysis: "Prompt the AI to identify recurring metaphors or imagery in Emily Dickinson's poetry, or to describe the narrative voice in a particular Poe short story."

Contextualization: "Ask for information about the social or political context of a 19th-century novel. For example, 'What were the prevailing attitudes towards women's education in the mid-19th century that might have influenced Little Women?'"

Glossaries and Definitions: "If you're reading an older text with archaic language, ask the AI to define specific words or phrases in context."

Finding Connections: "How does Walt Whitman's view of nature compare to Ralph Waldo Emerson's? AI can help synthesize these comparative analyses."

Brainstorming Essay Topics/Podcast Episode Ideas: "Give me 5 unique angles for a podcast episode about Herman Melville's lesser-known short stories.”

I know that some of this information might be overwhelming for you now, but stick with me and I hope we can enter a new world that we never thought possible.

Join me for episode 401 - From Poe to AI, Part 2 for an introduction to using AI for historical research, and other assorted tips that can take you to a whole New World. 

Sources include Gemini.ai, perplexity AI, and ChatGPT.

Thank you for listening to celebrate Poe - oh I mean celebrate creativity.