Dr. Maya Ackerman is a generative AI pioneer, CEO of WaveAI, and author of Creative Machines: AI, Art, and Us. In this episode, we dive deep into what it means for machines to be creative, how to build AI that empowers humans, and why the real threat isn’t AI itself, but how we choose to use it.
Takeaways
1. AI is Already Creative (Whether We Like It or Not)
If creativity = novelty + value, generative AI already ticks the box.
Art, music, writing — AI is not just following instructions, it’s generating new creative ideas.
2. “Humble Creative Machines” Should Be the Goal
Most AI is designed to replace people. We should instead design it to elevate people.
Like a brilliant, supportive friend: it makes you better, not obsolete.
3. ChatGPT Succeeded Because It Feels Like a Partner
Earlier models (like GPT-2 or GPT-3) were one-shot tools.
ChatGPT’s real innovation: it lets you clarify, iterate, co-create. That’s key to its mass adoption.
4. The Real Bottleneck Isn’t Model Size, It’s Interaction
Text-to-image and music models still lack basic back-and-forth flow.
Making AI more conversational and collaborative is key.
5. AI Music Creation Is Evolving Fast
SUNO and Udio are generating full songs from prompts.
But most models lack cultural diversity and originality — they copy what’s most popular.
WaveAI (Maya’s company) is tackling this by helping humans explore new lyrical and melodic directions.
6. We’re Underestimating Human Intelligence
AI may feel “smarter,” but it’s modelled on a fraction of human potential.
Our own brains are still vastly underdeveloped — and underinvested in.
7. Advice for Parents and Young Creatives
Let kids follow their instincts — they’re built for the future.
Invest in hard fundamentals like math, physics, and philosophy — they’re timeless and brain-shaping.
Embrace pivoting: new paths will open as the world shifts.
8. The Real Threat? Greed.
AI isn’t dangerous by nature — it’s how it’s deployed.
When used to replace instead of uplift, we all lose. Elevating others should be the goal.
Resources & Links
Maya’s book: Creative Machines: AI, Art, and Us
WaveAI – Tools for songwriters
LyricStudio
