After six weeks of letting AI help shape NetHeads, Will finally reached a conclusion he wasn't expecting.

The experiment worked... sort of.

Titles improved. Packaging improved. Focus improved. Engagement even improved. But the results revealed something much bigger than whether AI can help a podcast grow.

This week, Will and Trent break down what happens when you stop asking whether AI can optimize your content and start asking whether you're trying to solve the right problem in the first place. Along the way, they discuss the realities of podcast growth in 2026, the difference between serving an audience and chasing an algorithm, and why some projects are worth doing even when they don't maximize views.

Also this week:

The six-week AI experiment and what it actually revealed

Why long-form podcasts struggle as discovery content
The strengths and limitations of AI as a creative tool
The future of NetHeads and its evolving format
Creator burnout, value, and audience expectations
Daredevil: Born Again and why Charlie Cox owns the role
Progress on Will's full Mandalorian armor build
Security, passwords, and protecting yourself online

Patreon Supporter of the Week: Sean Dempsey

This episode is sponsored by Sliceworx. Go to https://www.sliceworx.com/?ref=WILLWILKINS and use offer code THATWILLWILKINS for 5% off your purchase. Whether you're printing cosplay armor, functional parts, or your next passion project, Sliceworx offers premium filament, NeoDipped build plates, and monthly subscription boxes packed with useful extras for makers and creators alike.

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