We asked people across CreateFuture which books and podcasts are shaping how they think about AI, covering everything from implementation to strategy, ethics and experimentation.
The AI conversation isn't showing any signs of slowing down. New models and new tools arrive constantly, and with them come plenty of opinions, excitement and scepticism in roughly equal measure. Keeping up is one thing, but figuring out what's useful is a different challenge altogether.
The responses ran from practical discussions for developers and deep dives into the business implications, to books exploring how we can work alongside AI tools without getting carried away by hype.
Here's what stood out:
Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI
Book by Ethan Mollick, Published by Portfolio
If there’s one theme that came through repeatedly in the responses, it’s the challenge of separating useful insight from AI noise. James Tiffin, Change Principal, recommended Co-Intelligence as a practical way to think through both the opportunities and implications of AI without getting lost in extremes.
Rather than focusing on tools or trends, the book explores how people can work alongside AI systems in day-to-day contexts. It’s a strong starting point for anyone trying to build a more grounded understanding of the space.
The Acquired Podcast
Book by Ethan Mollick, Published by Portfolio
For people looking to understand the bigger picture behind today’s AI race, Acquired came up as a standout recommendation. While the podcast is best known for its deep dives into the history and strategy of major technology companies, several recent episodes have focused heavily on AI and the businesses shaping it.
Sam Cave-Penney, Chief Growth Officer, highlighted the podcast’s episode on Google in particular:
The episode explores how Google’s long-term investment in infrastructure, research and talent helped shape many of the technologies driving the current AI boom. It’s a useful reminder that today’s AI landscape didn’t appear overnight, and that understanding where these tools came from is just as important as keeping up with where they’re heading.
Syntax
Podcast hosted by Wes Bos, Scott Tolinski and CJ Reynolds
For developers trying to keep pace with AI without disappearing into jargon-heavy discussions, Syntax was recommended as a practical and approachable listen. Alongside regular conversations about frontend development, tooling and workflows, the podcast has increasingly explored how AI is changing the way developers build and work.
Andrew Allison, Principal Software Engineer, recommended the podcast because:
What makes Syntax stand out is its balance. The hosts explore new tools and trends without losing sight of the day-to-day realities of software development, making it a useful listen for anyone experimenting with AI in practical ways.
Vibe Coding
Book by Gene Kim and Steve Yegge, Published by IT Revolution
As AI-assisted development becomes more common, several recommendations focused on understanding how these tools fit into real software engineering workflows rather than treating them as novelty tools. Vibe Coding was recommended as an accessible introduction to that shift.
Mike Smith highlighted the book for its practical approach to AI agents and development workflows, describing it as:
Rather than focusing on theory alone, the book explores how AI-assisted coding and agent-based workflows are beginning to reshape the way developers build software. It’s particularly useful for teams trying to move beyond experimentation and understand where these tools can genuinely support delivery.
Me, Myself, and AI
Podcast by MIT Sloan Management Review & Boston Consulting Group, hosted by Sam Ransbotham and Shervin Khodabandeh
AI is accelerating engineering. The question is whether the organisation around it is prepared to move at the same pace.
Cutting through the noise around AI, this series brings together leaders who have achieved real, measurable results with AI in their organisations — sharing what actually worked and why.
Lindsay Ratcliffe, Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer, highlighted the podcast for its quality curation and calibre of guests, describing it as:
Honourable mentions
Alongside the recommendations featured above, a few other podcasts, creators and resources kept coming up while putting this list together. If you’re looking for more AI content to explore in 2026, these are well worth adding to your queue.
How I AI
Podcast and video series hosted by Claire Vo
Practical AI workflows and real-world examples focused on improving day-to-day work.
Jeff Su
YouTube channel
Productivity, AI tools and workflow content aimed at helping people work more effectively without unnecessary complexity.
Aishwarya Srinivasan
YouTube channel and AI education content
Practical AI engineering content covering agents, workflows, system design and career development, with a strong focus on helping people build real-world understanding of modern AI systems.
Greg Isenberg
Podcast and YouTube channel
Startup-focused AI content covering product ideas, growth and practical ways to use AI in business.
Theo - t3.gg
Developer-focused YouTube channel
Fast-moving commentary on AI tooling, software engineering and developer workflows.
The Pragmatic Engineer
Newsletter by Gergely Orosz
Industry analysis and engineering-focused insights covering AI, software teams and technology trends.
Staying curious about AI
The common thread across these recommendations is practicality. Better ways to understand AI, experiment with it and apply it in meaningful ways as the technology continues to evolve.
Some focus on developer workflows and tooling. Others explore the wider business and cultural impact of AI. Together, they show that staying informed isn’t about chasing every headline. It’s about building a clearer understanding of where AI can make a difference.
If you're exploring how AI could support your organisation or solve a specific challenge, our AI experts would love to talk.
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