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By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief In an age when spiritual skepticism is high and generational disconnect threatens to widen the gap between tradition and relevance, Dr. Jeffrey Skinner offers a compelling bridge. With over 16 years of experience planting churches and mentoring leaders, Skinner is reshaping how modern ministry reaches those who feel most out of reach.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief For high achievers accustomed to the rigorous pace of professional life, the word "retirement" can often feel like a finish line—an abrupt halt to identity, purpose, and daily momentum. But for Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, it’s not a retreat. It’s a graduation. “Retirement shouldn’t be viewed as a withdrawal,” she says. “It’s a transition into a chapter where we finally get to choose how we spend our time. That’s liberating.”

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief When it comes to planning for the unexpected, most people fall short—often not out of carelessness, but because they simply don’t know where to begin. According to Caring.com , over 60% of adults in the U.S. have no end-of-life plans in place. The result? Families left behind in a haze of paperwork, stress, and unanswered questions.

In the hands of Emma Rush, a guitar becomes not only an instrument but a time machine. With the release of her latest album The Life and Times of Catharina Pratten , Rush is not just performing—she’s rewriting the history books. This meticulously curated album marks the first-ever full-length recording dedicated to 19th-century guitar virtuosa Catharina Josepha Pratten, a trailblazing figure whose legacy has long been overlooked.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief In a world where performance is everything and self-care is no longer just a buzzword, the modern gentleman understands that true strength starts from within. From peak mental clarity to sustained energy and immune resilience, your foundation is your gut. That’s why an increasing number of men—executives, creatives, athletes, and entrepreneurs alike—are turning to Para-Shield  by Touchstone Essentials. This all-natural parasite cleanse is not just another wellness fad—it’s a reset built for those who demand more from their bodies, their routines, and their lives. Let’s be honest: we live fast. We travel. We entertain. We push our limits. And along the way, we expose ourselves to stressors that don’t just affect our schedules—they impact our digestion, immunity, and mental acuity. Whether it’s from global travel, questionable takeout, or even just daily exposure to city life, parasites and toxins find their way into our systems. The result? Bloating, fatigue, brain fog, inconsistent digestion—symptoms that many men dismiss or ignore, but which slowly chip away at performance. That’s where Para-Shield  steps in. Designed as a 30-day cleanse, Para-Shield  is formulated with 11 organic and wildcrafted herbs, each chosen for their traditional use in supporting the body’s natural detox process. Ingredients like black walnut hull, wormwood, clove bud, olive leaf, ginger root, and fennel seed aren’t just buzzwords—they’re time-tested tools with real benefits. Together, they create a supplement that helps the body gently eliminate harmful organisms while calming inflammation and restoring digestive balance. But make no mistake: this isn’t about deprivation. There’s no need for extreme dieting, fasting, or downtime. You won’t find yourself hunched over green juices or cutting out entire food groups. Para-Shield  is built for the man who keeps moving. Two capsules a day is all it takes. It’s subtle, effective, and fits seamlessly into a lifestyle of confidence and control. What makes Para-Shield  particularly noteworthy for our readers is its integrity. Manufactured in the USA, the supplement is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from synthetic additives. It’s third-party tested for purity and potency, which means you can trust what you’re putting into your body—no compromises, no corners cut. For the man who invests in quality suits, precision watches, and top-shelf grooming products, this is wellness on par with his standards. The benefits go beyond digestion. Users of Para-Shield  report improvements in energy, focus, skin clarity, and even sleep quality. It’s a chain reaction—when the gut is balanced, everything else functions better. That’s the kind of strategic health decision that pays dividends, not just in the gym or office, but in every area of life. Touchstone Essentials, the brand behind Para-Shield, understands that modern wellness is about empowerment, not prescriptions. They’ve created a product that speaks to men who want to take charge of their health on their own terms. It’s not just for the health-obsessed—it’s for the health-aware. The man who reads labels, books flights with purpose, and knows his way around both a boardroom and a boxing ring. In the world of refined living, true savoir faire includes knowing how to protect your most valuable asset: yourself. Para-Shield  offers the gentleman a tool to do just that—efficiently, discreetly, and effectively. It’s an intelligent approach to cleansing that respects your time, your intelligence, and your lifestyle. To learn more about Para-Shield  or to start your 30-day gut reset, visit the official product page here. Because every modern man deserves to feel as good as he looks—and it all starts from within.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief For most of his life, Tony Mantor has been a quiet force behind the scenes of Nashville's music industry. A seasoned producer, accomplished pianist, and record label founder, Mantor’s career has spanned decades and genres. But in recent years, his focus has shifted from the studio to the podcast mic, championing a cause that few in the entertainment world are bold enough to tackle: autism and mental health advocacy. With his critically acclaimed podcast Why Not Me  topping charts across Spotify and Apple Podcasts, Mantor is now launching a powerful new series, Humanity Over Handcuffs: The Silent Crisis , timed with Autism Acceptance Month. The series dives into how autistic individuals—and those with broader mental health challenges—are being misunderstood, mistreated, and mishandled within the legal and law enforcement systems. “The series isn’t about placing blame,” Mantor explains. “It’s about elevating the conversation and creating solution-driven strategies that promote empathy over punishment. It’s time we start asking different questions—not just in the U.S., but globally.” The upcoming episodes will feature conversations with high-profile figures such as former U.S. Representatives Patrick J. Kennedy and Dr. Tim Murphy, as well as judges, attorneys, police officers, and clinical experts. Each guest brings a unique perspective to a pressing issue: what happens when the justice system fails those with neurological differences? Mantor’s journey into advocacy began not in a boardroom, but in the quiet of the pandemic lockdowns. With recording sessions on pause, he found himself reflecting on how to use his voice for good. That reflection led to the song Why Not Me , originally penned by a friend, but instantly resonant. “It was like he wrote it for me,” Mantor recalls. “It’s a message about never giving up. That message, in turn, gave me a mission.” What began as a music video supporting first responders quickly evolved. After a speech therapist working with autistic children reached out, Mantor pivoted, creating a new version of the video centered around autism awareness. It went viral, pulling him deeper into the world of neurodiversity advocacy. “I didn’t know anything about autism before this,” he admits. “But I knew I had to learn—and I had to help.” From there, Mantor launched Why Not Me The World , a podcast aimed at demystifying autism through deeply personal storytelling. With more than 750,000 downloads in 82 countries, the podcast has become a lifeline for families, clinicians, and self-advocates navigating a world that often misunderstands them. It’s ranked in the top 0.5% of podcasts worldwide by Listen Notes. In 2024, Mantor pushed even further, producing 61 consecutive episodes throughout Autism and Mental Health Awareness Months, spotlighting topics from schizophrenia to ADHD. The response was overwhelming. “People need a space to be heard,” he says. “And that’s what this show has become—a space for truth, for nuance, for compassion.” But hosting such emotionally charged content isn’t without its weight. “It’s changed me,” he confesses. “The stigma I once carried—just from ignorance—is gone. Now, I want to understand people before I judge. I want to know if someone was failed by the system before I label them a criminal.” It’s that level of depth, honesty, and courage that defines Mantor’s work. Whether producing music in Nashville or moderating a podcast on global mental health, Tony Mantor is determined to put humanity at the center of every story. You can stream Why Not Me? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide  on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartMedia, and Amazon—or directly at TonyMantor.com  and WhyNotMe. 🎧 Also listen to the full conversation with Tony Mantor? On Spotify or wherever you listen to Audio podcasts. Tune in to his episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience —streaming now.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief With a bass in hand and punk roots in his soul, Evan Thorne is helping lead Showoff into a powerful new era. The veteran Chicago-based band—once known for its breakout hits like “Falling Star” and high-energy anthems of the early 2000s—is finding fresh momentum thanks to a revitalized lineup and their latest EP, Haverstraw, out now on Manic Kat Records. Thorne, the band’s newest bassist, joined just over a year ago but has already left a major impression. “There was always music in the house growing up,” Evan said. “My parents played guitar and keys, and I was drawn to bass from a young age. I didn’t even know what it meant at the time, but I knew I wanted to be that guy in the band.” Though Evan’s background includes everything from classical guitar to power pop obsessions, joining Showoff marked a full-circle moment. “I used to listen to these guys in high school,” he said. “When I joined, it was a little intimidating. But within weeks, we were playing big shows—like opening for Anberlin and Eve 6. It felt right immediately.” Originally formed in the late ’90s, Showoff made a name for itself with a polished mix of punk energy and Beach Boys-inspired vocal harmonies. Their debut album dropped in 1999, produced by Goldfinger’s John Feldmann, and included tracks that helped define a regional pop-punk movement in Chicago. “They were one of the first Chicago bands to put this sound on a national pedestal,” Evan said. “They helped open the door for groups like Fall Out Boy and Lucky Boys Confusion.” Now, decades and several lineup changes later, the band is experiencing a creative resurgence. The Haverstraw EP—named after the studio where it was recorded—features the explosive single “Crimson,” a fan favorite that finally received the spotlight it deserved. “It just punches you in the teeth,” Evan said. “There’s this timeless energy to it. The chorus references ‘Crimson and Clover’ by Cher, but it’s also a nod to Jimmy Eat World’s ‘A Praise Chorus.’ It’s an earworm—you feel like you’ve heard it before.” The “Crimson” music video matches the band’s quirky, authentic vibe. Shot DIY-style with footage from intimate live shows and playful scenes in Milwaukee thrift shops and record stores, it captures the band’s chemistry and offbeat charm. “None of it was scripted,” Evan said. “It’s just us goofing off and playing packed shows in basements and bowling alleys. We wanted to show who we really are.” That camaraderie also fuels the songwriting process, which Evan calls “the most collaborative and ego-free” experience of his career. “Someone brings a riff, someone adds a groove, and if it clicks, we run with it,” he explained. “It’s the most natural and creatively safe environment I’ve ever been in.” Now, with Haverstraw gaining traction and live performances heating up—including a recent slot at Chicago’s Taste of Randolph Street and a direct support spot at Milwaukee’s Summerfest alongside Plain White T’s and Motion City Soundtrack—Showoff is riding a new wave of momentum. But it doesn’t stop there. “We’re currently writing a full-length album we hope to release next year,” Evan revealed. “We’re also focused on playing more shows and reconnecting with fans who have been with us for years—and new ones who are just discovering us now.” Showoff’s legacy in pop-punk runs deep, but thanks to musicians like Evan Thorne, their future is just as promising. “This band has been through a lot,” Evan said. “But right now, we’re the strongest we’ve ever been.” 🎧 To hear the full conversation with Evan Thorne, tune in to his episode on T he Savoir Faire Audio Experience , streaming now.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief When Guillaume Muller speaks about music, it’s not just with admiration—it’s with scholarly devotion. The French-born, New York–based jazz guitarist recently released his latest project, Six Pieces of Horace, a solo guitar record that pays homage to one of his greatest influences, Horace Silver. What began as a pandemic-era study session blossomed into a masterfully executed tribute album. “I started by just wanting to become a better musician,” Guillaume explained. “I was stuck at home in 2021 and decided to go through Horace Silver’s discography—especially his work from the ’50s and ’60s. It wasn’t meant to become a solo guitar record at first.” As Guillaume dove deeper into Silver’s catalog, transcribing tracks and analyzing arrangements, a vision began to form. “Eventually, I had about 20 to 30 tunes transcribed, with every instrument arranged. I started playing around with them on guitar, just for fun, but then I trimmed it down to six that really translated well as solo arrangements.” The result is Six Pieces of Horace—an evocative six-track record that reimagines classic Horace Silver compositions through the nuanced voice of solo jazz guitar. Muller handpicked fan-favorites like “Strollin’,” “Peace,” and “Doodlin’,” as well as lesser-known gems like “Juicy Lucy” and “Let’s Get to the Nitty Gritty.” His arrangements are subtle, intricate, and filled with reverence. “Transforming a piano-based jazz quintet composition into a solo guitar piece is no easy feat,” he noted. “You’ve got the horns, the rhythm section, and the piano working together. The challenge is blending those parts into one cohesive guitar performance—while still honoring the original spirit.” Recording the album in a professional studio was a deliberate choice for authenticity. “I wanted it to be honest and organic,” Guillaume said. “The idea was to capture my performance on a given day with no tricks—just how I play right now.” The project’s title and cover art are a clever nod to Horace Silver’s iconic album, Six Pieces of Silver. “That record has always meant a lot to me,” Guillaume shared. “So this was my way of saying thank you. It’s a homage in every sense.” Guillaume’s background as a composer and improviser adds emotional depth to his playing. A Berklee College of Music graduate with a master’s from NYU, he’s been lauded for both his technical skill and expressive sensitivity. Publications like Making a Scene and Contemporary Fusion Reviews have already highlighted Muller as a rising talent to watch. Though Six Pieces of Horace is entirely composed of arrangements, Guillaume’s original music is never far behind. His previous album, Sketches of Sound, was a mix of original compositions that showcased his melodic instincts and signature voice on the guitar. One fan-favorite track, whimsically titled “Lullaby for a Capybara,” stemmed from “a strong emotional moment” and began as a simple melody. “Melody is always the starting point,” Guillaume said. “Harmony, structure—those all follow. The emotional content comes first.” This year, while the world listens to his Horace Silver tribute, Guillaume is already at work on his next project—an all-original quartet record. “I’ve got a collection of songs I’ve written over the years but never recorded,” he said. “Now’s the time to bring them to life.” Six Pieces of Horace is now available on all streaming platforms—a thoughtful, deeply musical journey through Silver’s timeless works reimagined with grace, texture, and a personal touch that only a solo jazz guitarist could deliver. 🎧 Want to hear the full conversation with Guillaume Muller? Tune in to his episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience —streaming now.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief Dina Renée is no stranger to emotional storytelling, but with her latest single "Glow Up," the rising pop artist takes empowerment to dazzling new heights. Following the release of her soulful track “Ready When I’m Gone,” Dina returns with a fierce, upbeat anthem that captures the moment when heartbreak turns into self-liberation. “It’s about finding your sparkle again,” Dina shared during our recent conversation. “It captures the moment that you stop second guessing your worth, wipe your tears, and start glowing from the inside out.” With a background in both music and acting, Dina’s creative evolution has been fueled by resilience. From singing into a Fisher-Price tape recorder in her childhood closet to releasing high-energy pop tracks and performing live in Los Angeles, she’s come a long way—and her music reflects that journey. Co-written with Brooke Tomlinson and produced by AJ Arroyo, “Glow Up” is more than just a summer bop. It’s a testament to rediscovery after romantic fallout. “Originally, I wanted it to be something fun for people to use in their Instagram reels—like a makeup transformation or something light,” Dina explained. “But when I sat down with my co-writer, the song evolved into something deeper, more personal.” That deeper meaning is rooted in real experience. “I had just gone out with a friend after not seeing her for a year. We were both going through breakups. Hers was especially tough—really toxic,” she revealed. “She wasn’t even allowed to wear certain clothes. That conversation lit a fire in me.” The lyrics reflect that transformation: a reclamation of joy, identity, and self-worth. “There’s a line in the song that says, ‘There’s lots of sparkle in my eye for a year of my damn life,’” Dina said. “It’s that moment when you finally look in the mirror—or see a picture of yourself—and realize you’re happy again. That’s what this song is about.” With millions of streams and an ever-growing social media following, Dina Renée is steadily making her mark in the Empowerment Pop space. Her sound—a bold mix of emotional depth and catchy hooks—feels both intimate and universal. “I write songs as a form of therapy,” she said. “I don’t want to write something I’m not feeling in that moment. It has to be real.” “ Glow Up ” isn't just for the brokenhearted—it's for anyone rediscovering their confidence and stepping back into their light. And while Dina wrote the song to be relatable and shareable, it’s the sincerity behind the glitter that makes it stand out. A performer at heart, Dina also teased what’s coming next. “I have six or seven more tracks lined up,” she said. “I’m focused on doing more shows, hopefully working with an indie label, and throwing more release parties like the one we just had for ‘Glow Up’ in Hollywood. It was such a vibe—red carpet, pink carpet, press, the works.” From acting in TV shows like Glee  and The Goldbergs  to launching new music that empowers listeners, Dina Renée is crafting a career that’s as multifaceted as it is authentic. “Whether I’m singing or writing or performing, I want to make people feel something,” she said. “Especially after a breakup—sometimes you just need that one song to help you through.” “Glow Up” is now streaming everywhere, and it's the perfect soundtrack for your Hot Girl Summer. 🎧 Want to hear the full story behind the song?Tune in to Dina Renée’s full interview on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience , available now.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief Aisha Rodrique ’s journey from Cirque du Soleil performer to wellness educator is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, she stands at the forefront of a global self-healing movement with Human Garage , an organization committed to unlocking the body's natural ability to heal itself through Fascial Maneuvers™—a revolutionary practice now transforming lives around the world. Before becoming a leading voice in holistic wellness, Aisha lived a life of physical artistry and performance. As a professional contortionist and acrobat with Cirque du Soleil , she pushed her body to the limit—until a catastrophic fall from seven meters changed her trajectory forever. “I did one year in a wheelchair,” she recalled. “Once I lost my body, which I was completely dependent on to work, I had to learn a lot of other things.” The road to recovery was long and grueling. After enduring multiple surgeries and living with pain for 16 years, she was faced with the possibility of a fifth, high-risk operation that threatened to leave her paralyzed. That turning point ignited her journey into holistic healing. “There must be another way,” she told herself. “I became obsessed with my own pain and used that to teach others.” That obsession led to the co-creation of Fascial Maneuvers™, a self-care technique that blends principles from 52 different healing modalities into a single, powerful movement system. Unlike traditional exercise, these maneuvers aren't about building muscle or breaking a sweat—they’re about releasing stored stress and trauma from the body by working directly with the fascia, the connective tissue network that holds our physical and emotional imprints. “It’s a self-care practice where you get your body out of stress and reset your nervous system,” Aisha explained. “Your performance improves, pain reduces, and your perception sharpens.” The practice is simple, accessible, and remarkably effective. Through Human Garage’s app and online programs, users follow short routines like the “15-minute stress reset,” which Aisha says can be done anywhere—at a red light, in the grocery line, or during a Zoom call. “You can pull your ears in the car, do your fingers during a meeting, or twist your upper body while standing in line. These movements are subtle but powerful.” At the heart of it all is fascia—a deeply intelligent tissue system with more nerve endings than the brain, Aisha says. “Fascia remembers every emotion, injury, and trauma. When you work with it, you’re unwinding more than just physical tension—you’re releasing memory, emotion, and energy.” What began as a clinic in Venice, California, evolved into a digital wellness movement during the pandemic. With over 80,000 users in the app and a vibrant online community, Human Garage unknowingly began a global experiment in wellness. Participants log daily emotional and physical states, document changes, and even upload lab results to track measurable improvements. “People were doing their own blood tests and X-rays,” Aisha said. “We didn’t plan for it to be scientific, but the evidence became undeniable.” Now, Human Garage is working with researchers to develop formal scientific studies on the impact of Fascial Maneuvers. “Our genetic age shows 17, but I’m 36,” Aisha noted. “Doctors are amazed by our blood, oxygen levels, and recovery speed.” Beyond movement, the Human Garage philosophy embraces a holistic lifestyle—teaching about toxin-free environments, structured water, nutrient-dense foods, and emotional health. “Unprocessed emotions become disease,” Aisha emphasized. “The body will scream what we don’t want to address.” The Human Garage team—Aisha and co-founders Gary, Cynthia, and Jason—bring diverse, transformational life stories to their shared mission. From corporate leadership to solitary confinement, their paths converge on one goal: to empower people to reclaim their health and vitality through movement, community, and education. For Aisha, the mission is deeply personal—and universal. “I’m passionate about making self-healing accessible, especially for Spanish-speaking communities. Healing belongs to everyone.” To learn more, visit humangarage.net or download the Human Garage app. As Aisha proves, the power to heal isn’t found in a pill or a prescription—it’s within your own body, waiting to be set free. Listen to the full interview with Aisha Rodrique on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief At a time when corporate restructuring and remote work continue to reshape the American workplace, Clark Lowe, President and CEO of O’Connor Company , offers a rare blend of military precision, entrepreneurial instinct, and deeply human leadership. With a background that includes nearly a decade in the U.S. Marine Corps and an MBA in Finance, Lowe brings discipline to a business philosophy rooted in adaptability, culture-first thinking, and operational excellence. From his headquarters in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Lowe oversees a national construction firm with a distinct model: 90% of his staff works remotely. That’s almost unheard of in general contracting—but for Lowe, it’s a natural evolution. “We’re going against the grain,” he says. “While big companies like SpaceX and JP Morgan are forcing returns to the office, we’re leaning into the future. And we’re doing it in one of the most traditional industries out there.” The O’Connor Company, which Lowe acquired rather than founded, operates across three distinct verticals: general contracting, project management, and construction consulting. That diversified model gives them flexibility in the market—and gives Lowe insight into the shifting dynamics of the construction industry. But what sets him apart isn’t just the business model—it’s the mindset. “Our company culture is built around trust, autonomy, and problem-solving,” he explains. “We don’t believe in bumpers and endless policies. We create wide lanes for our people to operate in, and if someone strays too far from our values, they naturally weed themselves out. It’s not about micromanagement. It’s about alignment.” Lowe’s retention rates speak volumes: O’Connor Company had 100% staff retention last year and over 90% this year—a remarkable feat during a time when burnout, layoffs, and cultural disconnect are widespread across corporate America. That’s why Lowe is increasingly being asked to share his insights on one of the most overlooked aspects of layoffs: the toll on those who remain. “There’s this silent crisis happening inside companies,” he says. “We always talk about the people who get laid off—but what about the people who stay? They’re the ones navigating survivor’s guilt, uncertainty, and the fear they’re next. That anxiety kills productivity and erodes trust.” So what’s the solution? According to Lowe, it starts at the top. “The first 30 days after a layoff are critical. That’s when culture can either be repaired or permanently damaged,” he says. “Leaders have to communicate clearly, acknowledge the impact, and double down on transparency.” Lowe emphasizes the difference between managing and leading. “We manage processes. We lead people. That shift in thinking is everything,” he adds. Part of O’Connor’s secret sauce is an in-house leadership development program unlike anything else in the industry. Rather than relying on dry training manuals or traditional seminars, the company delivers “micro-moments” of leadership content—short, digestible insights delivered via email, Teams, or even physical mail, three times a week. “We’ve modeled it after how people consume information today,” says Lowe. “Quick, visual, and actionable. Like a leadership TikTok.” That willingness to rethink everything—from workflows to personal development—is what defines Lowe’s leadership. He hires for intangible qualities like curiosity and integrity, rather than just experience. “We can teach construction,” he says. “But you can’t teach work ethic or emotional intelligence. That’s either in you or it’s not.” Despite his clear vision and impressive growth trajectory (with over 70 employees projected to top 100 by next year), Lowe remains humble. “We haven’t figured it all out,” he admits. “We learn something new every day. But we’re building a company that values people, adapts fast, and solves problems one at a time.” In a world where the workplace is rapidly evolving, Clark Lowe is proving that strong culture, clear vision, and human-centered leadership aren’t just compatible with growth—they’re essential to it. 🎧 Hear the full, unedited interview with Clark Lowe on the Savoir Faire Audio Experience.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief As the conversation around artificial intelligence continues to evolve, few voices in the marketing space are offering as grounded and insightful a perspective as Steve Roop. As AI Content Director at Littlefield Agency —a 45-year-old marketing firm based in Tulsa—Roop stands at the intersection of innovation and practicality, helping B2B clients navigate a fast-changing digital frontier. Roop has worn many hats during his 13-year tenure at Littlefield, but his latest title reflects an undeniable shift in the industry. “There are probably hundreds of new AI directors at agencies now,” Roop says with a laugh. “It’s a signal of how seriously we all have to take this. AI isn’t going away—it’s becoming essential.” The role of AI in marketing has been a polarizing subject. Yet Roop doesn’t subscribe to the doomsday narrative. Instead, he sees artificial intelligence as a creative amplifier. “AI won’t replace us,” he explains. “It’s a tool that changes how we do our work—not why we do it. It saves time, improves accuracy, and lets us focus more energy on human connection.” This perspective is what makes Roop a compelling voice in conversations about the future of AI—and it’s why his thoughts on the recent OpenAI-Jony Ive partnership are making waves. With design visionary Jony Ive (formerly of Apple) joining forces with OpenAI, speculation is high that they’re developing a next-generation AI device. For Roop, this collaboration represents a seismic shift. “This is huge,” Roop says. “We’re talking about two forces—OpenAI and Jony Ive—who have already changed the world once. Together, they could reinvent how we interact with AI daily. Think about an experience that’s less transactional and more emotional. That’s what’s coming.” He points to the idea of screenless, intuitive devices—something closer to a wearable digital companion than a smartphone. “We’re moving beyond keyboards and prompts. Imagine a device that learns your behavior, anticipates your needs, and responds to you in real time. That’s where we’re headed.” But even with all the excitement, Roop maintains a healthy skepticism. “The hype around tech doesn’t always deliver. Google Glass, VR—they’ve all had hurdles. But if anyone can design a truly human-centered AI experience, it’s Ive.” At Littlefield, Roop is already implementing AI in practical, transformative ways. From cleaning up massive data sets for CRM migration to using generative tools for content planning, his team treats AI like a highly-skilled assistant—not a replacement for human creativity. “We had 13,000 messy contact records to clean. What would’ve taken an intern all summer took AI a couple of days—and it got almost all of them right,” he recalls. “That’s not a gimmick. That’s real value.” Yet, Roop is clear: AI isn’t ready to write the campaigns or shoot the videos—at least not at Littlefield. “We still believe that emotion, humanity, and storytelling are the heart of good marketing. AI can guide us to better insights, but it’s not crafting the message.” As for the broader picture, Roop believes the next five years will define how AI weaves into everyday life—from marketing to medicine to education. “We’re entering a new kind of digital revolution. It’s not about replacing humans. It’s about enhancing the human experience.” And that enhancement, he believes, will become more personal and embedded into our lives than ever before. “Think AI in your fridge, in your car, on your lapel. Think of it knowing your health patterns, helping with grocery lists, scheduling appointments, supporting you through your day.” Steve Roop is more than a director of AI content—he’s a connector between the tech and the human, the data and the story. And as AI becomes more integrated into the physical and emotional spaces we live in, voices like his will be the ones guiding the way. 🎧 Be sure to listen to the full behind-the-scenes conversation with Steve Roop on the Savoir Faire Audio Experience.