Happy birthday to me 🎉
Here’s a fun fact. I was almost the first baby born in Ireland in 1978.
Almost.
I was born at 11:58 pm on December 31st, 1977, two minutes too early. Two minutes, and I’d have had a completely different claim to fame.
But you know what? I actually like being the last rather than the first. There’s something about wrapping things up, putting a bow on the year, that suits me.
And speaking of wrapping things up — and starting something new, I have a birthday gift.
But it’s not for me. It’s for you.
Introducing: Human in the Loop
Today, I’m launching a brand-new weekly AI newsletter called Human in the Loop.
And as an AI SIX listener, you’re the very first to hear about it.
The tagline says it all:
“Your weekly AI briefing. I do the hard work so you don’t have to.”
And that’s exactly what this is.
Why I Created This Newsletter
I know how busy you are.
You’ve got:
- A job to do
- A team to lead
- Targets to hit
You don’t have time to scroll endlessly through AI news, trying to separate hype from what actually matters.
That’s my job.
I spend my days immersed in AI—training, consulting, reading, testing, and experimenting. Every week, I distil all of that into one concise newsletter that respects your time.
Because AI is moving fast. Really fast.
And while keeping up matters, it shouldn’t feel like a second job.
What You’ll Get Each Week
When Human in the Loop lands in your LinkedIn inbox, here’s what to expect.
Each edition includes five carefully curated stories, clearly categorised so you can jump straight to what matters most to you:
🔹 Top Story
The one thing you absolutely need to know that week.
The headline shaping the AI conversation.
🔹 Tech
What the big players are doing—OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic.
What they’re building and why it matters.
🔹 Tools
New AI tools launch every day. I test them so you don’t have to.
You’ll know what’s worth your time—and what’s just noise.
🔹 Trends
The bigger picture.
What patterns I’m seeing, what’s shifting, and where AI is really heading.
🔹 How to Apply It
Because knowledge is pointless if you don’t use it.
Every week includes one practical, real-world action you can take.
Why Trust Me to Curate It?
I’m a former journalist. Cutting through noise and finding the story that matters is what I do.
I’ve:
- Written four books, including The AI Playbook
- Completed Harvard’s AI and Public Policy programme
- Trained thousands of professionals to use AI effectively and responsibly
So when I say I do the hard work so you don’t have to—I mean it.
Everything is filtered through the same framework I teach:
Know it. Use it. Govern it.
That’s the lens I bring to every story.
The Perfect Companion to AI SIX
Think of Human in the Loop as the companion to this podcast.
- AI SIX gives you six minutes of focused insight, daily
- Human in the Loop gives you a weekly roundup
It’s something you can:
- Read over Monday morning coffee
- Save for reference
- Share with your team
Same voice. Same practical approach. Just a different format.
How to Subscribe
Getting access is simple.
- Head to LinkedIn
- Search for Joanne Sweeney
- Connect with me
- Once connected, you’ll be invited to subscribe to Human in the Loop
A Birthday Gift (No Cake Required)
So that’s my birthday gift to you as I turn another year older.
No cake required.
Just clear, practical AI insight, delivered straight to your inbox every week.
Thank you for being part of AI SIX.
Thank you for listening week after week.
And I’ll see you—not just here—but in your inbox too.
Happy New Year, and best wishes for 2026.
Thanks for tuning into AI SIX this year.
About the Podcast Host
AI and Communications Specialist | Author | Podcaster | International Speaker
Joanne Sweeney is a recognised leader in digital marketing and digital transformation, specialising in the practical application of AI to enhance communication strategies. The founder of Digital Training Institute, Joanne, empowers leaders and communications professionals to leverage AI responsibly and effectively, ensuring transparency, trust, and tangible results.
She completed the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Programme in AI and Public Policy this summer before launching her fourth book AI Playbook, in September. Joanne has also published two editions of Public Sector Marketing Pro, which were preceded by her first title, Social Media Under Investigation Law Enforcement and the Social Web.
Her books have become go-to resources for governments, public sector and policing agencies, as well as marketing and communications professionals, all navigating the challenges of the changing Internet.
Joanne is the host of the AI SIX Podcast, a daily six-minute podcast which provides actionable insights, expert interviews, and practical advice to help professionals navigate the new world of work.
