In this Wisepreneurs Podcast episode, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Czech publisher and technologist Tomáš Baránek about the enduring value of curated publishing in a world saturated by fast content and generative AI. Tomáš shares how his team at Melvil Publishing selects nonfiction titles with long-term value, from authors like Yuval Noah Harari and David Grann, and why translating a book well is just as much a craft as writing it.They unpack the risks of over-relying on AI for writing, thinking, and decision-making, and how misinformation and loss of cognitive depth are very real challenges. Tomáš, now studying machine learning in his 50s, gives honest reflections on critical thinking, resisting digital overwhelm, and why slow, intentional reading still matters.The conversation aligns with three Wisepreneurs categories:• AI-Augmented Work – The limits of automation in creative publishing• Cognitive Vitality & Longevity – The role of learning, deep reading, and continuing education• Resilient Transitions & Support – Navigating knowledge work and reinvention in midlife and beyondTopics Covered:•Curated nonfiction publishing in Czechia•Why Melvil limits its annual titles to focus on quality•The dangers of AI hallucinations and misinformation•The challenge of maintaining cognitive engagement in an automated world•Going back to university at 53 to study machine learning•Why book translation is about cultural resonance, not just languageBooks Mentioned:•Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari•Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari•The Wager by David Grann•End of Procrastination by Petr Ludwig•The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David WengrowTools & Topics:•Readwise, Roam Research, Logseq•GPT models and AI assistants•Translation workflows, agents, and AI hallucinationsWhere to Find Tomáš:•LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasbaranek/•BlueSky Profile ‪https://bsky.app/profile/tombarys.bsky.social•Melvil Publishing: https://www.melvil.cz Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter