Wholesome Books for Children with Chad Stewart

In this episode of Two Mics, hosts Dr. Michael Scheuer and Col. Mike welcome back Chad Stewart, creator of the Burt Field Series, a children's book franchise designed to inspire hope, creativity, and global awareness in young readers. Stewart shares updates on the series' global expansion, including interest from publishers in Pakistan, France, and Italy, and the upcoming national launch of the book series. He discusses the film adaptation, now in pre-production with a $50 million budget, emphasizing authenticity by filming in real UK locations and using British actors. Stewart also reflects on the challenges of building a long-term creative project, noting that true success takes decades of dedication. A major focus of the conversation turns to AI, which Stewart views as a profound threat to education and human creativity. He warns that AI is being used as a tool for predictive programming and social control, citing examples from Hollywood films like Terminator and War Games. He expresses concern that AI is eroding critical thinking, especially in academia, where students rely on AI to write papers. Despite the risks, Stewart remains hopeful, urging parents to prioritize real-world experiences, creativity, and human connection over digital dependency. The episode closes with a call to action: nurture the next generation through wholesome, imaginative storytelling and hands-on learning.