Welcome to The Barber Shop · With Jim Barber

AI is getting smarter.
Are you?

I’m Jim Barber and I’m a cognitive fitness advocate. That’s a fancy way of saying I help people strengthen their thinking while making the most of artificial intelligence.

AI can do remarkable things for us. But when we let it do too much of our thinking, we risk missing opportunities to exercise our own minds. The answer isn’t to use less AI. It’s to use your mind more, and use more of your mind.

Jim Barber speaking on stage about thinking and cognitive fitness

Jim Barber · Cognitive fitness advocate and speaker

A personal welcome

Pull up a chair.

The Barber Shop is about people, not just technology. Watch my short welcome, then look around. You’ll find practical ideas, mental workouts, and good conversations about staying sharp in the age of AI.

Human First. AI Second.

Take a look around

What will you find at The Barber Shop?

Some resources are free for everyone. Others are for members. Either way, you’re welcome to explore.

Read · Free

The Magazine Rack

Easy-to-read Cognitive Playbooks, including Is AI Making You Stoopid? No membership or email address required.

Browse the Playbooks →
Play · Try a free game

The Thinking Gym

Give your imagination, intuition, curiosity, and other thinking abilities a workout. AI is your sparring partner, not your substitute… or your enemy.

Visit the Gym →
Connect · Members

The Brainy Bunch

Join Jim and fellow members for live weekly conversations about cognitive fitness and the human response to AI.

Meet the Brainy Bunch →
For organizations

Jim’s Programs

Explore Jim’s keynote and workshop concepts for organizations interested in helping people think more effectively in the age of AI.

Explore Jim’s Programs →
Share · Community

The Bulletin Board

A place for community ideas, polls, useful prompts, and other resources. Some features are still being developed.

See the Bulletin Board →
Join · Membership

The Front Office

Learn what’s included in membership, compare monthly and annual options, and find out how to join when enrollment opens.

Visit the Front Office →

Your mind matters

Let’s keep it that way.

You don’t have to choose between using AI and using your own intelligence. The Barber Shop is here to help you do both, better.

Discover Membership

Or start with a free Cognitive Playbook in The Magazine Rack.