Artificial intelligence continues to redefine how people learn, communicate, and work. Many see it as a force capable of shaping industries, transforming education, and influencing every part of daily life. Yet, for many individuals, especially older adults, the question isn’t what AI can do, but how to use it meaningfully.
And while many believe AI will shape the future, Steve Munkeby, DM, believes it’s about improving life today. As the founder of NextGen Publications LLC, he writes books that make AI accessible and practical, especially for adults over 55 who want to stay curious, capable, and connected. “The trend right now is that everybody knows AI exists,” he says. “Half the people are starting to use it. The others are saying, ‘I don’t know how to get started.’ That’s where my books come in.”
From Army Leadership to Aerospace Innovation
Dr. Munkeby’s foundation in technology and leadership began in the U.S. Army, where he served as an infantry officer trained in airborne and ranger schools. After leaving the military, he turned his focus to engineering, developing software for the space shuttle and earth-observing satellites. “When they landed on the moon, I was 14 years old,” he recalls. “That moment made me want to be an astronaut. It cemented my love for math and science.”
Dr. Munkeby later managed robotic vehicle programs and high-tech projects for the federal government and private industry, gaining firsthand insight into how innovation can transform complex systems. That experience shaped Dr. Munkeby’s mission today: creating a connection between advanced technology and the people who need it most.
Books That Empower People Over 55
Through NextGen Publications, Dr. Munkeby has written more than 15 books focusing on using AI in practical ways. His flagship series, “AI Made Simple: Empowering Life After 55,” helps readers explore technology through relatable subjects such as health, travel, memory training, and financial management. “Each book is full of questions (500 questions or more) because learning starts with curiosity,” he explains. “You learn by asking AI what you need to know, whether it’s about your health, your hobbies, or your next trip.”
In addition to the “AI Made Simple” series, Dr. Munkeby has written guides for students, educators, and professionals navigating the AI era. His titles include “Faculty in the AI Era,” “Beyond Google: How to Perform Research Using Generative AI,” and “Developing Life Thinking Skills.” “These books are about thinking ahead,” he says. “What skills do we need in the AI era? How can we use technology to think deeper and live better?”
Helping Veterans Turn Experience Into Opportunity
Dr. Munkeby’s work also supports military veterans transitioning to civilian life. His book, “From Camouflage to Corporate: Breaking the Code of Military Transition Using Generative AI,” helps service members translate their skill codes into civilian résumés, interview questions, and job opportunities.
“All they have to do is type in their code, and it builds their profile. It shows them how their experience fits into the civilian world,” Dr. Munkeby explains.
Looking Forward: Teaching Technology With Purpose
After retiring from aerospace and academia, Dr. Munkeby found a new purpose in writing: “My greatest accomplishment is helping others reach their goals.” Through his books and workshops, he empowers readers to see AI not as a mystery but as a tool for learning and growth.
Looking ahead, Dr. Munkeby plans to expand NextGen Publications and help other authors publish their own work. “Everything I do is about making complex things simple,” he says. “Technology should serve people, not the other way around.”
Through his books, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Munkeby continues to overcome the divide between innovation and understanding. His legacy rests on a simple belief: that knowledge shared with purpose can empower people to thrive in any era, even one shaped by AI.
