Connecting Beyond Apps & AI

Can social connection be a business model? How does one navigate scalability and profitability? On this episode we explore the economic vs. moral incentives behind pursuing increasing social connection. Our guest is Richard Lucas, a serial entrepreneur and community organizer. Links for the show notes: https://www.meetup.com/open-coffee-lisbon/ https://www.meetup.com/lisboncommunityconnectionsgrou...

Why is studying modern human connection so interesting and important? What is 'the loneliness epidemic', and why are Americans lonelier than ever? (And why are we hardwired to hate the word 'loneliness'?) Why is improving our national 'social health', that is, our strength and network of relationships, the challenge of our times? In this foundational episode, we give you th...

In this interview, Boston College Professor of Sociology Charles Derber shares and discusses the research in his book Bonfire: American Sociocide, Broken Relations, and the Quest for Democracy

Why is the field of UX Research more important than ever? How does UX Research and human-centered design factor into the AI revolution? In this episode we sit down and discuss why paying attention to and learning from humans is more important than ever in a world of AI. 01:04 About Katy & UX Research 04:09 The role of UX Research in AI 10:49 UXR matters more than ever 17:19 The role of Ethics...

In this episode, we interview Irad Eichler, CEO of Circles, a technology company that enables people to find and join support groups for $15/month. We discuss how to design meaningful ways for people to connect at scale, the role of hope, empathy, and belonging in communities, how AI functions into loneliness, and how to develop meaningful metrics to evaluate impact. Circles: https://circlesup.com...

How will AI impact how people connect with religion, faith, and community? In this fascinating episode we talk with Jeremy Kirshbaum, CEO of Handshake, a generative AI strategy and development consultancy. ( https://www.handshake.fyi/ ) 00:00 Intro 02:37 About Jeremy 05:06 Why AI & faith? 08:46 Why 'faith' is an unusual domain for AI 13:53 How Rabbis received the AI Talmud 17:46 Other...

In this episode, we explore the relationship between empathy, community, and mental health vis a vis social media and AI. How can social media lead people to hyper-focus on themselves, and what's the cost of that self-focus? How can AI create filter bubbles that isolate people from community? How does community and belonging counter some of the more dangerous risks posed by social media and AI...

What resources are available to help men decide if they want to become a father? Also, Andrew shares his fascinating intercontinental Tinder love story. How can men (or anyone) decide if being a parent is right for them? What are some useful frameworks to help people decide if they want to become a parent? How can you navigate perfectionism in dating apps? How cultivating ego prevents connection E...

In a more egalitarian world, what does gender polarity look like? How can you invite polarity into your life (if you want to), and how does polarity play out in app interactions? How you can identify your relationship to polarity How to play with polarity How to communicate as you want in online interactions The role of AI in self-development Episode links: Maya Diamond: ⁠https://www.instagram.com...

How the technology we consume and tools we use impact our attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, secure), and how to cultivate better attachment styles. How tech developers' insecure attachment styles are built into their platforms How to cultivate secure attachment with our technology How to use AI to improve your attachment style without becoming emotionally reliant upon it Episode links: Ree...

Why AI relationships represent a major temptation, why to resist it, and how to set strong boundaries. Including: The impact of AI relationships on childhood development Why AI relationships are like breathing through a straw Why emotional numbing via smartphone use leads to skills atrophy Envisioning a positive future where connecting in real life is the cool thing to do Episode links: Leanne | M...

Exploring the return of structured in-person dating communities with Jennifer Mann, CEO and founder of Meet at the Mirror, an Austin-based intentional dating community. How in-person dating communities are a remedy to dating app fatigue and design problems Why investing in community is worth it compared to the 'instant results' promise of dating apps Paradox of choice & the shopping mi...