In this episode of Beyond Evolution, we sit down with Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama, a company redefining the relationship between humans and AI. Discover how Sama empowers communities in East Africa through dignified digital work bridging technology, social impact, and equal opportunity.

You’ll learn:

Listen & Subscribe:

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In this powerful episode of Beyond Evolution, hosts Jess and Mario sit down with Neil Sahota, IBM Master Inventor, UN Advisor, and author of The AI Activation Code to uncover how AI is being used to build empathy, resilience, and global good.

You’ll learn:

How AI for Good is impacting over 1.4 billion lives globally.

Why AI won’t take your job, but the person using it might.

How AI is forcing us to redefine love, creativity, and what it means to be human.

Listen & Subscribe:

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In this episode of Beyond Evolution, Jess and Mario sit down with Andrew Schroeder, VP of Humanitarian Innovation at Direct Relief, to explore how AI is saving lives around the world. 

 “AI isn’t replacing humans. It's helping us save lives.”

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What if artificial intelligence could be used not just for profit, but for purpose?

In this powerful episode of Beyond Evolution, host Mario Spano sits down with Vilas Dhar, president of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and a leading global voice on AI for social good. From growing up in rural Illinois to shaping policy at the United Nations, Vilas shares his inspiring journey and vision for a future where AI is a tool that empowers people, not replaces them.

You’ll hear real-world examples of AI improving healthcare in rural India, fighting climate change, and helping marginalized communities gain digital agency.

But this episode goes deeper: how can we design systems that reflect human values like empathy, equity, and moral reasoning? And what role do we — as individuals, as humans, as people — play in shaping that future?

Whether you’re an AI optimist, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation will leave you hopeful, grounded, and inspired to get involved.

In this powerful episode of Beyond Evolution, we sit down with Max Stossel: an award-winning storyteller, founder of Social Awakening, and former Center for Humane Technology leader. We explore the deep psychological impacts of AI and social media on our minds, relationships, and society.

Max shares eye-opening insights on how algorithms are engineering our attention, why tech addiction is rising, and how to build healthier, more intentional relationships with technology. We talk about digital wellness, raising mindful kids in an AI world, and why your human presence still matters more than ever.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, parent, or just overwhelmed by the digital noise, this episode is your reminder that presence is power.

Give it a listen and just BE.

In this episode of Beyond Evolution, Jess sits down with Dr. Vivian Ming: neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and visionary behind Socos Labs, to talk about what it really means to thrive in the age of AI.

From building algorithms that identify fake smiles in CIA footage to developing tools that help diagnose postpartum depression, Vivian’s work proves AI is only as powerful as the purpose behind it.

We explore the messy magic of human intelligence, how machine learning actually works (without the hype), and why the future belongs to those willing to be wrong in public.

This episode goes deep on AI in education, the myth of “elite” skills, how to robot-proof your kids, and the truth about what makes us irreplaceable.

If you’ve ever wondered what humans bring to the table in an AI-driven world, this one’s for you.

Topics covered:

What AI is great at (and what it’s not)

Productive friction vs. mindless automation

Why well-posed problems are over, and ill-posed problems are the future

The real predictors of success (hint: it’s not your resume)

The future of education and why resilience matters more than test scores

Related Guest Links:

⁠Socos.org⁠

In this powerful conversation, change strategist and AI advocate Andrea Miller joins Beyond Evolution to unpack how leaders and individuals can thrive amidst AI-driven disruption.

With 20+ years of global experience leading transformation across healthcare, the UN, and Fortune 500s, Andrea brings deep insights into adaptability (AQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), and practical AI integration.

We explore:

What it means to build true adaptability in the age of accelerating AI

What are the new leadership superpowers

How to implement AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Make.com in human-centered ways

What organizations get wrong about change and how to get it right

From the burnout in healthcare to the pressure on educators and the power of AI strategy + culture change, this episode is packed with real-world stories, actionable tools, and grounded inspiration.

Whether you’re a people leader, HR pro, or trying to future-proof your role, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to lead, adapt, and stay human in this new technological world.

Tune in and just BE.

Is the next chart-topping song or gallery piece going to come from a human or machine? In this episode of Beyond Evolution, co-hosts Jess and Mario sit down with Dr. Maya Ackerman - CEO & Co-founder of WaveAI and author of Creative Machines: AI, Art and Us. We unpack the exhilarating frontier where AI meets creativity.

We divulge:

Origin Story: how Maya bridged computer science, music theory, and generative AI to help millions of creators through WaveAI.

AI in Practice: real-world tools like Midjourney and Custom GPT “critic bots,” that can amplify your songwriting, design, and storytelling.

Human + Machine Strategy: why “hallucinations” aren’t glitches but gateways to fresh ideas - if you keep your intuition in the driver’s seat.

Ethics & Economics: why bold entrepreneurs must fight for human-centric tech.

Looking Ahead: new genres, live experiences, and the role of human creators in the next 5–10 years.

Whether you’re a musician, designer, or curious human, you’ll learn how to leverage AI for creativity without losing the magic that makes art human.

Press play, ground yourself with our mindful moment, and discover how to stay audaciously creative in an AI-powered world.

Associated Links:

Maya Ackerman's New Book: - ⁠Creative Machines: AI, Art and Us⁠

Maya Ackerman Site: ⁠https://maya-ackerman.com/ ⁠

Wave AI: ⁠https://wave-ai.net/⁠

Beyond Evolution IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyondevolutionpodcast/⁠

In this episode of Beyond Evolution, Kenneth Lo joins Jess and Mario to explore how AI and workflow automation are reshaping modern entrepreneurship. Not only is AI used to save time, but it gives founders time back to focus on what really matters: human connection, clear communication, and bold decision-making.

We discuss how to use AI tools like Make, Zapier, and custom GPTs to streamline the repetitive work, so you can show up more powerfully in the work that counts. Whether you're building a brand, launching a mission-driven business, or figuring out your niche, this conversation will shift the way you think about value creation in the AI era.

You’ll hear:

- Why automation is the modern entrepreneur’s secret weapon

- How niching down and embracing boldness creates clarity

- What it means to be adaptable in a world changing faster than ever

- Our favorite AI tools & how we're using them behind the scenes

This episode is more than just about hustle. It’s about working smarter, reclaiming your energy, and building something human in a tech-driven world.

Tune in now & continue evolving with us.

How is artificial intelligence changing the way we think, feel, and connect?

In this episode of Beyond Evolution, Mario and Jess explore the powerful intersection of AI and mental health, emotional resilience, and human identity.

You’ll learn:

How AI therapy tools like Wysa, Woebot, and Replika are reshaping mental health support

The emotional and psychological impact of AI in an automated workforce

Why digital dependence on AI tools may affect critical thinking and memory

How new AI models like ChatGPT o3 and o4mini are getting closer to "human reasoning"—and what that means for mental health

Ethical concerns about AI companionship, emotional dependence, and cognitive offloading

We also answer key questions like:

Can AI improve mental health outcomes?

Is AI making us more emotionally isolated?

How can you stay mentally strong in a tech-driven world?

With personal insights, new research, and real-world examples, this episode helps you navigate the future of mental health in an age of rapid AI evolution.

Listen now to learn how to stay grounded and human in an increasingly automated world.