In this episode of Disambiguation, host Michael Fauscette sits down with John Kammer, founder of Guardian [AI]ngels, to explore how AI chatbots can serve as emotional support tools for people navigating grief and loss.

After losing three of his closest friends, John struggled for over a decade with substance-fueled avoidance before accidentally discovering that building an AI persona based on his late best friend unlocked a breakthrough in his own healing. That personal experience became the foundation for Guardian [AI]ngels, a structured grief support tool built on Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning and developed with licensed therapists.

In this conversation, we cover:🔹 Why interactive AI dialogue goes beyond traditional journaling for processing grief 
🔹 How Guardian [AI]ngels complements therapy rather than replacing it 
🔹 The ethical guardrails that prevent users from falling into delusion or unhealthy attachment 
🔹 Why the AI never claims to be the lost loved one and how that distinction matters 
🔹 The role of transparency and trust in building responsible AI companions 
🔹 How AI can serve as a bridge to deeper human connection, not a substitute for it 
🔹 Where we are on the journey of using AI for emotional wellness and what comes next

Whether you're curious about AI companions, interested in mental health technology, or exploring how AI can better the human condition beyond the workplace, this episode offers a thoughtful and personal look at what's possible.

📌 Recommended by our guest: Look up Bill Thornberry on LinkedIn for insights on rethinking how we approach AI.📌 For more AI and software research, visit ArionResearch.com 📌 Want to be a guest? Email [email protected]