In Episode 11 of Curious & Inspired, Matt Vandrick explores the growing tension between humanity and artificial intelligence — from the controversy surrounding an AI-generated Val Kilmer performance to Chinese workers being asked to train the AI systems that could eventually replace them. He also highlights two inspiring AI initiatives focused on teaching empathy, social skills, and AI literacy in ways that center human connection instead of replacing it.

Plus, Matt breaks down the Met Gala backlash, Jeff Bezos criticism, and why “you still shop on Amazon” misses the bigger conversation about power, complicity, and navigating systems we can’t fully escape. This is a deep dive into AI, culture, work, billionaires, authenticity, and what it means to stay human in 2026.