Human Pulse

Living Well with Technology. In this episode, Anne Trager and Fabrice Neuman dive into the evolving relationship between humans and AI, exploring how emerging tools are reshaping creativity, personal productivity, and even our sense of resilience. Anne shares her experiments with generative AI tools like Manus and DeepSeek, and how she’s using AI to fuel divergent thinking. Fabrice reflects on Microsoft’s vision of personal AI copilots and what that could mean for the future of work and daily life.

Together, they question the impact of hyper-personalized AI: Will it make us softer or allow us to focus on what truly matters? The duo touches on parenting, emotional growth, the uncanny valley of voice assistants, and the trade-offs between convenience and privacy in a fast-changing digital world.

Thoughtful, philosophical, and grounded in real-world examples, this episode invites you to reflect on your own relationship with tech—and how to keep your human pulse alive in the age of AI.

Connect with us

Fabrice Neuman

Connect with Fabrice on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabriceneuman/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabriceneuman/)

Connect with Fabrice on Bluesky: [https://bsky.app/profile/fabriceneuman.fr](https://bsky.app/profile/fabriceneuman.fr)

Find out more: [https://www.pro-fusion-conseils.fr](https://www.pro-fusion-conseils.fr)

Anne Trager

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetrager/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetrager/)

Connect with Anne on Bluesky: [https://bsky.app/profile/annetrager.com](https://bsky.app/profile/annetrager.com)

Find out more: [https://www.potentializer-academy.com](https://www.potentializer-academy.com)

Book a call: [https://calendly.com/potentializer-academy/lets-talk](https://calendly.com/potentializer-academy/lets-talk)

We would also appreciate a rating and review in Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thanks for sharing.

Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(00:10) Exploring AI and Technology in Daily Life

(03:45) The Future of Personalized AI Agents

(07:44) Building Resilience in an AI-Driven World

(12:38) The Impact of AI on Human Creativity

(17:10) Navigating the Rapid Changes in AI Technology

(21:06) The Human-AI Interaction: Anthropomorphism and Acceptance

(27:04) Personalization vs. Privacy in AI Tools

Resources & Links

Microsoft is now 50 years old (The Verge)

https://www.theverge.com/news/643251/microsoft-50-years-old-anniversary

Microsoft Copilot event in 9 minutes (The Verge YouTube channel)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do6yrtur4AY

The Human Upgrade podcast by Dave Asprey

https://daveasprey.com/podcasts/

Ep.1266. Generation Fragile: Why Gen Z Can’t Handle the Real World (and How We Can Help Them) | Jennifer Cohen

https://daveasprey.com/1266-jennifer-cohen/

The Big Technology podcast by Alex Kantrowitz

https://pod.link/1522960417/

Sesame AI

https://ai-sesame.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human Pulse Podcast Ep 14 - Is AI Making Us Stupid?

Recorded: March 23, 2025

Hosts: Fabrice Neuman & Anne Trager

Living Well with Technology. In this episode, Fabrice and Anne tackle the provocative question: Is AI making us dumber? They explore historical anxieties about new technologies (from writing itself to novels and TV), discuss the impact of tools like GPS and smartphones on memory and navigation, and delve into current research on AI's effects on critical thinking, attention, and cognitive offloading. The conversation touches on concepts like "digital dementia," the "Google effect," "automation complacency," and whether the perceived "attention crisis" is real or just a shift in focus. Ultimately, they argue that AI, like any tool, requires conscious, active engagement and critical thinking, suggesting we view it as "augmented intelligence" rather than artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need to choose where we focus our attention and cultivate essential human skills.

Fabrice Neuman

Connect with Fabrice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabriceneuman/

Connect with Fabrice on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fabriceneuman.fr

Find out more: https://www.pro-fusion-conseils.fr

Anne Trager

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetrager/

Connect with Anne on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/annetrager.com

Find out more: https://www.potentializer-academy.com

Book a call: https://calendly.com/potentializer-academy/lets-talk

We would also appreciate a rating and review in Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thanks for sharing.

Resources & Links

Have Humans Passed Peak Brain Power?

Tik Tok video by The Financial Times: https://www.tiktok.com/@financialtimes/video/7486423425108512023

Article on the Financial Times website (paywall): https://www.ft.com/content/a8016c64-63b7-458b-a371-e0e1c54a13fc

PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) - OECD: https://www.oecd.org/pisa/ (General link; specific studies on tech impact can be found via search on their site).

The New Yorker Article: What if the Attention Crisis Is All a Distraction? by Daniel Immerwahr (Jan 20, 2025). https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/01/27/the-sirens-call-chris-hayes-book-review

Steve Jobs - "Bicycle for the Mind": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmuP8gsgWb8

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living Well with Technology
In this episode, Anne Trager and Fabrice Neuman dive into the world of tech overwhelm and their love-hate relationship with technology. They explore the rapid pace of technological change, the challenges of managing multiple communication channels, and practical strategies for dealing with information overload. From discussing AI-powered assistants to the pitfalls of all-in-one messaging apps, this episode offers valuable insights on how to navigate our increasingly digital lives while maintaining focus and reducing stress.

Fabrice Neuman

* Connect with Fabrice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabriceneuman/

* Connect with Fabrice on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fabriceneuman.fr

* Find out more: www.pro-fusion-conseils.fr

Anne Trager

* Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetrager/

* Connect with Anne on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/annetrager.com

* Find out more: www.potentializer-academy.com

* Book a call: https://calendly.com/potentializer-academy/lets-talk

We would also appreciate a rating and review in Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thanks for sharing.

Links & Resources:

Human Pulse Podcast Ep. #2: I Want it to Work, and I Want it to be Easy! Aka "the vacuum episode" 😉:

“All your chats in one place” - 10 different chat services: https://www.beeper.com

“Get back on top of your messaging.” - connect 70+ services: https://meetfranz.com

“One app for all your messaging” - 24 services on IOS and android, only 18 on Mac with chatGPT support: https://www.plus.im

“Your power browser” “Reduce your cognitive load with a browser that connects all your apps and email accounts in one window, eliminating the need to search, switch, and keep logging in and out.”: https://shift.com

“All of your messages in one inbox” - “Privacy first” AI assisted: https://texts.com

All messengers in one app - 40+ - free (what’s it’s business model?): https://allinone.im

WITI’s Tech Connect Europe: https://witi.com/networks/france/events/5440/Tech-Connect-Europe:-A-WITI-Networking-Hour/

SociaAI app where you only talk to AI bots: https://socialai.co/

Stick figure comic strips: https://xkcd.com

The classic "standard" XKCD: https://xkcd.com/927/

The Tech Chap trying out Honor AI in Barcelona: https://youtu.be/Jah80kR1szs?si=-I3FYUr_uQcxlord

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living Well with Technology. In this episode, Fabrice Neuman and Anne Trager explore the relationship between privacy, secrets, technology, and trust. They discuss how technology platforms manage personal data to personalize services, the growing efforts by web browsers to protect user privacy, and the nuanced differences between privacy and secrets. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trust and awareness in navigating privacy choices, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their own relationship with privacy in a technology-driven world.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:40) Privacy: The Trade-offs We Make

(05:32) From Privacy to Targeted Ads

(08:32) Privacy, Secrets, and the Evolution of Web Browsers

(09:29) Secrets and the Brain: Why Keeping Secrets is Hard

(15:45) Protecting Privacy: The Role of Encryption

(17:27) Case Study: Apple's Privacy Conflict with the UK Government

(21:33) Balancing Trust, Privacy, and Technology

(29:25) Conclusion: Privacy, Awareness, and Choice

Links & Resources:

• WITI – Workforce Influence Technology and Innovation
• David Eagleman's podcast Inner Cosmos: "Why Is It So Hard to Keep a Secret?"
• Apple Advanced Data Protection
• Tech Connect Europe
• Browsers focusing on privacy:
• Brave
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari

Fabrice Neuman

• Connect with Fabrice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabriceneuman/
• Connect with Fabrice on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fabriceneuman.fr
• Find out more: www.pro-fusion-conseils.fr

Anne Trager

• Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetrager/
• Connect with Anne on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/annetrager.com
• Find out more: www.potentializer-academy.com
• Book a call: https://calendly.com/potentializer-academy/lets-talk

We also appreciate a 5-star rating and review in Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living Well with Technology. In this episode, Anne Trager and Fabrice Neuman dive into the challenge of maintaining focus in our hyperconnected, distraction-filled world. They explore how modern technology—from incessant notifications to smartphones—competes for our attention. The hosts discuss the balance between necessary interruptions and deep work, the science behind our natural focus cycles (including the 90‐minute rhythm and techniques like the Pomodoro method), and how historical practices like mindfulness and monastic discipline offer valuable insights. They also share practical tech tips, such as using focus modes and even experimenting with a phone in black and white mode, to help reorient our attention toward what matters most.

Key topics:

• The impact of constant notifications and distractions on focus

• The struggle between being reachable and protecting your focus time

• The benefits of single-tasking and creating habits (like writing things down)

• Understanding natural focus cycles and techniques to harness them

• Historical perspectives on focus—from medieval monks to modern minimalists

• Practical tips for using technology (e.g., focus modes, reduced-color displays) to boost productivity

Useful Links & Resources

The Pomodoro Technique

https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/

The Wandering Mind by Jamie Kreiner

https://wwnorton.com/books/9781631498053

Jamie Kreiner Bio on UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Department of History

https://history.ucla.edu/person/jamie-kreiner/

Reach out:

Anne on Bluesky

Fabrice on Bluesky

Anne on LinkedIn

Fabrice on LinkedIn

Where to Listen and Watch:

• Find all Human Pulse Podcast episodes on your favorite podcast platforms.
• Now accessible on our YouTube Channel – subscribe and watch episodes online!
• Visit the official website: Human Pulse Podcast for all episodes, show notes, and feedback.

We also appreciate a review in Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(00:26) Energy, Sleep, and Focus

(00:48) The Distraction Dilemma

(03:39) The Wandering Mind

(09:25) Single-Tasking & Interruptions

(13:04) The Rhythm of Focus

(13:39) Anti-Distraction Tactics

(16:46) Balancing Availability

(18:59) Historical Perspectives: Monks, Mindfulness, and Minimalism

(23:03) Tech Evolution & AI

(25:18) Practical Tech Tips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living Well with Technology. In this second episode dedicated to coffee, Fabrice and Anne continue their deep dive into the details of brewing and enjoying their perfect cup. They discuss the importance of grind size, the best type of grinder, storage methods, and even the impact of organic and mold-free coffee.

Anne shares her experience with butter coffee (also known as bulletproof coffee) and how it transformed her morning routine and energy levels. Fabrice recalls his initial skepticism before trying it himself and experiencing its benefits. They explore the science behind butter coffee, intermittent fasting, and how fats affect caffeine absorption.

To wrap up, Fabrice shares highlights from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, including smart hearing aid glasses by Nuance Audio and an AR-based historical information system for cities.

Useful Links & Resources

Unleash Your Inner Biohacker: The Unexpected Benefits of Fat in Your Coffee

Bulletproof Your Brain: The Recipe That Can Transform Your Life

Creamy, Dreamy, and Cognitively Supreme: The Magic of Fat-Fueled Coffee

Blower robot

Nuance audio Glasses

And Cryptors in the city

Reach out:

Anne on Bluesky

Fabrice on Bluesky

Anne on LinkedIn

Fabrice on LinkedIn

Where to Listen and Watch:

• Find all Human Pulse Podcast episodes on your favorite podcast platforms.
• Now accessible on our YouTube Channel – subscribe and watch episodes online!
• Visit the official website: Human Pulse Podcast for all episodes, show notes, and feedback.

We also appreciate a review in Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(00:27) Coffee Temperature & Tools

(05:02) Biohacking Your Coffee

(08:40) The Butter Coffee Revelation

(10:21) Butter & MCT Oil: the Science Behind the Blend

(16:11) Breaking up with Sugar in coffee

(19:33) Coffee Meets Tech: Fun Gadgets from CES 2025

(20:40) Smart Hearing with AI Glasses

(24:05) Augmented Reality for Cities

(25:13) Wrap-Up

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living Well with Technology. In this episode of the Human Pulse Podcast, Anne and Fabrice immerse themselves in the world of coffee and its connection to living well. They explore coffee from a tech and lifestyle perspective, touching on everything from the perfect brewing temperatures to the hidden impacts of caffeine. Anne shares her strategies for maximizing energy through caffeine management, while Fabrice reveals how his Ember Mug has shaken his coffee habits. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a self-proclaimed coffee snob, this episode has something for you.

Key Topics Discussed:

•The Ember Mug: High-tech coffee temperature control and its surprising side effects.

•Brewing coffee like a pro: Optimal temperatures, brewing methods, and the Aeropress.

•French press perfection: Anne’s quest for a plastic-free coffee maker.

•How caffeine works: The science behind wakefulness and adenosine receptors.

•Hacking caffeine consumption: Timing, tolerance resets, and energy optimization.

•Why waiting an hour before your first coffee might change your mornings.

Reach out:

Anne on Bluesky

Fabrice on Bluesky

Anne on LinkedIn

Fabrice on LinkedIn

Where to Listen and Watch:

• Find all Human Pulse Podcast episodes on your favorite podcast platforms.
• Now accessible on our YouTube Channel – subscribe and watch episodes online!
• Visit the official website: Human Pulse Podcast for all episodes, show notes, and feedback.

We also appreciate a review in Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Resources and Links:

• The Ember Mug
• University of California Davis Coffee Center study
• AeroPress
• Le Creuset French Press (US website)

And also:

• Anne’s Free Sleep Guide: Potentialize.me/sleep

Chapters:

• (00:00) Title
• (00:10) Intro
• (00:26) Mugs!
• (01:53) Coffee snobs and temperatures
• (07:05) How Fabrice makes his coffee
• (12:40) How Anne makes her coffee
• (14:45) The Science behind Coffee
• (21:50) Coffee Hacks: Maximizing Benefits
• (23:50) Get ready for part 2: What we put in our coffee!
• (24:35) Conclusion

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living Well with Technology: In this episode of the Human Pulse Podcast, Anne and Fabrice delve into the fascinating intersection of sleep and technology. Anne shares her personal journey from restless nights to rejuvenating rest, thanks to a combination of lifestyle changes and cutting-edge sleep tech. They explore gadgets like the Oura Ring, Apple Watch, and temperature-regulating mattresses, while offering practical advice for improving sleep without over-relying on technology.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why sleep is the ultimate performance enhancer.
• Tools to track.
• Improving sleep with technology.
• The importance of lifestyle habits.
• Anne’s journey to achieving consistent, high-quality sleep.
• Fabrice’s experience with wearable tech.

Reach out:

Anne on Bluesky

Fabrice on Bluesky

Anne on LinkedIn

Fabrice on LinkedIn

Where to Listen and Watch:

• Find all Human Pulse Podcast episodes on your favorite podcast platforms.
• Now accessible on our YouTube Channel – subscribe and watch episodes online!
• Visit the official website: Human Pulse Podcast for all episodes, show notes, and feedback.

We also appreciate a review in Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Resources Mentioned:

• Oura Ring
• Apple Watch
• Apps: Sleep Cycle, Sleep Space
• Temperature Regulation Tech: Eight Sleep
• Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark
• Non-Invasive Sleep Technology: Soltech
• Brain Wave Technology: Braintap

• Anne’s Free Sleep Guide: Potentialize.me/sleep

Links:

New Yorker article: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/11/08/energy-and-how-to-get-it

The Verge article: https://www.theverge.com/23291925/best-sleep-tech-trackers-earbuds-wearables

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living Well With Technology. In this episode, Anne shares her journey of joining a new social media platform, Bluesky, after Fabrice’s rave reviews. Together, they dive into the complexities of social media—algorithms, boundaries, and how to create a healthier relationship with these tools.

We discuss the following:

• Why Fabrice left Twitter and his search for an alternative.
• The challenges and opportunities of social media platforms like Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads.
• Setting boundaries and strategies to live well with social media.
• How social media impacts mental health, particularly in younger generations.
• Positive practices to bring joy and reduce negativity in your online interactions.

Reach out:

Anne on Bluesky

Fabrice on Bluesky

Anne on LinkedIn

Fabrice on LinkedIn

We also appreciate a 5-star rating and review in Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Links:

Bluesky Social Media – Explore the new social platform.

ConnectSafely – Resources for safe internet practices for families.

Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation – Insights into the impact of social media on young brains.

Robin Dunbar’s Theory on Social Relationships – Learn about the "Dunbar Number." (Wikipedia)

Australia's Social Media Law for Under-16s – Learn more about the legislation limiting under-16s' access to social media. (The Guardian)

Shorts Blocker for YouTube (Safari) – Remove the Shorts section from YouTube to reduce distractions. (Apple App Store)

Where to Listen and Watch:

• Find all Human Pulse Podcast episodes on your favorite podcast platforms.
• Now accessible on our YouTube Channel – subscribe and watch episodes online!
• Visit the official website: Human Pulse Podcast for all episodes, show notes, and feedback.

Chapters:

• (00:00) Title
• (00:10) Introduction
• (02:40) Why Fabrice Left Twitter
• (04:25) The Bluesky Experience
• (07:30) Living Well with Social Media
• (15:40) Social Media and Mental Health
• (22:10) Positive Online Practices
• (26:40) Closing Thoughts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living Well With Technology. In this episode of the Human Pulse Podcast, hosts Fabrice Neuman and Anne Trager delve into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the French tech company Mistral and its AI tools. They discuss the growing trust issues users face with AI, particularly regarding accuracy and reliability. The conversation shifts to real-world applications of AI in organizations, the challenges of information overload, and the question of whether AI is delivering a return on investment. The hosts also address the environmental impact of AI technologies, emphasizing the need for responsible usage. Finally, they highlight the positive contributions of AI in various fields, including historical research and animal communication.

Hosted by Anne Trager & Fabrice Neuman

Listen, watch and subscribe on out website: https://humanpulsepodcast.com

Keywords

AI, Mistral, trust in technology, generative AI, energy consumption, productivity, human interaction, natural language processing, technology efficiency, AI applications

Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(02:58) Trust issue with Al

(07:10) The confines of Al

(09:38) Al's role in organizational ffici...

(13:17) The Al Bubble: Are We Overs...

(14:54) Natural interactions with Al

(24:03) Energy consumption and ethi...

(27:28) Positive applications of Al in s...

(28:40) Conclusion

Le Chat Mistral AI

https://chat.mistral.ai/chat

The Huberman Podcast with Dr. Terry Sejnowski

https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/dr-terry-sejnowski-how-to-improve-at-learning-using-neuroscience-ai

Worklabs Podcast with Jaime Teeven

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/podcast/microsoft-chief-scientist-on-ai-untapped-potential

National Geographic Magazine (check out November 2024 issue)

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/

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