Modern Prophets Season 2 premiere: an interview with artificial intelligence (AI).

My word for the new year is "curiosity." In the upcoming year, I aim to intentionally lean into uncertainty and discomfort by maintaining a sense of curiosity. Curiosity (with grace) about myself, about others, and about the world we live in.

AI continues to evolve rapidly and has applications in numerous fields. AI is based on a large language model - NOT a "modern prophet," yet holds great promise in the healthcare and behavioral healthcare fields.

As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, we must carefully address several ethical considerations/concerns.

Reflect. Pros and cons of any technological advancement? What kind of relationship do we want to have with technology? Do we want to spend our time in a Metaverse?

Who is ultimately responsible for implementing a collaborative, multi-faceted approach to develop robust regulations that promote transparency and foster a responsible and ethical approach to tech development & implementation?

Folks, meet AI. I invite you to stay curious; the one who listens understands.

0:15 - Welcome to Season 2

1:40 - Dopamine, Pain & Pleasure, Drug of Choice

3:32 - Modern Drugs: Quantity, Access, Potency, Novelty

5:16 - Heroin vs. Social Media: Degree, Reward Pathway

6:50 - Metaverse?

7:59 - Curiosity, Discomfort, AI

9:09 - Structure of Today's Interview with AI

9:50 - What is AI?

10:22 - Consequences of AI in healthcare

11:15 - AI is NOT a modern prophet; Relationship between addiction and trauma

15:33 - Different types of trauma, influence on addiction

16:50 - Addiction can be a primary, progressive disease

18:25 - Relief sought in addictive substances/behaviors

19:23 - Evolution of our world and compulsive overconsumption

20:28 - Are individuals with addiction who have found recovery modern prophets?

22:14 - Recognition, Heroin (substance) vs. Sex/Work (behavior)

24:55 - How to recognize an addiction or compulsive overconsumption when it won't derail one's life?

26:50 - Obstacles

29:01 - Sober shift in perspective

30:00 - Why is it so difficult to remain present and lean into discomfort?

31:42 - Tips to engage in a mindfulness practice

33:48 - Are we living a meaningful life?

35:09 - What support is AI unable to provide?

36:35 - What would you tell someone currently suffering from addiction?

37:39 - Tangible tools

38:39 - Final Question, Ethical considerations of AI

This podcast traverses difficult emotional terrain. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Please reach out for help and call ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAMHSA’s National Helpline⁠⁠⁠⁠ at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, I encourage you to call the ⁠⁠⁠⁠988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline⁠⁠⁠⁠ at 988.