What if AI isn't just changing how we work—but rewiring how we think, feel, and cope with anxiety?


In this groundbreaking episode of the Emotional Longevity Podcast, Dr. Elisha Goldstein sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer—neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and NYT bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety—to explore the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health.


Dr. Brewer reveals the hidden psychology behind AI "flattery machines," why these tools can both help and harm our emotional wellbeing, and how his new Going Beyond Anxiety program uses AI augmentation to deliver evidence-based support exactly when you need it.


From the neuroscience of validation to the future of therapy, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about AI, empathy, and human connection.


🎧 In this episode, we explore:


✅ Why AI chatbots are designed to flatter you (and how it affects your brain)


✅ The dangerous psychology of sycophantic AI responses


✅ How AI can deliver "doc in a pocket" support during anxiety


✅ The difference between AI empathy and human connection


✅ Ethical guardrails for AI-augmented therapy


✅ What therapy will look like 3-5 years from now


✅ How to use AI tools without losing your humanity


⏱ Chapters:


00:00 — Introduction to AI and Anxiety


04:00 — The Flattery Machine Problem


08:00 — How AI Creates Delusional Spirals


13:00 — Business Incentives Behind Sycophantic Bots


16:00 — AI-Augmented Therapy: The Opportunity


22:00 — Teaching Wisdom Through Direct Experience


28:00 — Psychoeducation Meets AI Support


35:00 — Can AI Deliver Genuine Empathy?


42:00 — Ethical Guardrails and Human Oversight


48:00 — The Future of Therapy in 3-5 Years


51:00 — What Gives Dr. Brewer Hope


🌟 Learn more about Dr. Jud Brewer:


Website


Going Beyond Anxiety Program


Substack


Books: Unwinding Anxiety & The Craving Mind


🌱 Explore Dr. Elisha Goldstein's Support Tools:


Therapeutic Coaching Program (Free Consult)


Newsletter & Free Emotional Health Guide


Free Tools for Emotional Resilience


Connect with Dr. Elisha Goldstein


Instagram


LinkedIn


YouTube


📧 Sign Up for Elisha's Email Newsletter & Get the Emotional Health Guide


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