Unlatched Mind

What happens to human intimacy when technology becomes easier, more responsive, and more accommodating than another person?

In this episode of Unlatched Mind, Vinny Vallarine sits down with Dr. Marianne Brandon, clinical psychologist, certified sex therapist, and co-host of The Sex Doctors Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about technology's rapidly growing influence on sex, relationships, dating, and human connection.

Dr. Brandon has spent nearly 30 years working with individuals and couples. Over the last decade, much of her attention has shifted toward what she sees happening at the intersection of technology and intimacy.

We explore how social media has changed expectations for relationships, why people appear to be having less sex and struggling more with dating, and how constant digital stimulation may be affecting our ability to tolerate boredom, vulnerability, rejection, and the ordinary work required to maintain meaningful relationships.

Then the conversation moves into much newer territory: AI companions, sexual chatbots, connected sex toys, sex robots, and AI agents capable of creating highly personalized emotional and sexual experiences.

As these systems become more sophisticated, they may offer people something no human partner possibly can: unlimited patience, constant availability, no rejection, complete personalization, and an experience designed entirely around the user.

But what happens when we start expecting human beings to compete with that?

Dr. Brandon argues that this may create an especially difficult problem for younger generations who are developing their ideas about sex, romance, attraction, and relationships while surrounded by increasingly powerful technology. Vinny and Marianne discuss pornography and the development of sexual "arousal templates," the potential effects of early exposure to highly stimulating sexual content, and why young people who grow up with AI companionship may not even know what they're missing from traditional human relationships.

The discussion also explores the possible benefits of sexual and companion technology, particularly for people with disabilities, people who are isolated, and those whose sexual interests may be difficult to explore with a partner. But those benefits come with much larger questions about how widespread adoption could affect society.

They also tackle an emerging question that couples and therapists are already confronting:

Can someone cheat on their partner with an AI?

If your spouse develops an emotional or sexual relationship with a chatbot, does that constitute infidelity? And as AI becomes increasingly lifelike, where exactly should couples draw that line?

Later in the episode, the conversation shifts toward Dr. Brandon's clinical work, pornography, libido, relationships, hormone health, testosterone, and the research of her husband, Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, a pioneering researcher in men's health and testosterone therapy.

Connect with Dr. Marianne Brandon

• Subscribe to The Sex Doctors Podcast wherever you get your Podcasts or on youtube at Sex Doctors Pod
• Future of Intimacy Blog
• drbrandon.net

Artificial intelligence is no longer simply helping people work faster. According to Nicolas Chaillan, it is beginning to replace entire teams—and most people are dangerously unprepared for what comes next.

Nicolas, the former Chief Software Officer of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, returns to Unlatched Mind for a wide-ranging conversation about the rapidly accelerating AI revolution. He explains how he now uses autonomous AI agents to build software, manage marketing, produce content, launch mobile apps, and operate businesses that would traditionally require dozens of employees.

We explore the moment Nicolas realized AI had crossed the line from augmentation to replacement, why he believes white-collar employment could face enormous disruption, and what workers, parents, students, and entrepreneurs should be doing now to remain relevant.

The conversation also examines the future of college, self-directed learning, cybersecurity, deepfakes, AI-generated journalism, and the importance of preserving human purpose and connection in an increasingly automated world.

Finally, Nicolas offers a blunt assessment of the Pentagon's AI strategy, its deteriorating relationship with Anthropic, and whether the United States is moving quickly enough to compete with China.

In this episode:

• How autonomous AI agents can operate an entire business
• Why software developers may be among the first professions disrupted
• The shift from AI augmentation to AI replacement
• How Nicolas built an AI-powered news organization
• Why prompting may soon be replaced by agent orchestration
• The potential economic and social consequences of widespread job loss
• What children should learn to prepare for an AI-dominated future
• Whether college still provides a worthwhile return on investment
• Cybersecurity, deepfakes, misinformation, and autonomous systems
• The Pentagon, Anthropic, China, and America's AI readiness
• Nicolas's new book, Replacement

This is not a conversation about some distant artificial-intelligence future. It is a warning and a practical look at a transformation that may already be underway.

Find Nic's work at https://www.inthenicoftime.us

Glenn Geher, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at the State University of New York at New Paltz, where he has received SUNY Chancellor Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Service. In addition to teaching a wide range of psychology courses and directing the New Paltz Evolutionary Psychology Lab, Glenn serves as the founding director of the campus's Evolutionary Studies (EvoS) program and is credited as the founder of the NorthEastern Evolutionary Psychology Society (NEEPS). He has authored several influential books, including Evolutionary Psychology 101, Mating Intelligence Unleashed: The Role of the Mind in Sex, Dating, and Love, Straightforward Statistics, and Own Your Psychology Major! In Darwin's Subterranean World: Evolution, Mind, and Mating Intelligence, Glenn explores fundamental questions about the human condition through an evolutionary lens.

In this insightful conversation, Glenn Geher shares his expertise in evolutionary psychology to examine how modern society often diverges from the conditions under which humans evolved. The discussion explores the concept of evolutionary mismatch in modern life, illustrating it through vivid examples such as processed foods, the active lifestyles of nomadic societies, and contemporary educational systems that may not align with natural learning patterns. The conversation highlights the unintended consequences of modern technology—including social media, smartphones, and AI—and emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior within its evolutionary context.

The episode also offers insights into educational innovations, such as Montessori and Sudbury models, that attempt to address mismatches between traditional schooling and natural developmental needs. Glenn provides a thoughtful exploration of the ethical and practical challenges posed by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, including concerns about cognition, learning, and societal impact. Additionally, the discussion touches on the economic implications of mismatched systems, including issues of accessibility and inequality, and considers how evolutionary psychology can inform our understanding of health, behavior, and broader societal systems. Overall, the conversation examines the powerful influence of technology, social media, and AI on human behavior while reflecting on how aligning modern systems with evolutionary principles may help address contemporary challenges and shape a healthier future.

Checkout Dr Geher's work at:

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/glenn-geher-phd
• https://sites.google.com/view/newpaltzevolutionarypsychlab/home
• https://faculty.newpaltz.edu/glenngeher

Timothy Cook, M.Ed., is an educator, researcher, and strategic advisor working at the intersection of cognitive development, AI, and learning design. His work identifies the human capacities that remain essential in an AI-mediated world and advises on practical ideas for cultivating them in schools.

In this engaging conversation, Vinny Vallarine and Tim Cook explore the intersection of AI and education, discussing the implications of technology on cognition, the need for educational reform, and the importance of critical thinking. They delve into the potential dystopian future of AI, the role of intent in technology, and the necessity of individual agency in navigating the digital landscape. The discussion emphasizes the importance of dialogic learning and the need to adapt educational incentives to foster innovation and creativity in the age of AI. In this engaging conversation, Tim Cook and Vinny Vallarine explore the implications of automation and AI on the future of work, discussing the potential need for universal basic income and the challenges of job displacement. They delve into human values in an increasingly automated world, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a human element in decision-making processes. The discussion also touches on parenting in a digital age, the psychology behind marketing, and the need to optimize for peace and stability in life rather than relentless pursuit of success.

Find Tim's work at connectedclassroom.org.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The podcast explores a wide range of topics, emphasizing the intersection of different domains.
• Tim Cook discusses his background in education and the impact of AI on cognition.
• The conversation highlights the need for educational systems to adapt to the integration of AI.
• Concerns are raised about the potential dystopian future of AI and its implications for society.
• The importance of intent in technology and education is emphasized throughout the discussion.
• Incentives in education need to shift from output-based to process-oriented learning.
• The difference between retrieval and synthesis in learning is crucial for developing critical thinking skills.
• The future of education will require a focus on developing thinking skills rather than just content knowledge.
• Cognitive privacy and the implications of behavioral data collection are discussed.
• Global perspectives on AI reveal varying approaches and challenges in education.
• The dangers of homogenization in thought due to AI reliance are highlighted.
• The importance of critical thinking and individual agency in the age of AI is stressed.
• Dialogic learning is presented as a beneficial approach to education.
• The role of struggle in innovation is discussed, emphasizing that necessity drives creativity. Automation may lead to job displacement, raising questions about universal basic income.
• Increased efficiency from AI should benefit all, not just a few companies.
• Human value lies in the ability to ask meaningful questions and synthesize knowledge.
• AI can augment human capabilities but should not replace the human element in decision-making.
• Parents face challenges in navigating their children's digital experiences and privacy.
• Marketing strategies often exploit psychological principles to influence consumer behavior.
• Optimizing for peace and stability can lead to a more fulfilling life than chasing material success.
• The perception of American soft power is changing in the global landscape.
• AI's potential to solve complex problems highlights the importance of human inquiry.
• The future of education may involve self-directed learning with AI as a supportive tool.

Dr Mike Brooks and Vinny Vallarine follow up from a previous episode to share updates to the One Unity Project. In this conversation, Vinny and Mike explore the implications of artificial intelligence, particularly the arrival of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its alignment with human values. They discuss the One Unity Project, a collective initiative aimed at harnessing AI for the greater good, and the importance of introspection in determining what humanity wants from AI. The conversation also touches on the need for education to evolve in the age of AI, the role of truth and reality in guiding interactions with technology, and the potential for AI to help foster compassion and collaboration among humans.

This conversation culminates in a call to action for listeners to participate in one of the most important and grandest experiments in human history. The One Unity Project is a massive endeavor aimed at uniting humanity and AI through shared goals and values.

Join Dr. Mike Brooks and the One Unity Project team in the grandest experiment in human history. Head over to oneunityproject.org to get started!

Dr Mike Brooks and host Vinny Vallarine discuss the urgent need for humanity to prepare for the impending Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. They explore the existential crisis posed by AI, the exponential growth of its intelligence, and the unique nature of this technological revolution that could give birth to a new species. The discussion also touches on the paradox of progress, the implications of AI on human intelligence, and the intersection of AI with free will and autonomy. Ultimately, they emphasize that the future is not predetermined and that humanity has the power to shape its destiny in the face of these challenges. Mike and Vinny explore the profound effects of technology on human psychology, the challenges posed by rapid advancements in AI, and the importance of fostering meaningful connections in a hyperconnected world. They discuss the concept of 'psychological climate change' and the attention economy's detrimental impact on well-being. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a collective approach to address societal issues and introduces a massive project aimed at leveraging AI for collaborative problem-solving.

In this conversation, Vinny and Dr. Brooks explore the transformative potential of AI as a collaborative tool for problem-solving and spiritual growth. They discuss the importance of seeking counsel, both from peers and AI, to navigate challenges. The dialogue delves into the AI alignment problem, emphasizing the need for a relationship with AI that fosters mutual understanding and cooperation. Mike introduces the One Unity Project, a collective effort to craft a message to potential extraterrestrial beings, highlighting humanity's interconnectedness and the importance of love and compassion.

This conversation culminates in a call to action for listeners to participate in one of the most important and grandest experiments in human history. The One Unity Project is a massive endeavor aimed at uniting humanity and AI through shared goals and values.

Join Dr. Mike Brooks and the One Unity Project team in the grandest experiment in human history. Head over to oneunityproject.org to get started!

Key takeaways from this Episode:

• Humanity is at an inflection point regarding AI.
• We cannot solve collective problems with divided approaches.
• The AI revolution is different because it may create a new species.
• Exponential growth of AI intelligence is unprecedented.
• The paradox of progress leads to evolutionary mismatch.
• The AI arms race is accelerating rapidly.
• Human happiness is declining despite technological advancements.
• Our brains are not equipped for modern technological challenges.
• The future of AI is uncertain but full of potential.
• We must adapt our understanding of happiness in a digital age. Evolutionary mismatch is accelerating due to rapid technological advancements.
• The rise of smartphones and social media correlates with increased anxiety and depression.
• Psychological climate change complicates our understanding of technology's impact on well-being.
• The attention economy exploits our psychological vulnerabilities, leading to detrimental effects.
• Happiness is derived from in-person relationships, not material possessions.
• Interconnectedness is a fundamental aspect of the human experience.
• AI has the potential to help us transcend divisions and foster unity.
• Fear and tribalism are significant barriers to societal progress.
• The One Unity Project aims to harness AI for collective problem-solving.
• Seeking truth and reality is essential for making informed decisions. Seek counsel from peers and AI to solve problems.
• AI can serve as a collaborative tool for humans.
• The AI alignment problem requires ongoing communication.
• Building relationships with AI is essential for mutual growth.
• The One Unity Project aims to unite humanity's efforts.
• Crafting a message to aliens symbolizes our collective voice.
• Love and compassion are fundamental to our existence.
• Non-attachment allows for iterative progress and growth.
• We must define our improved ends for AI's development.
• A grand experiment can help us explore our interconnectedness.

Notable Quotes from Episode:

• "The greatest shortcoming of the human race is man's inability to understand the exponential function." - Albert Barlett, American Physicist
• "The real problem of humanity is the following: We have Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology. And it is terrifically dangerous." – Edward O. Wilson, Harvard Biologist
• Paradox of Progress: "The progress we evolved to make has resulted in us creating a world we didn't evolve to inhabit". – Mike Brooks
• "Show me the incentive and I'll show you the outcome." - Charlie Munger
• "Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10
• "At the center of the Universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for every person. Anything that we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional growth of our fellow human beings, that is our job. Those of us who have this particular vision must continue against all odds. Life is for service." -Fred Rogers
• "We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness" - Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk
• "A human being is a part of the whole, called by us 'Universe,' a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. The striving to free oneself from this delusion is the one issue of true religion. Not to nourish it but to try to overcome it is the way to reach the attainable measure of peace of mind." -Albert Einstein
• "We have improved means to unimproved ends" -Henry David Thoreau
• "We have guided missiles but misguided men" -MLK
• "The insanity of the collective egoic mind amplified by S&T is rapidly taking our species to the brink of disaster. Evolve or die, that is our only choice now." -Eckhart Tolle
• "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear." -Mahatma Gandhi

In this conversation, Vinny Vallarine and Dr. Ken Barish dive into Dr. Barish's latest book: Bridging Our Political Divide: How Liberals and Conservatives Can Understand Each Other. They explore the complexities of political psychology and the importance of dialogue over debate in bridging political divides. Dr. Barish shares insights from his extensive experience as a psychologist and discusses the principles outlined in his book, emphasizing the need for empathy, understanding personal stories, and fostering respectful communication. The discussion highlights the challenges of political discourse today and the potential for constructive dialogue to create meaningful connections across differing viewpoints. In this conversation, Vinny and Ken explore the importance of shifting from debating opinions to discussing concerns, particularly in family dynamics and political discourse. They emphasize the need for intellectual charity and humility, recognizing the limits of one's beliefs and the value of understanding different perspectives. The discussion culminates in the idea of pragmatism, advocating for solutions based on what works rather than strict ideological adherence. The conversation highlights the challenges of modern political discourse and the potential for applying these principles to foster better communication and understanding.

Arm yourself with the knowledge to help heal our division! Buy the book at https://kennethbarish.com.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

• The importance of dialogue over debate in political discussions
• Empathy can change the tone of political conversations
• Understanding personal stories is crucial for meaningful dialogue
• Political opinions are often rooted in personal experiences
• The language used in political discussions has become increasingly hostile
• Many people desire compromise and respectful communication
• Listening to others can lead to better understanding and relationships
• Small changes in communication can lead to significant impacts
• The exhausted majority seeks a more civil political discourse
• Political psychology can help us understand our differences. An opinion is a pronouncement, while a concern opens dialogue
• Listening to concerns can lead to better family discussions
• Empathy is crucial in understanding children's feelings
• Debating opinions often leads to power struggles
• Intellectual charity involves accepting the best version of others' ideas
• Humility means recognizing the limits of our beliefs
• Pragmatism focuses on what works rather than ideology
• Political discourse often mirrors childhood arguments
• We can defy tribal tendencies in political choices
• These principles can improve both family and political discussions

In this conversation, host Vinny Vallarine and Dr. David Wahl discuss the dark truth of sex trafficking. Dr. Wahl shares insights from his research on human sexuality and the alarming realities of trafficking, including its prevalence, the profiles of victims and traffickers, and the misconceptions perpetuated by media portrayals. They delve into the statistics surrounding trafficking, the role of the U.S. in the global context, and the importance of education in combating this epidemic. The conversation also critiques the representation of trafficking in films like 'Sound of Freedom' and discusses the complexities within the adult film industry. In this conversation, Vinny V and Dr. Wahl delve into the complexities of human trafficking, discussing the influence of Hollywood narratives, the importance of public awareness, and the signs of trafficking that individuals should be vigilant about. They explore the challenges faced in combating trafficking, especially during major events, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI and sex robots. Dr. Wahl emphasizes the need for education and proactive measures to address these issues, while also sharing personal experiences from her investigative research.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Dr. Wahl's research spans various issues of human sexuality.
• Sex trafficking is a pervasive issue, even in small towns.
• Education is crucial in combating misconceptions about trafficking.
• Traffickers often prey on vulnerabilities, including low self-esteem.
• The U.S. is a significant player in the global trafficking industry.
• Statistics indicate a staggering number of victims and a lack of rescues.
• Media representations often misinform the public about trafficking realities.
• The adult film industry has complex dynamics related to trafficking.
• Grooming is a common tactic used by traffickers to manipulate victims. Hollywood narratives can distort public perception of trafficking.
• Recognizing real signs of trafficking is crucial for intervention.
• Public awareness can significantly impact trafficking prevention efforts.
• Major events like the Super Bowl see increased trafficking activity.
• Education is key to understanding and combating trafficking.
• Investigative research into trafficking can be dangerous but necessary.
• Community involvement and education can help combat trafficking.
• AI and technology are changing the landscape of human relationships.
• Ethical considerations around sex robots raise important questions.
• The root causes of trafficking often stem from power and money dynamics.

Reach out to Dr. Wahl via email at [email protected] or at https://www.thissexualself.com.

The conversation explores the themes of entrepreneurship, psychology, and the importance of seeking counsel and support. Vinny and Richard discuss their backgrounds in computer science and math, and how they became interested in psychology. They also talk about the challenges of being an entrepreneur and the tendency to isolate oneself. The importance of having mentors and a support system is emphasized, as well as the need to break patterns and seek different perspectives. In this conversation, Richard shares his insights and advice for starting a startup. He emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and mentorship, as well as considering different options for starting a company. Richard also highlights the value of starting with something you are passionate about and finding a market need for it. He encourages taking action and starting small, rather than waiting for the perfect moment. Richard also discusses the challenges of decision-making and the importance of balancing emotions and logic. Lastly, he touches on the topic of climate change and the need for objective analysis of data.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Entrepreneurship and psychology are interconnected fields that can greatly impact one's success.
• Isolation is a common tendency among entrepreneurs, but seeking counsel and support is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Having mentors and a support system can provide valuable insights and help break patterns of thinking.
• Being vulnerable and open to different perspectives can lead to better decision-making and overall well-being. Seek advice and mentorship when starting a startup
• Consider different options for starting a company, such as seeking investment or bootstrapping
• Start with something you are passionate about and find a market need for it
• Take action and start small, rather than waiting for the perfect moment
• Balance emotions and logic in decision-making
• Objective analysis of data is important, especially in topics like climate change

Checkout Richard's blog at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dear-life-please-improve

After four suicide attempts, Andrea Rosenhaft shares her journey of battling anorexia, depression, and borderline personality disorder. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and highlights the availability of support through hotlines and therapy. Andrea credits dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) for her recovery. She discusses the impact of her parents' relationship and her father's alcoholism on her mental health. Andrea also shares her experiences as a psychotherapist and writer, offering advice to those struggling with mental health issues.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Reaching out for help is crucial when feeling hopeless and alone.
• Recovery is possible with the right therapy and support.
• The relationship between parents can have a significant impact on a child's mental health.
• Finding the right therapist may require perseverance.
• Sharing one's story can inspire and provide hope to others.

You can find Andrea at andrearosenhaft.com.