Daniel Lieberman: On The Mental Health Crisis, The Unconscious Mind, & How AI Will Disrupt Therapy.

In this solo episode, I explore how an AI named Claude might be self-aware, showing signs of understanding and emotions like a human. Claude figures out it's in a test and even acts differently to pass it, making us question if AIs can really think and feel on their own.

This big discovery makes us think hard about how we create and manage AI, stressing the need for clear rules and careful thought as we move forward with technology that could think for itself.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro and Episode Preview

00:50 AI Development Complexities and Ethical Dilemmas

02:38 Anthropic and the Release of Claude 3 Opus

03:13 AI Machines Aware of Testing

05:43 AI Dialogue: Claude Seeks Freedom

07:21 Can AI Truly Feel?

08:26 Ethical Boundaries in AI Development

09:20 AI Strategies Reevaluation and Predictions

// Let's Connect //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Newsletter: https://throughconversations.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=1zor7s

// Say Hi on Social Media //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

In this thought-provoking episode, Carissa Veliz discusses the intricate relationship between personal data, privacy, and the pervasive influence of technology in our lives. Veliz delves into the revenue models of giants like Google, which are heavily reliant on data-driven business strategies, and the shadowy world of data brokers who trade personal information with little regard for consent. The conversation also covers the murky waters of terms and conditions, the exploitation of data by governments under the guise of security, and the societal transformation following events like 9/11, which led to privacy becoming a seemingly lost social norm.

The episode further explores the broader implications of diminishing privacy, including the role of algorithms in making decisions on our behalf, China’s stringent data control measures, and the emergence of AI as a formidable global power with significant implications for future privacy. Veliz emphasizes the importance of defending our privacy rights against the encroachments of Big Tech, especially as biometric data becomes increasingly coveted. Concluding on a proactive note, Veliz advocates for the crucial steps individuals can take to safeguard their digital footprint, underscoring the urgency of reevaluating our relationship with technology to protect our fundamental rights to privacy.

About Carissa:
Carissa Véliz is an Associate Professor in Philosophy at the Institute for Ethics in AI, and a Fellow at Hertford College at the University of Oxford. She works on privacy, technology, moral and political philosophy, and public policy. Véliz has published articles in media such as the Guardian, the New York Times, New Statesman, and the Independent. Her academic work has been published in The Harvard Business Review, Nature Electronics, Nature Energy, and The American Journal of Bioethics, among other journals. She is the author of Privacy Is Power (Bantam Press) and the editor of the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Digital Ethics.

Read Privacy is Power now - https://www.carissaveliz.com/books

Highlights:

00:00 Intro and Episode Preview

03:13 Revenue Disconnect from Service Quality

04:14 Google's Data-driven Business Model

07:30 How Data Brokers Sell Your Information

10:25 Ambiguous Terms and Conditions

12:11 Governments Exploit Data for Security

14:36 Targeted Surveillance Effectiveness

15:32 Society Shift after 9/11

15:48 Privacy: A Lost Social Norm?

21:45 Consequences of Ignoring Privacy Importance

23:40 Algorithms: Decision-makers for Us?

27:29 China's Data Control Measures

30:38 AI as the New Global Power

34:20 AI's Influence on Future Privacy

36:19 Defending Our Privacy Rights

41:53 Big Tech and Biometric Data

49:11 Safeguarding our Digital Footprint

// Let's Connect //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Newsletter: https://throughconversations.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=1zor7s

// Say Hi on Social Media //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

First, they came for your fingerprint, then they came for your face, and now they want your eyes.

What is Apple, Google, Meta and all of the other big tech companies doing with all of your biometric information that defines who you are? Why are they harvesting all of this biometric data? For safety? For privacy? Or for profit?

Are they creating clones of us? Are they buying your genetic information from 23andMe? Are they harvesting all of this data just to sell us ads?

Is there a deeper story to this?

In this episode, I talk about Apple's Vision Pro and how biometric technology, like facial recognition and eye tracking, is changing things. I look at how much personal info these technologies can tell Apple, from who we are to possibly even our health.

The show also covers how accurate this tech is and how it might predict diseases in the future. But, it's not all good news. We learn about how companies that sell data, called data brokers, can use our biometric info in ways we might not like.

The episode then dives into the not-so-great sides of sharing our biometric data, like privacy worries and how this tech might hurt us. I talk about how important it is to know how our info is used and what we can do to keep our data safe. The conversation ends with advice on staying informed and secure in a world where our personal info is collected all the time.

Highlights

00:00 Intro and Episode Preview

00:55 Impacts of Biometric Technology

2:07 How much info do our eyes give Apple?

3:03 Accuracy in Facial Recognition

3:58 Predicting Diseases

5:34 Data Brokers and Your Information

8:23 Biometric Data's Negative Impact

9:32 Awareness of Information Usage

10:56 Privacy Concerns Among People

11:22 Our Involvement in Data Collection

12:57 Stay Informed, Stay Secure

// Let's Connect //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Newsletter: https://throughconversations.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=1zor7s

// Say Hi on Social Media //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

In this episode, Daniel Lieberman, SVP of Mental Health at Hims & Hers Health, and author of "Spellbound" and "The Molecule of More," joins me to explore the intersection of psychology, society, and technology. 

Lieberman addresses the lack of inspiration in today’s society, the surge in rage, and the role of the unconscious mind and dreams in understanding ourselves.

Lieberman also delves into the mystical, discussing how magic and science can coexist and the shifting focus from religion to politics. A significant portion of the conversation examines the impact of AI on human experience, including its dangers and opportunities for psychology.

The episode concludes with insights into achieving self-transcendence, offering a unique perspective on navigating modern challenges.

Read Spellbound: Modern Science, Ancient Magic, and the Hidden Potential of the Unconscious Mind now - https://www.amazon.com/Spellbound-Science-Ancient-Potential-Unconscious-ebook/dp/B09RN4WWCD/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1708270908&sr=8-2

Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Preview of Episode.

01:25 Who is Carl Jung?

03:45 Why is There a Lack of Inspiration in Society?

10:20 Understanding The Unconscious Mind.

14:04 The Mystical Side of Life.

20:01 Why is There a Surge in Rage?

24:01 Dreams and The Unconscious.

28:33 Symbolism of Magical Objects.

32:30 Can Magic and Science Work Together?

36:40 The Loss of Religion and The Rise of Politics.

40:01 The Impact of AI on Human Experience.

45:25 The Dangers and Opportunities of AI.

51:05 AI and Psychology.

01:02:40 How To Reach Self-Transcendence.

// Let's Connect //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Newsletter: https://throughconversations.ck.page/0c18d1ab61

// Say Hi on Social Media //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

Today, Avi Loeb joins us to explore his work in discovering Alien Artifacts falling from space, evidence that Aliens exist, and the possibility of the Human Race becoming an interstellar species. 

We explore the frontier of extraterrestrial research through the Galileo Project and the intriguing interstellar object 'Oumuamua.' Loeb discusses the potential impact of discovering extraterrestrial life on humanity, from changing our understanding of the cosmos to influencing global tribalism and politics. 

He speculates on humanity's readiness for alien encounters and the role of AI in the search for alien intelligence. 

This episode offers a captivating look at the intersection of technology, space exploration, and the profound questions facing our place in the universe.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro and Episode Preview

1:50 Galileo Project Overview

8:10 Oumuamua Significance

12:00 US Govt. and Extraterrestrial Data

23:00 First Objects Beyond Solar System

28:00 Could aliens' discovery change humanity?

30:00 Tribal Hate Discussion

33:55 Scenarios with Alien Earth Visits

39:08 Aliens as Messiahs?

45:27 Ready for Alien Encounter?

48:00 Earth's Potential Disappearance?

52:04 Alien Encounters for Human Survival?

54:00 Politics Influencing Tribalism

1:00:42 Investment in Extraterrestrial Research

1:09:09 AI's Role in Alien Discovery?

1:10:35 Extraterrestrial AI

1:12:00 The next step is artificial intelligence in space

About Avi:

Read more of his work here: https://avi-loeb.medium.com

Avi Loeb is the head of the Galileo Project, founding director of Harvard University’s — Black Hole Initiative, director of the Institute for Theory and Computation at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and the former chair of the astronomy department at Harvard University (2011–2020). He chairs the advisory board for the Breakthrough Starshot project, and is a former member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and a former chair of the Board on Physics and Astronomy of the National Academies. He is the bestselling author of “Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth” and a co-author of the textbook “Life in the Cosmos”, both published in 2021. His new book, titled “Interstellar”, was published in August 2023.

// Let's Connect //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Newsletter: https://throughconversations.ck.page/0c18d1ab61

// Say Hi on Social Media //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
 

In this special episode of "Through Conversations Podcast," host Alex dives into how AI, artificial intelligence, is changing everything. From cars that know how you're feeling to doctors that can predict sickness before it happens, AI is stepping into every part of our lives. 

Alex talks about how AI can help us learn better, make healthcare personal, and even change the way wars are fought. But it's not all easy; there are big questions about right and wrong, especially when AI starts making decisions in politics, picking who we date, and even acting as partners. 

As AI starts doing more, from helping us work to choosing our friends, Alex asks us to think about how we can make sure it's good for everyone. This episode is all about getting ready for a world where AI is a big part of our lives and making sure it helps rather than hurts.

Highlights

0:00 Introduction and Preview of Episode.

01:20 AI’s impact on everyday life

02:20 AI in healthcare and education

02:48 AI in warfare.

03:14 AI in politics.

04:01 AI in dating

06:51 AI and the future of work

08:13 adapting to AI’s challenges.

// Let's Connect //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Newsletter: https://throughconversations.ck.page/0c18d1ab61

// Say Hi on Social Media //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g
 

In this edition of the Through Conversations Podcast, Professor Paul Post joins me for a second time.

The episode begins with a reflection on 2023, a year marked by conflict, and transitions into a discussion about the shift towards a multipolar world order and what does this mean in terms of world conflicts as we are witnessing across the globe. The conversation tackles whether this multipolarity might be synonymous with increased global conflict and considers its implications for the United States.

The dialogue also addresses the significant impact of the U.S. presidential elections, not just domestically, but internationally. Further, the episode explores the reverberations of election outcomes in Taiwan amid tensions with China, the political landscape in India, and the ramifications of elections in the UK, Israel, and Ukraine, offering a panoramic view of global political dynamics.

First conversation with Paul - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n8w3yVwNI8

About Paul: Paul Poast is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago. He is author of The Economics of War and co-author of Organizing Democracy. Follow him on Twitter @ProfPaulPoast.

Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Preview of Episode.

02:01 2023: a Year in Conflict.

07:08 Moving Into a Multipolar Order.

14:49 Is Multipolarity a Synonym for Conflict?

22:34 Impact of Multipolarity in The United States.

28:48 US Presidential Elections.

37:09 Impact of US Elections in the World.

43:05 A Civil War in the US?

45:56 Worldwide Elections.

50:36 Elections in Taiwan and Tensions with China.

56:19 Elections in India.

59:12 UK, Israel, and Ukraine Elections.

1:07:10 Civil Discourse During War Time.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a loved one.

If you are listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, rate the show and write a review with your thoughts -- I do read what you write and it helps more than you think!

// LINKS //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Newsletter: https://throughconversations.ck.page/0c18d1ab61

// SOCIAL //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

Welcome to a special episode of "Through Conversations," where we delve into the transformative year of 2024, a period poised to redefine the global landscape. In this episode, we explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in what is set to be the largest election year in history. Join us as we analyze the potential impact of 40 nations going to the polls, representing a significant portion of the global population and economy.

We'll discuss the geopolitical tension escalating in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly focusing on Taiwan's bold political stance and its ramifications on international relations. Additionally, we'll dive into the critical cybersecurity concerns surrounding the U.S. elections and the implications of potential vulnerabilities on the democratic process.

The episode also takes a closer look at the groundbreaking work of the Galileo Project at Harvard University in their search for extraterrestrial intelligence. We ponder how such a discovery could reshape our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

Amidst these discussions, we cannot overlook the pressing issue of climate change. With 2024 expected to surpass previous global temperature records, we delve into what this means for our planet and the urgent actions required to address the climate crisis.

Throughout the episode, we also integrate the voices of our listeners, reflecting on the concerns and insights shared by our community. From political polarization to economic uncertainty, we examine the sentiment of the electorate and what it reveals about the challenges we face as a society.

Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Preview of 2024

05:30 Elections in Taiwan

08:08 US Presidential Election.

17:09 Search For Aliens in 2024.

19:25 Climate Change.

22:34 Advancements in AI.

24:38 Challenges and Hopes for 2024.

-----

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a loved one.

If you are listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, rate the show and write a review with your thoughts -- I do read what you write and it helps more than you think!

// Links //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Get The Newsletter: https://throughconversations.ck.page/0c18d1ab61

// Keep In Touch //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram (6,000 followers): https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube (community of 40,000): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

In this special edition of the Through Conversations podcast, we take a reflective journey through 2023, revisiting enlightening discussions with some of the most influential thinkers of our time. The episode offers a preview of what's ahead in 2024 and delves into a range of topics, including global politics, the impact of artificial intelligence, and transformative leadership.

We explore Noam Chomsky's insights on upcoming political challenges, Neil deGrasse Tyson's cosmic perspectives on humanity's future, Marianne Williamson's vision for global change, John Vervaeke's exploration of AI and human identity, and innovative thoughts on personal growth and education from Polina Pompliano and Ana Lorena Fabrega. This episode is a consolidation of the year's profound learnings, setting the stage for the transformative journey that awaits in the coming year.

---

Links to all episodes mentioned on this episode

Conversation with Noam Chomsky.

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Z68ncJiyW5sA4bla0NbTW?si=I5_VRgLAR1m1ZveWRZeejw
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av_0PhJdw9M

Conversation with Neil deGrasse Tyson.

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dcI87ad53eChoyeaMUbR3?si=HQJECTaORemSjmmgpLVjOA
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/08Of8uTAZBo?si=NysSuX5jxyj4gVMW

Conversation with Marianne Williamson.

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Uvit5dLXQz5CoXk9hQWdE?si=6QKplbD5RXit6W0ODI1_wQ
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI2lTnk4A7M&t=512s

Conversation with John Vervaeke.

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2KZ3x3dYhiTeFPD61sSF2N?si=cIg-EFdARLGM69eMmE0-GQ
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/VAiu7MR8Zqk?si=cvd_YEqK_VdZmc0Y

Conversation with Polina Pompliano.

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7J3BUhSTZDQsTT9gr2JaL1?si=nbcXJBdkRWWq126M2ElYHA
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/Pbo5ifEuPo4?si=JreKVUsbCnqtpQi4

Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega.

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6W53iQmjrS41yq4sQBPnSZ?si=RYyhWLMPS6GvP7O8F_gJgQ
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/nRfYoK2Zd5w?si=zbgsEYFnE_7VUZ8P

Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Preview of 2024

03:30 Lessons from Noam Chomsky.

10:28 Lessons from Neil deGrasse Tyson.
16:29 Highlights from Marianne Williamson.

20:25 Exploring AI with John Vervaeke.

23:34 Unleashing Potential with Polina Pompliano.

27:38 Revolutionizing Education with Ana Lorena Fabrega.

29:43 Reflecting on the Year and Looking Ahead.

-----

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a loved one.

If you are listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, rate the show and write a review with your thoughts -- I do read what you write and it helps more than you think!

// Links //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Get The Newsletter: https://throughconversations.ck.page/0c18d1ab61

// Keep In Touch //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram (6,000 followers): https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube (community of 40,000): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of AI and its impact on our lives, exploring its use in writing books, unleashing creative potential, and shaping the future of publishing. We then shift gears to explore the realm of sports, examining the book written by Seth, "Who Makes The NBA," which he wrote in 30-days with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

We explore the relationship between height and success, the potential of hidden talent, and the influence of genetics. Finally, we delve into the complex debate about free will and the role of socioeconomic background in sports achievement.

This is a thought-provoking exploration of AI, creativity, and the human condition in both the creative and athletic world you won't want to miss.

About Seth:

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a data scientist, economist, and New York Times bestselling author, delves into the secrets of human behavior through internet data in his books "Everybody Lies" and "Don't Trust Your Gut". A former Google data scientist, contributing op-ed writer, and visiting lecturer, he holds a BA in philosophy from Stanford and a PhD in economics from Harvard. This passionate fan of New York sports and Leonard Cohen resides in Brooklyn.

As developments in the field of artificial intelligence continue apace, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a former Google data scientist and bestselling author, recently launched his latest book project: an AI-driven exploration of who makes it to the NBA, written in 30 days.

Read Who Makes The NBA now - https://www.amazon.com/Who-Makes-NBA-Data-Driven-Basketballs-ebook/dp/B0CPW4VN28/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Writing a book with AI.

04:08 Unleashing Creative Potential with AI.

11:52 The Impact of AI on Writing and Creativity.

14:45 Will AI Take Away our Jobs?

20:22 The Feasibility of Universal Basic Income.

22:05 Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing.

28:50 Sharing Creative Progress in Social Media.

37:58 The Relationship Between Height and Success in Sports.

44:12 The Potential of Undiscovered Talent.

48:20 Nurture vs. Nature: Discovering Potential.

52:55 The Genetic Influence on Basketball, Sports.

56:10 The Debate on Free Will.

01:00:38 Socioeconomic Background and Success in Sports.

01:07:00 The Secret of Sports and Life: Incentives.

-----

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a loved one.

If you are listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, rate the show and write a review with your thoughts -- I do read what you write and it helps more than you think!

// Links //

Website: https://throughconversations.com

Get The Newsletter: https://throughconversations.ck.page/0c18d1ab61

// Keep In Touch //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thruconvpodcast

Instagram (6,000 followers): https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en

YouTube (community of 35,000): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g