In this episode, we interview Irad Eichler, CEO of Circles, a technology company that enables people to find and join support groups for $15/month.
We discuss how to design meaningful ways for people to connect at scale, the role of hope, empathy, and belonging in communities, how AI functions into loneliness, and how to develop meaningful metrics to evaluate impact.
Circles: https://circlesup.com/
Connecting Beyond: https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/
00:00 Intro & About Circles
03:28 Designing the journey for comfort
05:10 The 167 Hour Problem
09:41 Articulating the value of groups
13:53 Introducing the concept of groups
21:30 The value of narrowly scoped groups
23:50 Advice to other founders
25:23 The risk of convenience
29:19 Using tech to scale vs. communicate
34:56 Irad's message for listeners
How will AI impact how people connect with religion, faith, and community? In this fascinating episode we talk with Jeremy Kirshbaum, CEO of Handshake, a generative AI strategy and development consultancy. ( https://www.handshake.fyi/)
00:00 Intro
02:37 About Jeremy
05:06 Why AI & faith?
08:46 Why 'faith' is an unusual domain for AI
13:53 How Rabbis received the AI Talmud
17:46 Other uses of AI in faith & meaning
21:51 How to tackle the risks AI poses
23:09 Do we need laws against media that's too appealing?
27:00 Adding friction to the path of least resistance
28:36 A bright vision of the future
In this episode, we explore the relationship between empathy, community, and mental health vis a vis social media and AI.
About Janelle:
Janelle S. Peifer, PhD, LCP, is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Richmond. She leads Peifer Psychology (peiferpsychology.com) as a speaker and consultant for higher education institutions and organizations committed to fostering environments where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. In addition, as a licensed clinical psychologist, she founded The Center for Inclusive Therapy + Wellness (inclusivetherapywellness.com) and leads Fleurish Psychotherapy (www.fleurishpsychotherapy.com). Dr. Peifer earned her PhD in Clinical and School Psychology at the University of Virginia Curry School of Education and is an alumna of Wake Forest University. Her research examines college student development centering on questions of identity/culture, and mental health, with a focus on complex trauma. She has contributed to over 50 public scholarship and media engagements in venues such as HBO, The Boston Globe, SELF, The New York Times, The Guardian, and Science.
00:00 Intro & research
02:53 The connection b/w empathy & happiness
06:10 The cost of hyperindividualism
08:08 How social media leads to self-focus
13:20 How we're driven by pain & pleasure
15:25 How empathy can be misdirected
21:04 Community costs commitment
24:40 Idealized self-view in social media
28:59 How to become less individualistic
31:10 Using AI as a stepping stone
What resources are available to help men decide if they want to become a father? Also, Andrew shares his fascinating intercontinental Tinder love story.
Episode links:
The Dad Question
https://www.thedadquestion.com/
Connecting Beyond Apps & AI:
https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/
https://interfaceofus.substack.com/
00:00 Introduction
01:04 Basic research on birthrate decline
02:32 Andrew's love story & journey to fatherhood
19:32 The Dad Question
25:56 Setting goals & defining legacy
27:38 When to answer the dad question
31:59 The Dad Question's resources
37:40 Tackling loneliness in fatherhood
41:45 Projecting a positive future
44:24 One step to take today: be tactical about reflecting on goals
In a more egalitarian world, what does gender polarity look like? How can you invite polarity into your life (if you want to), and how does polarity play out in app interactions?
Episode links:
Maya Diamond:
https://www.instagram.com/mayadiamond.empowerlove/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewire-your-attachment-style-with-maya-diamond/id1499735786
Connecting Beyond Apps & AI:
https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/
https://interfaceofus.substack.com/
00:00 Introduction
01:34 Research on polarity in dating
02:52 Maya's journey to being a coach
05:16 Describing/defining polarity
06:48 Polarity in a world redefining identity
16:00 How tech has impacted polarity
18:51 Importance of play in polarity
24:04 Social media & risk tolerance
26:52 AI & Dating
33:28 Emotions in polarity
38:32 One step to take today
How the technology we consume and tools we use impact our attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, secure), and how to cultivate better attachment styles.
Episode links:
Reema Rana:
https://www.instagram.com/reemaranaheals/
Connecting Beyond Apps & AI:
https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/
https://interfaceofus.substack.com/
00:00 Introduction
01:01 Research on attachment styles
03:18 How tech impacts attachment
07:01 AI relationships: too safe?
11:48 Habit forming tech & attachment
13:44 Building resilience
18:09 Individualism & attachment
26:49 Secure attachment at scale
32:03 Takeaways & one step to take today
Why AI relationships represent a major temptation, why to resist it, and how to set strong boundaries. Including:
Episode links:
Leanne | Mindful Tech
https://www.youtube.com/@RebootingConnection
Connecting Beyond Apps & AI:
https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/
https://interfaceofus.substack.com/
00:00 Introduction
02:08 Research on AI relationships
03:55 How Leanne got into AI
06:37 Building resilience against AI dependency
14:48 The risk of AI on childhood
17:51 The power of oxytocin
18:40 Choosing AI or reality
23:01 How AI impacts self-image
27:01 Nobody should own reality
33:59 The role of community
36:49 Social norms & media addiction
40:29 Media as diet
42:26 A positive future
44:57 One thing you can do today
Exploring the return of structured in-person dating communities with Jennifer Mann, CEO and founder of Meet at the Mirror, an Austin-based intentional dating community.
Episode links:
Meet at the Mirror:
https://www.meetatthemirror.com/
https://www.instagram.com/meet.at.the.mirror/
Connecting Beyond Apps & AI:
https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/
https://interfaceofus.substack.com/
00:00 Intro
01:01 Research on dating apps
02:31 What is Meet at the Mirror?
04:22 Investing in community
09:38 Marketing a non-dopamine based dating solution
12:44 Balancing play & learning
19:31 Growth vs. Accepting yourself
24:33 Scaling in-person dating
32:41 How to find community
35:21 How to take risks