Connecting Beyond Apps & AI

About Connecting Beyond Apps & AI

Connecting beyond apps & AI is about finding love, making friends, and thriving in our age of digital communication. On each episode we dive into an aspect of modern connection with experts, after sharing some foundational research about the subject first. This is an optimistic and upbeat podcast. We help everyday people understand how technology impacts how they connect, and how to find real connection. We also help designers and entrepreneurs understand how to build more impactful systems to support meaningful connection.

Publisher

Alexander Goldman

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Oct 2025

Latest episode

14 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Feb 2026

   Connection as a business (or not), with Richard Lucas

   Can social connection be a business model? How does one navigate scalability and profitability? On this episode we explore the economic vs. moral incentives behind pursuing increasing social connection. Our guest is Richard Lucas, a serial entrepreneur and community organizer. Links for the show notes: https://www.meetup.com/open-coffee-lisbon/ (https://www.meetup.com/open-coffee-lisbon/)https://www.meetup.com/lisboncommunityconnectionsgroup (https://www.meetup.com/lisboncommunityconnectionsgroup)https://www.meetup.com/opencoffekrakow/ (https://www.meetup.com/opencoffekrakow/)https://www.meetup.com/krakownewcomerswelcomeclub/ (https://www.meetup.com/krakownewcomerswelcomeclub/) https://www.meetup.com/open-coffee-tirana (https://www.meetup.com/open-coffee-tirana) https://www.meetup.com/opencoffeewwa/ (https://www.meetup.com/opencoffeewwa/) https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-coffee-sydney (https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-coffee-sydney) https://luma.com/calendar/cal-jGAqpKJErdKArb2 (https://luma.com/calendar/cal-jGAqpKJErdKArb2) Open Coffee Cambridge https://luma.com/9ic93jzj (https://luma.com/9ic93jzj) https://lisboncommunityevents.substack.com/ (https://lisboncommunityevents.substack.com/) https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/group/camentrepreneurs (https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/group/camentrepreneurs) https://www.sundayassembly.org/ (https://www.sundayassembly.org/)http://ted.com/participate/organize-a-local-tedx-event (http://ted.com/participate/organize-a-local-tedx-event) Making an event buzz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vruIDwpiQtI&t=1s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vruIDwpiQtI&t=1s) Events before events https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxPGLuS74Y4&t=1s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxPGLuS74Y4&t=1s) Richard Lucas links My podcast https://newbooksnetwork.com/category/special-series/entrepreneurship-and-leadership (https://newbooksnetwork.com/category/special-series/entrepreneurship-and-leadership) TED profile  https://www.ted.com/profiles/54403 (https://www.ted.com/profiles/54403) https://richardlucas.com/about (https://richardlucas.com/about) https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardhlucas/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardhlucas/)Quora https://www.quora.com/profile/Richard-Lucas-3 (https://www.quora.com/profile/Richard-Lucas-3) Opportunity Readiness TEDxTarnow https://www.ted.com/talks/richard_lucas_to_change_the_world_start_with_yourself (https://www.ted.com/talks/richard_lucas_to_change_the_world_start_with_yourself) Showing up Very Early | Richard Lucas | TEDxShenkarCollege  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QXqQMtrRU8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QXqQMtrRU8) How to start a movement https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement (https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement)

2. 

   4 Feb 2026

   Social health 101, w/ Jackie Ourman

   Why is studying modern human connection so interesting and important? What is 'the loneliness epidemic', and why are Americans lonelier than ever? (And why are we hardwired to hate the word 'loneliness'?) Why is improving our national 'social health', that is, our strength and network of relationships, the challenge of our times? In this foundational episode, we give you the 411 on an emerging and FASCINATING field of study-- social health-- and tease its impact on every aspect of modern American (and global) life. 00:00 Welcome, & fast facts 02:18 Jackie Intro - a therapist's perspective 05:43 Why this matters to us 10:41 Stigma & Cavemen 15:21 The opportunity & challenge before us 22:38 Reframing the problem 25:24 AI chatbots 28:13 A positive vision & call to action

3. 

   18 Jan 2026

   Loneliness & Politics w/ Charles Derber, author of Bonfire

   In this interview, Boston College Professor of Sociology Charles Derber shares and discusses the research in his book Bonfire: American Sociocide, Broken Relations, and the Quest for Democracy (https://www.routledge.com/Bonfire-American-Sociocide-Broken-Relations-and-the-Quest-for-Democracy/Derber/p/book/9781032793634)

4. 

   7 Jan 2026

   The role of UX Research in AI, w/ Katy Mogal

   Why is the field of UX Research more important than ever? How does UX Research and human-centered design factor into the AI revolution? In this episode we sit down and discuss why paying attention to and learning from humans is more important than ever in a world of AI. 01:04 About Katy & UX Research 04:09 The role of UX Research in AI 10:49 UXR matters more than ever 17:19 The role of Ethics in AI 26:25 Social Upskilling 30:37 The future of UXR 36:29 Final messages & takeaways

5. 

   15 Dec 2025

   Designing for connection w/ Irad Eichler, CEO of Circles

   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

6. 

   30 Oct 2025

   The Future of Faith & AI w/ Jeremy Kirshbaum

   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/ (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

7. 

   16 Oct 2025

   Community, empathy, & AI relationships, w/ Janelle Peifer, associate professor of Psychology, U of Richmond

   In this episode, we explore the relationship between empathy, community, and mental health vis a vis social media and AI. How can social media lead people to hyper-focus on themselves, and what's the cost of that self-focus? How can AI create filter bubbles that isolate people from community? How does community and belonging counter some of the more dangerous risks posed by social media and AI? What can everyday people do to bolster their social wellness? About Janelle: Janelle S. Peifer, PhD, LCP, is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Richmond. She leads Peifer Psychology (peiferpsychology.com (http://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 (http://inclusivetherapywellness.com/)) and leads Fleurish Psychotherapy (www.fleurishpsychotherapy.com (http://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

8. 

   2 Oct 2025

   The Dad Question & a Tinder love story w/ Andrew Noakes

   What resources are available to help men decide if they want to become a father? Also, Andrew shares his fascinating intercontinental Tinder love story. How can men (or anyone) decide if being a parent is right for them? What are some useful frameworks to help people decide if they want to become a parent? How can you navigate perfectionism in dating apps? How cultivating ego prevents connection Episode links: The Dad Question https://www.thedadquestion.com/ (https://www.thedadquestion.com/) Connecting Beyond Apps & AI: ⁠⁠https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/⁠⁠ (https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/) ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/) ⁠⁠https://interfaceofus.substack.com/⁠⁠ (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 ⁠ (https://interfaceofus.substack.com/)

9. 

   2 Oct 2025

   Gender polarity in dating w/ Maya Diamond, MA

   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? How you can identify your relationship to polarity How to play with polarity How to communicate as you want in online interactions The role of AI in self-development Episode links: Maya Diamond: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mayadiamond.empowerlove/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/mayadiamond.empowerlove/) empowerlove.us/apply (empowerlove.us/appy) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewire-your-attachment-style-with-maya-diamond/id1499735786 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewire-your-attachment-style-with-maya-diamond/id1499735786) Connecting Beyond Apps & AI: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/) ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/) ⁠⁠⁠https://interfaceofus.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ (https://interfaceofus.substack.com/) 00:00 Introduction ⁠⁠⁠ (https://interfaceofus.substack.com/)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

10. 

    2 Oct 2025

    Impact of tech on attachment styles, with Reema Rana

    How the technology we consume and tools we use impact our attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, secure), and how to cultivate better attachment styles. How tech developers' insecure attachment styles are built into their platforms How to cultivate secure attachment with our technology How to use AI to improve your attachment style without becoming emotionally reliant upon it Episode links: Reema Rana: https://www.instagram.com/reemaranaheals/ (https://www.instagram.com/reemaranaheals/) Connecting Beyond Apps & AI: ⁠https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/⁠ (https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/) ⁠https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/) ⁠https://interfaceofus.substack.com/⁠ (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

11. 

    2 Oct 2025

    AI relationships & childhood development w/ Leanna Spagnola, LMFT

    Why AI relationships represent a major temptation, why to resist it, and how to set strong boundaries. Including: The impact of AI relationships on childhood development Why AI relationships are like breathing through a straw Why emotional numbing via smartphone use leads to skills atrophy Envisioning a positive future where connecting in real life is the cool thing to do Episode links: Leanne | Mindful Tech https://www.youtube.com/@RebootingConnection (https://www.youtube.com/@RebootingConnection) Connecting Beyond Apps & AI: ⁠https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/⁠ (https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/) ⁠https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/) ⁠https://interfaceofus.substack.com/⁠ (https://interfaceofus.substack.com/) (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

12. 

    2 Oct 2025

    In-person dating communities, w/ Jennifer Mann

    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. How in-person dating communities are a remedy to dating app fatigue and design problems Why investing in community is worth it compared to the 'instant results' promise of dating apps Paradox of choice & the shopping mindset in apps vs. real-life connection The value of community beyond just finding your significant other How to find the right communities for you Episode links: Meet at the Mirror: https://www.meetatthemirror.com/ (https://www.meetatthemirror.com/ ) https://www.instagram.com/meet.at.the.mirror/ (https://www.instagram.com/meet.at.the.mirror/) Connecting Beyond Apps & AI: https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/ (https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/) https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/) https://interfaceofus.substack.com/ (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

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