Hardwired: The Human Algorithm
Claim This Podcastby Lena Chauhan
Podcast Overview
<p>Hardwired: The Human Algorithm is a podcast that explores what it means to be human in an age of intelligent machines. Hosted by Lena Chauhan - tech expert, educator, parent, and social entrepreneur - each episode unpacks how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping our relationships, behaviours, and beliefs, often in subtle, unnoticed ways.</p><br><p>For over 20 years, Lena worked in financial markets before founding Rise IQ, a consultancy dedicated to ethical AI, sustainability, and inclusive innovation. She has also championed health-tech & patient advocacy, diversity & education initiatives, and works with schools, families and leaders to make technology work for everyone.</p><br><p>From the risks of digital companions to the opportunities for inclusion and innovation, this show dives into the future of technology with a balance of clear-eyed warnings and hopeful solutions. Expect conversations that are insightful, thought-provoking, and accessible - designed for parents, professionals, and anyone curious about how technology is rewriting the rules of everyday life.</p><br><p>👉 Subscribe to join the movement, stay informed, and discover how we can build a future that puts humans first.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/25/2025
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Recent Episodes
March 16, 2026
Is AI Eroding Childhood Connection?
<p>In this powerful conversation, Lena sits down with psychotherapist, parent coach and Free to Fly author Nicole Runyon to explore what growing up in a tech saturated world is really doing to children.</p><br><p>From emotional dysregulation and digital dependency to AI companions, deepfake porn, permissive parenting and the collapse of critical thinking, this episode gets to the heart of why so many children and teens are struggling to develop resilience, independence and real human connection.</p><br><p>Nicole shares why the issue is not just technology itself, but the way modern parenting, overstimulation and comfort culture are colliding with it. Together, she and Lena unpack what parents can do to create stronger boundaries, build emotional strength at home and help children thrive in the age of AI.</p><br><p>This is an honest, urgent and deeply practical conversation for any parent, teacher or educator trying to raise grounded, emotionally healthy children in a digital world.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
March 3, 2026
Deepfakes, AI Companions & Online Safety | Former DCI Explains
<p>The digital world our children are growing up in is evolving faster than most parents realise.</p><p>In this episode of Hardwired: The Human Algorithm, Lena sits down with Lucy Howard, former Detective Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police and founder of Lucy Howard Online Wellbeing.</p><p>With decades of experience investigating online harm and protecting vulnerable people, Lucy explains what parents often miss when it comes to AI companions, deepfakes, and the psychology behind digital engagement.</p><p><strong>We discuss:</strong></p><ul><li>AI chatbots marketed to children as young as 8 and 9</li><li>Apps that simulate empathy and never reject</li><li>Snapchat My AI and hidden features parents may overlook</li><li>Character.AI and how it draws children back into conversations</li><li>Deepfake risks and emerging exploitation concerns</li><li>Privacy and wearable tech issues</li><li>Why AI literacy is essential</li><li>How to build digital resilience at home</li></ul><p>This is not about fear. It's about awareness, emotional resilience, and informed parenting in the age of AI.</p><p>Because while technology accelerates, human connection is still what protects our children.</p><p>If you're a parent, educator, or leader trying to understand AI and online safety — this conversation is essential.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
January 20, 2026
Modern Fatherhood in the Age of Algorithms
<p>Naroop is a storyteller, filmmaker, and founder of a growing community for fathers and men.</p><br><p>Through his media company and work with men, he helps fathers reconnect with purpose, responsibility, and presence — not just for themselves, but for the families and children they’re raising.</p><br><p>In this deeply human conversation, LENA speaks with Naroop about modern fatherhood, masculinity, and what it really takes to raise independent children in an age shaped by algorithms, AI, and constant optimisation.</p><br><p>Drawing from his experience as a single father, Naroop reflects on raising his daughter Lara in a world where technology increasingly decides what children see, how they see themselves, and which version of them is reflected back.</p><br><p>Together, they explore:</p><p>• What masculinity looks like today — beyond stereotypes</p><p>• Why men need purpose, discipline, and role models</p><p>• How storytelling helps men see what’s possible for themselves</p><p>• The emotional resistance men have to change — and how they overcome it</p><p>• Parenting in an AI-driven world without fear or denial</p><p>• Why real connection matters more than optimisation</p><p>• How parents must advocate for their children’s education</p><br><p>This is a conversation for parents, leaders, and especially fathers, about courage, responsibility, and raising humans who can step outside the algorithmic frame. <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC-dhkp6Xu3IudubAHc0-HtA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @thedadprojecthq </a> </p><br><p>🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts</p><p>📌 Subscribe for more conversations on parenting, ethics, and being human in an AI-shaped world</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
6 total episodes available
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- What is Hardwired: The Human Algorithm?
<p>Hardwired: The Human Algorithm is a podcast that explores what it means to be human in an age of intelligent machines. Hosted by Lena Chauhan - tech expert, educator, parent, and social entrepreneur - each episode unpacks how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping our relationships, behaviours, and beliefs, often in subtle, unnoticed ways.</p><br><p>For over 20 years, Lena worked in financial markets before founding Rise IQ, a consultancy dedicated to ethical AI, sustainability, and inclusive innovation. She has also championed health-tech & patient advocacy, diversity & education initiatives, and works with schools, families and leaders to make technology work for everyone.</p><br><p>From the risks of digital companions to the opportunities for inclusion and innovation, this show dives into the future of technology with a balance of clear-eyed warnings and hopeful solutions. Expect conversations that are insightful, thought-provoking, and accessible - designed for parents, professionals, and anyone curious about how technology is rewriting the rules of everyday life.</p><br><p>👉 Subscribe to join the movement, stay informed, and discover how we can build a future that puts humans first.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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