AI and Human Connection Explored in Recent Podcasts

Pulitzer‑Prize journalist and author Charles Duhigg appeared on the Pioneers of AI series to examine why users confide in artificial‑intelligence tools such as ChatGPT. He described AI as a "supercommunication" device that functions more as a personal journaling aid than a source of empathy or advice, highlighting the mismatch that can occur when emotional conversations are met with practical responses.

In a separate live event, author and journalist Jamie Bartlett joined host Elizabeth Oldfield for The Sacred Podcast to discuss how artificial intelligence reshapes identity, truth, democracy and what it means to remain human. The conversation covered the flood of AI‑generated content, its impact on public discourse and future societal challenges, and included details about the event venue, ticket promotion and post‑show networking opportunities.