Sentience

In this episode I talk with clinical psychologist Jay Skelton, Ph.D. and software engineer Andrew Leker about Willow. Willow is a new, empathetic AI specifically designed to be a mental health tool (and not a replacement for a licensed therapist). We take a deep dive into how Willow was trained, how strict safety guardrails were put in place, how Willow is already being used in mental health clinics, its privacy, and the future of AI for mental health. This podcast came out of a partnership with Bambu AI.

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Trigger warning for mental health discussions
(00:01:17) - My interest in Willow AI
(00:02:54) - Andrew Leker introduces himself
(00:04:05) - Jay Skelton, Ph.D. introduces himself
(00:05:32) - Willow's role in mental health
(00:06:44) - Discussing Willow's design as an empathetic and curious agent
(00:07:34) - Importance of empathic interaction in mental health support
(00:09:04) - Willow's non-judgmental approach
(00:09:24) - Shaping Willow's empathetic identity
(00:12:16) - Real conversations in Willow's training
(00:14:04) - Evidence-based practices in Willow's training
(00:16:36) - Willow does not diagnose, just assists
(00:17:54) - Safety in Willow's interactions
(00:19:00) - Technical safety features in Willow
(00:24:33) - Handling suicidal ideation cautiously and safely
(00:26:59) - Jay's comfort as a clinical psychologist with deploying Willow
(00:30:00) - Willow's deployment in mental health clinics
(00:33:24) - AI's availability and affordability
(00:36:40) - Willow providing emotional support and guidance
(00:39:53) - Willow as a mental health tool
(00:45:38) - Privacy and security in Willow
(00:51:18) - Willow's potential for improvement over time
(00:52:10) - Benefits of Willow's feedback for therapists
(00:54:43) - Future applications of AI in mental health
(00:57:32) - Empathy and theory of mind in AI development
(01:00:54) - Importance of Willow's emotional intelligence
(01:07:48) - Positive feedback from patients using Willow

Bradley Crehan wasn't regaining consciousness after his brain injury, but then he became the first person in the world to receive an experimental treatment developed at UCLA by Martin Monti, PhD and his colleagues.

You can support our research here: https://thebrainscientist.com/donate/

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gill Livingston about her groundbreaking research on dementia. Dr. Livingston has played an important role in uncovering the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that contribute to our risk of developing dementia. Follow her on X @Gill_Livingston for more insights.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Gill Livingston and Her Research on Dementia
(00:30) - Dr. Livingston's Career Path and Inspiration for Dementia Research
(06:35) - The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Key Findings
(09:53) - Understanding Dementia’s Preventability and Main Risk Factors
(12:22) - Hearing Loss and Other Key Dementia Risk Factors
(22:45) - Blood Pressure, Air Pollution, and Dementia Risk
(29:44) - Amyloid Beta and Tau’s Role in Alzheimer’s Disease
(36:59) - Cognitive Reserve and the Impact of Education on Dementia Risk
(41:12) - Genetics in Dementia: APOE4 and Other Risk Genes
(46:24) - The Immune System’s Role in Alzheimer’s and Potential Treatments
(50:12) - Policy Implications for Dementia Prevention
(01:04:01) - Dr. Livingston’s Ongoing Research

In this episode of Sentience, neuroscientist Dr. Glenn Fox takes us on a fascinating journey through the science of gratitude. From his pioneering brain-imaging studies on Holocaust survivor testimonies to developing practical frameworks for entrepreneurs, Glenn reveals how gratitude impacts our brains, emotional health, and resilience. We discuss why gratitude is uniquely powerful, especially during difficult times, and how understanding its neural and psychological foundations can transform our personal and professional lives. Tune in for insights into cultivating genuine gratitude—and discover why it's far more profound than simply "feeling happy."

You can find Dr. Foxx on Instagram @profGlennFox.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Glenn Fox and the neuroscience of gratitude

(01:01) - Glenn’s personal journey into studying gratitude

(07:43) - Gratitude research: clinical vs. positive psychology perspectives

(11:58) - Defining gratitude using the "gift space" model

(19:18) - Applying gratitude beyond gift-giving scenarios

(32:44) - Differentiating gratitude from other positive emotions like happiness

(39:44) - Neuroscience of gratitude: lessons from Holocaust survivor testimonies

(54:09) - The role of the mu-opioid system in gratitude and pain relief

(1:02:29) - Gratitude’s role in entrepreneurship and managing stress

(1:12:23) - Personal reflections on practicing gratitude and creativity

(1:20:09) - Current research on stress, challenge, and threat in entrepreneurship

(1:26:12) - Final thoughts: Cultivating gratitude through fun and creativity

In this episode, I speak with evolutionary neuroscientist Barbara Finlay, PhD, whose pioneering research has reshaped our understanding of brain evolution. Barbara shares her scientific journey, from her early inspiration in vision science to her groundbreaking discoveries about how brains scale and evolve. We explore how brains self-organize to process sensory information, why humans don't have a uniquely special cortex, and what the evolutionary transition from water to land meant for brain development and consciousness. This conversation dives deep into how evolution shapes neural architecture, uncovering principles that bridge species from sharks to humans, and raises fascinating new questions about consciousness, memory, language, and AI. Whether you're a scientist, student, or simply curious, Barbara’s insights offer a compelling glimpse into the evolutionary story of our own minds.

Timestamps:
(00:00) – Intro to Barbara Finlay and the premise of the episode
(00:32) – Barbara’s early path into neuroscience
(08:33) – Introduction to Evo-Devo: how development shapes brain evolution and how evolution shapes brain development
(17:20) – Brain scaling laws and how the cortex grows in coordination with the rest of the brain
(29:12) – Why the human cortex isn’t special—and what actually makes us unique
(36:09) – Language, sociality, and the deeper brain structures that support them
(43:12) – Self-organization of the cortex: how brain areas emerge without being hardwired
(53:00) – The brain’s hunger for information: from monkeys gaining color vision to human adaptability
(59:00) – The limbic system vs. cortex: two distinct computational systems
(01:10:00) – Egocentric mapping, the transition from water to land, and the roots of consciousness
(01:24:00) – Consciousness, midbrain vs. cortex, and what AI is missing
(01:31:00) – Barbara’s current work and reflections on being part of the neuroscience founder generation