How We're Really Using AI, Vol. 2

How We're Really Using AI, Vol. 2

From Voices of Esalen by Esalen Institute

December 18, 2025 · 37 min

About this episode

This episode features conversations with individuals using AI in various human-centered contexts.

For this episode, we spoke with five people who are engaging with AI in deeply human ways. - One is using AI in the context of dating, helping them think through attraction and communication. - Another has built a wellness app, powered by AI, and is exploring how these kind of systems can support self-inquiry and self-care. - Another works closely with organizations—primarily nonprofits—using AI to streamline operations and reclaim time and energy for mission-driven work. - The last are two documentary filmmakers who are currently making a film about people who are dating or in love with AIs. AI has clearly graduated from its status as a speculative idea; now it’s something that’s often entangled in our lives, relationships, labor, and emotional well being. We hope these conversations simply offer a portrait of this moment.

People in this episode

Guests: Unnamed Nonprofit Ai Consultant, Unnamed Documentary Filmmaker 2, Unnamed Wellness App Developer, Unnamed Documentary Filmmaker 1, Unnamed Dating Expert

Topics covered

  • AI
  • dating
  • wellness
  • nonprofits
  • documentary filmmaking

Keywords

  • AI in dating
  • wellness app
  • self-inquiry
  • nonprofit operations
  • documentary about AI relationships

Mentioned in this episode

Products: wellness app

More episodes of Voices of Esalen

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Voices of Esalen podcast page.