The "And Both" Nature of AI: Part One

This week, our podcast features the brilliant Nila Matthews, an expert in AI and product leadership, regarding the psychological, spiritual, and societal implications of artificial intelligence. This episode is Part One, because we simply cannot fit all the many and varied aspects of AI, our humanity and divinity into one episode. In Part One, Nila and RJ discuss:Productivity and InnovationPsychological and Neurological ImpactsCognitive AtrophyNeurological Changes caused by AIThe Relational Shift in our use of technology The danger of AnthropomorphismThe "familiarity bias" where users trust the technology too much.The danger of AI as a therapist, the number one use of AI in 2026Protecting Human Agency and UniquenessMaintaining our SovereigntyThe Role of Play and Creativity as a protective tool to combat the dangers of AIAbout Nila: Nila Matthews is the founder of Awakening Flow, a psychology-informed coach, Spiritual Director, published author, and award-winning product leader with more than 25 years' experience leading innovation and behavioural change in global technology organisations. She currently serves as a Senior Product Manager for AI and Machine Learning enterprise platforms, helping organisations navigate the opportunities and responsibilities of emerging technologies. Holding a recent Master's degree in Psychology and trained in Intuitive Intelligence®, Nila has also studied Applied Polyvagal Theory and yoga-informed trauma approaches with the Embody Lab, alongside training in nervous system regulation and applied trauma-informed yoga. Her work explores the intersection of neuroscience, creativity, consciousness, and ancient wisdom. Published in the anthology Conscious Awakening, Nila writes and speaks about creativity as a gateway to awakening, and how nervous system regulation can help us move beyond habitual thinking and access deeper states of intuition, flow, insight, and human potential. An unapologetic Harry Potter enthusiast, she believes stories, myths, and archetypes offer a powerful language for healing, meaning-making, and connection.Connect with Nila:https://awakeningflow.com/https://www.instagram.com/nila_awakeningflowResources discussed in the episode:The book: BJ Fogg - Tiny Habits. https://amzn.eu/d/065ty9UZMy last AI  newsletter: https://awakeningflow.com/blog/threshold-moments-amp-the-relationship-we-didnt-see-comingAI ethics as the wrong question: https://awakeningflow.com/blog/from-is-ai-unethical-to-a-more-dangerous-question-the-line-between-assistance-and-surrendernbspPROGRAM - The Third Level: https://www.instituteforintuitiveintelligence.com/third-level