What Happens When Surrogates Prefer Talking to AI with Billie Simmons

Younger generations don’t just tolerate AI—they often trust it more. They text with it, joke with it, and even treat it like a friend. And when it comes to something as personal as the surrogacy journey, the reality is stark: many candidates would rather talk to an AI assistant on their own schedule than wait for the dreaded auto-reply email that says, "schedule a call" or “we’ll call you when we’re back in the office.”In this episode, Billie Simmons, CEO of Simbe, reveals how their AI assistant Riley is flipping the script on intake. Far from being cold or robotic, Riley is available via phone or text 24/7, aligned with agency values, and—most importantly—tuned to how people actually make decisions. (It might take 25 interactions before a surrogate is actually ready to move forward!)We dig into what this means for agencies stuck in outdated processes: the risk of losing aligned surrogates to faster, more responsive competitors, and the opportunity to rethink whether AI might actually be the more surrogate-friendly approach.Billie shares case studies of Riley’s impact on agencies, insights into the emotional connections between humans and AI, and her views on the need for regulation to keep pace with the evolution of the surrogacy category.If you think AI doesn’t belong in surrogacy, this conversation may challenge that belief.✨ Key Takeaways:• Surrogates often prefer texting with AI over waiting for human callbacks.• AI can feel more human because it’s responsive, consistent, and always available.• Younger generations treat AI as a friend, not a tool.• Riley adapts to each agency’s voice, values, and beliefs.• Agencies free up time by automating repetitive tasks and focusing on high-value work.• Regulation in surrogacy is necessary to protect candidates, parents, and agencies.• The future of Riley includes expanded emotional intelligence and capabilities.⏱️ Chapters00:00 What Happens When Surrogates Prefer AI01:21 The Birth of Simbe and Riley05:17 Why AI May Be the More Human Option12:38 Addressing Concerns About AI and Connection15:06 Case Study: Riley’s Impact on Surrogate Candidates17:19 Emotional Bonds with AI18:25 Customizing AI to Agency Values19:32 Generational Shifts in Communication Preferences21:17 Candidate Engagement and Retention with AI23:13 Time Savings and Efficiency in Surrogacy25:07 The Future of AI in Surrogacy29:41 Competing as a Small Agency with AI32:58 Why Regulation Is Critical