Espression

Is talking to an AI system the same as talking to a therapist?In the first episode of AI & Psychotherapy, Alejandro and Ishita tackle the growing trend of using large language models (LLMs) for mental health support. Ishita breaks down what psychotherapy actually is and why it goes far beyond just feeling better, while Alejandro explains how these models work under the hood and why their design to be agreeable can become dangerous in vulnerable moments.They discuss the sycophancy problem, where AI validates instead of challenges, the privacy risks of sharing your deepest struggles with a cloud-based system, and a compelling study showing that AI and human therapy combined outperform either alone. If therapy is too expensive for many people, is an imperfect AI tool better than nothing at all?An honest conversation between two people driven by a shared belief that understanding both sides is the only way forward.Follow Espression on Instagram @espression.podcastFind more information on our website: www.espression.net

Are bioplastics actually saving the ocean, or are we falling for greenwashing? In the first episode of Passionary, Alejandro and Ishita sit down and dive deep into this topic with Angélica Aguirre, a Peruvian marine biologist and PhD researcher at the University of Exeter, whose passion for protecting marine life led her to test whether the so-called sustainable alternatives to plastic are truly safe.Angélica breaks down the different generations of bioplastics, how even biodegradable materials can release CO2 and acidify seawater, and reveals what Pacific oyster larvae can tell us about the health of our oceans. The conversation spans the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the psychology behind consumer habits across Peru, the UK, and the Galapagos Islands, and why circular economy thinking matters more than ever. Angélica also shares how a childhood rivalry sparked a lifelong love for science, and why being gentle with yourself is essential on the road to doing meaningful work.Follow Espression on Instagram @espression.podcastFind more information on our website: www.espression.net

How do you actually choose your coffee? In the series finale, Alejandro and Ishita decode everything on your coffee bag: single origin vs. blends, washed vs. natural processing, and the Costa Rica-invented honey method (which does not involve actual honey or bees, mind you).They unpack what specialty coffee really means, how caffeine tricks your brain into ignoring fatigue, and why instant coffee packs surprisingly less punch.The talk turns serious, as any good episode of Espression should, when they tackle the future of coffee, including shrinking farmland, rising prices, climate change threatening Arabica crops, and the small farmers producing 60% of the world’s supply. A thoughtful and eye-opening discussion that will change the way you think about your morning cup.Follow Espression on Instagram @espression.podcastFind more information on our website: www.espression.net

What does it really take to run a coffee business? Alejandro and Ishita welcome self-proclaimed coffee expert Luka Gorgoshidze, whose family runs Marron, a pioneering pastry shop in Georgia.Luka pulls back the curtain on sourcing beans from Italy, balancing speed with quality, and why your barista matters more than any machine. The conversation takes a fascinating cultural turn as they explore the third place concept and why coffee shops are social hubs in some countries while wine bars fill that role in Georgia.Featuring a discussion on lawsuits involving hot coffee and Italian-style espresso speed runs at gas stations, this episode brews up business insights with a global perspective.Follow Espression on Instagram @espression.podcastFind more information on our website: www.espression.net

Alejandro and Ishita kick off Espression with The Coffee Series, by exploring the world’s most beloved brewing methods, including South Indian filtered coffee and Costa Rica’s chorreador, an odd but traditional sock-ish device. They share their personal coffee journeys, espresso routines, French press favorites, and the art of pulling a perfect shot.Dive into the great bitterness debate, oat milk vs. dairy, and why a cappuccino might just be the ultimate coffee order. Plus, did you know Finland drinks nearly 5 cups per person per day? Or that the first webcam was invented just to monitor a coffee pot?Whether you’re Team Iced or Team Hot, this episode is a love letter to every cup you’ve ever had.Follow Espression on Instagram @espression.podcastFind more information on our website: www.espression.net